While ATVs and UTVs can be enjoyable to drive and practical for work, the thrill of riding can turn dangerous, even deadly, if not handled with caution.

UMASH welcomes Cassie Edlund back to the team as Senior Communications and Evaluation Specialist! Learn more about her journey, passion for public health,

Dr. Erik Zabel studies health and safety on farms. In his work, he looks at data about injuries and illnesses from hospitals and clinics to understand

All of us at UMASH are deeply saddened to share that our dear friend and colleague, Carol M. Peterson, passed away November 19, 2023. Carol was a significant

For the third year, UMASH and Dr. Troy McKay’s agricultural communications course created short one-minute health and safety videos, sometimes known

UMASH and the National Children’s Center for Rural and Agricultural Health and Safety teamed up to survey FFA-ers’ at their 2022 National Convention.

The Telling the Story Project team was at the International Society for Agricultural Safety and Health (ISASH) in Tampa, Florida in June 2023. The team

Happy Pride Month! Each June, we celebrate lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and others in the LGBTQ+ community! Many LGBTQ+ farmers call the

Spring is a season of renewal, and a busy time for farmers, farmworkers, and agricultural communities. It is a welcome relief from the long Upper Midwest

Manure is a valuable resource for crop production. However, as manure decomposes, invisible gases are released, which can be deadly. Hydrogen sulfide,

The National Farm Medicine Center Year (NFMC) recently published their Year in Review, and NFMC and UMASH researchers Casper Bendixsen and Florence Becot

Since there are always so many things to get done on the farm, it can be hard to get healthy sleep. Sleeping too little, too long, or experiencing other

On the warm, sunny morning of Thursday, April 13th, 2023, UMASH researchers and staff gathered for the first in-person Center meeting since the beginning

Annie’s Project, a national non-profit to educate and empower women in agriculture, is celebrating 20 years since its founding this year! Their mission

April 2023 Photo Credit @Iowa Farmer Today Anhydrous ammonia is a popular fertilizer in agriculture; however, without proper precaution, its use and storage

On-farm conditions can vary greatly and can include responding to animal disease outbreaks. Such incidents evoke difficult decisions, including depopulation,

Spring brings even more activity to the farm, with preparation for fieldwork and the growing season, young livestock, and all the daily work that gets

This year, ASAP Week is March 6-10 with a theme of “Lead the Way in Safety.” Each day of the week highlights a different agricultural health and safety

In the latest SPH Behind the Scenes, University of Minnesota School of Public Health (SPH) Interim Dean Tim Beebe interviewed Center Director Dr. Jeff

UMASH is a collaborative center of five leading research and healthcare institutions. One of our collaborators, Migrant Clinicians Network, recently highlighted

Common injuries include back and knee injuries, repetitive motion injuries, and hearing loss. These and other injuries can affect your bottom line. UMASH

Each year, UMASH works to improve agricultural health and safety in the Upper Midwest through research, outreach, and community engagement. As we enter

As 2022 comes to a close, UMASH presents our 2021- 2022 Annual Report. This report provides a yearly snapshot of the work accomplished for farmers, farm

There are many factors to consider when dressing for winter success. With a bit of information, dressing for winter work can help keep you warm and mobile.

Winter is coming, and so is the snow, ice, and freezing temperatures. Farming is a dangerous occupation year-round, but winter extremes can surely complicate

Falls threaten older adults’ safety and independence and generate enormous economic and personal costs. With winter snow and ice on the horizon, it is

National Rural Health Day is November 17, 2022 - a one-day event focusing attention on the “power of rural.” The Upper Midwest is home to agriculture

Farmers can experience musculoskeletal disorders, injuries, and pain symptoms, especially in the lower back region, due to the physical demands of their

We all make many decisions every day. Some decisions are automatic and easy; other times decisions can be painstakingly difficult. The Migrant Clinician’s

This year, the Midwest Rural Agricultural Safety and Health (MRASH) Conference focuses on the future as farmers emerge into a changing world affected by

UMASH sat down with Melissa Jaeger, RD, LD, a Corporate HyVee Registered Dietitian, to get professional tips for establishing and maintaining healthy habits.

