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New Tools for New Rules: Ag Symposium

Safety messages were shown throughout the 12th annual Ag Symposium on February 19, 2020, at the Kato Ballroom in Mankato, Minnesota. South Central College hosted the event to address the needs of the modern ag producer, as demonstrated through the title “New Tools for New Rules.” Keynote speakers this year included Neel Kashkari – President …

Dairy and Safety and Partners – Oh My!

The Carver County Dairy Expo is an annual event to bring dairy farmers, educators and dairy exhibitors together to support the dairy industry in the area. UMASH-ers Chela Vazquez and Carol Peterson attended the event on February 17, in Norwood Young America to learn more about the issues facing dairy farmers and to offer resources and education.   …

On the WAGN: 2020 Women in Ag Network Conference

UMASH staff kicked off February in Willmar, Minnesota, for the 2020 Women in Ag Network Conference hosted by University of Minnesota Extension on February 4. The conference was the 5th annual and featured speakers, breakout sessions, and networking. Chela Vazquez, Research Project Specialist for Promoting Safety and Worker Health for Immigrant Dairy …

UMASH Success Story: Minnesota Farmfest 2019

Agriculture is an occupation and a way of life for farmers and their family members who live and work on the farm. It is also an industry with high rates of injury and illness. Outreach to farmers, workers, and farm families is an important tool for education and injury/illness prevention. However, it can be challenging and costly given wide geographic distribution, technology and broadband limitations in rural areas, and potential lack of awareness about strategies and available resources for improving health and safety. …

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 Health and Safety Course. Designed to examine critical health and safety issues specific to rural and agricultural workers, this course brings together content experts to present materials relevant to those working in health care, public health, education, and safety professions. …

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 planning a career in agriculture. UMASH understands the need for a well prepared workforce and one that practices safety and health. Dr. Michael Pate, a colleague from Utah State University and part …

UMASH on the Road: Minnesota Organics 2020

UMASH staff traveled to Saint Cloud on January 9-10 for the 2020 Minnesota Organics Conference hosted by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture.   Each year, the MDA hosts this conference and trade show for farmers and others interested in organic agriculture for two days of networking, learning, and great food. Megan Schossow spent the time as …

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 in a farm environment? It might be physical hazards such as those associated with certain equipment and tools. What about biological hazards such as E. coli, Salmonella, or Listeria, which can be …

SPOTLIGHT: The American Dairy Farm – A Two Part Series

Dr. Gus Brihn is a Veterinary Public Health and Preventive Medicine Resident with the Center for Animal Health and Food Safety at the University of Minnesota. Dr. Brihn is part of our UMASH team with the Promoting Worker Health and Safety for Immigrant Dairy Workers project and has been instrumental in providing insights of the veterinarian’s role …