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Gear Up for Ag Health & Safety

Ag Health and Safety Alliance came to Minnesota on December 2, 2019, to host their “Gear Up for Ag Health & Safety” program with students at South Central College at their Mankato, MN location. Founder and president, Carolyn Sheridan, had 90 minutes with the college students to cover topics from respiratory protection to mental health in agriculture. …

Minnesota Farmers Union Turns 78

The Minnesota Farmers Union State Convention was held the weekend of November 22 – 24, 2019 in Minneapolis. Megan Schossow and Carol Peterson exhibited at the event for UMASH and joined a number of other agriculturally focused organizations. Events such as this are an opportunity to talk one to one with farmers and their families in addition to …

SPOTLIGHT: A Commitment to Farmers

NOVEMBER 2019 UMASH is invested in helping farmers through these challenging times. We join many others in this effort to offer resources to assist farmers, families, workers and rural communities to manage the physical and mental impacts of the current farm economy. As part of our commitment to this cause, we often highlight relevant initiatives and …

Trade Talk Success at the National Association of Farm Broadcaster’s Annual Convention

Scott Heiberger and Melissa Ploeckelman are no strangers to the agricultural media. In November, they headed to Kansas City to take part in the National Association of Farm Broadcaster’s Annual Convention. One of the main events at the annual conference is Trade Talk. During Trade Talk, Heiberger and Ploeckelman had an exhibit table to discuss our …

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 …

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 …

The ‘R’ Word

Carol Peterson and Meg Moynihan (MDA) attended the Ag Resiliency Series session in Mankato, MN on February 15. The series featured Dr. Amit Sood, MD, creator of the Mayo Clinic Resilient Mind program. …

SPOTLIGHT: Stress & Mental Health

NOVEMBER 2018 When extreme stress manifests as a breaking point, like suicide, agricultural communities face unimaginable tragedy and loss. Stress, depression, and suicide are on the mind of agricultural communities, where economic, social, and environmental forces challenge the health and safety of farmers, agricultural workers and their families. …

SPOTLIGHT: Thoughts & Weeds

Monica Kramer McConkey offers a unique perspective on controlling negative thoughts just as we need to control weeds in the field. …

Farm Safety Check: Stress and Wellness

In farming, there’s a lot out of your control, creating stress that can potentially lead to serious impacts on your well-being. Check in on yourself, employees, or family this month to manage stress and remain resilient. …