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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 the past 10 years. In partnership with experts from across the country, AgriSafe has accessible and quality content on topics covering a variety of exposures common in agricultural work. AgriSafe launched …

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 risk of personal injury. Agricultural workers are eight times more likely to die on the job than other workers. 1 Worker injuries on dairy farms are related to animal handling with cattle, often resulting …

Women in Ag: Annie’s Project St.Cloud

On February 25, 2020, the Saint Cloud Annie’s Project hosted their final class, focusing on stress, mental health, and agricultural safety and health. Annie’s Project is a series of workshops designed to empower farm women to be better business partners. It is a six-week series of risk management education sessions covering the business of farming …

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 …