OCTOBER 2022 On the second Monday of October, we recognize Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Many people are taught the story of Christopher Columbus “sailing

OCTOBER 2022 Upper Midwest Agricultural Safety and Health Center renewal announced The Upper Midwest Agricultural Safety and Health Center (UMASH), serving

SEPTEMBER 2022 According to the most recent 2017 census, the average age of farmers is estimated to be 57.5 years old – continuing a long-term trend

SEPTEMBER 2022 Agriculture is known to be hazardous. With higher death, injury, and illness rates than many other occupations, it can often feel like threats

SEPTEMBER 2022 Farming is one of the most dangerous and physically challenging occupations. It is also mentally and emotionally challenging. Economic,

SEPTEMBER 2022 Harvest is here, and it can be one of the busiest and most dangerous seasons of the year. In an effort to keep ag communities safe, healthy,

AUGUST 2022 If you are a livestock farmer, you know that vaccinations are commonly used to treat or prevent disease for overall animal health. However,

AUGUST 2022 Innovative research is one of the main pillars of UMASH, along with outreach and communication – all in an effort to improve the lives

AUGUST 2022 There seems to be a top ten list for almost everything today. Top ten travel sites, top ten ice creams, top ten places to retire, just to name

JULY 2022 With the summer in full force, so is the haying season. With large equipment, extreme heat, heavy lifting, and the stress of working in a narrow

JULY 2022 For the last three National FFA conventions, UMASH and their partners from the National Children’s Center for Rural and Agricultural Health

JULY 2022 Be Safe – Be Well – Take Care are a few phrases we may wish upon our family and friends. Staying safe and healthy on the farm is

JULY 2022 Summer has arrived in the Upper Midwest! Along with the heat comes several safety concerns. Cutting and storing silage is one of many tasks during

JUNE 2022 In addition to the safety demonstrations, UMASH will again have the Wellness Pavilion where a number of exhibitors are there to answer questions

JUNE 2022 (Updated JUNE 2024) Juneteenth is a commemoration of June 19, 1865, when enslaved people in the farthest part of the Confederacy were freed,

JUNE 2022 We are excited to share that Justine Bauer, an Occupational Therapy Doctorate Program student at the University of Minnesota, is collaborating

MAY 2022 All students created fantastic videos, and UMASH thanks the students and Dr. McKay for allowing UMASH to be part of their class to bring attention

MAY 2022 UMASH is fortunate to work closely with the National Children’s Center for Rural and Agricultural Health and Safety (NCCRAHS) to improve the

APRIL 2022 When stepping into spring, it can be easy to be swept up by the rush of planting season. Without proper safety measures, spring tasks like moving

APRIL 2022 YouTube is one of the social media platforms where you can find a video on just about anything – how to fix a faucet, recipes for the

MARCH 2022 Dana Adams, University of Minnesota Extension livestock educator, is a dedicated and knowledgeable partner to central Minnesota farmers. She’s

MARCH 2022 In the world of LOL, ICYMI, IDK, acronyms, and social media slang, it can be hard to know “what means what,” especially if you are new to

MARCH 2022 Continuing to farm productively as you age, while staying safe and healthy, is a value and goal for farmers and the farming community. Working

MARCH 2022 Agricultural Literacy Week Celebrate Agricultural Literacy Week (March 21-25) by sharing agricultural safety stories with a media toolkit provided

MARCH 2022 What are repetitive motion injuries? In a recent Successful Farming article, Lisa Foust Prater discusses repetitive motion injuries on the farm

FEBRUARY 2022 Thom Petersen Thom Petersen, Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA), will be recognized with the ASHCA 2022 Policymaker/Legislator

UPDATED JULY 2023 Upper Midwest winters are known for biting cold, chilling winds, ice, snow, and sleet. For those in agriculture, especially those working

JANUARY 2022            

JANUARY 2022 One of the first UMASH research projects was the Multidisciplinary Network to Address Agriculture Worker Health and Safety Issues. This project

JANUARY 2022 Almost everyone likes a good deal, or an extra perk. The Upper Midwest is home to a number of animal agriculture producers, one of which is

NOVEMBER 2021   UMASH is celebrating a milestone this year by turning ten. As we have “unfolded” over the years we have developed relationships

