FarmSafe Podcast Thu, 16 Apr 2026 04:09:15 -0400 https://gpcah.public-health.uiowa.edu/farmsafe/ en-us © 2026 FarmSafe Podcast yes b03e7f32-8dea-5c63-b768-e88ceb8deb34 cph-greatplainscenter@uiowa.edu Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health episodic false In the blink of an eye a farm injury can change your life. Sharing stories of events, close-calls, and effective safety strategies can help you identify on farm risks and figure out ways to prevent devastating injuries and illnesses. The Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health presents FarmSafe, a podcast dedicated to sharing stories and tips to help make your work on the farm safer and healthier. Original music for the FarmSafe podcast was written and performed by Ben Schmidt. This work was funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as part of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health’s Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health. The content does not necessarily represent the official views of the CDC or NIOSH.

]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) farm safety, agriculture, agricultural health, farming, falls, grain bins, skin cancer, ATV, chemical handling, animal handling, pesticides, confined spaces, Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health cph-greatplainscenter@uiowa.edu https://storage.buzzsprout.com/mnskp5bffwufurgzsk5qvknzgrp8?.jpg FarmSafe Podcast https://gpcah.public-health.uiowa.edu/farmsafe/ The 40 Percent Problem: Heart Health in Rural America The 40 Percent Problem: Heart Health in Rural America In this episode, Jenn Patterson sits down with Tim Nikolai, Senior Rural Health Director for the American Heart Association’s Midwest region, to discuss why rural communities face higher risks of heart disease and stroke and what can be done to change that. Tim shares how limited access to health care, healthy foods, and physical activity contributes to these disparities, while also highlighting the inspiring ways rural communities are stepping up—through partnerships with libraries, churches, schools, and local organizations—to promote heart health. The conversation explores practical strategies like the American Heart Association’s “Life’s Essential 8,” the importance of prevention, and how small, everyday choices can make a big difference, especially for farmers and rural residents. Tim also outlines opportunities for local partnerships and offers a hopeful vision for building a culture of health where the healthy choice is the easy choice in rural America. 


Episode Resources

]]> In this episode, Jenn Patterson sits down with Tim Nikolai, Senior Rural Health Director for the American Heart Association’s Midwest region, to discuss why rural communities face higher risks of heart disease and stroke and what can be done to change that. Tim shares how limited access to health care, healthy foods, and physical activity contributes to these disparities, while also highlighting the inspiring ways rural communities are stepping up—through partnerships with libraries, churches, schools, and local organizations—to promote heart health. The conversation explores practical strategies like the American Heart Association’s “Life’s Essential 8,” the importance of prevention, and how small, everyday choices can make a big difference, especially for farmers and rural residents. Tim also outlines opportunities for local partnerships and offers a hopeful vision for building a culture of health where the healthy choice is the easy choice in rural America. 


Episode Resources

]]> Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health Buzzsprout-18580110 Wed, 28 Jan 2026 10:00:00 -0600 797 5 5 full false How Farmers Get Hurt: Insights from Iowa's Trauma Registry How Farmers Get Hurt: Insights from Iowa's Trauma Registry Jon Davis, a researcher and assistant professor at the University of Iowa’s College of Public Health has released an updated analysis of more than 3,700 farm-related injuries treated in Iowa hospitals between 2017 and 2023, using the state’s uniquely detailed trauma registry. Because Iowa is one of the few states that flags farm-related injuries in hospital data, the report provides a rare, accurate look at how farmers are getting hurt on the job. Davis found the patterns in his most recent report of injury trends remarkably consistent with earlier years, highlighting long-standing hazards that continue to challenge farm safety. Although the data are specific to Iowa, Davis believes these trends likely reflect injury risks in neighboring states with similar livestock and row-crop operations, underscoring the importance of better data systems and targeted prevention efforts to keep farmers safe. 


Episode Resources

]]> Jon Davis, a researcher and assistant professor at the University of Iowa’s College of Public Health has released an updated analysis of more than 3,700 farm-related injuries treated in Iowa hospitals between 2017 and 2023, using the state’s uniquely detailed trauma registry. Because Iowa is one of the few states that flags farm-related injuries in hospital data, the report provides a rare, accurate look at how farmers are getting hurt on the job. Davis found the patterns in his most recent report of injury trends remarkably consistent with earlier years, highlighting long-standing hazards that continue to challenge farm safety. Although the data are specific to Iowa, Davis believes these trends likely reflect injury risks in neighboring states with similar livestock and row-crop operations, underscoring the importance of better data systems and targeted prevention efforts to keep farmers safe. 


Episode Resources

]]> Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health Buzzsprout-18580080 Wed, 28 Jan 2026 10:00:00 -0600 1171 5 4 full false The Mechanics of Injury: Understanding Hazards of Farm Equipment The Mechanics of Injury: Understanding Hazards of Farm Equipment Dr. Renee Anthony joins us to unpack new Iowa trauma registry data showing that machine interactions account for roughly a quarter of farm-related hospital visits, more than half of all amputations, and a third of crushing injuries. While PTO shafts remain a well-known hazard, the numbers reveal a wide range of other machinery—combines, grain elevators, conveyors, augers, and even non-ag equipment—sending farmers to the ER. This episode also previews the Great Plains Center’s upcoming three-part Ag Health Academy series, which offers practical, case-based guidance on machine hazards, guarding, and lockout procedures to help farmers recognize risks and prevent life-changing injuries. 


Episode Resources

]]> Dr. Renee Anthony joins us to unpack new Iowa trauma registry data showing that machine interactions account for roughly a quarter of farm-related hospital visits, more than half of all amputations, and a third of crushing injuries. While PTO shafts remain a well-known hazard, the numbers reveal a wide range of other machinery—combines, grain elevators, conveyors, augers, and even non-ag equipment—sending farmers to the ER. This episode also previews the Great Plains Center’s upcoming three-part Ag Health Academy series, which offers practical, case-based guidance on machine hazards, guarding, and lockout procedures to help farmers recognize risks and prevent life-changing injuries. 


Episode Resources

]]> Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health Buzzsprout-18580046 Wed, 28 Jan 2026 10:00:00 -0600 741 equipment 5 3 full false Pediatric Injury Prevention: A Focus on Rural Communities Pediatric Injury Prevention: A Focus on Rural Communities In this episode, Dr. Jenna Gibbs and Libby Ritchie join Lauren Lavin, host of the College of Public Health’s student podcast at the University of Iowa, to explore the realities of pediatric agricultural injuries. They discuss why injuries remain the leading cause of death for Americans ages 1–44, how terminology like “incident” instead of “accident” helps shift the focus toward prevention, and what makes farm environments uniquely challenging for children. Grounded in both research and real farm experience, this episode offers realistic, culturally informed guidance to keep rural kids safe while still allowing them to grow, learn, and contribute. 


Episode Resources

]]> In this episode, Dr. Jenna Gibbs and Libby Ritchie join Lauren Lavin, host of the College of Public Health’s student podcast at the University of Iowa, to explore the realities of pediatric agricultural injuries. They discuss why injuries remain the leading cause of death for Americans ages 1–44, how terminology like “incident” instead of “accident” helps shift the focus toward prevention, and what makes farm environments uniquely challenging for children. Grounded in both research and real farm experience, this episode offers realistic, culturally informed guidance to keep rural kids safe while still allowing them to grow, learn, and contribute. 


Episode Resources

]]> Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health Buzzsprout-18580008 Wed, 28 Jan 2026 10:00:00 -0600 1527 5 2 full false A New Chapter: Season 5 of the FarmSafe Podcast A New Chapter: Season 5 of the FarmSafe Podcast In the season five kickoff of the FarmSafe Podcast, host Libby Ritchie and Center Director Renee Anthony, preview a packed year of conversations focused on improving health and safety in agriculture. This season features insights from the American Heart Association and experts from the University of Iowa on child injury prevention, machine safety, and new findings from the Iowa Trauma Registry. 

]]> In the season five kickoff of the FarmSafe Podcast, host Libby Ritchie and Center Director Renee Anthony, preview a packed year of conversations focused on improving health and safety in agriculture. This season features insights from the American Heart Association and experts from the University of Iowa on child injury prevention, machine safety, and new findings from the Iowa Trauma Registry. 

]]> Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health Buzzsprout-18579977 Wed, 28 Jan 2026 10:00:00 -0600 476 5 1 full false Want to Make a Podcast? Lessons Learned from the FarmSafe Hosts Want to Make a Podcast? Lessons Learned from the FarmSafe Hosts Have you ever considered podcasting? The current and former FarmSafe hosts from seasons 1-4 are back to chat about what they learned from making the FarmSafe Podcast. They provide tips for interviewing, including fighting off nerves and creating compelling stories. How did we come up with an original goal of 15-minute episodes? What were the hurdles of starting a agricultural safety and health podcast? All will be answered from our hosts in this season 4 finale.

 

  • Season 1 featured Kate Crawford as the first host of the FarmSafe Podcast
  • Season 2 featured two hosts, Matison Bentley and Anna Proctor
  • Seasons 3 and 4- Libby Ritchie
]]> Have you ever considered podcasting? The current and former FarmSafe hosts from seasons 1-4 are back to chat about what they learned from making the FarmSafe Podcast. They provide tips for interviewing, including fighting off nerves and creating compelling stories. How did we come up with an original goal of 15-minute episodes? What were the hurdles of starting a agricultural safety and health podcast? All will be answered from our hosts in this season 4 finale.

 

  • Season 1 featured Kate Crawford as the first host of the FarmSafe Podcast
  • Season 2 featured two hosts, Matison Bentley and Anna Proctor
  • Seasons 3 and 4- Libby Ritchie
]]> Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health Buzzsprout-17587895 Wed, 30 Jul 2025 10:00:00 -0500 1927 4 18 full false Teaching Safety to the Next Generation of Farmers Teaching Safety to the Next Generation of Farmers Carolyn Sheridan, Executive Director of the Ag Health and Safety Alliance, describes the Gear Up for Ag program focused on educating the next generation of farmers and agricultural workers on health and safety. The program, tailored for various age groups (youth, high school, college), prioritizes engagement through interactive activities and demonstrations.


Episode Resources

]]> Carolyn Sheridan, Executive Director of the Ag Health and Safety Alliance, describes the Gear Up for Ag program focused on educating the next generation of farmers and agricultural workers on health and safety. The program, tailored for various age groups (youth, high school, college), prioritizes engagement through interactive activities and demonstrations.


Episode Resources

]]> Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health Buzzsprout-17587887 Wed, 30 Jul 2025 10:00:00 -0500 855 4 17 full false Tips from Farm Youth Educators Tips from Farm Youth Educators Jana Davidson, program manager for the Progressive Agriculture Foundation, and Marsha Cheyney, outreach specialist for the Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health, discuss their strategies for agricultural safety outreach programs. Davidson stresses the importance of evaluating ROI and aligning activities with their mission of creating safer and healthier rural communities.

Cheyney, representing the regional Great Plains Center, describes a similar but regionally focused approach. Like Davidson, she stresses the importance of collaborative work across organizations to reach a broader audience and recognizes the importance of communicating effectively with different age ranges in the community and ensuring both immediate and long-term learning opportunities.


Episode Resources

]]> Jana Davidson, program manager for the Progressive Agriculture Foundation, and Marsha Cheyney, outreach specialist for the Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health, discuss their strategies for agricultural safety outreach programs. Davidson stresses the importance of evaluating ROI and aligning activities with their mission of creating safer and healthier rural communities.

Cheyney, representing the regional Great Plains Center, describes a similar but regionally focused approach. Like Davidson, she stresses the importance of collaborative work across organizations to reach a broader audience and recognizes the importance of communicating effectively with different age ranges in the community and ensuring both immediate and long-term learning opportunities.


Episode Resources

]]> Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health Buzzsprout-17587872 Wed, 30 Jul 2025 10:00:00 -0500 1030 4 16 full false Pilot Spotlight – Safety Conversations between Farm Parents and Youth Pilot Spotlight – Safety Conversations between Farm Parents and Youth Former FarmSafe host, Anna Proctor, PhD, is back to discuss her pilot project with the Great Plains Center. Her study looks at conversations between parent-child dyads to determine how safety behaviors are passed on through modeling, training, and supervision. Do the parents and their adolescents share safety practices and beliefs? And how will these conversations lead to a better understanding of youth safety on the farm?


