News > CEO’s Message – September 2025

CEO’s Message – September 2025

Safe Harvest: Powering Farmers through the Season

 

Whether we are ready or not, the season is changing. Students are back in school, nights are cooler and darkness is coming a little earlier each day. As you drive through our service territory, you’ve likely seen combines and tractors in the fields – a sure sign it’s harvest time.

Harvest is an important season for our members. We are proud to power many farms throughout our 2,000 square-mile service territory. In fact, agriculture accounts make up about 24% of our membership. 

We wish our farmers and ag members a plentiful and safe harvest. Help us keep you and your neighbors’ operations safe and powered up. As you complete your work this fall, please follow these tips: 

• Be aware of your work area and know where the overhead power lines and guy wires are located. 
• Keep equipment, antennas and people at least 15 feet from power lines at all times, in all directions. 
• Avoid raising equipment like ladders, poles or rods into power lines. Even non-metallic materials such as lumber, tree limbs, ropes and hay can conduct electricity depending on dampness, dust or dirt contamination. 
• Always set extensions to the lowest setting when moving loads to prevent contact with overhead power lines. 
• Use extreme caution with equipment that can extend, such as augers, stack mowers or grain elevators. Look up for power lines and position equipment horizontally before moving it. 
• Never attempt to move a power line out of the way or raise it for clearance. 
• If a power line is sagging or low, contact Stearns Electric. 
• Don’t use metal poles to break up bridged grain inside bins. Know how to shut off power in emergencies. 
• Use qualified electricians for work on drying equipment and other farm electrical systems. 

IF EQUIPMENT CONTACTS A POWER LINE: 

• Call 911 and keep the area clear until help arrives. 
• Stay in your cab or on your equipment and keep others away until a qualified utility worker confirms the line is de-energized, except if the vehicle is on fire. 
• If the vehicle is on fire, then you must get to safety. Cross your arms over your chest, jump clear without touching the equipment and ground simultaneously, land with feet together, and shuffle at least 40 feet away to safety to avoid electric shock. 

As combines roll and fields are harvested across our service territory, Stearns Electric is proud to power your operations every step of the way. From all of us at Stearns Electric, thank you for your dedication and please stay safe this harvest season. 

Sincerely,

Matt O’Shea
Chief Executive Officer