NOVEMBER 2021 They are everywhere – bacteria, viruses, fungus, or anything known as germs.  Some are more problematic than others including zoonotic

NOVEMBER 2021 Keeping your farm safe is an invaluable investment in protecting the health and safety of farm workers and farm families, but it can also

NOVEMBER 2021 Livestock producers are familiar with vaccinating animals as part of an overall herd plan. Vaccinations are used to treat disease and are

NOVEMBER 2021 Build a Basic First Aid Kit Prepared by Charles Schwab, extension safety specialist with Iowa State University, and Carolyn Sheridan, registered

SEPTEMBER 2021 It’s more important than ever to get the flu shot this year. Here are 6 reasons why: Common misconception: “The flu shot gives you

SEPTEMBER 2021 Our colleagues at the Migrant Clinicians Network were recently published in the American Journal of Public Health (AJPH) for their commentary

SEPTEMBER 2021 Researchers in occupational health have published a paper on the association between drought conditions and stress among U.S. farmers. 

SEPTEMBER 2021 Dairy Farm Inspections Lead to Release of OSHA’s “Dairy Dozen” Working in close contact with large animals can be dangerous and challenging.

JULY 2021 UMASH at Minnesota Farmfest 2021 Come for the mini donuts and stay for the safety demonstrations UMASH is back at Minnesota Farmfest in 2021

JUNE 2021 OSHA defines a confined space as having “limited or restricted means for entry or exit and is not designed for continuous occupancy.” Confined

JUNE 2021                                          As the summer unfolds, many farmers may be concerned about drought conditions especially

JUNE 2021 UMASH is recognizing a colleague who was instrumental in the immigrant dairy worker project since 2011. Patricia Juárez-Carrillo, PhD, MPH,

MAY 2021 Grain bins have long been the topic of agricultural safety and health. Unfortunately, many tragedies have occurred when working around bins, most

MAY 2021 Powerful messages come through a variety of means and they can change the way we think and act. The art and science of communication can be an

APRIL 2021 Now, more than ever, worker health in the United States is a priority to each and every one of us. During this time of great challenges and

APRIL 2021 Spring is a welcomed time of year, a reminder of renewed hope. For agricultural communities, however, spring also means a busy season and new

MARCH 2021 Have you ever tried putting toothpaste back in the tube? It doesn’t work well. The same goes for farm safety. It’s better to prevent an

MARCH 2021 For those of us in the Upper Midwest, spring is a welcomed time of year. The days are longer, warmer and we can slowly shed the sweaters and

MARCH 2021 His background in veterinary medicine, public health, and research has proven an impactful addition to the development of animal and human health

MARCH 2021 Diane DeWitte and Sarah Schieck Boelke are Extension Educators with the University of Minnesota Extension. With both having educational backgrounds

FEBRUARY 2021 The National Resource Center for Refugees, Immigrants and Migrants (NRC-RIM) was established to address disparities in RIM (refugee, immigrant

FEBRUARY 2021 UMASH regularly emphasizes that agriculture is one of the most dangerous occupations in the US, according to the National Institute for Occupational

JANUARY 2021 Have you ever been told…”that’s my advice, take it or leave it.”? Many of us have sought advice from a trusted person – maybe

JANUARY 2021 An active imagination, paired with a One Health approach, may prevent future pandemics. UMASH’s programs and projects prioritize a One

JANUARY 2021 “We wanted to do good with our platform,” said Minnesota Millennial Farmer, Zach Johnson, after he and his wife raised $60,000 to prevent

JANUARY 2021 Farming is a dangerous and physically demanding job no matter your gender or body type. Even though women are very capable of running farming

DECEMBER 2020 A productive and positive work environment is integral to the success of any operation, and understanding how to achieve that is just as

NOVEMBER 2020 As we wrap up harvest, plans are being made for 2021. While we do not hope for any disasters, now is the time to plan for one. Shay Foulk

NOVEMBER 2020 Farming has always been a “busy” job and fall harvest is one of the busiest times of the year. Getting the crop out, repairing equipment,

NOVEMBER 2020 Dairy farms have been synonymous with Wisconsin for many years. America’s Dairyland is the tagline appropriately used on vehicle license

This fall we are saying goodbye to Diane Kampa, UMASH Center Coordinator since our beginning in 2011, and later directing the outreach program. Diane has