Episode Resources

]]> Former FarmSafe host, Anna Proctor, PhD, is back to discuss her pilot project with the Great Plains Center. Her study looks at conversations between parent-child dyads to determine how safety behaviors are passed on through modeling, training, and supervision. Do the parents and their adolescents share safety practices and beliefs? And how will these conversations lead to a better understanding of youth safety on the farm?


Episode Resources

]]> Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health Buzzsprout-17587860 Wed, 30 Jul 2025 10:00:00 -0500 1077 4 15 full false Rabies Safety in the Midwest Rabies Safety in the Midwest In this episode, Andrew Hennenfent, Iowa’s State Public Health Veterinarian, expertly walks us through rabies risk assessment and prevention strategies tailored specifically to agritourism farms. We also hear from Carrie Klumb, Senior Epidemiologist from Minnesota’s Department of Health, who weighed in on rabies trends from her state. We break down which wildlife species pose the greatest threat, the main routes of transmission, and practical on‑farm prevention tactics. The guest also discusses clinical signs to watch for, the role of environmental factors, and the critical importance of immediate response and local health department coordination.


Episode Resources

]]> In this episode, Andrew Hennenfent, Iowa’s State Public Health Veterinarian, expertly walks us through rabies risk assessment and prevention strategies tailored specifically to agritourism farms. We also hear from Carrie Klumb, Senior Epidemiologist from Minnesota’s Department of Health, who weighed in on rabies trends from her state. We break down which wildlife species pose the greatest threat, the main routes of transmission, and practical on‑farm prevention tactics. The guest also discusses clinical signs to watch for, the role of environmental factors, and the critical importance of immediate response and local health department coordination.


Episode Resources

]]> Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health Buzzsprout-17587852 Wed, 30 Jul 2025 10:00:00 -0500 1293 4 14 full false Harnessing Fire for Farm Health Harnessing Fire for Farm Health Prescribed fire has evolved from ancient, indigenous land care to a modern toolbox in conservation and sustainable agriculture. Mechanization and chemical substitutes led to its decline, but renewed interest—rooted in both ecological science and cultural revival—has reinvigorated prescribed burning as a vital, multi-purpose land management practice. Amanda Stallman joins us for this episode to provide valuable insight for modern practices and resources like local fire departments, colleges, and land trusts can help farmers learn and utilize prescribed fires.


Episode Resources

Prescribed Fire ‘how-to’ videos:

Basic Smoke Management Practices

Local USDA Service Center Finder/Contact – Find prescribed burn plan template/job sheet and local contractors list: https://offices.sc.egov.usda.gov/locator/app

]]> Prescribed fire has evolved from ancient, indigenous land care to a modern toolbox in conservation and sustainable agriculture. Mechanization and chemical substitutes led to its decline, but renewed interest—rooted in both ecological science and cultural revival—has reinvigorated prescribed burning as a vital, multi-purpose land management practice. Amanda Stallman joins us for this episode to provide valuable insight for modern practices and resources like local fire departments, colleges, and land trusts can help farmers learn and utilize prescribed fires.


Episode Resources

Prescribed Fire ‘how-to’ videos:

Basic Smoke Management Practices

Local USDA Service Center Finder/Contact – Find prescribed burn plan template/job sheet and local contractors list: https://offices.sc.egov.usda.gov/locator/app

]]> Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health Buzzsprout-17587825 Wed, 30 Jul 2025 10:00:00 -0500 1209 fire safety, wildfires 4 13 full false What’s Happening with Automated Driving Systems on Rural Roadways What’s Happening with Automated Driving Systems on Rural Roadways Omar Ahmad, Deputy Director of the Driving Safety Research Institute at the University of Iowa, discusses his recent project focused on automated driving systems (ADS) in rural America. This episode discusses the challenges of deploying automated vehicles (AVs), particularly in rural areas. Omar highlights issues like software bias towards urban environments, sensor malfunctions in poor weather (especially ice), and difficulty with irregular intersections and high-speed traffic in rural areas. While AVs show promise for safety and mobility in general, this conversation identifies that the technology is not yet ready for widespread autonomous deployment in rural settings. 


Episode Resources

Omar Ahmad’s Project page

Traditional roadway hazard study on roadway crashes: Farm vehicle crashes on public roads: Analysis of farm-level factors 

]]> Omar Ahmad, Deputy Director of the Driving Safety Research Institute at the University of Iowa, discusses his recent project focused on automated driving systems (ADS) in rural America. This episode discusses the challenges of deploying automated vehicles (AVs), particularly in rural areas. Omar highlights issues like software bias towards urban environments, sensor malfunctions in poor weather (especially ice), and difficulty with irregular intersections and high-speed traffic in rural areas. While AVs show promise for safety and mobility in general, this conversation identifies that the technology is not yet ready for widespread autonomous deployment in rural settings. 


Episode Resources

Omar Ahmad’s Project page

Traditional roadway hazard study on roadway crashes: Farm vehicle crashes on public roads: Analysis of farm-level factors 

]]> Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health Buzzsprout-17587797 Wed, 30 Jul 2025 10:00:00 -0500 1244 roadway 4 12 full false Farm Burn Basics: First Aid for the Field Farm Burn Basics: First Aid for the Field This episode discusses fire safety and first aid procedures, particularly relevant to farm settings. A key takeaway is the importance of prevention in avoiding injuries and fires. Our expert, Pittsville Fire Chief, Jerry Minor, emphasizes a proactive approach, encompassing proper equipment, training, and building awareness for employees and the entire family. The discussion highlights the importance of proactive safety measures in preventing and responding to fires and injuries on farms. 


Episode Resources

First Aid for Burns, GPCAH [Poster, 11x17]

First Aid for Burns, GPCAH [Handout, 8.5x11]

First Aid/CPR/AED Courses, American Red Cross, Webpage

First Aid Training Resources 

To obtain first aid training, check local hospitals, schools, emergency medical services (EMS), and similar resources for upcoming first aid classes. Sign up for a first aid or first responder class or organize a class for workers or local agricultural organizations. Several state and national organizations, including those listed below, may have courses or trainers available in your area:

  • American Red Cross: Input your zip code on the website to find a local Red Cross office.
  • National Safety Council: Choose the type of class you wish to take and identify your area to locate an instructor.

Note that many institutions also offer online training courses.

]]> This episode discusses fire safety and first aid procedures, particularly relevant to farm settings. A key takeaway is the importance of prevention in avoiding injuries and fires. Our expert, Pittsville Fire Chief, Jerry Minor, emphasizes a proactive approach, encompassing proper equipment, training, and building awareness for employees and the entire family. The discussion highlights the importance of proactive safety measures in preventing and responding to fires and injuries on farms. 


Episode Resources

First Aid for Burns, GPCAH [Poster, 11x17]

First Aid for Burns, GPCAH [Handout, 8.5x11]

First Aid/CPR/AED Courses, American Red Cross, Webpage

First Aid Training Resources 

To obtain first aid training, check local hospitals, schools, emergency medical services (EMS), and similar resources for upcoming first aid classes. Sign up for a first aid or first responder class or organize a class for workers or local agricultural organizations. Several state and national organizations, including those listed below, may have courses or trainers available in your area:

  • American Red Cross: Input your zip code on the website to find a local Red Cross office.
  • National Safety Council: Choose the type of class you wish to take and identify your area to locate an instructor.

Note that many institutions also offer online training courses.

]]> Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health Buzzsprout-17023205 Wed, 23 Apr 2025 09:00:00 -0500 1049 fire safety, first aid 4 11 full false Growing Safely, Part 3: Closing the Child Care Access Gap Growing Safely, Part 3: Closing the Child Care Access Gap While useful tools and educational programs are being developed to address childcare needs and farm child safety, there are still many social, practical, and monetary challenges to overcome. Dr. Florence Becot joins us again to wrap up our three-part series. This time, we explore the broader impact of childcare expenses on farm families' ability to earn a living and the need for more extensive support initiatives in rural areas to mitigate some of these challenges. This episode highlights the need for comprehensive support that goes beyond simply addressing childcare access and emphasizes the importance of stable farm income and affordable health insurance to enable farmers to successfully balance work and family responsibilities. 


Episode Resources

A Roadmap for Delivering Child Care in Agricultural Communities, National Children’s Center for Rural and Agricultural Health and Safety & Migrant Clinicians Network, Workbook

Safe Play Posters, Cultivate Safety

Child Agricultural Safety Brochure, National Children’s Center for Rural and Agricultural Health and Safety [PDF]

Child/Youth Agricultural Safety Checklist, National Children’s Center for Rural and Agricultural Health and Safety [PDF]


]]> While useful tools and educational programs are being developed to address childcare needs and farm child safety, there are still many social, practical, and monetary challenges to overcome. Dr. Florence Becot joins us again to wrap up our three-part series. This time, we explore the broader impact of childcare expenses on farm families' ability to earn a living and the need for more extensive support initiatives in rural areas to mitigate some of these challenges. This episode highlights the need for comprehensive support that goes beyond simply addressing childcare access and emphasizes the importance of stable farm income and affordable health insurance to enable farmers to successfully balance work and family responsibilities. 


Episode Resources

A Roadmap for Delivering Child Care in Agricultural Communities, National Children’s Center for Rural and Agricultural Health and Safety & Migrant Clinicians Network, Workbook

Safe Play Posters, Cultivate Safety

Child Agricultural Safety Brochure, National Children’s Center for Rural and Agricultural Health and Safety [PDF]

Child/Youth Agricultural Safety Checklist, National Children’s Center for Rural and Agricultural Health and Safety [PDF]


]]> Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health Buzzsprout-17016950 Wed, 23 Apr 2025 09:00:00 -0500 1003 4 10 full false Growing Safely, Part 2: Balancing Farming & Family Growing Safely, Part 2: Balancing Farming & Family Farm families face similar childcare access and affordability challenges as other working families nationwide, yet research on their specific experiences and needs is limited. Existing research lacks a deep understanding of how farm families actually use childcare, and what types of arrangements and support systems would motivate them to utilize childcare more. In this episode, we are joined by Florence Becot, nationwide insurance early career professor in agricultural safety and health and a faculty member at Penn State University. Dr. Becot’s work contributes to the field of agricultural health and safety by examining how under-appreciated factors such as childcare, health care, and health insurance shape farm families’ ability and willingness to adopt farm safety practices and seek medical care. We discuss Dr. Becot’s current study, which highlights the significant, often overlooked, mental health challenges faced by farm women while raising children. 


Episode Resources

Cultivate Safety, Resource Search Webpage

Creating Safe Play Areas on Farms, National Children’s Center for Rural and Agricultural Health; National Farm Medicine Center; Marshfield Clinic, Booklet

Safe Play Areas, Cultivate Safety, Handout [PDF]

Play Ideas, Cultivate Safety, Handout [PDF]

]]> Farm families face similar childcare access and affordability challenges as other working families nationwide, yet research on their specific experiences and needs is limited. Existing research lacks a deep understanding of how farm families actually use childcare, and what types of arrangements and support systems would motivate them to utilize childcare more. In this episode, we are joined by Florence Becot, nationwide insurance early career professor in agricultural safety and health and a faculty member at Penn State University. Dr. Becot’s work contributes to the field of agricultural health and safety by examining how under-appreciated factors such as childcare, health care, and health insurance shape farm families’ ability and willingness to adopt farm safety practices and seek medical care. We discuss Dr. Becot’s current study, which highlights the significant, often overlooked, mental health challenges faced by farm women while raising children. 


