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UMASH partners with CENTRAC to reach farmers in Central Minnesota

UMASH partnered with the Central Minnesota Trauma Advisory Committee (CENTRAC) to connect with farmers and farm families at the Central Minnesota Farm Show about farm safety and first aid. UMASH safety resources on animal handling, the Farm Safety Checklists, youth work guidelines and safe play areas were available to show attendees in the CENTRAC booth. …

UMASH moseyed to MOSES

UMASH braved some winter weather to meet new faces and organizations. The Midwest Organic Sustainable Education Service (MOSES) hosted their 2018 Organic Farming Conference February 22-24 at the La Crosse Center in La Crosse, Wisconsin. MOSES is a non-profit that educates and shares resources for organic and sustainable farmers. The 3-day conference …

SPOTLIGHT: Keeping a safe eye on what we write, say and show in agriculture

The media play an important role in reinforcing safety in agriculture and in rural life across the United States. What we write, say and show as images need to characterize safe agricultural practices. While not intentional, unsafe practices can find a way into the mainstream and social media as well as advertising.  By keeping a safe eye on what we produce and publish, we all take a step forward to safety and health in the agriculture community. …

UMASH Heads South this Winter for ASHCA Conference

The Agricultural Safety and Health Council of America (ASHCA) annual conference was held February 21-23 in Scottsdale, AZ. Carrie Klumb represented UMASH with a table full of center-created resources. UMASH made connections with researchers, non-profits, and farmers from throughout the United States all motivated to improve ag worker health and safety. Several people were interested in incorporating our resources into their on-farm safety programs or into their classrooms. …

Study takes fresh look at engaging media in farm safety coverage

Agricultural journalists have an active interest in covering safety more effectively and new opportunities exist for helping them do so, according to research published in the January issue of Journal of Extension. “New Extension Approaches to Serving Agricultural Media in Advancing Farm-Life Safety Communications” focused on injury prevention in a changing agricultural environment characterized by emerging safety risks and new communication channels. …

UMASH joins the Tradition – Carver County Dairy Expo 2018

UMASH was invited to exhibit at the Carver County Dairy Expo on February 19, 2018 in Norwood Young America.  This was the 26th year of the Expo and a tradition for dairy farmers, students and agriculture professionals to attend educational sessions browse the trade show and network with peers, industry professionals and educators. …

Farm Safety Check: Livestock Facilities & Handling Safety

Stressed livestock are more likely to injure themselves, their handlers, and are more difficult to work with. Providing stockmanship training for workers handling livestock is key to preventing injuries. There may also be changes you can make in your buildings, gates, and working areas that will minimize distractions and startling objects. Check in on your buildings and animal safety this month to keep yourself and animals safe! …

UMASH and Extension – Joining Forces for Women in Agriculture

The third annual Women in Agriculture Network, sponsored by  University of Minnesota Extension, was held February 15, 2018 in St. Cloud, MN.   The theme for the event was “Overcoming Adversity” as today’s farmers face lower commodity prices and economic challenges. The day was divided into 5 areas to address these challenges including: Farm …

UMASH Success Story: Training Rural Firefighters

The “Rural Firefighters Delivering Agricultural Safety and Health,” or RF-DASH, project is training and equipping firefighters/EMS with tools and knowledge to perform brief farm safety consultations. …

Down on the Farm Workshops

The first day of Down on the Farm workshops was held January 30, 2018, at Ridgewater College in Willmar, MN. Stress factors have been on the rise on farms, and Down on the Farm is a series of workshops for those working with farmers during tough times. …