Duane Olson, a farmer from Webster County, introduced on Apr. 23 two new systems aimed at improving grain bin safety and harvest efficiency. Olson said his motivation came after he suffered a fall from a grain bin several years ago, resulting in cracked ribs just before harvest.
The issue of farm safety is significant as farmers often work alone around dangerous equipment. Olson’s experience led him to invent MODDCO’s MD Remote Relay, which allows remote operation of grain bins and related electrical equipment through a wearable lanyard switch. “If you’ve got two guys in the bin, then either one can turn the motor on or off,” Olson said. He added that immediate control over equipment is vital: “When you’re inside that bin and that auger’s running, it’s always in the back of your mind. What happens if I get caught?”
The MD Remote Relay system enables operators to turn equipment on or off instantly while inside the bin, reducing risks associated with sweep augers during cleanout operations. The device can also be used for fans, lights, pumps or other electrical items and has an operational range of about 250 feet.
Olson also developed the MD Link system to help during harvest by allowing combine operators to control grain cart tractor speed remotely using a handheld device. This innovation aims to reduce labor demands and make it easier for less experienced workers to assist with harvesting tasks. Olson recalled how his granddaughter quickly learned to operate the tractor using this technology: “Within 30 minutes, she was doing it herself and was so proud.”
Both inventions were created in collaboration with his son Dan Olson and business partner Curt Messerly under their company MODDCO.
The Iowa Soybean Association supports such innovations by using checkoff funds for programs that increase demand for soybeans and provide information to farmers according to its official website. The association serves nearly 37,000 soybean producers in Iowa per its official website and promotes community engagement through initiatives like CommonGround Iowa as outlined on its website. It also presents annual leadership awards recognizing contributions by Iowa soybean farmers as noted online.
Looking ahead, both systems aim to address ongoing challenges faced by modern farms—namely worker safety around grain bins and labor shortages during busy seasons—by providing practical tools developed directly from farm experience.