Episode Resources

Cultivate Safety, Resource Search Webpage

Creating Safe Play Areas on Farms, National Children’s Center for Rural and Agricultural Health; National Farm Medicine Center; Marshfield Clinic, Booklet

Safe Play Areas, Cultivate Safety, Handout [PDF]

Play Ideas, Cultivate Safety, Handout [PDF]

]]> Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health Buzzsprout-17016922 Wed, 23 Apr 2025 09:00:00 -0500 974 mental health 4 9 full false Growing Safely, Part 1: Navigating Childcare Access and Farm Safety Growing Safely, Part 1: Navigating Childcare Access and Farm Safety Many farmworkers, particularly those in rural areas, have faced difficulties finding affordable, reliable childcare options due to the demands of farm work, which often includes long, irregular hours. Rural communities often lack sufficient childcare providers, and those that do exist may be too expensive or lack flexibility to accommodate farmers' schedules. Additionally, farm families may have limited access to public childcare assistance programs, as these are often more geared toward urban populations. The intersection of low wages in agricultural labor and limited social services has compounded these issues. Over time, various advocacy groups and policymakers have worked to highlight the need for better childcare access in farm communities, but challenges remain. In this episode, we talk with Dr. Florence Becot, nationwide insurance early career professor in agricultural safety and health and faculty member at Penn State, whose research may shed light on solutions that could reshape how we think about childcare in rural communities.


Episode Resources

Linking Childcare to Farm Children Safety, Marshfield Clinic Research Institute

Short article: ‘Farm families’ childcare challenges impacting farm businesses’, Penn State University

Picture exhibit ”Childcare challenges on the farm: We can’t fix what we don’t see”, Ohio State University

Short article: ‘When and how to safely involve the children on the farm’, Penn State University

]]> Many farmworkers, particularly those in rural areas, have faced difficulties finding affordable, reliable childcare options due to the demands of farm work, which often includes long, irregular hours. Rural communities often lack sufficient childcare providers, and those that do exist may be too expensive or lack flexibility to accommodate farmers' schedules. Additionally, farm families may have limited access to public childcare assistance programs, as these are often more geared toward urban populations. The intersection of low wages in agricultural labor and limited social services has compounded these issues. Over time, various advocacy groups and policymakers have worked to highlight the need for better childcare access in farm communities, but challenges remain. In this episode, we talk with Dr. Florence Becot, nationwide insurance early career professor in agricultural safety and health and faculty member at Penn State, whose research may shed light on solutions that could reshape how we think about childcare in rural communities.


Episode Resources

Linking Childcare to Farm Children Safety, Marshfield Clinic Research Institute

Short article: ‘Farm families’ childcare challenges impacting farm businesses’, Penn State University

Picture exhibit ”Childcare challenges on the farm: We can’t fix what we don’t see”, Ohio State University

Short article: ‘When and how to safely involve the children on the farm’, Penn State University

]]> Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health Buzzsprout-17016902 Wed, 23 Apr 2025 09:00:00 -0500 1070 4 8 full false Flock & Flu: Guidelines for Backyard Poultry Flock & Flu: Guidelines for Backyard Poultry In this episode, we sit down with Ellen Duysen, research assistant professor at the UNMC College of Public Health and coordinator of the Central States Center for Agricultural Safety and Health, to discuss the importance of raising backyard poultry and the growing threat of bird flu (avian influenza). Ellen shares key insights into how bird flu spreads, particularly in small-scale, backyard flocks, and the potential risks it poses to both poultry and human health. Listeners will learn essential biosecurity guidelines to protect their flocks, including steps to reduce exposure to wild birds and maintain clean living environments. The episode also covers the importance of monitoring flock health, recognizing early signs of illness, and what to do if bird flu is suspected. Whether you're a seasoned poultry keeper or just starting, this episode provides invaluable advice to keep your birds safe and healthy.


Episode Resources

Bird Flu Resources, University of Nebraska Medicine, CS-CASH

“Protect Yourself and Your Flock from Bird Flu”, Ellen Duysen, Farm Progress Column 

Bird Flu Resources, GPCAH


For your free personal protective equipment kit designed to protect you and your flock from bird flu, contact Ellen Duysen at ellen.duysen@unmc.edu.

If you would like information on bird flu and free personal protective equipment kits for your 4H or FFA group, contact Ellen Duysen at ellen.duysen@unmc.edu.

]]> In this episode, we sit down with Ellen Duysen, research assistant professor at the UNMC College of Public Health and coordinator of the Central States Center for Agricultural Safety and Health, to discuss the importance of raising backyard poultry and the growing threat of bird flu (avian influenza). Ellen shares key insights into how bird flu spreads, particularly in small-scale, backyard flocks, and the potential risks it poses to both poultry and human health. Listeners will learn essential biosecurity guidelines to protect their flocks, including steps to reduce exposure to wild birds and maintain clean living environments. The episode also covers the importance of monitoring flock health, recognizing early signs of illness, and what to do if bird flu is suspected. Whether you're a seasoned poultry keeper or just starting, this episode provides invaluable advice to keep your birds safe and healthy.


Episode Resources

Bird Flu Resources, University of Nebraska Medicine, CS-CASH

“Protect Yourself and Your Flock from Bird Flu”, Ellen Duysen, Farm Progress Column 

Bird Flu Resources, GPCAH


For your free personal protective equipment kit designed to protect you and your flock from bird flu, contact Ellen Duysen at ellen.duysen@unmc.edu.

If you would like information on bird flu and free personal protective equipment kits for your 4H or FFA group, contact Ellen Duysen at ellen.duysen@unmc.edu.

]]> Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health Buzzsprout-17016862 Wed, 23 Apr 2025 09:00:00 -0500 887 ppe 4 7 full false The Farm-Kid Paradox The Farm-Kid Paradox Dr. Barbara Lee and Melissa Ploeckelman are joining us again for this episode, The Farm-Kid Paradox, focusing on how to keep children and youth safe while working and living on the farm. The episode covers best practices for educating young farm workers, fostering a culture of safety, and providing age-appropriate tasks to prevent farm incidents.

Episode Resources
Agricultural Youth Work Guidelines

Childhood Agricultural Injuries – 2020 Factsheet, National Children’s Center for Rural and Agricultural Health ad Safety

Child Farm Injuries are Never “Accidents” by Dr. Barbara Lee 

]]> Dr. Barbara Lee and Melissa Ploeckelman are joining us again for this episode, The Farm-Kid Paradox, focusing on how to keep children and youth safe while working and living on the farm. The episode covers best practices for educating young farm workers, fostering a culture of safety, and providing age-appropriate tasks to prevent farm incidents.

Episode Resources
Agricultural Youth Work Guidelines

Childhood Agricultural Injuries – 2020 Factsheet, National Children’s Center for Rural and Agricultural Health ad Safety

Child Farm Injuries are Never “Accidents” by Dr. Barbara Lee 

]]> Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health Buzzsprout-16484182 Wed, 29 Jan 2025 09:00:00 -0600 901 4 6 full false The Seed of Success: Growing Your Farm's Future The Seed of Success: Growing Your Farm's Future In this episode, we tackle the topic of succession planning for family farms. Our guest, Joy Kirkpatrick, a seasoned professional in farm management and succession planning, shares expert advice on how to navigate the often complex process of transferring farm ownership and leadership to the next generation. We discuss strategies for building the skills of successors, planning what is next for the owner generation, the importance of clear communication, and how to address the financial, legal, and emotional aspects of succession. This episode will offer valuable insights to help you plan ahead and make informed decisions about the future of your farm.

Episode Resources
Cultivating Your Farm’s Future Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Farm Management Division of Extension Webpage 

Cultivating Your Farm’s Future – Workbook for Farm Succession Planning, University of Wisconsin-Madison

“Real Talk: Farm Succession Planning,” Penn State Extension

Farm Succession Planning – Conversations to Strengthen Farm & Family, Penn State Extension (Kaplan M, Becker J, Nussbaum J, O’Sullivan A)

]]> In this episode, we tackle the topic of succession planning for family farms. Our guest, Joy Kirkpatrick, a seasoned professional in farm management and succession planning, shares expert advice on how to navigate the often complex process of transferring farm ownership and leadership to the next generation. We discuss strategies for building the skills of successors, planning what is next for the owner generation, the importance of clear communication, and how to address the financial, legal, and emotional aspects of succession. This episode will offer valuable insights to help you plan ahead and make informed decisions about the future of your farm.

Episode Resources
Cultivating Your Farm’s Future Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Farm Management Division of Extension Webpage 

Cultivating Your Farm’s Future – Workbook for Farm Succession Planning, University of Wisconsin-Madison

“Real Talk: Farm Succession Planning,” Penn State Extension

Farm Succession Planning – Conversations to Strengthen Farm & Family, Penn State Extension (Kaplan M, Becker J, Nussbaum J, O’Sullivan A)

]]> Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health Buzzsprout-16484029 Wed, 29 Jan 2025 09:00:00 -0600 1224 mental health 4 5 full false Falls on Farms: The Medication Connection Falls on Farms: The Medication Connection In this podcast, we delve into the issue of medication-related falls among farmers, highlighting the risks that medications pose when mixed with the physically demanding nature of farming. Our expert for this episode, Dr. Ryan Carnahan, is currently involved in various projects, including reducing the use of high-risk medications in older adults to prevent falls. Dr. Carnahan emphasizes the importance of regular medication reviews and understanding the side effects of medications.

Episode Resources
Ag Health 101, Unit 9: Falls on Farms [Audio] 

Ag Health 101, Unit 9: Falls on Farms [Unit Summary]

Medications Linked to Falls Fact Sheet

]]> In this podcast, we delve into the issue of medication-related falls among farmers, highlighting the risks that medications pose when mixed with the physically demanding nature of farming. Our expert for this episode, Dr. Ryan Carnahan, is currently involved in various projects, including reducing the use of high-risk medications in older adults to prevent falls. Dr. Carnahan emphasizes the importance of regular medication reviews and understanding the side effects of medications.

Episode Resources
Ag Health 101, Unit 9: Falls on Farms [Audio] 

Ag Health 101, Unit 9: Falls on Farms [Unit Summary]

Medications Linked to Falls Fact Sheet

]]> Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health Buzzsprout-16483979 Wed, 29 Jan 2025 09:00:00 -0600 968 falls 4 4 full false Burning Issues: Fire Safety on the Farm Burning Issues: Fire Safety on the Farm In this episode, we're joined by Fire Chief Jerry Minor, who shares invaluable insights on fire safety and prevention specifically tailored for farms. With years of experience in fire management, Jerry Minor discusses the unique fire risks that farmers face and offers expert advice on how to minimize those dangers. From understanding the importance of proper equipment maintenance and fire-resistant materials to creating fire safety plans and emergency response strategies, this episode covers everything you need to know to keep your farm safe. Whether you run a small family farm or a large operation, these practical tips will help protect your land, animals, and livelihood from the threat of fire.

Episode Resources
The Telling the Story Project, Leon Sheets

Farm Mapper

Safer Farm

RF-DASH Webpage

Farm Fire Prevention Guide, I-CASH

]]> In this episode, we're joined by Fire Chief Jerry Minor, who shares invaluable insights on fire safety and prevention specifically tailored for farms. With years of experience in fire management, Jerry Minor discusses the unique fire risks that farmers face and offers expert advice on how to minimize those dangers. From understanding the importance of proper equipment maintenance and fire-resistant materials to creating fire safety plans and emergency response strategies, this episode covers everything you need to know to keep your farm safe. Whether you run a small family farm or a large operation, these practical tips will help protect your land, animals, and livelihood from the threat of fire.

Episode Resources
The Telling the Story Project, Leon Sheets

Farm Mapper

Safer Farm

RF-DASH Webpage

Farm Fire Prevention Guide, I-CASH

]]> Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health Buzzsprout-16483810 Wed, 29 Jan 2025 09:00:00 -0600 1081 fire safety 4 3 full false Farming the Message: Reporting Agricultural Incidents Farming the Message: Reporting Agricultural Incidents In this episode, we explore the important role that terminology plays in how agricultural injuries and fatalities are reported in the media. Dr. Barbara Lee and Melissa Ploeckelman, from the National Children's Center for Rural and Ag Health and Safety in Marshfield, WI, stress the importance of using precise, consistent language that reflects the gravity of these incidents and respects the lives affected. The episode also touches on the impact of sensationalism and vague reporting, which can undermine the true extent of farm safety issues. By advocating for more thoughtful and informed language, the podcast aims to raise awareness and foster greater attention to the often-overlooked dangers of the farming profession.

