GEAPS Safety Star: Curtis Stahel

GEAPS Safety Star: Curtis Stahel

Meet Curtis Stahel

Safety Director, Ag Partners Cooperative, Inc.

Seneca, KS

GEAPS takes pride in its members' commitment to safety in the grain and grain processing industries. The Safety Star initiative recognizes those who go above and beyond to promote safety and prevent workplace hazards.

This program serves as a platform to honor exceptional safety leadership and share innovative practices that inspire the entire industry. The individuals nominated set the standard for workplace safety by implementing effective measures, advocating for safety education, and ensuring compliance with safety regulations.

Curtis Stahel was nominated by supervisor Scott Morris at Ag Partners. Stahel consistently takes proactive, hands-on action to identify safety risks and implement practical solutions that reduce exposure across operations. He regularly works in the field alongside employees, observing real world conditions and addressing hazards before they result in incidents.

Stahel actively mentors employees by providing on the spot training, reinforcing safe work practices, and leading by example in how work should be performed safely. His approach is not theoretical or textbook answers. He engages directly with employees in their daily tasks to ensure they understand both the risks and the correct procedures.

In higher risk or urgent situations, he demonstrates leadership by stepping in, coordinating response efforts, and guiding teams to safe and effective resolutions. His ability to remain calm, assess the situation, and take decisive action has helped prevent escalation and ensured employee safety.

Morris says, "Through Curtis' consistent presence, practical problem solving, and leadership in both routine and critical situations, he has made a measurable impact on improving safety performance and culture within our organization."
This dedication reflects a level of consistency, discipline, and personal commitment that is required to truly move the needle on safety but is often unseen and underappreciated. The role of a Safety Director is not defined by one moment, but by the daily grind of showing up, reinforcing expectations, addressing issues, and staying engaged even when progress can feel incremental.

Stahel has clearly demonstrated that level of dedication. He has remained steadfast in his approach, continuously working in the field, engaging employees, and holding the line on safety standards day after day. That consistency is what builds trust, drives behavior change, and ultimately creates a safer work environment.

His efforts have produced measurable results. Stahel's' leadership and proactive approach have contributed to meaningful reductions in Ag Partners' DART, TRIR, and Experience Modification rates. These improvements are not accidental. They are the direct result of his ability to identify risks early, implement practical solutions, and focus on leading indicators that prevent incidents before they occur.

Equally important, Stahel has helped shift Ag Partners' safety culture from reactive to proactive. By emphasizing leading indicators, coaching employees in real time, and embedding safety into everyday operations, he has created an environment where employees are more aware, more accountable, and more engaged in working safely. While his exceptional leadership deserves recognition, the progress he has contributed to would not be possible without the strong buy-in from the entire operations team. Morris concludes, "Their willingness to embrace and execute on these safety expectations is a direct reflection of the culture he has helped build, and the team is equally deserving of recognition."

Congrats, Curtis!

Nominate a Safety Star Today!

Do you know a Safety Star? Head over to geaps.com/safetystar to submit your nomination! By recognizing the efforts of these safety champions, GEAPS continues to promote a safer workplace across the grain and grain processing industries. Nominations are open year-round and multiple winners will be selected.