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Leading Ladies: Women in Sustainable Ag

The national Women in Sustainable Ag (WISA) conference, hosted by Midwest Organic and Sustainability Education Service (MOSES), was held in Saint Paul, MN. This year’s conference was organized to provide the chance to: cultivate connections, friendships, and support; nourish skills and strengths; grow! From October 17-19, attendees had the opportunity …

Farm Safety Check: Whole Body Vibration

Whole body vibration is happening when doing many farm chores – like operating machinery or riding an ATV. Whole body vibration (WBV) occurs when the shaking motion of a vehicle is transmitted through the body of the operator. WBV is associated with numerous health effects, including muscle cramping, low back problems, increased heart rate and …

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.   Continue reading to learn about the Irish foundation and the story behind its beginning.   Alma Jordan is a visionary and a doer. Having grown up on a farm south of Dublin, Ireland, …

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 in agriculture.  Depression, anxiety and suicide are products of the economic downturn. Being a good friend is important now more than ever with our rural neighbors. Fortunately there are opportunities …

UMASH Goes to Farmers Market, A Presidential Farmers Market.

We’ve been holding onto summer, and attended the University of Minnesota Farmers Market on September 18th. This event was an enhanced farmers market that highlighted several health and wellness organizations at the University of Minnesota to welcome President Joan Gabel’s and honor her inauguration week. UMASH staff were there to welcome President …

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 to common questions and how this law applies when driving farm equipment on public roadways.       What is ‘Hands-Free’? Effective August 1, 2019, Hands-Free Minnesota asked …

Everyone’s Invited SROC Holds Annual Open House

The Southern Research and Outreach Center (SROC) is one of 10 centers affiliated with the University of Minnesota College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS). These centers are located in communities across the state and support research and outreach in agricultural production, human health, renewable energy and the environment. …

In the Field with Cottonwood County 4H

  Every year, Cottonwood County 4H coordinators host Fall Field Days at the University of Minnesota Southwest Research and Outreach Center (SWROC). Nearly 600 area fourth graders took a field trip to learn about the environment, science, and health and safety. UMASH joined other organizations, including the Science Museum of Minnesota, Farm Bureau, …

RF-DASH is going National!

In the first national training pilot, Rural Firefighters Delivering Agricultural Safety and Health (RF-DASH) instructors conducted a 2-day workshop for first responders, farmers and agricultural safety and health professionals in Minnesota. Participants came from across the country, including Idaho, Nebraska, New York, Ohio, Minnesota and more. The …

Olmsted County’s New Video Promotes Petting Zoo Set-Up Safety

Petting zoos are a common attraction at fairs, festivals and other events. It is hard to resist picking up a furry friend or letting the baby calf lick your fingers. This can be a risky practice however, when it comes to transmitting bacteria, viruses and disease.  Plan ahead and learn more on the best practices to keep you and your visitors safe and …