OCTOBER 2020 Conference season for many in agriculture comes around in the late fall and winter months. Moving these connections and presentations online

OCTOBER 2020 Following a series of serious farm incidents in Minnesota, AgWeek Journalist Noah Fish connected with UMASH and Extension to garner safety

Implications for Essential Workers COVID-19 has affected all of us in some way. During this time, UMASH has been providing trusted information to farmers,

UMASH staff are regularly thinking about how we engage and communicate with our audience and stakeholders in agricultural safety and health. Creating great

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

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

Be Safe and Smart Around Silage Tracey Erickson South Dakota State University Extension August 24, 2020 As summer changes over to autumn, silage harvest

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

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

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.

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

JULY 2020 “Is it hot enough for you?” Summer has arrived with all the heat, humidity and everyday conversations (or complaints) about the weather.

JUNE 2020 It is December 8, 2019, late afternoon and nearly time for milking… Meg Moynihan-Stuedemann is getting the parlor ready and notices that

811 is the national number designated by the Federal Communications Commission to help protect homeowners and professional excavators from unintentionally

 APRIL 2020 Our neighbors to the North in Canada, Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS), with Imperial Oil, have developed a simple, but effective

OSHA and the National Grain and Feed Association (NFGA) are increasing efforts to ensure that people stay safe when working around grain bins. Headed by

MARCH 2020 Ashley Fey, MPH Program Manager – AgriSafe Network AgriSafe has led distance education innovation in agricultural safety and health for

FEBRUARY 2020 Jeff Bender, DVM, MS Director, Upper Midwest Agricultural Safety and Health Center Farming is dangerous work and farm workers are at high

The Central States Center for Agricultural Safety and Health (CS-CASH) is proud to announce the 10th anniversary of the Center’s annual Agricultural

JANUARY 2020 Alexandra Cortes, Outreach staff Produce Safety Program, Minnesota Department of Agriculture What comes to mind when you think about the risks

DECEMBER 2019 Opioid dependency has been and continues to be a problem for many and it does not discriminate. Rural America is not immune to the problems

DECEMBER 2019 Safety is a big issue on the farm, but with busy days and potential language barriers, how do you discuss farm safety with employees? QuickCards

NOVEMBER 2019 Sharing is caring is a well used tag line for emails and social media to “get the word out ” on important topics. UMASH often shares

NOVEMBER 2019 Agriculture still ranks one of the most dangerous occupations, but what does that really mean? Where are the injuries occurring? What are

SEPTEMBER 2019 Minnesota drivers have to be Hands-Free as of August 2019, so we talked to Minnesota Safety Council’s President, Paul Aasen for answers

AUGUST 2019 Travel around the Upper Midwest and you’ll see that the landscape is dotted with grain bins in all shapes and sizes. These structures house

What comes to mind when you think of pigs?  The Three Little Pigs? Miss Piggy? Piglet? Pigs are common and a popular “character” in literature and

JULY 2019 In a time of information overload, being an amplifier and champion for safety is not a small feat to accomplish. Dr. Marcos Grigioni has been

Agriculture teachers play a vital role in educating the agricultural workforce of tomorrow. Incorporating occupational safety and health topics into the

The Center for Disease Control ( CDC) has recently released two guidelines for fair organizers and those exhibiting pigs at the fair to help all of us

Ninety-six percent of participating school-based agriculture teachers found animal safety either moderately, very, or extremely important to teach in the

The current issue of the peer-reviewed Journal of Agromedicine includes 13 articles focused on health and safety issues related to loggers and forestry

UMASH partner, Migrant Clinicians Network, incorporates popular education approaches such as comic books to illustrate complex topics in a user friendly

Inspired by evaluation feedback from last year’s Down on the Farm: Supporting Farmers in Stressful Times events, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture

Tick-borne diseases are on the rise, but are often misdiagnosed and under-reported. Check yourself, your family and your pets after being outside!

Registration is open for the 2019 International Society for Agricultural Safety and Health (ISASH) Annual Conference, June 24-27, at the Embassy Suites

A Fun on the Farm: Agritourism Workshop will be held May 16th in Farmington, MN to offer health and safety information for agritourism operators.

