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SPOTLIGHT: Check Out Our Checklist – Take 5 Minutes to Save a Life

SEPTEMBER 2020 Farming is a dangerous occupation, and many communities may be extra vulnerable to COVID-19. If you live, work, or grew up on a farm, you probably know someone who was injured or died in a farming incident. Can’t think of anyone? You’re lucky. Imagine a world where no one got hurt or died from a farming-related incident. That world …

SPOTLIGHT: 76 Years of Farm Safety and Health – National Farm Safety and Health Week

SEPTEMBER 2020 If we reflect back in history to 1944, what do we remember? Many of us weren’t around at this time, but a google search of the year tells us the United States was fighting in WWII, the Smokey the Bear mascot was created and gasoline was 21 cents a gallon. Another piece of history from 1944 was the designation of National Farm Safety …

SPOTLIGHT: National Teach Ag Day 2020

SEPTEMBER 2020 The tenth annual National Teach Ag Day is on Thursday, September 17, 2020. National Teach Ag Day is designed to encourage others to teach school based agriculture and recognize the important role that agriculture teachers play in our schools and communities. UMASH and the National Children’s Center for Rural and Agricultural Health …

SPOTLIGHT: Sending you a Signal

SEPTEMBER 2020 Signals can convey many messages, such as STOP on the red light, emergency or distress (SOS) signals or a thumbs up emoji signaling a job well done. Signals can also provide effective communication on the farm. When working around large equipment or machinery, verbal communication between employees often is not possible. Workers must …

SPOTLIGHT: Be Safe and Smart Around Silage

Be Safe and Smart Around Silage Tracey Erickson South Dakota State University Extension August 24, 2020 As summer changes over to autumn, silage harvest is on the calendar for many dairy and livestock farmers. Farmers use corn silage as a source of nutrition for their herd as it provides a high-yielding, consistent source of forage. There are a number …

SPOTLIGHT: Extra Riders on Tractors are a High Risk for Fatality

SEPTEMBER 2020 Ever heard the phrase, “If one is good, two must be better?” Kids on and off the farm are often attracted to tractors and ask the driver to “ride along.” This may apply to many scenarios, but not so when it comes to tractors. Transportation incidents, which include tractor overturns, are the leading cause of death for farmers …

SPOTLIGHT: Grain Bin Cost Share

Even though the days remain hot, humid and summerlike, fall harvest is just around the corner and many farmers are gearing up for the busy days. Grain bin safety has been the subject of much discussion during the past few years and the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is leading an effort to make safety more affordable. A new cost share program …

SPOTLIGHT: The UMASH Expo Lives On!

AUGUST 2020 When the farm show ends, the reminiscing begins. The people we saw. The lessons we learned. So much to do and never enough time to do it all. But wait! You can continue experiencing the farm show. With the virtual nature of the UMASH Online Expo: A 20/20 Look at Ag Health, Safety, and Wellness, you can relive the glory days all over again. …

SPOTLIGHT: ATV’s and the Pandemic

AUGUST 2020 Many farmers and ranchers use ATVs and UTVs responsibly for essential work. They are a common piece of equipment and need to be handled in a way that prevents injuries and fatalities. This is especially true when youth are operating the machine. Our partners at the National Farm Medicine Center recently shared a press release highlighting …

SPOTLIGHT: Farm Shows and Freebies – Something New in 2020

JULY 2020 Fly swatters and yardsticks are common giveaways or freebies at farm shows, fairs and other events by exhibitors. With many of these events cancelled this summer, the freebies have disappeared too. The good news is that UMASH is going online to provide ag safety, health and wellness information as a commitment to farmers and families in the …