SEPTEMBER 2024 For the sixth year, on August 6-8, 2024, UMASH hosted the UMASH Wellness Pavilion at Minnesota Farmfest, the largest farm show in Minnesota.
Spotlight on YOU
We are looking for stories to bring farm safety to the forefront. Do you have a personal farm safety story to share? Does your organization develop or deliver agricultural safety and health training workshops, resources, or related programming?
Send story ideas to: umash@umn.edu
UMASH Wellness Pavilion Leads the Way in Living Healthy and Farming Safely at Minnesota Farmfest 2024
And the Survey Says… FFA’ers share their thoughts on farm safety
SEPTEMBER 2024 FFA’ers share their farm safety knowledge, experiences, and beliefs at the 2023 FFA National Convention For the sixth year, UMASH
Lights, Camera, Action for Ag Safety and Health!
For the fourth year running, UMASH teams up with University of Minnesota students. These College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS)
Safeguard your farm: Protect you and your livestock from HPAI
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), also known as “bird flu,” is a serious, highly contagious disease that is often fatal to chickens and turkeys.
Off-Road Ready: ATV/UTV Safety for Every Ride
While ATVs and UTVs can be enjoyable to drive and practical for work, the thrill of riding can turn dangerous, even deadly, if not handled with caution.
Welcome back, Cassie! A catch up Q&A
UMASH welcomes Cassie Edlund back to the team as Senior Communications and Evaluation Specialist! Learn more about her journey, passion for public health,
Possible or probable? MDH tracks potential farm-related injuries to prevent future risks
Dr. Erik Zabel studies health and safety on farms. In his work, he looks at data about injuries and illnesses from hospitals and clinics to understand
Honoring the Life of Carol Peterson
All of us at UMASH are deeply saddened to share that our dear friend and colleague, Carol M. Peterson, passed away November 19, 2023. Carol was a significant
ACTION! Recognizing Student Participants in the 2023 Ag Communications Contest
For the third year, UMASH and Dr. Troy McKay’s agricultural communications course created short one-minute health and safety videos, sometimes known
Do you believe in… farm safety? FFA’ers share their thoughts
UMASH and the National Children’s Center for Rural and Agricultural Health and Safety teamed up to survey FFA-ers’ at their 2022 National Convention.
Telling the Story at ISASH 2023
The Telling the Story Project team was at the International Society for Agricultural Safety and Health (ISASH) in Tampa, Florida in June 2023. The team
Hazy Days: Wildfire Smoke Safety While Working Outdoors
Wildfire smoke and poor air quality affect farmers and farm workers. Since agriculture is an outdoor job, it’s important to be in the know about air
SPOTLIGHT: Celebrating LGBTQ+ Farmers during Pride Month
Happy Pride Month! Each June, we celebrate lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and others in the LGBTQ+ community! Many LGBTQ+ farmers call the
SPOTLIGHT: Concentrating on Calves: Prep for a Safe and Successful Spring
Spring is a season of renewal, and a busy time for farmers, farmworkers, and agricultural communities. It is a welcome relief from the long Upper Midwest
SPOTLIGHT: Stay Safe Around Manure!
Manure is a valuable resource for crop production. However, as manure decomposes, invisible gases are released, which can be deadly. Hydrogen sulfide,
SPOTLIGHT: Examining the Past and Patterns to Promote Ag Health and Safety with NFMC
The National Farm Medicine Center Year (NFMC) recently published their Year in Review, and NFMC and UMASH researchers Casper Bendixsen and Florence Becot
SPOTLIGHT: Counting sheep on the farm: Sleep Toolkit
Since there are always so many things to get done on the farm, it can be hard to get healthy sleep. Sleeping too little, too long, or experiencing other
Centered on One Health: UMASH Colleagues Gather in Person
On the warm, sunny morning of Thursday, April 13th, 2023, UMASH researchers and staff gathered for the first in-person Center meeting since the beginning
SPOTLIGHT: Happy 20th! Annie’s Project Turns 20 This Year
Annie’s Project, a national non-profit to educate and empower women in agriculture, is celebrating 20 years since its founding this year! Their mission
SPOTLIGHT: Spring Anhydrous Ammonia Safety
April 2023 Photo Credit @Iowa Farmer Today Anhydrous ammonia is a popular fertilizer in agriculture; however, without proper precaution, its use and storage
SPOTLIGHT: JAVMA Viewpoint: Psychological implications of humane endings on the veterinary profession
On-farm conditions can vary greatly and can include responding to animal disease outbreaks. Such incidents evoke difficult decisions, including depopulation,
SPOTLIGHT: Electrical safety – Stay prepared & aware this spring!
Spring brings even more activity to the farm, with preparation for fieldwork and the growing season, young livestock, and all the daily work that gets
SPOTLIGHT: Lead the Way in Safety during ASAP Week 2023
This year, ASAP Week is March 6-10 with a theme of “Lead the Way in Safety.” Each day of the week highlights a different agricultural health and safety
SPOTLIGHT: UMASH Behind the Scenes
In the latest SPH Behind the Scenes, University of Minnesota School of Public Health (SPH) Interim Dean Tim Beebe interviewed Center Director Dr. Jeff
SPOTLIGHT: Promoting safety and health during avian influenza outbreaks
Outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) continue to occur across the United States and globally, affecting millions of birds. UMASH has responded
SPOTLIGHT: Call 1-800-FARM-AID for support in English or Spanish
UMASH is a collaborative center of five leading research and healthcare institutions. One of our collaborators, Migrant Clinicians Network, recently highlighted
SPOTLIGHT: Stay Safe with Sows – Protect Yourself from Injury
Common injuries include back and knee injuries, repetitive motion injuries, and hearing loss. These and other injuries can affect your bottom line. UMASH
SPOTLIGHT: An Attitude of Gratitude – UMASH highlights from 2022
Each year, UMASH works to improve agricultural health and safety in the Upper Midwest through research, outreach, and community engagement. As we enter
SPOTLIGHT: Looking Back on 2022: UMASH Annual Report
As 2022 comes to a close, UMASH presents our 2021- 2022 Annual Report. This report provides a yearly snapshot of the work accomplished for farmers, farm
SPOTLIGHT: Dress for Winter Success
There are many factors to consider when dressing for winter success. With a bit of information, dressing for winter work can help keep you warm and mobile.
