Dr. Keith Bolsen’s message to send everyone home safe from livestock operations will continue following his sudden passing on May 29, 2020. The nonprofit organization named for him, Keith Bolsen Silage Safety Foundation, has reorganized with new officers and board members, but the mission to promote safe silage management practices for bunker silos and silage piles has not changed.
The foundation will provide educational resources and materials, and is available for presentations and training.
“Dr. Bolsen and his wife, Ruth, reached thousands of farmers and farm workers with their message of silage safety,” said Connie Kuber, foundation president. “Their work in silage safety, pile and bunker design, and management saved countless lives and resources all over the world. We have all learned the importance of practicing his principles, and we look forward to passionately sharing them with others.”
The foundation’s website offers videos, presentations and published articles. Use the “Contact Us” form to order handbooks in English and Spanish, as well as to request safety training and consulting. Memorials for Keith to help defray the production and cost of sharing these resources can also be made on the website, as well as all other donations.
The foundation’s co-founder, Ruth Bolsen, her daughter Krista Corkill and grandson Chaise Price have voluntarily resigned from the board following Keith’s passing, but believe in the foundation’s mission and work.
Volunteer officers and founding directors include: Connie Kuber, Connor Agriscience, president; Justin Waggoner, Kansas State University, vice president; Lance Whitlock, Progressive Dairy Solutions, secretary; and Doug DeGroff, Diversified Dairy Solutions, treasurer. New board members include Dr. Bob Charley, Lallemand Animal Nutrition; Eric Dorr, Chr. Hansen; Jacob Fisher, Mapleview Dairy LLC; Luciana Jonkman, Diamond J Farms and DJD Jerseys; and Kurt Ruppel, Cargill.
—From a Keith Bolsen Silage Safety Foundation news release
