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Keeping an ear to the ground: UMASH publishes model on emerging issues

UMASH continually works to respond to emerging and re-emerging issues in agricultural safety and health throughout the Upper Midwest. To do this, UMASH developed a novel ‘process model’ for selecting emerging issues, creating and implementing a response, and evaluating impact. In a recent publication, this model is shared out, along with case studies and recommendations for its use. Partners in agricultural safety and health, as well as other disciplines, can see the model online. …

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 families, and workers. In this report, you will find a summary of our Center’s research, outreach, engagement, and evaluation activities. As UMASH moves forward to 2023 with our newly renewed center, we welcome your questions, comments, and insights into improving occupational health and safety for farmers in the Upper Midwest. …

Can you Imagine? MRASH conference address a safe and healthy future for agriculture

The 2022 Midwest Regional Agricultural Safety and Health Conference (MRASH) was held November 16 and 17 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The conference theme challenged participants to look to the future of food and agriculture and the various roles of those who work within the industry. Megan Schossow and Carol Peterson attended the conference on behalf of UMASH. …

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. We'll help answer some questions...How many layers should I wear? Why do I sweat when working outside? Are gloves better than mittens? There are many factors to consider when dressing for winter success. Let’s look at some suggestions to keep you warm when actively working on the farm. …

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 safety and health in agriculture. There is an increased risk of injury during severe weather, often related to slips, trips, and falls. Be winter ready by preparing and planning for safety. …

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 an excellent time to review why falls happen in older adults and what prevention methods to consider. The National Institute on Aging shares many reasons that older adults experience falls and Jane Strommen, North Dakota State University (NDSU) Extension Gerontology Specialist, offers six easy steps to help you reduce your risk. …

Forward TogetHER 22

The Dairy Girl Network held their national conference in Minnesota November 1 - 3, 2022. UMASH was involved by sponsoring two speakers, Monica Kramer McConkey who addressed stress, and mental health/well-being for women, and Jeff Ditzenberger who spoke on the importance of suicide prevention utilizing the Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) method. Megan Schossow and Carol Peterson attended the event and staffed a booth showcasing UMASH resources for dairy women on topics including positive animal handling, stress, mental health resources, and Stop Think Act. …

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 and rural communities in Minnesota, South Dakota, North Dakota, Iowa, and Wisconsin. Youth are a large part of rural America and National Rural Health Day is an opportunity for young people to showcase the benefits of living and learning in the rural United States. To promote National Rural Health Day, UMASH has compiled ideas for engaging students on November 17, 2022, or anytime farm safety and health activities can be used in the classroom. …

Marshfield Clinic Research Institute recognizes UMASH researchers’

The Marshfield Clinic Research Institute recently hosted the Research Spotlight event on October 12, 2022, where UMASH researchers, Dr. Florence Becot and Dr. Casper “Cap” Bendixsen were highlighted. Dr. Becot presented her research on Using photovoice to extend farm safety and health research and Dr. Bendixsen was awarded the 2022 recipient of the Gwen D. Sebold Fellowship. …

A Mental Health Day

Professionals practicing in the area of suicide prevention and mental health came together in Glencoe, MN on September 27 for a full-day continuing education conference on the topics on suicide prevention and mental health. The conference was organized by the 2B Continued organization. Carol Peterson represented UMASH with a variety of resources including the Cultivating Resilience in Rural Communities toolkit, Signs and Symptoms of Stress cards and the Cultivating Resiliency recorded webinars. …