SPOTLIGHT: Are you and your farm winter ready?
Winter is coming, and so is the snow, ice, and freezing temperatures. Farming is a dangerous occupation year-round, but winter extremes can surely complicate
SPOTLIGHT: Winter is coming… prevent slips, trips, and falls
Falls threaten older adults’ safety and independence and generate enormous economic and personal costs. With winter snow and ice on the horizon, it is
SPOTLIGHT: Celebrating National Rural Health Day in the Classroom
National Rural Health Day is November 17, 2022 - a one-day event focusing attention on the “power of rural.” The Upper Midwest is home to agriculture
SPOTLIGHT: Protect Your Back: Ergonomic Strategies for Preventing Pain while Farming
Farmers can experience musculoskeletal disorders, injuries, and pain symptoms, especially in the lower back region, due to the physical demands of their
SPOTLIGHT: Decisions, Decisions, Decisions
We all make many decisions every day. Some decisions are automatic and easy; other times decisions can be painstakingly difficult. The Migrant Clinician’s
SPOTLIGHT: Re-imagining a Safe and Healthy Future for Agriculture at the 2022 Midwest Rural Agricultural Safety and Health (MRASH) Conference
This year, the Midwest Rural Agricultural Safety and Health (MRASH) Conference focuses on the future as farmers emerge into a changing world affected by
SPOTLIGHT: Healthy Habits – Tips and Tricks from a Registered Dietitian
UMASH sat down with Melissa Jaeger, RD, LD, a Corporate HyVee Registered Dietitian, to get professional tips for establishing and maintaining healthy habits.
SPOTLIGHT: Indigenous Peoples’ Day
OCTOBER 2022 On the second Monday of October, we recognize Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Many people are taught the story of Christopher Columbus “sailing
SPOTLIGHT: $9.29 million in federal funding to focus on worker health and safety projects in Upper Midwest agriculture
OCTOBER 2022 Upper Midwest Agricultural Safety and Health Center renewal announced The Upper Midwest Agricultural Safety and Health Center (UMASH), serving
SPOTLIGHT: Is it just a “senior moment”?
SEPTEMBER 2022 According to the most recent 2017 census, the average age of farmers is estimated to be 57.5 years old – continuing a long-term trend
SPOTLIGHT: Put on your pilot’s cap and prepare for a safer harvest season!
SEPTEMBER 2022 Agriculture is known to be hazardous. With higher death, injury, and illness rates than many other occupations, it can often feel like threats
SPOTLIGHT: Farm Stress: Starting the conversation
SEPTEMBER 2022 Farming is one of the most dangerous and physically challenging occupations. It is also mentally and emotionally challenging. Economic,
SPOTLIGHT: Protecting Agriculture’s Future during National Farm Safety and Health Week 2022
SEPTEMBER 2022 Harvest is here, and it can be one of the busiest and most dangerous seasons of the year. In an effort to keep ag communities safe, healthy,
SPOTLIGHT: Ouch! Don’t Get Stuck on the Farm
AUGUST 2022 If you are a livestock farmer, you know that vaccinations are commonly used to treat or prevent disease for overall animal health. However,
SPOTLIGHT: Turning the Page – Research Briefs from 2011 – 2016
AUGUST 2022 Innovative research is one of the main pillars of UMASH, along with outreach and communication – all in an effort to improve the lives
SPOTLIGHT: Top Ten (Easy) Steps for Farm Safety
AUGUST 2022 There seems to be a top ten list for almost everything today. Top ten travel sites, top ten ice creams, top ten places to retire, just to name
SPOTLIGHT: Don’t Ditch Safety when Haying Ditches
JULY 2022 With the summer in full force, so is the haying season. With large equipment, extreme heat, heavy lifting, and the stress of working in a narrow
SPOTLIGHT: Inquiring minds want to know: FFAers share safety and health experiences
JULY 2022 For the last three National FFA conventions, UMASH and their partners from the National Children’s Center for Rural and Agricultural Health
SPOTLIGHT: Be Safe – Be Well – Take Care: UMASH Wellness Pavilion: Living Healthy, Farming Safely
JULY 2022 Be Safe – Be Well – Take Care are a few phrases we may wish upon our family and friends. Staying safe and healthy on the farm is
SPOTLIGHT: Summer = Silage Safety
JULY 2022 Summer has arrived in the Upper Midwest! Along with the heat comes several safety concerns. Cutting and storing silage is one of many tasks during
SPOTLIGHT: Active Learning: Farm Safety Demonstrations at Farmfest
JUNE 2022 In addition to the safety demonstrations, UMASH will again have the Wellness Pavilion where a number of exhibitors are there to answer questions
SPOTLIGHT: Juneteenth: a day for celebration, commemoration, and action
JUNE 2022 (Updated JUNE 2024) Juneteenth is a commemoration of June 19, 1865, when enslaved people in the farthest part of the Confederacy were freed,
SPOTLIGHT: Do you have “Farmer’s Back?”: Preventing low back pain among crop farmers
JUNE 2022 We are excited to share that Justine Bauer, an Occupational Therapy Doctorate Program student at the University of Minnesota, is collaborating
SPOTLIGHT: Take Two – Ag Communications Video Contest for a 2nd year
MAY 2022 All students created fantastic videos, and UMASH thanks the students and Dr. McKay for allowing UMASH to be part of their class to bring attention
SPOTLIGHT: 25 Years Young: Happy Anniversary to the National Child Agricultural Center!