Episode Resources
Child Farm Injuries are Never “Accidents” by Dr. Barbara Lee  

Child injuries on farms are not ‘accidents’  

Marshfield Clinic Research Institute, “Accidents” vs Incidents Webpage

]]> In this episode, we explore the important role that terminology plays in how agricultural injuries and fatalities are reported in the media. Dr. Barbara Lee and Melissa Ploeckelman, from the National Children's Center for Rural and Ag Health and Safety in Marshfield, WI, stress the importance of using precise, consistent language that reflects the gravity of these incidents and respects the lives affected. The episode also touches on the impact of sensationalism and vague reporting, which can undermine the true extent of farm safety issues. By advocating for more thoughtful and informed language, the podcast aims to raise awareness and foster greater attention to the often-overlooked dangers of the farming profession.

Episode Resources
Child Farm Injuries are Never “Accidents” by Dr. Barbara Lee  

Child injuries on farms are not ‘accidents’  

Marshfield Clinic Research Institute, “Accidents” vs Incidents Webpage

]]> Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health Buzzsprout-16483732 Wed, 29 Jan 2025 09:00:00 -0600 811 4 2 full false Welcome to Season 4! Welcome to Season 4! We kick off the new Season 4 of the FarmSafe Podcast. Our Season 3 host, Libby Ritchie, returns to chat with Center Director Renee Anthony to talk about the new format for Season 4. In this September 2024 episode drop, we are highlighting episodes that correspond to social media promotion for the National Farm Safety & Health Week. The list of past episodes we are mapping to topics this year are listed below:


National Farm Safety & Health Week – Topics & Episodes

Monday, Sept 16:  Equipment & Rural Roadway Safety

 

Tuesday, Sept 17:  Health & Wellness

 

Wednesday, Sept 18:  Generations of Farming

 

Thursday, Sept 19:  Confined Spaces

 

Friday, Sept 20: Reporting Ag Injuries

]]> We kick off the new Season 4 of the FarmSafe Podcast. Our Season 3 host, Libby Ritchie, returns to chat with Center Director Renee Anthony to talk about the new format for Season 4. In this September 2024 episode drop, we are highlighting episodes that correspond to social media promotion for the National Farm Safety & Health Week. The list of past episodes we are mapping to topics this year are listed below:


National Farm Safety & Health Week – Topics & Episodes

Monday, Sept 16:  Equipment & Rural Roadway Safety

 

Tuesday, Sept 17:  Health & Wellness

 

Wednesday, Sept 18:  Generations of Farming

 

Thursday, Sept 19:  Confined Spaces

 

Friday, Sept 20: Reporting Ag Injuries

]]> Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health Buzzsprout-15736244 Mon, 16 Sep 2024 07:00:00 -0500 782 4 1 full false Lessons on Lyme Lessons on Lyme In our last episode of this season, we spoke with Scott Heiberger, Communications Manager of the National Farm Medicine Center. He wrote about his and his wife's experience with Lyme disease in his 2019 Spotlight for the Upper Midwest Agricultural Safety and Health Center (UMASH): "Tick-borne diseases on the rise, but often misdiagnosed, underreported."

Episode Resources
Lyme Disease Surveillance Data

Lyme Disease, Marshfield Clinic

Tick ID Business Card

Tick ID Card

]]> In our last episode of this season, we spoke with Scott Heiberger, Communications Manager of the National Farm Medicine Center. He wrote about his and his wife's experience with Lyme disease in his 2019 Spotlight for the Upper Midwest Agricultural Safety and Health Center (UMASH): "Tick-borne diseases on the rise, but often misdiagnosed, underreported."

Episode Resources
Lyme Disease Surveillance Data

Lyme Disease, Marshfield Clinic

Tick ID Business Card

Tick ID Card

]]> Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health Buzzsprout-15311369 Wed, 26 Jun 2024 10:00:00 -0500 1037 3 17 full false Got Ticks? How and Why to Take Action Got Ticks? How and Why to Take Action Mandy Roome, PhD, is a researcher at the Northeast Center for Occupational Health and Safety. Her current project is on tick-borne diseases on Vermont farms. She shares about the tick-borne diseases common to each region and how farmers can protect themselves, since avoiding outdoor work is not likely for a farmer.

Episode Resources
CDC, Check what the common ticks are in your state at https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/about/where-ticks-live.html

NIOSH, for general information on Tick-Borne Diseases: https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/tick-borne/default.html

CDC, Tick Bite Data Tracker

]]> Mandy Roome, PhD, is a researcher at the Northeast Center for Occupational Health and Safety. Her current project is on tick-borne diseases on Vermont farms. She shares about the tick-borne diseases common to each region and how farmers can protect themselves, since avoiding outdoor work is not likely for a farmer.

Episode Resources
CDC, Check what the common ticks are in your state at https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/about/where-ticks-live.html

NIOSH, for general information on Tick-Borne Diseases: https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/tick-borne/default.html

CDC, Tick Bite Data Tracker

]]> Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health Buzzsprout-15226472 Wed, 12 Jun 2024 10:00:00 -0500 834 3 16 full false Safe Practices around Overhead Power Lines Safe Practices around Overhead Power Lines Electricity is one of the “silent killers” in agriculture. There are many ways to come in contact with it, and without an understanding of common electrical hazards, farmers can get hurt. Libby speaks with Ann Augspurger from Safe Electricity on these hazards. We also hear from Cody and Bailey Conrady. They share the story of Cody’s electrocution and the surgeries and loss of limbs that followed.

Episode Resources
Safe Electricity Homepage

Electrical Hazards During and After a Storm: https://safeelectricity.org/public-education/videos-library/

The Cody Conrady Story

Infographic on Electrical Safety during Spring Planting

]]> Electricity is one of the “silent killers” in agriculture. There are many ways to come in contact with it, and without an understanding of common electrical hazards, farmers can get hurt. Libby speaks with Ann Augspurger from Safe Electricity on these hazards. We also hear from Cody and Bailey Conrady. They share the story of Cody’s electrocution and the surgeries and loss of limbs that followed.

Episode Resources
Safe Electricity Homepage

Electrical Hazards During and After a Storm: https://safeelectricity.org/public-education/videos-library/

The Cody Conrady Story

Infographic on Electrical Safety during Spring Planting

]]> Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health Buzzsprout-15157264 Wed, 29 May 2024 10:00:00 -0500 1144 3 15 full false Support for Farmers' Mental Health and Well-Being Support for Farmers' Mental Health and Well-Being Did you know May is National Mental Health Awareness Month? We have a few voices on today's episode to discuss farmers' mental health. First, you'll hear from Kentucky farmer Quint Pottinger, owner of Affinity Farms. Then, Emily Krekelberg, Minnesota extension educator and dairy farmer, followed by Tammy Jacobs, Iowa State University Extension outreach and coordinator for the Iowa Concern hotline. In combination, this episode pulls together advice on how to support other farmers and what signs to look for if you or someone you love is struggling.

Episode Resources
Ag Worker Mental Health Training

RHIhub

Iowa Concern Hotline online or call 1-800-447-1985

]]> Did you know May is National Mental Health Awareness Month? We have a few voices on today's episode to discuss farmers' mental health. First, you'll hear from Kentucky farmer Quint Pottinger, owner of Affinity Farms. Then, Emily Krekelberg, Minnesota extension educator and dairy farmer, followed by Tammy Jacobs, Iowa State University Extension outreach and coordinator for the Iowa Concern hotline. In combination, this episode pulls together advice on how to support other farmers and what signs to look for if you or someone you love is struggling.

Episode Resources
Ag Worker Mental Health Training

RHIhub

Iowa Concern Hotline online or call 1-800-447-1985

]]> Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health Buzzsprout-15074672 Wed, 15 May 2024 12:00:00 -0500 937 mental health 3 14 full false Exploring the Multi-Generational Perspective on Health and Safety with The Millennial Farmer Exploring the Multi-Generational Perspective on Health and Safety with The Millennial Farmer Zach Johnson is the Minnesota Millennial Farmer. His YouTube account has over 1 million dedicated subscribers, and he is passionate about ag education — as are we! He has used his channel to promote organizations like Farm Rescue and Nationwide, who hosts Grain Bin Safety Week. He has shared videos on grain entrapment and rescue that lead to more shared stories in the comments below.

Episode Resources
https://farmrescue.org/

Constructing a farm succession plan

Millennial Farmer YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/@MillennialFarmer

]]> Zach Johnson is the Minnesota Millennial Farmer. His YouTube account has over 1 million dedicated subscribers, and he is passionate about ag education — as are we! He has used his channel to promote organizations like Farm Rescue and Nationwide, who hosts Grain Bin Safety Week. He has shared videos on grain entrapment and rescue that lead to more shared stories in the comments below.

Episode Resources
https://farmrescue.org/

Constructing a farm succession plan

Millennial Farmer YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/@MillennialFarmer

]]> Buzzsprout-14990787 Wed, 01 May 2024 12:00:00 -0500 1005 3 13 full false Community Building for Rural Response to Emergencies Community Building for Rural Response to Emergencies In this episode, we will explore the topic of emergency preparedness and response in the rural environment. Brian Feist, BSN, RN, and Emergency Preparedness Clinical Subject Matter Expert, and Dr. Richard Sidwell, trauma surgeon at Iowa Methodist, dive into community building and how it relates to preparedness and response efforts for rural emergencies. “One advantage that the small communities have is a depth of social capital. People want to help; people want to be involved with community. People have that community pride. Have social organizations be part of the disaster plan.”

Episode Resources
Stop the Bleed® Program

File for Life Folder

Smart 911

Farm Mapper

Alert Iowa

]]> In this episode, we will explore the topic of emergency preparedness and response in the rural environment. Brian Feist, BSN, RN, and Emergency Preparedness Clinical Subject Matter Expert, and Dr. Richard Sidwell, trauma surgeon at Iowa Methodist, dive into community building and how it relates to preparedness and response efforts for rural emergencies. “One advantage that the small communities have is a depth of social capital. People want to help; people want to be involved with community. People have that community pride. Have social organizations be part of the disaster plan.”

Episode Resources
Stop the Bleed® Program

File for Life Folder

Smart 911

Farm Mapper

Alert Iowa

]]> Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health Buzzsprout-14907636 Wed, 17 Apr 2024 12:00:00 -0500 1217 response 3 12 full false General Farm Emergency Preparedness General Farm Emergency Preparedness This episode focuses on emergency preparedness on the farm. We talked with extension educator and dairy farmer, Emily Krekelberg, about general tips that can help farmers plan for emergency situations. During the episode, we share information on the key pieces of information for your emergency action plan, including weather-related events, entrapments, or medical emergencies.

Episode Resources
Emergency Farm Plan Electronic Template, bulletin E-2575ET

Farm First Aid Graphic

Farm Emergency Plan: Tips and Guidance, Purdue University

USDA Livestock Preparedness Fact Sheet

Emergency Contacts
To Order a Farm First-Aid Kit: Gloria Reiter | email: reiterg@nicc.edu | phone: 563-556-5110, ext. 371

Matison Howard, graduate student focused in emergency preparedness: matison-bentley@uiowa.edu

]]> This episode focuses on emergency preparedness on the farm. We talked with extension educator and dairy farmer, Emily Krekelberg, about general tips that can help farmers plan for emergency situations. During the episode, we share information on the key pieces of information for your emergency action plan, including weather-related events, entrapments, or medical emergencies.

