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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 this summer, the freebies have disappeared too. The good news is that UMASH is going online to provide ag safety, health and wellness information as a commitment to farmers and families in the …

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 can help one understand even better. In an effort to keep farmers up to date with safety and health information, UMASH is going online with the help and expertise of a number of organizations. The UMASH …

Aging on the Farm: Listening to North Dakota and Minnesota Communities

JULY 2020 On June 30th, UMASH hosted a community forum for the eastern North Dakota and northwest Minnesota region. This was the second of two community based forums addressing the many factors affecting farmers, who are currently or considering information to age in place safely on the farm. The forum was well attended with over 60 participants. Dr. …

UMASH Director Jeff Bender Ensures Safe Farming Practices During COVID-19

JULY 2020 COVID-19 has changed the way we work, and farmer cooperatives are no exception. Human resource leaders at farmer cooperatives are taking in information and planning how to keep workplaces healthy. UMASH Director Jeff Bender was recently invited to speak to human resources employees from Land O’Lakes and the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives …

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. We humans know what heat and humidity feel like, but what about your livestock? Could your dairy cows be at risk for heat stress in the same way you are? The I-29 Moo University podcast covered the topic …

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 off their livestock. To be around other humans? What a blessing that would be. But then I think about my friend’s father, who contracted COVID-19, and I wonder what would happen if my aging parents …

Farm Safety Check: COVID-19 Infection Prevention

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed how we work on the farm. You and/or your employee(s) can use this form to complete safety checks in light of the pandemic. Use the form below to list additional safety checks you think are important when inspecting your farm. …

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 the air filter looks somewhat dirty. Milk quality is very important on the Stuedemanns’ farm so she wanted to make sure this filter was replaced.  Outside the barn she finds a ladder which is stuck …

First Online Community Forum a Success

JUNE 2020 On June 15, UMASH hosted a community forum for the western Wisconsin/eastern Minnesota region. The focus was aging on the farm, an important issue given the aging of America’s farmers. The turnout was terrific, with more than 80 participants. Professor and director of University of Minnesota Center for Healthy Aging and Innovation, Joe Gaugler …

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 driving courses or Social Security benefits? What does one mean by “old?” The average age of farmers is 58, and many continue to work into later ages including 65 and older. Farming is a dangerous …