MAY 2022 UMASH is fortunate to work closely with the National Children’s Center for Rural and Agricultural Health and Safety (NCCRAHS) to improve the
SPOTLIGHT: UMASH Center Director Answers Avian Influenza FAQs
MAY 2022 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), also known as “bird flu,” is a serious, highly contagious disease that is often fatal to chickens
SPOTLIGHT: Stepping into Spring with a Focus on Roadway Safety
APRIL 2022 When stepping into spring, it can be easy to be swept up by the rush of planting season. Without proper safety measures, spring tasks like moving
SPOTLIGHT: Lots to learn with just a click
APRIL 2022 YouTube is one of the social media platforms where you can find a video on just about anything – how to fix a faucet, recipes for the
SPOTLIGHT: In “Dairy” Good Hands
MARCH 2022 Dana Adams, University of Minnesota Extension livestock educator, is a dedicated and knowledgeable partner to central Minnesota farmers. She’s
SPOTLIGHT: Tough bugs: AMR and Veterinarians
MARCH 2022 In the world of LOL, ICYMI, IDK, acronyms, and social media slang, it can be hard to know “what means what,” especially if you are new to
SPOTLIGHT: Maintain Productivity and Wellness While Aging on the Farm
MARCH 2022 Continuing to farm productively as you age, while staying safe and healthy, is a value and goal for farmers and the farming community. Working
SPOTLIGHT: #TellAStorySaveALife for Ag Literacy Week!
MARCH 2022 Agricultural Literacy Week Celebrate Agricultural Literacy Week (March 21-25) by sharing agricultural safety stories with a media toolkit provided
SPOTLIGHT: Preventing repetitive motion injuries on the farm
MARCH 2022 What are repetitive motion injuries? In a recent Successful Farming article, Lisa Foust Prater discusses repetitive motion injuries on the farm
SPOTLIGHT: Celebrating a lifelong farmer and health & safety advocate
FEBRUARY 2022 Thom Petersen Thom Petersen, Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA), will be recognized with the ASHCA 2022 Policymaker/Legislator
SPOTLIGHT: Working through the Winter: Cold Stress Toolkit
UPDATED JULY 2023 Upper Midwest winters are known for biting cold, chilling winds, ice, snow, and sleet. For those in agriculture, especially those working
SPOTLIGHT: Lucky us…a new partner in farm safety and health at NDSU Extension
JANUARY 2022
SPOTLIGHT: Taking a Closer Look: UMASH Research Brief
JANUARY 2022 One of the first UMASH research projects was the Multidisciplinary Network to Address Agriculture Worker Health and Safety Issues. This project
SPOTLIGHT: But Wait, There’s More – Training Guides and Videos for Swine Producers
JANUARY 2022 Almost everyone likes a good deal, or an extra perk. The Upper Midwest is home to a number of animal agriculture producers, one of which is
SPOTLIGHT: UMASH turns 10
NOVEMBER 2021 UMASH is celebrating a milestone this year by turning ten. As we have “unfolded” over the years we have developed relationships
SPOTLIGHT: Caution with Calves: Stopping the Spread of Zoonotic Diseases
NOVEMBER 2021 They are everywhere – bacteria, viruses, fungus, or anything known as germs. Some are more problematic than others including zoonotic
SPOTLIGHT: Let’s Make a Deal – Cost Sharing Opportunities for Safety
NOVEMBER 2021 Keeping your farm safe is an invaluable investment in protecting the health and safety of farm workers and farm families, but it can also
SPOTLIGHT: Management Tips for Vaccines and Injectables
NOVEMBER 2021 Livestock producers are familiar with vaccinating animals as part of an overall herd plan. Vaccinations are used to treat disease and are
SPOTLIGHT: First on your Farm: Be Ready with First Aid
NOVEMBER 2021 Build a Basic First Aid Kit Prepared by Charles Schwab, extension safety specialist with Iowa State University, and Carolyn Sheridan, registered
SPOTLIGHT: Six Reasons You Should Get the Flu Shot This Year
SEPTEMBER 2021 It’s more important than ever to get the flu shot this year. Here are 6 reasons why: Common misconception: “The flu shot gives you
SPOTLIGHT: Come Together – Partnerships Emerge for Farmworkers
SEPTEMBER 2021 Our colleagues at the Migrant Clinicians Network were recently published in the American Journal of Public Health (AJPH) for their commentary
SPOTLIGHT: Stressed out with Drought
SEPTEMBER 2021 Researchers in occupational health have published a paper on the association between drought conditions and stress among U.S. farmers.
SPOTLIGHT: Dairy Dozen
SEPTEMBER 2021 Dairy Farm Inspections Lead to Release of OSHA’s “Dairy Dozen” Working in close contact with large animals can be dangerous and challenging.
SPOTLIGHT: Demos at Farmfest
JULY 2021 UMASH at Minnesota Farmfest 2021 Come for the mini donuts and stay for the safety demonstrations UMASH is back at Minnesota Farmfest in 2021
SPOTLIGHT: Confined Spaces
JUNE 2021 OSHA defines a confined space as having “limited or restricted means for entry or exit and is not designed for continuous occupancy.” Confined
SPOTLIGHT: Drought Toolkit
JUNE 2021 As the summer unfolds, many farmers may be concerned about drought conditions especially
SPOTLIGHT: A teacher, an advocate and a friend
JUNE 2021 UMASH is recognizing a colleague who was instrumental in the immigrant dairy worker project since 2011. Patricia Juárez-Carrillo, PhD, MPH,
SPOTLIGHT: UMASH is About the People & the Partnerships
MAY 2021 UMASH is an interdisciplinary organization spanning five states and at least five industries (i.e., agriculture, public health, veterinary medicine,
SPOTLIGHT: Time for a Grain Bin Check Up – Don’t forget safety
MAY 2021 Grain bins have long been the topic of agricultural safety and health. Unfortunately, many tragedies have occurred when working around bins, most
SPOTLIGHT: Leave A Message – Ag Communication students develop farm safety messages
MAY 2021 Powerful messages come through a variety of means and they can change the way we think and act. The art and science of communication can be an
SPOTLIGHT: NIOSH’s 50th Anniversary
APRIL 2021 Now, more than ever, worker health in the United States is a priority to each and every one of us. During this time of great challenges and
SPOTLIGHT: Being essential – What does that mean for dairy farms?
APRIL 2021 Essential: [noun] Something necessary, indispensable, or unavoidable Since COVID-19 arrived a year ago, the word essential has become a common
SPOTLIGHT: A Season of Patience, Preparations, and Precautions
APRIL 2021 Spring is a welcomed time of year, a reminder of renewed hope. For agricultural communities, however, spring also means a busy season and new
SPOTLIGHT: Female Farmers stress resiliency survey
APRIL 2021 Women in agriculture are encouraged to take the Weathering Stress in Agriculture 2021 Questionnaire, an anonymous online survey created by UMASH,
SPOTLIGHT: Precarious bugs to avoid this spring
MARCH 2021 Addisalem Hunde Bedada DVM, MS Veterinary Public Health and Preventive Medicine Resident After the long, dark, winter months, spring is literally
SPOTLIGHT: The Hierarchy of Controls: Keeping Toothpaste in the Tube!