Episode Resources
Emergency Farm Plan Electronic Template, bulletin E-2575ET

Farm First Aid Graphic

Farm Emergency Plan: Tips and Guidance, Purdue University

USDA Livestock Preparedness Fact Sheet

Emergency Contacts
To Order a Farm First-Aid Kit: Gloria Reiter | email: reiterg@nicc.edu | phone: 563-556-5110, ext. 371

Matison Howard, graduate student focused in emergency preparedness: matison-bentley@uiowa.edu

]]> Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health Buzzsprout-14815736 Wed, 03 Apr 2024 09:00:00 -0500 998 response 3 11 full false Poisons, Part 2: Exposure Response Poisons, Part 2: Exposure Response It is National Poison Prevention Week 2024. This year’s theme is “When the unexpected happens, Poison Help is here for you 24/7”. Tammy Noble from the Iowa Poison Control Center is back this week to answer more of our poison questions. Head to @GPCAH on Facebook or X/Twitter to like, comment, and share our #NPPW24 posts the rest of this week!

Episode Resources:
Recommendations: Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention

Pesticide Poisoning Symptoms and First Aid, University of Missouri Extension

First Aid for Poisoning (8.5x11 handout)

First Aid for Poisoning (11x17 poster)

]]> It is National Poison Prevention Week 2024. This year’s theme is “When the unexpected happens, Poison Help is here for you 24/7”. Tammy Noble from the Iowa Poison Control Center is back this week to answer more of our poison questions. Head to @GPCAH on Facebook or X/Twitter to like, comment, and share our #NPPW24 posts the rest of this week!

Episode Resources:
Recommendations: Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention

Pesticide Poisoning Symptoms and First Aid, University of Missouri Extension

First Aid for Poisoning (8.5x11 handout)

First Aid for Poisoning (11x17 poster)

]]> Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health Buzzsprout-14712351 Wed, 20 Mar 2024 09:00:00 -0500 928 first aid, response 3 10 full false Poisons, Part 1: Exposure Prevention Poisons, Part 1: Exposure Prevention This episode is airing two weeks before National Poison Prevention Week (March 17-23rd). This is the first episode in a two-part conversation on poisoning exposure prevention, which is today’s episode, and poisoning exposure response on the 20th. Tammy Noble from the Iowa Poison Control Center will be guiding us through this topic. 

Episode Resources
Needle Stick Prevention on the Farm, UMASH: https://umash.umn.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Needlestick-Farmworkers-FactSheet-2020.pdf
The main UMASH page also includes multiple posters, videos, and training: https://umash.umn.edu/needlestick-prevention/

Farm Safety Check: Manure Management, UMASH: https://umash.umn.edu/farm-safety-check-manure-management-checklist/ 

Farm Safety Assessment, Rural Mutual Insurance: https://www.ruralmutual.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/Rural-Mutual-Farm-Safety-Assessment.pdf

Youth in Agriculture, Child Labor Laws, OSHA: https://www.osha.gov/etools/youth-agriculture/chemicals-pesticides

]]> This episode is airing two weeks before National Poison Prevention Week (March 17-23rd). This is the first episode in a two-part conversation on poisoning exposure prevention, which is today’s episode, and poisoning exposure response on the 20th. Tammy Noble from the Iowa Poison Control Center will be guiding us through this topic. 

Episode Resources
Needle Stick Prevention on the Farm, UMASH: https://umash.umn.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Needlestick-Farmworkers-FactSheet-2020.pdf
The main UMASH page also includes multiple posters, videos, and training: https://umash.umn.edu/needlestick-prevention/

Farm Safety Check: Manure Management, UMASH: https://umash.umn.edu/farm-safety-check-manure-management-checklist/ 

Farm Safety Assessment, Rural Mutual Insurance: https://www.ruralmutual.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/Rural-Mutual-Farm-Safety-Assessment.pdf

Youth in Agriculture, Child Labor Laws, OSHA: https://www.osha.gov/etools/youth-agriculture/chemicals-pesticides

]]> Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health Buzzsprout-14635070 Wed, 06 Mar 2024 10:00:00 -0600 888 3 9 full false Grain Bin Safety, Part 4: Equipment Safety Grain Bin Safety, Part 4: Equipment Safety We are wrapping up our Gran Bin Safety series during February’s Grain Bin Safety Week. Join us today as we chat with Rich Gassman and Kristina TeBockhorst in the final part to our grain bin safety series. Today’s topic is grain handling equipment safety.

Episode Resources
Grain Safety Shorts: Grain Handling Equipment Safety, Kristina TeBockhorst: https://www.extension.iastate.edu/smallfarms/grain-safety-shorts-grain-handling-equipment-safety

Avoid Risks When Working Around Grain Handling and Processing Equipment, NASD: https://nasdonline.org/1290/d001095/avoid-risks-when-working-around-grain-handling-and.html

Grain Handling, OSHA: https://www.osha.gov/grain-handling/hazards

]]> We are wrapping up our Gran Bin Safety series during February’s Grain Bin Safety Week. Join us today as we chat with Rich Gassman and Kristina TeBockhorst in the final part to our grain bin safety series. Today’s topic is grain handling equipment safety.

Episode Resources
Grain Safety Shorts: Grain Handling Equipment Safety, Kristina TeBockhorst: https://www.extension.iastate.edu/smallfarms/grain-safety-shorts-grain-handling-equipment-safety

Avoid Risks When Working Around Grain Handling and Processing Equipment, NASD: https://nasdonline.org/1290/d001095/avoid-risks-when-working-around-grain-handling-and.html

Grain Handling, OSHA: https://www.osha.gov/grain-handling/hazards

]]> Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health Buzzsprout-14547720 Wed, 21 Feb 2024 11:00:00 -0600 973 grain bin safety 3 8 full false Grain Bin Safety, Part 3: Stored Grain Management to Minimize Bin Entry Grain Bin Safety, Part 3: Stored Grain Management to Minimize Bin Entry Grain must be managed all year round. The three Cs of grain management are Cooling, Coring and Cleaning and Checking. These must be implemented to ensure that your grain does not spoil. Kristina TeBockhorst returns to give us more details on this topic.

Episode Resources
Core Each Grain Bin This Fall, Kristina TeBockhorst: https://crops.extension.iastate.edu/blog/kristina-tebockhorst-shawn-shouse/core-each-grain-bin-fall

Winter Stored Grain Management, Kristina TeBockhorst: https://crops.extension.iastate.edu/blog/kristina-tebockhorst/winter-stored-grain-management

Cooling Grain Impacts on Grain Quality and Shelf-Life (Maximum Allowable Storage Life of Grain): https://crops.extension.iastate.edu/blog/charles-r-hurburgh/cooling-grain-impacts-grain-quality-and-shelf-life

]]> Grain must be managed all year round. The three Cs of grain management are Cooling, Coring and Cleaning and Checking. These must be implemented to ensure that your grain does not spoil. Kristina TeBockhorst returns to give us more details on this topic.

Episode Resources
Core Each Grain Bin This Fall, Kristina TeBockhorst: https://crops.extension.iastate.edu/blog/kristina-tebockhorst-shawn-shouse/core-each-grain-bin-fall

Winter Stored Grain Management, Kristina TeBockhorst: https://crops.extension.iastate.edu/blog/kristina-tebockhorst/winter-stored-grain-management

Cooling Grain Impacts on Grain Quality and Shelf-Life (Maximum Allowable Storage Life of Grain): https://crops.extension.iastate.edu/blog/charles-r-hurburgh/cooling-grain-impacts-grain-quality-and-shelf-life

]]> Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health Buzzsprout-14458143 Wed, 07 Feb 2024 09:00:00 -0600 952 grain bin safety 3 7 full false Grain Bin Safety, Part 2: Considerations for Preparing Bins for Grain Grain Bin Safety, Part 2: Considerations for Preparing Bins for Grain In this episode of FarmSafe, we hear from Anita Howard. She lost her 18-year-old son in a tragic grain bin incident in 2019. Anita maintains that it was 100% preventable if he had known what precautions to take. Our experts in this episode are Kristina TeBockhorst and Rich Gassman. Kristina will be our guide through this grain bin series. Rich will appear again too!

Episode Resources
Safety Precautions for Grain Bin-Related Hazards 

Grain Safety Shorts: Aeration – why, when, and how?, by Kristina TeBockhorst

Grain Safety Shorts: Bin Prep, by Kristina TeBockhorst 

]]> In this episode of FarmSafe, we hear from Anita Howard. She lost her 18-year-old son in a tragic grain bin incident in 2019. Anita maintains that it was 100% preventable if he had known what precautions to take. Our experts in this episode are Kristina TeBockhorst and Rich Gassman. Kristina will be our guide through this grain bin series. Rich will appear again too!

Episode Resources
Safety Precautions for Grain Bin-Related Hazards 

Grain Safety Shorts: Aeration – why, when, and how?, by Kristina TeBockhorst

Grain Safety Shorts: Bin Prep, by Kristina TeBockhorst 

]]> Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health Buzzsprout-14368419 Wed, 24 Jan 2024 08:00:00 -0600 963 grain bin safety 3 6 full false Grain Bin Safety, Part 1: Motivation and Tips to Prevent Engulfment Grain Bin Safety, Part 1: Motivation and Tips to Prevent Engulfment This is our first episode in a series on grain bins leading up to grain bin safety week. We hear a farmer story from Norm Deets on an extremely close call on the farm, resulting from grain entrapment. Our expert, Emily Krekelberg, starts off this series by discussing precautions and proper equipment (PPE) needed before entering a bin.

Episode Resources
GPCAH Grain Engulfment and Entrapment

Grain Storage Structure Entry Procedures

Job Safety Analysis and Risk Assessment

]]> This is our first episode in a series on grain bins leading up to grain bin safety week. We hear a farmer story from Norm Deets on an extremely close call on the farm, resulting from grain entrapment. Our expert, Emily Krekelberg, starts off this series by discussing precautions and proper equipment (PPE) needed before entering a bin.

Episode Resources
GPCAH Grain Engulfment and Entrapment

Grain Storage Structure Entry Procedures

Job Safety Analysis and Risk Assessment

]]> Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health Buzzsprout-14286200 Wed, 10 Jan 2024 11:00:00 -0600 1274 grain bin safety 3 5 full false New Year's Special New Year's Special For this year’s holiday special, we talked to farmers and individuals working in the ag safety and health field about their 2024 resolutions. We asked our farming community to share one thing that they commit to doing in the new year to stay safe and healthy on farms and in other rural areas.

Episode Resources

To look for specific tools to address hazards on the farm, visit our resources page

If you would like to take a deeper dive into ag safety and health, consider taking some free online courses

Farm Mapper Tool

]]> For this year’s holiday special, we talked to farmers and individuals working in the ag safety and health field about their 2024 resolutions. We asked our farming community to share one thing that they commit to doing in the new year to stay safe and healthy on farms and in other rural areas.

Episode Resources

To look for specific tools to address hazards on the farm, visit our resources page

If you would like to take a deeper dive into ag safety and health, consider taking some free online courses

Farm Mapper Tool

]]> Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health Buzzsprout-14209707 Wed, 27 Dec 2023 10:00:00 -0600 930 3 4 full false Safe Operation and Maintenance of Tractors Safe Operation and Maintenance of Tractors Tractors are costly, and preventing costly repairs can be as simple as taking the time to do a pre-operational check on your tractor. Emily Krekelberg is our expert today.

]]> Tractors are costly, and preventing costly repairs can be as simple as taking the time to do a pre-operational check on your tractor. Emily Krekelberg is our expert today.

]]> Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health Buzzsprout-14093461 Wed, 06 Dec 2023 08:00:00 -0600 985 3 3 full false Safe Tractor Operation: ROPS Safe Tractor Operation: ROPS Half of all deaths from farming per year are from tractor rollovers. About half of all U.S. tractors are not fitted with Rollover Protective Structures or ROPS although ROPS have been proven to be effective at saving lives. Check out our resources to find ROPS rebate funding in your state. Our tractor safety expert for this series is Emily Krekelberg from UMN Extension. We also hear an interview between two other experts, Brad Kruse, who works for the Dubuque, IA fire department, and Diane Rohlman, Professor & Endowed Chair in Rural Safety and Health from the University of Iowa.

Current availability of program funding varies from state to state. Contact your local equipment dealer for more information on additional funding options in your area. 

