Illinois Farmer Survived High-Voltage Accident
An electrical strike in 2019 led a local farming couple to launch a widespread safety campaign.
Updated on Sept. 20, 2026 in Agriculture
On May 15, 2019, Cody Conrady sustained severe electrical injuries while working on a farm in Illinois. The incident occurred when a sprayer boom made contact with an overhead power line carrying 7,400 volts.
Why it matters
This incident highlights the life-altering risks of overhead power lines in agricultural settings. It serves as a reminder of the critical importance of maintaining equipment clearance to prevent catastrophic electrical accidents.
The incident involved a 7,400-volt electrical discharge. OSHA safety standards mandate keeping all farm equipment at a minimum distance of 10 feet from overhead power lines.
The players
Cody Conrady
He is an Illinois farmer who survived a severe electrical injury and now advocates for farm safety.
Bailey Conrady
She is an agricultural advocate who partnered with her husband to promote safety awareness regarding power line hazards.
The details
Cody Conrady was working as an assistant manager for a fertilizer company when his equipment boom contacted or came dangerously close to an overhead line, turning his body into a path for the current to reach the ground. He required resuscitation, transport to a Level 1 trauma center, multiple surgeries, and prosthetic fittings to manage the aftermath of the event.
Timeline
Cody Conrady sustained electrical injuries on May 15, 2019.
Farm Progress profiled the Conrady couple in 2023.
Market Landscape
Agricultural safety initiatives often emerge from personal injury cases as families shift focus toward industry-wide education. This case highlights how individual trauma can drive broader changes in regional farm management standards.
Farmers and field workers must verify the height of their equipment against overhead power lines to avoid life-threatening contact. Adhering to the 10-foot clearance rule is a necessary precaution for anyone operating machinery near utility infrastructure.
The takeaway
The Conrady incident emphasizes that even experienced agricultural workers face significant risks from high-voltage lines. Prioritizing safety by maintaining required equipment clearances remains the most effective way to prevent similar electrical tragedies.
Further reading
Learn more about rural safety initiatives on our Agriculture page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Economic Times.
