Radio Iowa reported “Auger accident claims the life of Dubuque County farmer” on September 29, 2011, Janelle Tucker, KMCH, Manchester. They don’t say exactly how the accidental entanglement occurred and I’d be interested to know more about it. Shields have taken a front row with grain auger safety. From what we used to see in the early 80’s it’s both a welcomed relief and makes this accident sort of surprising. There were two ways that farmers used to get caught. Actually there are more than two pinch-points but these two used to be the main points of contention.

1. Uncovered gathering points where the auger was exposed and grain was dropped out of the gravity boxes and into a put or container box.
2. The underside where the turning shaft would catch loose clothing, pulling farmers into the turning shaft and between the main auger tube.

These tools of the farming trade are as unforgiving as a woman scorned. 

Auger Accident kills Dyersville Farmer, KWWL. – This article indicates Michael Duetmeyer, 41, Dyersville, Iowa indicates the farmer was working alone inside a silo using a  sweep auger when it caught he lead line. That’s a different type of accident then I’ve described above. Nevertheless it’s still quite dangerous and points out another danger of farming in America.

See also KGAN.

For another type of farm related auger accident see Auger Accident Kills Man on Cambridge Farm. In this one the man was disassembling the auger when it collapsed and killed him.