WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – According to a nationwide annual report by Purdue University, seven U.S. grain dust explosions in 2025 caused 10 injuries and four fatalities.

The report said the number of explosions is slightly below the 10-year national average of 8.5, and down from nine in 2024. However, injuries and fatalities increased significantly, compared to two injuries and no fatalities in 2024.

Supported by the National Grain and Feed Association in Arlington, Va., Purdue University’s grain explosions report’s team has been involved in collecting data related to grain dust explosions in the U.S. since 2012.

The report said explosions occurred in two grain elevators, one farm-operated grain elevator, one seed-processing facility, one feed mill, one flour mill and one biofuel plant. T

Grain dust, which caused five explosions, was the most common fuel source, while wood dust and an unknown source fueled other explosions, said Kingsly Ambrose, Purdue University professor of agricultural and biological engineering, and the report’s author.

“The incidents occurring across a variety of agricultural industries highlight persistent vulnerabilities in explosive dust management,” he said. “The increase in fatalities and injuries underscores the urgent need for broader adoption of dust control practices, and stronger safety interventions to prevent future injuries and loss of life.” 

The report said Texas and Ohio had two explosions each, and Minnesota, North Dakota and Nebraska each had one explosion in 2025. Since 1958, Iowa has had the most recorded agricultural dust explosions with 100, followed by Illinois (88), Nebraska (84), Minnesota (71) and Kansas (60) in the top five.

Ambrose said work to prevent explosions in all states starts before harvest: “Keep your equipment in good working condition, and do preventative maintenance before the start of harvest or handling season. Check for repairs so you don’t have any accidents. For example, belt misalignment in a bucket elevator can lead to friction, heat generation, and an increased risk of dust explosion.”

Once grain is harvested, he urges people to pay close attention to the conditions in which the grain is kept. He said improper aeration leads to fungal growth, which causes grain and feed to smolder, increasing the risk of igniting dust in the grain bins.

“Dust is not good, both for dust explosions and for human health,” he said. “Housekeeping is very important. Keep the place clean. Make sure there is no visible settled dust or suspended dust in the air.”

Rich Gassman, director of Iowa’s Center for Agricultural Safety and Health (I-CASH) at the University of Iowa in Iowa City, told Farm World that grain dust explosions continue to be a safety and health concern.

“The Purdue article highlights the importance of staying diligent in your housekeeping regimen,” he said. “Eliminating any of the combustion sources will greatly diminish the chance of a grain dust explosion.

“With the abundance of Southern rust this past growing season, the crop currently under storage has the potential to be dirtier than usual, so it will be important to stay diligent and keep grain storage facilities clean, and free of dust and debris,” he added. Southern rust is a highly aggressive, wind-dispersed fungal disease affecting corn, thriving in high humidity and warm temperatures (77 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit), according to Iowa State.

He said, “It can be easy to become complacent with safety practices during the spring rush, but take a minute to catch your breath, and look at your surroundings to make sure everything is safe. Just as it is important to maintain your facilities, it is also important to maintain yourselves. Take a minute throughout the day, and enjoy the beauty of your surroundings.”