]]> Half of all deaths from farming per year are from tractor rollovers. About half of all U.S. tractors are not fitted with Rollover Protective Structures or ROPS although ROPS have been proven to be effective at saving lives. Check out our resources to find ROPS rebate funding in your state. Our tractor safety expert for this series is Emily Krekelberg from UMN Extension. We also hear an interview between two other experts, Brad Kruse, who works for the Dubuque, IA fire department, and Diane Rohlman, Professor & Endowed Chair in Rural Safety and Health from the University of Iowa.

Current availability of program funding varies from state to state. Contact your local equipment dealer for more information on additional funding options in your area. 

]]> Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health Buzzsprout-14018418 Wed, 22 Nov 2023 09:00:00 -0600 913 3 2 full false Welcome to Season 3! Welcome to Season 3! Welcome back to the third season of the FarmSafe podcast. To kick off this season, our Season 3 host, Libby Presnall, chats with center director Renée Anthony. They talk about upcoming projects at the Great Plains Center and what to expect from Season 3.

]]> Welcome back to the third season of the FarmSafe podcast. To kick off this season, our Season 3 host, Libby Presnall, chats with center director Renée Anthony. They talk about upcoming projects at the Great Plains Center and what to expect from Season 3.

]]> Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health Buzzsprout-13930114 Wed, 08 Nov 2023 08:00:00 -0600 900 3 1 full false Pesticide Application Technology: Drones vs Boom Pesticide Application Technology: Drones vs Boom In our final episode of season 2, we sit down with Tom Peters and ask him to talk about what he found out about differences in pesticide aerosols and drift when using new aerial drone technology versus the traditional land-application methods of the tractor operated boom sprayer. 

]]> In our final episode of season 2, we sit down with Tom Peters and ask him to talk about what he found out about differences in pesticide aerosols and drift when using new aerial drone technology versus the traditional land-application methods of the tractor operated boom sprayer. 

]]> Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health Buzzsprout-13540848 Wed, 06 Sep 2023 09:00:00 -0500 796 2 19 full false When is Noise Too Loud? When is Noise Too Loud? Make some noise for Dr. Tom Peters! You guessed it -- today's episode is on hearing protection. We also speak with Marsha Cheyney as well who works for the Great Plains Center. 

]]> Make some noise for Dr. Tom Peters! You guessed it -- today's episode is on hearing protection. We also speak with Marsha Cheyney as well who works for the Great Plains Center. 

]]> Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health Buzzsprout-13465314 Thu, 24 Aug 2023 13:00:00 -0500 808 ppe 2 18 full false Discussions on Glyphosate Discussions on Glyphosate Glyphosate, or better known as Roundup, is a controversial weed killer. Is it safe? Let's hear from Kaci Buhl, the Co-Chair of the Pesticide Educational Resources Collaborative, on the current state of knowledge about glyphosate.

]]> Glyphosate, or better known as Roundup, is a controversial weed killer. Is it safe? Let's hear from Kaci Buhl, the Co-Chair of the Pesticide Educational Resources Collaborative, on the current state of knowledge about glyphosate.

]]> Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health Buzzsprout-13384624 Thu, 10 Aug 2023 14:00:00 -0500 887 2 17 full false Pesticide Handling Safety for Licensed and Unlicensed Applicators Pesticide Handling Safety for Licensed and Unlicensed Applicators Kaci Buhl is on the FarmSafe Podcast to talk about an amazing resource -- PERC. PERC is the Pesticide Educational Resources Collaborative, and they have the know how about pesticide use. PERC's resources are even available for co-branding with your own region-specific information and your organization's logo.

]]> Kaci Buhl is on the FarmSafe Podcast to talk about an amazing resource -- PERC. PERC is the Pesticide Educational Resources Collaborative, and they have the know how about pesticide use. PERC's resources are even available for co-branding with your own region-specific information and your organization's logo.

]]> Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health Buzzsprout-13295721 Wed, 26 Jul 2023 13:00:00 -0500 893 2 16 full false Safely Sharing the Road with Farm Vehicles: SaferTrek Project Safely Sharing the Road with Farm Vehicles: SaferTrek Project Dr. Michelle Reyes, Sr. Research Associate at the University of Iowa's Driving Safety Research Institute, and Dr. Cara Hamann, Associate Professor at the University of Iowa, and core director of the Injury Prevention Research Center are on the podcast to talk about the SaferTrek project. This project observes the behavior of passing vehicles and how they interact with farm vehicles on the road. 

]]> Dr. Michelle Reyes, Sr. Research Associate at the University of Iowa's Driving Safety Research Institute, and Dr. Cara Hamann, Associate Professor at the University of Iowa, and core director of the Injury Prevention Research Center are on the podcast to talk about the SaferTrek project. This project observes the behavior of passing vehicles and how they interact with farm vehicles on the road. 

]]> Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health Buzzsprout-13212394 Wed, 12 Jul 2023 14:00:00 -0500 889 roadway 2 15 full false Remembering Paul Gunderson Remembering Paul Gunderson This episode brings together some familiar voices to share special memories of our friend and colleague, Paul Gunderson, PhD. We also talk about ways in which we can stay safe on the farm in honor of Paul's memory. Paul, former director of the National Farm Medicine Center in Marshfield, died last December at the age of 82.

Episode Resources
In memoriam: Paul Gunderson, former director, National Farm Medicine Center, Marshfield Clinic Research Institute

Manure Microbial Communities and Resistance Profiles Reconfigure after Transition to Manure Pits and Differ from Those in Fertilized Field Soil (paper referred to by Shukla and Bendixsen)

Papers by Paul Gunderson and colleagues



]]> This episode brings together some familiar voices to share special memories of our friend and colleague, Paul Gunderson, PhD. We also talk about ways in which we can stay safe on the farm in honor of Paul's memory. Paul, former director of the National Farm Medicine Center in Marshfield, died last December at the age of 82.

Episode Resources
In memoriam: Paul Gunderson, former director, National Farm Medicine Center, Marshfield Clinic Research Institute

Manure Microbial Communities and Resistance Profiles Reconfigure after Transition to Manure Pits and Differ from Those in Fertilized Field Soil (paper referred to by Shukla and Bendixsen)

Papers by Paul Gunderson and colleagues



]]> Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health Buzzsprout-13039069 Wed, 14 Jun 2023 10:00:00 -0500 1152 2 14 full false Using Technology to Prepare for Rural Emergency Using Technology to Prepare for Rural Emergency This episode of the FarmSafe podcast is about rural emergency preparedness. We chat with Dr. Aaron Yoder about preparing for disasters and communicating with others so that they know where you are if you have to work alone. We also asked him about the Farm MAPPER project, and we discussed other technology that can be used in emergency situations or that can be used to communicate across large distances on the farm.

Episode Resources
Safer Farm (an online tool with a library of printable hazard analysis tools)

RF-DASH: Rural Firefighters Delivering Agricultural Safety and Health

USDA Rural Emergency Response

Stop the Bleed®

]]> This episode of the FarmSafe podcast is about rural emergency preparedness. We chat with Dr. Aaron Yoder about preparing for disasters and communicating with others so that they know where you are if you have to work alone. We also asked him about the Farm MAPPER project, and we discussed other technology that can be used in emergency situations or that can be used to communicate across large distances on the farm.

Episode Resources
Safer Farm (an online tool with a library of printable hazard analysis tools)

RF-DASH: Rural Firefighters Delivering Agricultural Safety and Health

USDA Rural Emergency Response

Stop the Bleed®

]]> Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health Buzzsprout-12953361 Wed, 31 May 2023 09:00:00 -0500 1179 response 2 13 full false Zoonotic Diseases: Tips for Healthy Animal Handling Zoonotic Diseases: Tips for Healthy Animal Handling Carrie Klumb is an infectious disease epidemiologist from the Minnesota Department of Health. On today's episode, she explains zoonotic diseases and identifies how to prevent infections from handling animals. Carrie describes how animals naturally carry microorganisms that don’t make animals sick but can make people sick. She answers common questions about handwashing and encourages practices to foster safe relationships between people and farm animals.

Episode Resources
UMASH Agritourism Resources: Demonstrating Hand Washing

Minnesota Dept. of Health: Safer Farm Animal Contact Exhibits (Safer FACEs) Resources

Veterinarians’ Best Practice Resources for Disease Prevention with Animals

Glo Germ Hand Washing Kit

]]> Carrie Klumb is an infectious disease epidemiologist from the Minnesota Department of Health. On today's episode, she explains zoonotic diseases and identifies how to prevent infections from handling animals. Carrie describes how animals naturally carry microorganisms that don’t make animals sick but can make people sick. She answers common questions about handwashing and encourages practices to foster safe relationships between people and farm animals.

Episode Resources
UMASH Agritourism Resources: Demonstrating Hand Washing

Minnesota Dept. of Health: Safer Farm Animal Contact Exhibits (Safer FACEs) Resources

Veterinarians’ Best Practice Resources for Disease Prevention with Animals

Glo Germ Hand Washing Kit

]]> Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health Buzzsprout-12866855 Wed, 17 May 2023 08:00:00 -0500 1191 2 12 full false Cattle Feedyard Safety: Safety Climate Improvement Strategies Cattle Feedyard Safety: Safety Climate Improvement Strategies We are back with Dr. Athena Ramos this week. As we continue the conversation on feedyard safety, we look at how safety climate can inform safety compliance and adoption in feedyard workers. How can a cowboy’s safety behavior impact an entire workforce, and how can we get feedyard managers to prioritize safety conversations? These questions and more will be examined in this week’s episode.

Episode Resources
Anthropology Research Paper

Fatigue and the Need for Recovery among Latino/a Immigrant Cattle Feedyard Workers

Athena Ramos Feature, Safety Training in Feedyards

Cattle Feedyard Dictionary / Diccionario para Operaciones de Engorda

]]> We are back with Dr. Athena Ramos this week. As we continue the conversation on feedyard safety, we look at how safety climate can inform safety compliance and adoption in feedyard workers. How can a cowboy’s safety behavior impact an entire workforce, and how can we get feedyard managers to prioritize safety conversations? These questions and more will be examined in this week’s episode.

Episode Resources
Anthropology Research Paper

Fatigue and the Need for Recovery among Latino/a Immigrant Cattle Feedyard Workers

Athena Ramos Feature, Safety Training in Feedyards

Cattle Feedyard Dictionary / Diccionario para Operaciones de Engorda

]]> Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health Buzzsprout-12777526 Wed, 03 May 2023 11:00:00 -0500 775 2 11 full false Cattle Feedyard Safety: Stop, Think, Then Act Cattle Feedyard Safety: Stop, Think, Then Act Dr. Athena Ramos works with, and specializes in, research regarding Latino and Hispanic farmworkers. With over 20 years of experience, Ramos’ work helps create healthier and more vibrant communities where everyone feels that they belong. In this episode, Dr. Ramos talks about safety and Midwest cattle feedyards – an agricultural sector with one of the highest injury and illness rates in the industry. Our next episode will continue the conversation about creating a safety climate in feedyards that prioritizes talking about communicating effectively with workers about safety.

Episode Resources
Feedyard 15 Project

Paper by Dr. Ramos and Team

CS-CASH Feedyard Resources (English and Spanish)

]]> Dr. Athena Ramos works with, and specializes in, research regarding Latino and Hispanic farmworkers. With over 20 years of experience, Ramos’ work helps create healthier and more vibrant communities where everyone feels that they belong. In this episode, Dr. Ramos talks about safety and Midwest cattle feedyards – an agricultural sector with one of the highest injury and illness rates in the industry. Our next episode will continue the conversation about creating a safety climate in feedyards that prioritizes talking about communicating effectively with workers about safety.

Episode Resources
Feedyard 15 Project

Paper by Dr. Ramos and Team

CS-CASH Feedyard Resources (English and Spanish)

]]> Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health Buzzsprout-12666831 Mon, 17 Apr 2023 10:00:00 -0500 797 2 10 full false Get Inspired: FarmSafe Bonus Episode Highlights Academic and Community Track Pilot Awards Get Inspired: FarmSafe Bonus Episode Highlights Academic and Community Track Pilot Awards Interested in applying for a GPCAH pilot award of up to $30,000? Listen to this short episode highlighting past recipients, their impact, and what they thought of the GPCAH pilot grant program. Application deadline: July 5, 2024.