MARCH 2021 Have you ever tried putting toothpaste back in the tube? It doesn’t work well. The same goes for farm safety. It’s better to prevent an
SPOTLIGHT: Springtime – shedding sweaters and crypto
MARCH 2021 For those of us in the Upper Midwest, spring is a welcomed time of year. The days are longer, warmer and we can slowly shed the sweaters and
SPOTLIGHT: Safer FACEs Online Training Program for Agritourism Venues
UPDATED MARCH 2021 In January 2018, the Minnesota Department of Health launched Safer Farm Animal Contact Exhibits (Safer FACEs), a training program for
SPOTLIGHT: A Veterinary Perspective to Ag Health and Safety
MARCH 2021 His background in veterinary medicine, public health, and research has proven an impactful addition to the development of animal and human health
SPOTLIGHT: Biosecurity and Swine Educators
MARCH 2021 Diane DeWitte and Sarah Schieck Boelke are Extension Educators with the University of Minnesota Extension. With both having educational backgrounds
SPOTLIGHT: Some Things Shouldn’t be Shared
FEBRUARY 2021 The concept of sharing for most of us probably goes back to childhood. Whether we learned to share with a sibling, a friend, or in school,
SPOTLIGHT: National Resource Center for Refugees, Immigrants and Migrants established at U of MN
FEBRUARY 2021 The National Resource Center for Refugees, Immigrants and Migrants (NRC-RIM) was established to address disparities in RIM (refugee, immigrant
Stress Busting with Women in Ag Network
FEBRUARY 2021 At the 2021 Women in Ag Network Annual Conference, UMASH hosted a stress buster in the virtual community. The 2021 conference Building Bridges,
SPOTLIGHT: Youth safety resources
FEBRUARY 2021 UMASH regularly emphasizes that agriculture is one of the most dangerous occupations in the US, according to the National Institute for Occupational
SPOTLIGHT: That’s my advice…
JANUARY 2021 Have you ever been told…”that’s my advice, take it or leave it.”? Many of us have sought advice from a trusted person – maybe
SPOTLIGHT: Invisible on the Farm – Bacterial Infections From Animals to People
JANUARY 2021 What images come to mind when you think of hazards on the farm – large tractors, grain bins, ATV’s, chemicals? These are all very
SPOTLIGHT: Using a One Health Approach to Prevent Future Pandemics
JANUARY 2021 An active imagination, paired with a One Health approach, may prevent future pandemics. UMASH’s programs and projects prioritize a One
SPOTLIGHT: Doing Good: Minnesota Millennial Farmer Fundraises for Farm Safety
JANUARY 2021 “We wanted to do good with our platform,” said Minnesota Millennial Farmer, Zach Johnson, after he and his wife raised $60,000 to prevent
SPOTLIGHT: Farm Tools for Women and the Importance of “Hergonomics”
JANUARY 2021 Farming is a dangerous and physically demanding job no matter your gender or body type. Even though women are very capable of running farming
SPOTLIGHT: Coaching Methods to Improve Ag Employee Performance
DECEMBER 2020 A productive and positive work environment is integral to the success of any operation, and understanding how to achieve that is just as
SPOTLIGHT: Practice Physical Distancing on the Farm
DECEMBER 2020 The recent news is overflowing with the approval and distribution of the COVID -19 vaccine. Coverage of the UPS and FedEx trucks leaving
SPOTLIGHT: Was that a part of the plan?
NOVEMBER 2020 As we wrap up harvest, plans are being made for 2021. While we do not hope for any disasters, now is the time to plan for one. Shay Foulk
SPOTLIGHT: Looking for the right tool? UMASH has you covered.
DECEMBER 2020 Ever heard the phrase, “use the right tool for the job?” If you’re in a hands-on occupation, using the right tool is important
SPOTLIGHT: Don’t Sacrifice Safety for Speed During Weather Delays
NOVEMBER 2020 Farming has always been a “busy” job and fall harvest is one of the busiest times of the year. Getting the crop out, repairing equipment,
SPOTLIGHT: Unique Safety Risks for Women Dairy Farmers
NOVEMBER 2020 Dairy farms have been synonymous with Wisconsin for many years. America’s Dairyland is the tagline appropriately used on vehicle license
SPOTLIGHT: Suicide Bereavement in Farm Country
Coping with loss is challenging. Loss can take on many forms - loss of a business, loss of a relationship or loss in a death of a friend or family member
SPOTLIGHT: Hello and Goodbye – Changes Coming to UMASH
This fall we are saying goodbye to Diane Kampa, UMASH Center Coordinator since our beginning in 2011, and later directing the outreach program. Diane has
SPOTLIGHT: MRASH 2020: Rising to New Challenges
OCTOBER 2020 Conference season for many in agriculture comes around in the late fall and winter months. Moving these connections and presentations online
SPOTLIGHT: Lessons Learned – A Passion for Farm Safety and Mental Health
UMASH and Emily Krekelberg go “way back” with our mutual mission of promoting farm safety and health. Emily knows first hand the inherent dangers involved
SPOTLIGHT: Harvest Safety Tips
OCTOBER 2020 Following a series of serious farm incidents in Minnesota, AgWeek Journalist Noah Fish connected with UMASH and Extension to garner safety
SPOTLIGHT: Farm to Table in the time of COVID
Implications for Essential Workers COVID-19 has affected all of us in some way. During this time, UMASH has been providing trusted information to farmers,
SPOTLIGHT: Inside the Mind of a Creative – A Conversation with Molly VanBrocklin
UMASH staff are regularly thinking about how we engage and communicate with our audience and stakeholders in agricultural safety and health. Creating great
SPOTLIGHT: Manure Safety Toolkit
As we move into fall and harvest season, much of the Upper Midwest has continued to see significant rainfall. Safety issues associated with manure storage,
SPOTLIGHT: NAMI Minnesota Partner Project Builds Community Relationships
OCTOBER 2020 In 2018, the Upper Midwest Agricultural Safety and Health Center (UMASH) established a partner project with the NAMI Minnesota to address
SPOTLIGHT: Check Out Our Checklist – Take 5 Minutes to Save a Life
SEPTEMBER 2020 Farming is a dangerous occupation, and many communities may be extra vulnerable to COVID-19. If you live, work, or grew up on a farm, you
SPOTLIGHT: 76 Years of Farm Safety and Health – National Farm Safety and Health Week
SEPTEMBER 2020 If we reflect back in history to 1944, what do we remember? Many of us weren’t around at this time, but a google search of the year tells
SPOTLIGHT: National Teach Ag Day 2020
SEPTEMBER 2020 The tenth annual National Teach Ag Day is on Thursday, September 17, 2020. National Teach Ag Day is designed to encourage others to teach
SPOTLIGHT: Sending you a Signal
SEPTEMBER 2020 Signals can convey many messages, such as STOP on the red light, emergency or distress (SOS) signals or a thumbs up emoji signaling a job
SPOTLIGHT: Be Safe and Smart Around Silage
Be Safe and Smart Around Silage Tracey Erickson South Dakota State University Extension August 24, 2020 As summer changes over to autumn, silage harvest
SPOTLIGHT: Extra Riders on Tractors are a High Risk for Fatality
SEPTEMBER 2020 Ever heard the phrase, “If one is good, two must be better?” Kids on and off the farm are often attracted to tractors and ask the driver
SPOTLIGHT: Grain Bin Cost Share
Even though the days remain hot, humid and summerlike, fall harvest is just around the corner and many farmers are gearing up for the busy days. Grain
SPOTLIGHT: The UMASH Expo Lives On!
