JUNE 2020
On June 15, UMASH hosted a community forum for the western Wisconsin/eastern Minnesota region. The focus was aging on the farm, an important issue given the aging of America’s farmers.
The turnout was terrific, with more than 80 participants. Professor and director of University of Minnesota Center for Healthy Aging and Innovation, Joe Gaugler discussed the challenges faced by aging farmers, while University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Professor Lisa Schiller discussed potential solutions. University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Professor Nicholas Beltz explained the numerous benefits of doing exercises to increase muscular strength. Wisconsin dairy producer Randy Koller finished out the wonderful presentation with a presentation on his own experiences with aging in his own family and farming community. A Q&A followed, with small break-out groups. This forum started conversations and ideation to keep aging farmers, farm workers, and their families health and safe.