In The Field

SPOTLIGHT: Summer = Silage Safety

JULY 2022 Summer has arrived in the Upper Midwest! Along with the heat comes several safety concerns. Cutting and storing silage is one of many tasks during the summer, so it is important to refresh the key safety points. Here are three resources useful to both farmers new to the task and those who have been involved with silage for many years. …

30 years of a·bil·i·ty

JULY 2022 30 years and still going strong…AgrAbility has reached a milestone in serving farmers by cultivating independence for people with disabilities in agriculture. To highlight the important work AgrAblity published “30 Years of Impact,” a summary of their history, program highlights, success stories and client videos. 30 Years of Impact …

Understanding hazards faced by manure applicators

JUNE 2022 Manure from animal agriculture offers beneficial nutrients for crops and plants; however, the Upper Midwest has seen several severe injuries and fatalities in the last few years related to manure management. As manure management practices change and become more complex (and potentially more dangerous!), UMASH wanted to better understand this …

Workforce wellness: Symposium sheds light on COVID-19

JUNE 2022 The annual National Occupational Research Agenda (NORA) Symposium was held May 5, 2022 and co-sponsored by two School of Public Health centers – the Midwest Center for Occupational Health and Safety (MCOHS) and the Upper Midwest Agricultural Safety and Health Center (UMASH). The 2022 theme was The Changing Nature of Work: Impacts …

SPOTLIGHT: Active Learning: Farm Safety Demonstrations at Farmfest

JUNE 2022 In addition to the safety demonstrations, UMASH will again have the Wellness Pavilion where a number of exhibitors are there to answer questions and provide information on many agricultural related health and safety issues – something for everyone.

SPOTLIGHT: Juneteenth: a day for celebration, commemoration, and action

JUNE 2022 (Updated JUNE 2024) Juneteenth is a commemoration of June 19, 1865, when enslaved people in the farthest part of the Confederacy were freed, over two years after the issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation. Juneteenth is a celebration of emancipation, a recognition of the historical and ongoing injustices against Black people, and a call …

SPOTLIGHT: Do you have “Farmer’s Back?”: Preventing low back pain among crop farmers

JUNE 2022 We are excited to share that Justine Bauer, an Occupational Therapy Doctorate Program student at the University of Minnesota, is collaborating with UMASH to complete her capstone project: an “Ergonomic Program for Crop Production Farmers Operating in Rural Communities in the Midwest.” Are you or someone you know a Midwestern crop farmer …

First and Foremost: Dr. Monste Torremorell receives Outstanding Swine Academic of the Year award

MAY 2022 Congratulations to Dr. Monste Torremorell, Interim Department Chair, Professor, Department of Veterinary Population Medicine (VPM), who has received the 2022 recipient of the Outstanding Swine Academic of the Year award from the American Association of Swine Veterinarians. This first-ever, newly established award recognizes teaching, research, …

SPOTLIGHT: Take Two – Ag Communications Video Contest for a 2nd year

MAY 2022 All students created fantastic videos, and UMASH thanks the students and Dr. McKay for allowing UMASH to be part of their class to bring attention to farm safety and health. VIDEO CONTEST WINNERS: Valerie Sauder – Dairy Handling Safety PSA Valerie Sauder is a senior from Southeast Minnesota, majoring in Agricultural Communication & …

SPOTLIGHT: 25 Years Young: Happy Anniversary to the National Child Agricultural Center!

MAY 2022 UMASH is fortunate to work closely with the National Children’s Center for Rural and Agricultural Health and Safety (NCCRAHS) to improve the health and safety of agricultural workers and their families. NCCRAHS is now 25 years old! To celebrate NCCRAHS’ 25th year making agriculture safer for children, explore the center’s fantastic resources …

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