JUNE 2021 
As the summer unfolds, many farmers may be concerned about drought conditions especially given hotter than normal temperatures. Drought can affect us in many different ways including economic, environmental and social/well being impacts. Time such as this can be quite stressful as there is little we can do to control Mother Nature. Whether you are a crop farmer, livestock producer or run a small produce business a drought affects everyone.
UMASH, with the help of UMN Extension, has compiled a number of resources that may help “weather” this uncommon dry time in agriculture. It is important to check in with yourself and your family for signs and symptoms of stress and fatigue.
“Drought can increase the price of feed, water and other farming costs, placing financial and emotional pressure on farmers.”
Our 5 state region is experiencing the same dry weather pattern. To assist farmers across the Upper Midwest, UMASH is offering resources that address the consequences drought can have on farmers, workers and families.
- Disaster Assistance Improvement Program
DisasterAssistance.gov - Drought Relief, Recovery, and Support
National Integrated Drought Information System
- Drought Impacts Toolkit
The National Drought Mitigation Center – University of Nebraska-Lincoln - Drought Education, Planning, and Monitoring
National Integrated Drought Information System - Agricultural Drought Data, Maps, and Tools
National Integrated Drought Information System - General tips that could lessen the impact of drought conditions on your farm
USDA Disaster Assistance Programs - Minnesota Crop News: Drought Effects – Irrigation Management
University of Minnesota Extension
- Farm Safety Check: Sun Safety
Upper Midwest Agricultural Safety and Health Center - Farm Safety Check: Heat Illness
Upper Midwest Agricultural Safety and Health Center - Health Implications of Drought
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Farm Safety Check: Stress and Wellness
Upper Midwest Agricultural Safety and Health Center - Farm Safety Check: Fatigue
Upper Midwest Agricultural Safety and Health Center - How does Drought Affect our Lives?
The National Drought Mitigation Center – University of Nebraska-Lincoln - Emotional distress from drought and where to find disaster-related resources
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
- Heat Illness Toolkit
University of Washington Pacific Northwest Agricultural Safety and Health Center - Heat Illness Prevention
Western Center for Agricultural Health and Safety - Keeping Workers Safe in the Heat
Occupational Safety and Health Administration - Extreme Heat Tips
Minnesota Department of Health - OSHA-NIOSH Heat Safety Tool App
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health - Heat Stress
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health - Heat Related Illness
Ag Health and Safety Alliance
- Wildfire Smoke Information for Outdoor Workers
High Plains Intermountain Center for Agricultural Health and Safety - What Agricultural Producers Need to Know About Wildfire Smoke
High Plains Intermountain Center for Agricultural Health and Safety - National Fire and Smoke Map
AirNow
- Drought Toolkit
Wisconsin Department of Health Services - Drought Resources
South Dakota State University Extension - Taking Care of Yourself Under Stress
University of Minnesota Extension - Building Social Support in Rural Communities
University of Minnesota Extension - Checking in on your Neighbors
University of Minnesota Extension - Communicating Under Pressure
University of Minnesota Extension - Responding to Sudden Reduced Income
University of Minnesota Extension - Setting Spending Priorities When Income Falls
University of Minnesota Extension - Creating Farm Emergency Action Plans
University of Minnesota Extension - Drought in Minnesota
Department of Natural Resources