Norfolk, Neb. - The annual farm show in Norfolk is back, offering a range of livestock exhibits and competitions alongside educational seminars for farmers.

This year, a vendor added an unexpected spark. Northeast Public Power in Wayne, which captivated attendees with a demonstration highlighting the often-underestimated dangers of electricity in agriculture.

Amidst the display of cutting-edge agricultural technology, Lineman Boyd Doyle emphasized the critical importance of understanding electrical hazards.

"We want people to realize how dangerous power lines are, especially with farmers and their equipment," Doyle explained. "Everything is so big now that they can hit our poles without even realizing it." The demonstration featured the burning of tires, hot dogs, pickles, and gloves to vividly illustrate the consequences of contact with electrical wires.

Doyle, a seasoned lineman with over 40 years of experience, shared a sobering real-world example. He highlighted how a hotdog serves as a grim stand-in for human skin in these demonstrations.

"If you touch a line with your finger by accident, it just sits there and rocks your world until you fall away or somebody pushes you out of it," Doyle warned, the electrical arc is much larger and capable of causing severe injuries. Boyd stressed that despite how safe a situation might appear, a single mistake involving electrical contact could result in the loss of a limb or a life. He strongly advises residents to always contact their power company to ensure safety when working near power lines.