AUGUST 2020 When the farm show ends, the reminiscing begins. The people we saw. The lessons we learned. So much to do and never enough time to do it all.
SPOTLIGHT: ATV’s and the Pandemic
AUGUST 2020 Many farmers and ranchers use ATVs and UTVs responsibly for essential work. They are a common piece of equipment and need to be handled in
SPOTLIGHT: Farm Shows and Freebies – Something New in 2020
JULY 2020 Fly swatters and yardsticks are common giveaways or freebies at farm shows, fairs and other events by exhibitors. With many of these events cancelled
SPOTLIGHT: Allow Me To Demonstrate
JULY 2020 Demonstrations can be an effective method of both teaching and learning. In addition to reading and hearing information, seeing and practicing
SPOTLIGHT: Play It Cool – Keeping You and Your Dairy Cows Safe From Summer Heat
JULY 2020 “Is it hot enough for you?” Summer has arrived with all the heat, humidity and everyday conversations (or complaints) about the weather.
SPOTLIGHT: Helpful Tricks to Keep You in Tip-Top Shape During COVID-19
JULY 2020 The sun is shining, and the birds are chirping. All I want to do is go to the fair. I can imagine the cheese curds, the laughter, the 4Hers showing
SPOTLIGHT: Meg’s Mishap
JUNE 2020 It is December 8, 2019, late afternoon and nearly time for milking… Meg Moynihan-Stuedemann is getting the parlor ready and notices that
SPOTLIGHT: How Old is Old? Aging in Agriculture
JUNE 2020 How old is old? Depending on who you ask, you may get a number of answers. 45? 55? 65? Is it when you are eligible for senior discounts, safe
SPOTLIGHT: How To’s for Keeping your Farm Safe from COVID-19
A recent article from NDSU Extension suggests farmers develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), safety steps that a farm creates so that everyone stays
SPOTLIGHT: Aging is a Public Health Issue
JUNE 2020 The United States and many communities around the world are “growing older.” With the changes in demographics today and in the future, aging
SPOTLIGHT: Aging on the Farm – A Community Forum
JUNE 2020 Aging is part of life and if Benjamin Franklin had his way, none of us would grow old. But we do and with aging comes many changes – physiologically,
SPOTLIGHT: Tick Tock! Time for Tick Awareness
This spotlight features an article from Patrick Wagner, SDSU Extension, with tips on preventing tick bites, as well as resources available on tick prevention,
SPOTLIGHT: What to Do About the Respirator Dilemma During COVID-19
MAY 2020 Producers and farmworkers face a dilemma during COVID-19. If a pesticide label lists a respirator, the applicator must wear a respirator. It’s
SPOTLIGHT: Safety Should be a Team Sport in Dairies
MAY 2020 Dr. Gus Brihn is a Veterinary Public Health and Preventive Medicine Resident with the Center for Animal Health and Food Safety at the University
SPOTLIGHT: You’re in Charge
MAY 2020 The University of Minnesota’s Earl E. Bakken Center for Spirituality & Healing is working to address the needs of communities during these
SPOTLIGHT: Ag Educators Keep our Future Farmers Safe
MAY 2020 The current pandemic has required agricultural educators to be more creative than ever. To assist with teaching about agricultural safety and
SPOTLIGHT: Protecting our Agriculture Workers is “Essential”
The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the critical importance of those who produce our food. Deemed “essential” workers, these individuals continue
SPOTLIGHT: Safe Digging Tips, Myths, & Facts
811 is the national number designated by the Federal Communications Commission to help protect homeowners and professional excavators from unintentionally
SPOTLIGHT: COVID-19 ON THE FARM: Prevention Tips for Agricultural Communities
The Upper Midwest Agricultural Safety and Health Center (UMASH) is providing guidance on the prevention and spread of COVID-19 for farmers, ranchers and
SPOTLIGHT: Training Dairy Workers on Health and Safety
APRIL 2020 Chela Vázquez Coordinator and Trainer vazquezc@umn.edu It’s been two years since I joined UMASH doing trainings on health and safety in
SPOTLIGHT: Stop Think Act: Safety in 3 Words
APRIL 2020 Our neighbors to the North in Canada, Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS), with Imperial Oil, have developed a simple, but effective
SPOTLIGHT: Respirator Q & A Toolkit
Farmers and agricultural workers need respiratory protection for many jobs on the farm – such as working around grain, hogs, hay, or solid pesticides.