Episode Resources
GPCAH Pilot Grant Program Info and RFA

]]> Interested in applying for a GPCAH pilot award of up to $30,000? Listen to this short episode highlighting past recipients, their impact, and what they thought of the GPCAH pilot grant program. Application deadline: July 5, 2024.

Episode Resources
GPCAH Pilot Grant Program Info and RFA

]]> Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health Buzzsprout-12524414 Mon, 27 Mar 2023 11:00:00 -0500 733 2 9 bonus false March Mudness March Mudness In this episode, we discuss the hazards of mud on the farm and provide practical tips that farmers can use when working in mud or extracting farm equipment from mud.

Our guest this episode is Dr. Fred Whitford from Purdue University Extension.

Episode Resources
Safety Tips: What to do when you’re stuck in the mud

Extracting Stuck Equipment Safely

]]> In this episode, we discuss the hazards of mud on the farm and provide practical tips that farmers can use when working in mud or extracting farm equipment from mud.

Our guest this episode is Dr. Fred Whitford from Purdue University Extension.

Episode Resources
Safety Tips: What to do when you’re stuck in the mud

Extracting Stuck Equipment Safely

]]> Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health Buzzsprout-12493215 Wed, 22 Mar 2023 08:00:00 -0500 1170 2 8 full false What's your normal? Conversations about coping with stress on the farm What's your normal? Conversations about coping with stress on the farm Lesley Kelly works on her farm in Saskatchewan, Canada with her brother and his family, her husband, and her two boys. She is the co-founder of the Do More Agriculture Foundation, and she runs the blog High Heels and Canola Fields.

We talk with her about her and her family’s mental health struggles and how they work to combat the symptoms of living with stress on the farm.

Episode Resources
The Do More Agriculture Foundation

High Heels and Canola Fields Blog

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (also available in Spanish)

Farm and Rural Stress Hotline

Farm Crisis Center

SAMHSA’s Disaster Distress Helpline (also available in Spanish)

GPCAH Mental Health Resources for Farmers

U.S. Ag Safety and Health Centers Mental Health Projects

]]> Lesley Kelly works on her farm in Saskatchewan, Canada with her brother and his family, her husband, and her two boys. She is the co-founder of the Do More Agriculture Foundation, and she runs the blog High Heels and Canola Fields.

We talk with her about her and her family’s mental health struggles and how they work to combat the symptoms of living with stress on the farm.

Episode Resources
The Do More Agriculture Foundation

High Heels and Canola Fields Blog

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (also available in Spanish)

Farm and Rural Stress Hotline

Farm Crisis Center

SAMHSA’s Disaster Distress Helpline (also available in Spanish)

GPCAH Mental Health Resources for Farmers

U.S. Ag Safety and Health Centers Mental Health Projects

]]> Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health Buzzsprout-12313755 Thu, 23 Feb 2023 12:00:00 -0600 1007 mental health 2 7 full false Women in Forestry Women in Forestry In this episode, we speak with Sabrina Keiper. Sabrina is a female forester working for Amana Forestry. Although she loves the work, being a woman in a male-dominated field comes with its challenges. Finding properly fitting PPE would help make the job easier and safer for Sabrina.

Episode Resources
Logging Forestry Safety Series

Additional information on fitting the tool to the job and considerations for women in ag, forestry and fishing

Additional information for health and safety relevant to working women in the agricultural sector

]]> In this episode, we speak with Sabrina Keiper. Sabrina is a female forester working for Amana Forestry. Although she loves the work, being a woman in a male-dominated field comes with its challenges. Finding properly fitting PPE would help make the job easier and safer for Sabrina.

Episode Resources
Logging Forestry Safety Series

Additional information on fitting the tool to the job and considerations for women in ag, forestry and fishing

Additional information for health and safety relevant to working women in the agricultural sector

]]> Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health Buzzsprout-12218265 Thu, 09 Feb 2023 08:00:00 -0600 618 2 6 full false Thanksgiving and Agriculture Thanksgiving and Agriculture In this week’s episode, we’re doing things a little differently. In light of Thanksgiving, we will be discussing how agriculture plays a role in the holiday and why we’re thankful for our farmers, ranchers, and all agricultural workers who provide us with food, fiber, and fuel.

]]> In this week’s episode, we’re doing things a little differently. In light of Thanksgiving, we will be discussing how agriculture plays a role in the holiday and why we’re thankful for our farmers, ranchers, and all agricultural workers who provide us with food, fiber, and fuel.

]]> Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health Buzzsprout-11744432 Wed, 23 Nov 2022 00:00:00 -0600 254 2 5 full false Women in Agriculture and PPE Women in Agriculture and PPE We’re continuing the Season 2 kickoff theme: women in agriculture. Karen Thornton devotes all of her time to agriculture, and today she will be discussing safety challenges from her experiences – from equipment fit to livestock handling.

Episode Resources
Ag Safety Extension: Women, Tools and Ergonomics

OSU Fact Sheets

UCD: Ergonomics

Women in Agriculture: Health and Wellness

Agrisafe: Healthcare and Women

Health Needs of Women in Ag Overlooked

Farm Safety and Women

Women in Ag: PPE

]]> We’re continuing the Season 2 kickoff theme: women in agriculture. Karen Thornton devotes all of her time to agriculture, and today she will be discussing safety challenges from her experiences – from equipment fit to livestock handling.

Episode Resources
Ag Safety Extension: Women, Tools and Ergonomics

OSU Fact Sheets

UCD: Ergonomics

Women in Agriculture: Health and Wellness

Agrisafe: Healthcare and Women

Health Needs of Women in Ag Overlooked

Farm Safety and Women

Women in Ag: PPE

]]> Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health Buzzsprout-11656812 Wed, 09 Nov 2022 08:00:00 -0600 479 ppe 2 4 full false Women in Agriculture and Stress Women in Agriculture and Stress Today, we speak with Dr. Carly Nichols, whose research focuses on stress in women in agriculture. She is an assistant professor at the University of Iowa in the Department of Geographical and Sustainability Sciences. Carly talks about her research findings and offers some resources for those who may be experiencing stress.

Episode Resources
Cultivating Resiliency 

GPCAH Mental Health 

988 Lifeline Info

Nami.org

Coping with Stress

AgrAbility

Stress on the Farm

Find treatment.gov

Mental Health Resources

Farmer Mental Health

]]> Today, we speak with Dr. Carly Nichols, whose research focuses on stress in women in agriculture. She is an assistant professor at the University of Iowa in the Department of Geographical and Sustainability Sciences. Carly talks about her research findings and offers some resources for those who may be experiencing stress.

Episode Resources
Cultivating Resiliency 

GPCAH Mental Health 

988 Lifeline Info

Nami.org

Coping with Stress

AgrAbility

Stress on the Farm

Find treatment.gov

Mental Health Resources

Farmer Mental Health

]]> Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health Buzzsprout-11481009 Tue, 11 Oct 2022 15:00:00 -0500 757 mental health 2 3 full false Women in Agriculture and Safety Issues Women in Agriculture and Safety Issues During this episode,  we talk with Shelby and Susan Wright, two women who are on the frontlines of agriculture. They join us from Kentucky to discuss their role in agriculture and how personal safety and chemical safety relate to their jobs.

Episode Resources
Agrisafe: Women’s Health

University of Illinois Extension: Challenges for Women in Farm Life

Ag Safety and Health: Women in Agriculture

]]> During this episode,  we talk with Shelby and Susan Wright, two women who are on the frontlines of agriculture. They join us from Kentucky to discuss their role in agriculture and how personal safety and chemical safety relate to their jobs.

Episode Resources
Agrisafe: Women’s Health

University of Illinois Extension: Challenges for Women in Farm Life

Ag Safety and Health: Women in Agriculture

]]> Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health Buzzsprout-11355045 Wed, 21 Sep 2022 08:00:00 -0500 852 2 2 full false Farm Progress Show 8/30-9/1 Farm Progress Show 8/30-9/1 Today, we are talking with Marsha from the Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health. She is organizing the health and safety tent at the Farm Progress Show. The show is from August 30th through September 1st in Boone, Iowa, and we learn about the available resources and demonstrations for preventing injury and illness on the farm.

Episode Resources
Farm Progress Show

Story Co. IA Public Health Department

UnityPoint Health

National AgrAbility Project

Central States Center for Agricultural Health (CSCASH)

Upper Midwest Agricultural Safety and Health Center (UMASH)

Iowa State Extension and Outreach

]]> Today, we are talking with Marsha from the Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health. She is organizing the health and safety tent at the Farm Progress Show. The show is from August 30th through September 1st in Boone, Iowa, and we learn about the available resources and demonstrations for preventing injury and illness on the farm.

Episode Resources
Farm Progress Show

Story Co. IA Public Health Department

UnityPoint Health

National AgrAbility Project

Central States Center for Agricultural Health (CSCASH)

Upper Midwest Agricultural Safety and Health Center (UMASH)

Iowa State Extension and Outreach

]]> Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health Buzzsprout-11228887 Tue, 30 Aug 2022 08:00:00 -0500 319 2 1 full false Season 1 Wrap-Up Season 1 Wrap-Up We are wrapping up our first season with our 23rd episode. We’ve spent the last year hearing stories from farmers and agricultural safety and health specialists in the Midwest about different farm hazards and how to prevent injuries and illnesses. We are taking a short break but will be back in September with new episodes. Today, we meet Matison Bentley who will be hosting the podcast in September, to hear about her and what episodes she's working on for Season 2.

]]> We are wrapping up our first season with our 23rd episode. We’ve spent the last year hearing stories from farmers and agricultural safety and health specialists in the Midwest about different farm hazards and how to prevent injuries and illnesses. We are taking a short break but will be back in September with new episodes. Today, we meet Matison Bentley who will be hosting the podcast in September, to hear about her and what episodes she's working on for Season 2.

]]> Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health Buzzsprout-11024862 Wed, 27 Jul 2022 00:00:00 -0500 240 1 23 full false Gas Monitors Gas Monitors In this episode, we continue our conversation about manure gas hazards.  The focus today is on gas monitors that can be used to detect the presence of hydrogen sulfide and methane. Because we cannot sense the presence of hydrogen sulfide or methane at high concentrations, we need to rely on a gas monitor to detect and alert us when we are in danger. Renee Anthony, an industrial hygienist, talks about how to use, store, and bump test these monitors.

"Having a monitor that is giving you those numbers, gives you that additional amount of decision-making ability– it’s like this is really dangerous,  I’m going to go out, absolutely nobody’s going to go in, we’ve got to ventilate for a little bit longer, figure out what’s going on and then we’ll recheck out the area.”

Episode Resources
Manure Gas Safety

GPCAH Gas Monitor Training Kit

]]> In this episode, we continue our conversation about manure gas hazards.  The focus today is on gas monitors that can be used to detect the presence of hydrogen sulfide and methane. Because we cannot sense the presence of hydrogen sulfide or methane at high concentrations, we need to rely on a gas monitor to detect and alert us when we are in danger. Renee Anthony, an industrial hygienist, talks about how to use, store, and bump test these monitors.

"Having a monitor that is giving you those numbers, gives you that additional amount of decision-making ability– it’s like this is really dangerous,  I’m going to go out, absolutely nobody’s going to go in, we’ve got to ventilate for a little bit longer, figure out what’s going on and then we’ll recheck out the area.”

Episode Resources
Manure Gas Safety

GPCAH Gas Monitor Training Kit

]]> Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health Buzzsprout-10886080 Wed, 13 Jul 2022 00:00:00 -0500 1290 1 22 full false Manure Gas Safety Manure Gas Safety Two of the most dangerous hazards with manure gas are hydrogen sulfide and methane. When inhaled, hydrogen sulfide can paralyze the respiratory system leading to asphyxiation and death. Methane in the presence of an ignition source can cause explosions. Today, we hear from a first responder describing some of the calls they've responded to for manure gas hazards, and then Renee Anthony, industrial hygienist and professor at the University of Iowa shares recommendations for safety including tips for ventilation, and using gas monitors. 

