JUNE 2025
As the seasons shift, so do the challenges and opportunities in agriculture. In recent months, the UMASH team has continued to promote health and safety across Upper Midwest agricultural communities, even amid uncertainty around federal support.
Through it all, UMASH and our partners remain committed to growing through change and continuing to promote farm safety and health by innovating, collaborating, and supporting those who matter most: you, our community.
Here’s a look at what we’ve been working on over the past few months.
Looking Ahead: Dr. Jeff Bender Shares Update on UMASH Future
In May 2025, UMASH Center Director Dr. Jeff Bender recently shared an important message about the future of UMASH and its work, highlighting concerns about changes affecting NIOSH Centers for Agricultural Safety and Health, including potential funding impacts. Since then Dr. Jeff Bender has provided related updates in the media about UMASH’s ongoing efforts in agricultural safety and health. Read more in AgWeek, Harvest Public Media, and Feedstuffs.
Emerging and Evolving Challenges in Ag
In March 2025, UMASH Center Director Dr. Jeff Bender presented on the etiology and epidemiology of H5N1 avian influenza at the Scowcroft Institute’s Pandemic Policy Summit in Washington, DC, sharing insights on the importance of implementing biosecurity measures on farms, and underscoring the need for better protections for farmworkers, producers, and veterinarians.
In March 2025, UMASH Outreach Director and Center Coordinator Megan Schossow presented at the Minnesota Public Health Association’s Policy Roundtable, participating in discussions about rural mental health policy, access to resources, and community-centered solutions.
Gear up for Ag: Veterinary Program:
In an ongoing collaboration, UMASH and the Ag Health and Safety Alliance have come together to create safety training materials for veterinary students through the Gear Up for Ag: Veterinary Program. Earlier this year, project team members Dr. Julie Gibbs and Caroline Sheridan debuted the veterinary-focused safety curriculum at two major events: the IVMA Conference (February 2025, Altoona, PA) and HICAHS Research Day (April 2025, Fort Collins, CO), helping promote the safety of future veterinarians, vet-techs, and vet assistants working in livestock operations.
Mayo Rural Medicine Selective:
In addition, in early June 2025, Dr. Jeff Bender and Dr. Beth Baker led a rural medicine selective course for Mayo Alix Clinic School of Medicine students, engaging them in conversations about the health care needs of rural and agricultural communities.
Student Voices in Farm Safety
ISASH Conference 2025:
In June 2025, agricultural safety and health professionals gathered from around the world for the International Society for Agricultural Safety & Health (ISASH) Annual Conference in Portland, Maine. UMASH highlights from the conference include an oral session and a research poster on the Telling the Story Project, featuring collaboration with University of Minnesota’s Agricultural Education, Communication & Marketing (AECM) program. Not only did the TTSP poster win first-place, but it showcased how storytelling and media education are helping ag students share powerful, injury prevention messages and build farm safety awareness among agricultural communities.
UMASH Farm Safety and Health PSA Contest:
Now in its fifth year, the UMASH Ag Health and Safety PSA Video Contest continues to combine student creativity with farm safety awareness. In partnership with the University of Minnesota’s Agricultural Education, Communication and Marketing program, the contest gives students a platform to turn real-world agricultural safety issues into powerful visual messages. This year’s winners, Selena Corona and Lindsey Miller, created engaging PSAs focused on rural roadway safety and farmer mental health.
Explore the Latest Resources and Publications from UMASH
New UMASH Publication
The Landscape of Farmer Mental Health Programs in the US Midwest
Journal of Agromedicine – Florence Becot,Sarah Ruszkowski,Carrie Henning-Smith, Andrea Bjornestad
Signs and Symptoms of Stress on the Farm 
Recognize the signs of stress and know when to reach out for support with UMASH’s updated Signs and Symptoms of Stress Posters, available in English and Spanish.
Find more stress and mental health resources and download the posters at: umash.umn.edu/stress