SPOTLIGHT: Living, working on farms increases risk of gastrointestinal illness
MARCH 2020 New study reveals greater levels of infection in people working with livestock Minnesotans who live or work on a farm with livestock and poultry
SPOTLIGHT: Standing up to Save Lives
OSHA and the National Grain and Feed Association (NFGA) are increasing efforts to ensure that people stay safe when working around grain bins. Headed by
SPOTLIGHT: AgriSafe Learning Lab – Learn Your Way
MARCH 2020 Ashley Fey, MPH Program Manager – AgriSafe Network AgriSafe has led distance education innovation in agricultural safety and health for
SPOTLIGHT: Agricultural Safety is a “Team Sport”
FEBRUARY 2020 Jeff Bender, DVM, MS Director, Upper Midwest Agricultural Safety and Health Center Farming is dangerous work and farm workers are at high
SPOTLIGHT: 10th Annual AgMed Course
The Central States Center for Agricultural Safety and Health (CS-CASH) is proud to announce the 10th anniversary of the Center’s annual Agricultural
SPOTLIGHT: Michael Pate and Agricultural Safety Education Initiative
JANUARY 2020 Growing up in rural America, agriculture classes and FFA are two avenues that many youth choose to participate in, particularly if they are
SPOTLIGHT: Rural Firefighters Delivering Agricultural Safety and Health: Putting it into Practice
JANUARY 2020 Rural firefighters are many times volunteers and serve the agricultural community by responding to emergencies both on and off farms. One
SPOTLIGHT: Produce Safety
JANUARY 2020 Alexandra Cortes, Outreach staff Produce Safety Program, Minnesota Department of Agriculture What comes to mind when you think about the risks
SPOTLIGHT: The Opioid Crisis – Where Can You Turn for Help?
DECEMBER 2019 Opioid dependency has been and continues to be a problem for many and it does not discriminate. Rural America is not immune to the problems
SPOTLIGHT: To Be Safe, You Have to Know How: OSHA QuickCards
DECEMBER 2019 Safety is a big issue on the farm, but with busy days and potential language barriers, how do you discuss farm safety with employees? QuickCards
SPOTLIGHT: A Commitment to Farmers
NOVEMBER 2019 UMASH is invested in helping farmers through these challenging times. We join many others in this effort to offer resources to assist farmers,
SPOTLIGHT: Roadmap for delivering child care in agricultural communities
NOVEMBER 2019 Sharing is caring is a well used tag line for emails and social media to “get the word out ” on important topics. UMASH often shares
SPOTLIGHT: Bryan With Ag Injury News
NOVEMBER 2019 Agriculture still ranks one of the most dangerous occupations, but what does that really mean? Where are the injuries occurring? What are
SPOTLIGHT: Alma Jordan: Generational Change Begins with Children
OCTOBER 2019 At UMASH, we value the power of connections. At Minnesota Farmfest, a conversation led to an introduction with Alma Jordan, founder of AgriKids.
SPOTLIGHT: safeTALK – Training to Prevent Suicide in Agricultural Communities
OCTOBER 2019 A friend in need is a friend indeed. Old Proverb A friend is there to help when times are tough. Unfortunately, times are tough right now
SPOTLIGHT: Minnesota is now Hands-Free. What does that mean for you?
SEPTEMBER 2019 Minnesota drivers have to be Hands-Free as of August 2019, so we talked to Minnesota Safety Council’s President, Paul Aasen for answers
SPOTLIGHT: Working With Firefighters and EMS on Ways to Bring up RF-DASH to National Program Caliber
SEPTEMBER 2019 The Rural Firefighters Delivering Agriculture Safety and Health (RF-DASH) project, funded by UMASH, is exploring a national program. Due
SPOTLIGHT: Head to Toe (or Hooves)
SEPTEMBER 2019 Dr. Gerard Cramer is one of our colleagues that knows dairy cows well – right down to the hooves. Prior to joining the University
SPOTLIGHT: Grain Bin Rescue Equipment
AUGUST 2019 Travel around the Upper Midwest and you’ll see that the landscape is dotted with grain bins in all shapes and sizes. These structures house
SPOTLIGHT: One Stop Shop for Wellness and Safety at Minnesota Farmfest
AUGUST 2019 Being efficient is key to getting jobs done on the farm. Farm Bureau Financial Services and UMASH understand this need and encourage farmers
SPOTLIGHT: SAY What?
JULY 2019 Teaching agriculture today is more diverse than ever from biosecurity standards to hearing protection to business management, teachers have much
SPOTLIGHT: The Multiplier Effect – US Ag Centers at Minnesota Farmfest
JULY 2019 The term “multiplier effect” is a term you may be familiar with and one commonly used in the world of economics. UMASH and our neighboring U.S.
SPOTLIGHT: In the Interest of Safety
The phrase, “in a split second” is used frequently to describe all types of situations that happen quickly and without time to react, many of which can be
SPOTLIGHT: Live and Up Close – Farm Safety and Rescue Demonstrations at Minnesota Farmfest
JULY 2019 Seeing something live for the first time can have a big impact. Whether it is a positive or negative occurrence, being present can make
SPOTLIGHT: This Little (or Big) Piggy…Moving and Keeping Pigs and People Safe
What comes to mind when you think of pigs? The Three Little Pigs? Miss Piggy? Piglet? Pigs are common and a popular “character” in literature and
SPOTLIGHT: Spreading Agricultural Safety Awareness Globally
JULY 2019 In a time of information overload, being an amplifier and champion for safety is not a small feat to accomplish. Dr. Marcos Grigioni has been
SPOTLIGHT: Take time for a Wellness Check at Farmfest
Minnesota Farmfest is offering a convenient way to get a free health screening during the show August 6 – 8, 2019. The screenings are part of a larger
SPOTLIGHT: A Responsible Education – Agricultural Health and Safety
Agriculture teachers play a vital role in educating the agricultural workforce of tomorrow. Incorporating occupational safety and health topics into the
SPOTLIGHT: CDC Guidelines for Pigs and Fairs
The Center for Disease Control ( CDC) has recently released two guidelines for fair organizers and those exhibiting pigs at the fair to help all of us
SPOTLIGHT: Ag Education Lesson Plans for Stockmanship
Ninety-six percent of participating school-based agriculture teachers found animal safety either moderately, very, or extremely important to teach in the
SPOTLIGHT: Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing – Partners in Health and Safety
The current issue of the peer-reviewed Journal of Agromedicine includes 13 articles focused on health and safety issues related to loggers and forestry
SPOTLIGHT: Popular Education Materials at MCN
UMASH partner, Migrant Clinicians Network, incorporates popular education approaches such as comic books to illustrate complex topics in a user friendly
SPOTLIGHT: Workshop – Navigating Conflict and Tough Conversations in Agriculture
Inspired by evaluation feedback from last year’s Down on the Farm: Supporting Farmers in Stressful Times events, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture
SPOTLIGHT: Tick-borne Diseases
Tick-borne diseases are on the rise, but are often misdiagnosed and under-reported. Check yourself, your family and your pets after being outside!