For 25 years, Progressive Agriculture Safety Days®, a program of the Progressive Agriculture Foundation (PAF), has been on a mission to provide the education,

Youth who want to learn more about farm and tractor safety or would like to work with equipment with over 20 horsepower off their family farms, have an

Excavation on the farm can be dangerous work. Hitting or damaging an underground gas or electric line can lead to potentially fatal results along with

Andrea Bjornestad, Assistant Professor in the Department of Counseling and Human Development at SDSU, shares information on South Dakota suicide statistics,

We’ve performed a quality review on all of our checklists to update links and resources, and created a new two-page fillable pdf with additional space

UMASH collaborator Emily Wilmes talks about stress in farm country though collaborations and workshops like Farming in Tough Times.

A unique dairy safety training program brings training to the field/barn on iPad devices. The mobile learning curriculum included the UMASH positive animal

What is One Health? Who uses it? Why is it important? Further understanding the links between people, animals, and the environment has allowed us to address

This spotlight discusses dust exposures and the proper use of one type of respirator, also known as a dust mask.

A broad range of organizations became Farm Safety Partners, sharing ag health and safety messages.

SEPTEMBER 2018 All too often we read or hear about an injury caused by a piece of farm equipment.  There are more than 700 deaths and 100,000 injuries

UMASH is partnering with the Minnesota Milk Producers Association (MMPA) to promote safety in the dairy industry.

Tractors and farming are nearly one and the same. Unfortunately tractor rollovers can and do occur too often, whether it is on the small hobby farm or

Megan Schossow, UMASH staffer and second-year graduate student, traveled to Washington, D.C. for an internship with the Agricultural Safety and Health

Tell a story, save a life. That’s the idea behind a new project inserting injury prevention messages into first-hand accounts of farmers and others impacted

As grass-cutting season gets underway it’s typical to see children and teenagers operating push and riding mowers. But these tasks can be hazardous.

The Minnesota Workplace Safety Consultation - Safety Grant Program provides up to $10,000 in matching funds to qualifying applicants to reduce injury and

Isn’t it satisfying to check items off a to-do list? UMASH created a safety resource that allows you to do exactly that. The Farm Safety Check is a

The media play an important role in reinforcing safety in agriculture and in rural life across the United States. What we write, say and show as images

In the busy life of farming, it is important to reach farmers where they are with relevant safety information to protect themselves, their families and

University of Minnesota student Alexis Murillo describes her experiences and what she learned during her time working as a UMASH Communications Intern.

November is a month to reflect and be thankful. Bruce Alexander, Director of UMASH, puts into words how grateful we are as an organization to partner with

There are many stories. Stories of farmers with chronic illnesses. Stories of middle aged ag-workers suffering from respiratory issues. Stories of farm

In August 2017, UMASH, the Great Plains Center for Agriculture Health (GPCAH), and the Center States Center for Agriculture Safety and Health (CS-CASH),

Megan Roberts, Assistant Extension Professor for the University of Minnesota, lead a pilot project to develop a curriculum for agriculture educators that

On August 1, 2017, UMASH sponsored a panel discussion at the Minnesota Farmfest. The panel discussion was titled Farm Safety: Protecting You, Your Family,

It is important to take special precautions on the roadways during planting and harvesting season—whether you are a farmer or driver of a motor vehicle.

On May 5th, the National Occupational Research Agenda (NORA) Symposium targeted the opioid crisis for its annual outreach event. The symposium focused

The occupational death rate on farms is nearly 800 percent greater than in all other industries combined. The leading cause of farm deaths is tractor rollovers.

The Upper Midwest Agricultural Safety and Health Center (UMASH) is pleased to announce the addition of an agricultural worker health and safety bi-weekly

Agricultural work is one of the most dangerous occupations in the US. In January 2017, those who work in this important industry were afforded stronger

AgInjuryNews.org is a great resource to monitor injury and fatality trends. These are not official numbers, but are gleaned from news reports across the

MAY 2016 Natalie Loots UMASH Evaluation Team Research Assistant, Division of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Minnesota School of Public

JANUARY 2013 Carrie Klumb Senior Epidemiologist, Minnesota Department of Health My husband, Ryan, is a third generation dairy farmer with approximately