SPOTLIGHT: Register Now for ISASH
Registration is open for the 2019 International Society for Agricultural Safety and Health (ISASH) Annual Conference, June 24-27, at the Embassy Suites
SPOTLIGHT: Upcoming Agritourism Workshop Planned
A Fun on the Farm: Agritourism Workshop will be held May 16th in Farmington, MN to offer health and safety information for agritourism operators.
SPOTLIGHT: Progressive Agriculture Safety Days
For 25 years, Progressive Agriculture Safety Days®, a program of the Progressive Agriculture Foundation (PAF), has been on a mission to provide the education,
SPOTLIGHT: U of M Extension Educates Youth in Farm Safety
Youth who want to learn more about farm and tractor safety or would like to work with equipment with over 20 horsepower off their family farms, have an
SPOTLIGHT: Safe Farm Excavation
Excavation on the farm can be dangerous work. Hitting or damaging an underground gas or electric line can lead to potentially fatal results along with
SPOTLIGHT: Head, Heart, Hands, and Health
UMASH, Minnesota 4-H, and the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) joined together to produce two new videos for 4-H clubs on the topics of biosecurity
SPOTLIGHT: Walk the Walk with AgriSafe
AgriSafe has developed resources and trainings that can prepare female farmers to farm stronger and to invest in themselves.
SPOTLIGHT: Building capacity for respiratory health
The University of Minnesota (UMN) Extension’s Pesticide Safety and Environmental Education team is hosting a series of free, hands-on respirator fit
SPOTLIGHT: Andrea Bjornestad discusses farmer suicides in SD
Andrea Bjornestad, Assistant Professor in the Department of Counseling and Human Development at SDSU, shares information on South Dakota suicide statistics,
SPOTLIGHT: New and Improved Farm Safety Check
We’ve performed a quality review on all of our checklists to update links and resources, and created a new two-page fillable pdf with additional space
SPOTLIGHT: Farming in Tough Times
UMASH collaborator Emily Wilmes talks about stress in farm country though collaborations and workshops like Farming in Tough Times.
SPOTLIGHT: Cultivating Resiliency for Women in Agriculture
A new interactive online series is setting out to help women in agriculture cultivate resiliency by focusing on what they can control in these challenging
SPOTLIGHT: Farm Safety Training through Mobile Learning
A unique dairy safety training program brings training to the field/barn on iPad devices. The mobile learning curriculum included the UMASH positive animal
SPOTLIGHT: Stress & Mental Health
NOVEMBER 2018 When extreme stress manifests as a breaking point, like suicide, agricultural communities face unimaginable tragedy and loss. Stress, depression,
SPOTLIGHT: Thoughts & Weeds
Monica Kramer McConkey offers a unique perspective on controlling negative thoughts just as we need to control weeds in the field.
SPOTLIGHT: One Health – Connections that Matter
What is One Health? Who uses it? Why is it important? Further understanding the links between people, animals, and the environment has allowed us to address
SPOTLIGHT: Save Your Breath
This spotlight discusses dust exposures and the proper use of one type of respirator, also known as a dust mask.
SPOTLIGHT: Farm Safety Partner Campaign is a Success!
A broad range of organizations became Farm Safety Partners, sharing ag health and safety messages.
SPOTLIGHT: Apply the 3E’s for Safer Farming
SEPTEMBER 2018 All too often we read or hear about an injury caused by a piece of farm equipment. There are more than 700 deaths and 100,000 injuries
SPOTLIGHT: MMPA and UMASH Partnership
UMASH is partnering with the Minnesota Milk Producers Association (MMPA) to promote safety in the dairy industry.
SPOTLIGHT: Raising the Bar on Tractor Safety
Tractors and farming are nearly one and the same. Unfortunately tractor rollovers can and do occur too often, whether it is on the small hobby farm or
SPOTLIGHT: Megan Schossow
Megan Schossow, UMASH staffer and second-year graduate student, traveled to Washington, D.C. for an internship with the Agricultural Safety and Health
SPOTLIGHT: Best Practices for Veterinary Sharps
What happens to all the used sharps used in agriculture? Where are they stored? Can they be thrown in the household trash? Are there general guidelines
SPOTLIGHT: Telling the Story Project
Tell a story, save a life. That’s the idea behind a new project inserting injury prevention messages into first-hand accounts of farmers and others impacted
SPOTLIGHT: Agricultural Youth Work Guidelines
As grass-cutting season gets underway it’s typical to see children and teenagers operating push and riding mowers. But these tasks can be hazardous.
SPOTLIGHT: Workplace Safety Consultation – Free Assistance for MN Farms
The Minnesota Workplace Safety Consultation - Safety Grant Program provides up to $10,000 in matching funds to qualifying applicants to reduce injury and
SPOTLIGHT: Extension Partner, Emily Wilmes
UMASH is fortunate to partner with Extension colleagues across the state in a number of areas. One colleague is Emily Wilmes, Extension Educator in Stearns,
SPOTLIGHT: MCN Publication on Immigrant Dairy Worker Trainings Wins Paper of the Year Award
UMASH and the Migrant Clinician’s Network partnered together to develop, train and deliver the Seguridad en las Lecherías project from 2011 – 2016.
SPOTLIGHT: Reality Check – Farm Safety
Isn’t it satisfying to check items off a to-do list? UMASH created a safety resource that allows you to do exactly that. The Farm Safety Check is a
SPOTLIGHT: Keeping a safe eye on what we write, say and show in agriculture
The media play an important role in reinforcing safety in agriculture and in rural life across the United States. What we write, say and show as images
SPOTLIGHT: Ag Safety – Communication is Key
Communication is key. Although this overly-heard cliche provides no solution, it’s a good reminder of the importance of communication. To put it simply,
SPOTLIGHT: Direct to you – Safety Videos via YouTube
In the busy life of farming, it is important to reach farmers where they are with relevant safety information to protect themselves, their families and
SPOTLIGHT: Alexis Murillo, Reflecting on my UMASH Internship
University of Minnesota student Alexis Murillo describes her experiences and what she learned during her time working as a UMASH Communications Intern.
SPOTLIGHT: We are grateful for our partners
November is a month to reflect and be thankful. Bruce Alexander, Director of UMASH, puts into words how grateful we are as an organization to partner with
SPOTLIGHT: A Better Way to Return To Work
When farm workers are forced to take time off due to sickness or injuries, the current return-to-work process has often been a hardship for both the individual
SPOTLIGHT: Pesky Occupations
Tick- borne diseases are particularly threatening to people who spend a majority of their days in high-risk tick areas such as farmers, DNR members, and
SPOTLIGHT: A Solution to the Silent but Deadly Farm Gases
There are many stories. Stories of farmers with chronic illnesses. Stories of middle aged ag-workers suffering from respiratory issues. Stories of farm
SPOTLIGHT: A Collaborative Effort to Advocate for Safety and Health on Farms
In August 2017, UMASH, the Great Plains Center for Agriculture Health (GPCAH), and the Center States Center for Agriculture Safety and Health (CS-CASH),
SPOTLIGHT: Agritourism
Keeping Your Visitors Happy and Healthy. Agritourism is an opportunity for farms to allow guests onto the premises to enjoy some kind of agriculture experience.
SPOTLIGHT: Ag Teachers Go Back to Class
Megan Roberts, Assistant Extension Professor for the University of Minnesota, lead a pilot project to develop a curriculum for agriculture educators that
SPOTLIGHT: UMASH Shines a Light on Safety at MN Farmfest
On August 1, 2017, UMASH sponsored a panel discussion at the Minnesota Farmfest. The panel discussion was titled Farm Safety: Protecting You, Your Family,
SPOTLIGHT: Firefighters Could be Key to Farm Safety
Rural firefighters are farmers’ neighbors, friends, family, or are farmers in their own right. They are a highly trainable and trusted workforce. Moreover,
SPOTLIGHT: Roadway Safety
It is important to take special precautions on the roadways during planting and harvesting season—whether you are a farmer or driver of a motor vehicle.
SPOTLIGHT: 2017 NORA Symposium
On May 5th, the National Occupational Research Agenda (NORA) Symposium targeted the opioid crisis for its annual outreach event. The symposium focused
SPOTLIGHT: Rollover Protection
The occupational death rate on farms is nearly 800 percent greater than in all other industries combined. The leading cause of farm deaths is tractor rollovers.
SPOTLIGHT: CAHFS Daily News
The Upper Midwest Agricultural Safety and Health Center (UMASH) is pleased to announce the addition of an agricultural worker health and safety bi-weekly
SPOTLIGHT: Worker Protection Standard
Agricultural work is one of the most dangerous occupations in the US. In January 2017, those who work in this important industry were afforded stronger
SPOTLIGHT: Ag Injury News Clippings Database
AgInjuryNews.org is a great resource to monitor injury and fatality trends. These are not official numbers, but are gleaned from news reports across the
SPOTLIGHT: An Ode to Research Participants
I recently had the privilege to organize an event acknowledging the efforts of participants in our Hispanic worker training research project. We had asked
SPOTLIGHT: Seguridad – Translating Research to Practice
OCTOBER 2016 Have you ever changed your behavior because of a research study you came across on the radio or in a magazine? Perhaps you you started an
SPOTLIGHT: The Evolution of the Healthy Fairs Project – The Power of Relationships
SEPTEMBER 2016 Natalie Loots UMASH Evaluation Team Research Assistant, Division of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Minnesota School of Public
SPOTLIGHT: 2015 UMASH Annual Forum – Partnerships Create Greater Impact
MAY 2016 Natalie Loots UMASH Evaluation Team Research Assistant, Division of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Minnesota School of Public
SPOTLIGHT: “Stress Less” with Good Stockmanship and Reduce Worker Injuries
MAY 2016 Jeffrey B. Bender DVM Director/CAHFS, Veterinary Population Medicine, University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine Moving and handling
SPOTLIGHT: Collaboration brings new insights into ‘Livestock Associated’ MRSA in pigs in the USA
MARCH 2016 Peter Davies BVSc, PhD Professor, Swine Health and Production, University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine Two recently published
SPOTLIGHT: Responding to Emerging Issues – HPAI Outbreak
SEPTEMBER 2015 Joni M. Scheftel, DVM, MPH, DACVPM State Public Health Veterinarian, Minnesota Department of Health Kirk Smith, DVM, PhD Foodborne, Waterborne,
SPOTLIGHT: Rabies as an Immigrant Worker Health Issue on the Farm
SEPTEMBER 2014 Iris Reyes Research Specialist, National Farm Medicine Center As the dairy industry modernizes, Hispanic immigrant workers play an increasingly
SPOTLIGHT: Invisible Dangers on the Farm
DECEMBER 2013 Carrie Klumb Senior Epidemiologist, Minnesota Department of Health In this spotlight story, a mother shares her young daughters’ frightening
SPOTLIGHT: Rabid Calf on a Stearns County Farm
OCTOBER 2013 Carrie Klumb Senior Epidemiologist, Minnesota Department of Health A Stearns County farmer noticed a 5 month-old calf that began showing atypical
SPOTLIGHT: Rabies on the Farm
AUGUST 2013 Carrie Klumb Senior Epidemiologist, Minnesota Department of Health Each year, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) tests approximately
SPOTLIGHT: Needlestick Risks, An Interview with a Wisconsin Dairy Farmer
APRIL 2013 Iris Reyes and Teresa Schnetzer While needlestick injuries are usually minor, certain injection related injuries are very serious. Studies have
SPOTLIGHT: Leo’s Story
JANUARY 2013 Carrie Klumb Senior Epidemiologist, Minnesota Department of Health My husband, Ryan, is a third generation dairy farmer with approximately