Episode Resources
GPCAH Manure Gas Safety

GPCAH Gas Monitor Training Kit

]]> Two of the most dangerous hazards with manure gas are hydrogen sulfide and methane. When inhaled, hydrogen sulfide can paralyze the respiratory system leading to asphyxiation and death. Methane in the presence of an ignition source can cause explosions. Today, we hear from a first responder describing some of the calls they've responded to for manure gas hazards, and then Renee Anthony, industrial hygienist and professor at the University of Iowa shares recommendations for safety including tips for ventilation, and using gas monitors. 

Episode Resources
GPCAH Manure Gas Safety

GPCAH Gas Monitor Training Kit

]]> Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health Buzzsprout-10849282 Wed, 29 Jun 2022 00:00:00 -0500 1270 1 21 full false Pilot Spotlight – Job Demands and Health Outcomes for Beginning Farmers Pilot Spotlight – Job Demands and Health Outcomes for Beginning Farmers We’ve been talking to pilot grant recipients about their projects to learn how they got their ideas, what they learned, and what recommendations they have for other people who are interested in applying. Today, I’m talking with Maya Ramaswamy who received a pilot grant for a project titled, “Identifying job demands and health outcomes among Iowa beginning farmers.” Maya talks about how her interests in farmworkers' safety, musculoskeletal health, and understudied populations led to a pilot grant.

Episode Resources
GPCAH Pilot Grant Opportunities

]]> We’ve been talking to pilot grant recipients about their projects to learn how they got their ideas, what they learned, and what recommendations they have for other people who are interested in applying. Today, I’m talking with Maya Ramaswamy who received a pilot grant for a project titled, “Identifying job demands and health outcomes among Iowa beginning farmers.” Maya talks about how her interests in farmworkers' safety, musculoskeletal health, and understudied populations led to a pilot grant.

Episode Resources
GPCAH Pilot Grant Opportunities

]]> Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health Buzzsprout-10713959 Wed, 01 Jun 2022 00:00:00 -0500 870 mental health 1 20 full false Pilot Spotlight – Examining Support Systems for Farmers' Mental Health Pilot Spotlight – Examining Support Systems for Farmers' Mental Health Throughout May, we’ve been talking with pilot grant recipients about their projects to support farmers’ mental health. For today’s episode, I sat down and spoke with Yanni Liang about her 2020 pilot grant, “Examining the role of agricultural cooperatives in protecting farmers’ mental health.” Yanni said the goal of her project was to understand what resources are available that already exist in communities that can potentially help farmers mitigate stress. Academic pilot grants are awarded to students, staff, and faculty at academic institutions to create new agricultural safety and health knowledge or assess best safety and health practices to prevent illness and injury resulting from agricultural work exposures. 

We have compiled mental health resources for our listeners. If you, your friends, family, neighbors, or customers are experiencing stress, check out the links provided in the episode resources section. These links provide farmer-specific and state-specific mental health and crisis resources.

Episode Resources
FarmStress.org

Farms.com Farmer-Specific Mental Health and Crisis Resources (by state and territory)

GPCAH Pilot Grant Opportunities

]]> Throughout May, we’ve been talking with pilot grant recipients about their projects to support farmers’ mental health. For today’s episode, I sat down and spoke with Yanni Liang about her 2020 pilot grant, “Examining the role of agricultural cooperatives in protecting farmers’ mental health.” Yanni said the goal of her project was to understand what resources are available that already exist in communities that can potentially help farmers mitigate stress. Academic pilot grants are awarded to students, staff, and faculty at academic institutions to create new agricultural safety and health knowledge or assess best safety and health practices to prevent illness and injury resulting from agricultural work exposures. 

We have compiled mental health resources for our listeners. If you, your friends, family, neighbors, or customers are experiencing stress, check out the links provided in the episode resources section. These links provide farmer-specific and state-specific mental health and crisis resources.

Episode Resources
FarmStress.org

Farms.com Farmer-Specific Mental Health and Crisis Resources (by state and territory)

GPCAH Pilot Grant Opportunities

]]> Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health Buzzsprout-10628131 Wed, 18 May 2022 00:00:00 -0500 804 mental health 1 19 full false Pilot Spotlight – Airing Out Farm Stress Pilot Spotlight – Airing Out Farm Stress May is Mental Health Awareness Month, so today, we are joined by Meg Moynihan from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture and Don Wick, host of the TransFARMation podcast, to talk about their project called Airing Out Farm Stress.  They received a pilot grant from the Great Plains Center for their project, which aimed to tackle the silence around how the stresses inherent in agricultural production can affect the mental, physical, and emotional well-being of agricultural workers.

What started out as 60-second radio segments turned into a successful podcast, TransFARMation, which covers in-depth mental health topics by sharing farmers’ stories: “Here, you are hearing stories of people like you, other farmers who are talking about really difficult situations that they had to go through, but they came out the other side.” 

Episode Resources
TransFARMation

Minnesota Farm and Rural Helpline

GPCAH Pilot Grant Opportunities

]]> May is Mental Health Awareness Month, so today, we are joined by Meg Moynihan from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture and Don Wick, host of the TransFARMation podcast, to talk about their project called Airing Out Farm Stress.  They received a pilot grant from the Great Plains Center for their project, which aimed to tackle the silence around how the stresses inherent in agricultural production can affect the mental, physical, and emotional well-being of agricultural workers.

What started out as 60-second radio segments turned into a successful podcast, TransFARMation, which covers in-depth mental health topics by sharing farmers’ stories: “Here, you are hearing stories of people like you, other farmers who are talking about really difficult situations that they had to go through, but they came out the other side.” 

Episode Resources
TransFARMation

Minnesota Farm and Rural Helpline

GPCAH Pilot Grant Opportunities

]]> Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health Buzzsprout-10551756 Wed, 04 May 2022 00:00:00 -0500 1043 mental health 1 18 full false Pilot Spotlight – Stress on the Farm: Strategies to Help Each Other Pilot Spotlight – Stress on the Farm: Strategies to Help Each Other The Great Plains Center funds pilot projects that promote innovative outreach and research efforts to prevent agricultural injury and illness. In this episode, we talk with Dr. David Brown, the behavioral health state specialist at Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, about his pilot project that provided suicide prevention trainings for over 4300 producers and landowners in Iowa. This is the first episode where we talk to pilot grant recipients about their projects, what they did, and how they got the ideas for them.

"We knew that farmers and producers had a lot higher rate of suicide than the general population. We also knew that they had a lot higher rate of depression and anxiety than the general population, and so we felt it was important to get out and to start the conversation about suicide prevention in the agricultural community."

Episode Resources
Farm Stress and Mental Health: A Fact Sheet for Agricultural Advocates (includes CORN Model)

Stress on the Farm  – a resource for farmers, families, and communities

GPCAH Pilot Grant Opportunities

]]> The Great Plains Center funds pilot projects that promote innovative outreach and research efforts to prevent agricultural injury and illness. In this episode, we talk with Dr. David Brown, the behavioral health state specialist at Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, about his pilot project that provided suicide prevention trainings for over 4300 producers and landowners in Iowa. This is the first episode where we talk to pilot grant recipients about their projects, what they did, and how they got the ideas for them.

"We knew that farmers and producers had a lot higher rate of suicide than the general population. We also knew that they had a lot higher rate of depression and anxiety than the general population, and so we felt it was important to get out and to start the conversation about suicide prevention in the agricultural community."

Episode Resources
Farm Stress and Mental Health: A Fact Sheet for Agricultural Advocates (includes CORN Model)

Stress on the Farm  – a resource for farmers, families, and communities

GPCAH Pilot Grant Opportunities

]]> Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health Buzzsprout-10474440 Wed, 20 Apr 2022 14:00:00 -0500 666 mental health 1 17 full false Avian Influenza Avian Influenza In this episode, we are talking about Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), also known as “bird flu.” It is a highly contagious disease that is currently circulating in the United States among birds. As of April 5, 2022, there have been no reported human cases. According to the CDC, these avian flu viruses spread naturally among wild aquatic birds and can infect domestic poultry. It is highly contagious among birds and is often fatal to chickens and turkeys. We talk with Renee Anthony and Matt Nonnenmann from the University of Iowa about what poultry farmers can do to protect themselves from the virus and other hazards they might be exposed to while culling flocks or decontaminating farms and vehicles. 

"I think we need to look at the whole continuum of exposures that operators may have during this outbreak." – Renee Anthony, GPCAH Director

Episode Resources
CDC: Bird Flu Current Situation Summary

USDA: Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza

2022 Confirmations of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Commercial and Backyard Flocks

Avian Influenza PPE Guidelines

]]> In this episode, we are talking about Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), also known as “bird flu.” It is a highly contagious disease that is currently circulating in the United States among birds. As of April 5, 2022, there have been no reported human cases. According to the CDC, these avian flu viruses spread naturally among wild aquatic birds and can infect domestic poultry. It is highly contagious among birds and is often fatal to chickens and turkeys. We talk with Renee Anthony and Matt Nonnenmann from the University of Iowa about what poultry farmers can do to protect themselves from the virus and other hazards they might be exposed to while culling flocks or decontaminating farms and vehicles. 

"I think we need to look at the whole continuum of exposures that operators may have during this outbreak." – Renee Anthony, GPCAH Director

Episode Resources
CDC: Bird Flu Current Situation Summary

USDA: Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza

2022 Confirmations of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Commercial and Backyard Flocks

Avian Influenza PPE Guidelines

]]> Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health Buzzsprout-10392140 Wed, 06 Apr 2022 15:00:00 -0500 986 1 16 full false Research Spotlight: Farm Vehicle Crashes on Public Roads Research Spotlight: Farm Vehicle Crashes on Public Roads This episode is part of our "Research Spotlight" series, where we talk about recent research in the field of agricultural safety and health. Research can help identify hazards, understand outcomes, and determine if interventions are helpful in reducing injuries and illnesses. In this episode, we hear from Matt McFalls and Dr. Marizen Ramirez from the University of Minnesota, who recently published a paper titled “Farm vehicle crashes on public roads: Analysis of farm-level factors." We discuss their study examining risk factors for rural roadway crashes and why research is important to gather information we can use to develop prevention programs. A link to the paper is included in the episode resources. 

Episode Resources
GPCAH Rural Roadway Safety Resources

Farm vehicle crashes on public roads: Analysis of farm-level factors

Community campaigns for roadway safety

]]> This episode is part of our "Research Spotlight" series, where we talk about recent research in the field of agricultural safety and health. Research can help identify hazards, understand outcomes, and determine if interventions are helpful in reducing injuries and illnesses. In this episode, we hear from Matt McFalls and Dr. Marizen Ramirez from the University of Minnesota, who recently published a paper titled “Farm vehicle crashes on public roads: Analysis of farm-level factors." We discuss their study examining risk factors for rural roadway crashes and why research is important to gather information we can use to develop prevention programs. A link to the paper is included in the episode resources. 

Episode Resources
GPCAH Rural Roadway Safety Resources

Farm vehicle crashes on public roads: Analysis of farm-level factors

Community campaigns for roadway safety

]]> Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health Buzzsprout-10298949 Wed, 23 Mar 2022 00:00:00 -0500 1434 roadway 1 15 full false Anhydrous Ammonia Anhydrous Ammonia In this episode, we talk to Dan Neenan, director of the National Education Center for Agricultural Safety, about anhydrous ammonia. Dan has worked as a firefighter and paramedic responding to anhydrous ammonia releases. 

"I've been a paramedic coming up on 30 years now and I don't think I've seen anybody in more pain than a gentleman that I had that was sprayed in the face and in the eyes with anhydrous ammonia." Dan describes anhydrous ammonia and the PPE you need to wear when working with it. He also talks about the increased presence of anhydrous tanks on the roads this time of year. 

Episode Resources
Iowa State University Extension: Play it safe with anhydrous ammonia (2-page pdf)

AgriSafe webinar: Anhydrous ammonia safety for farmworkers

NECAS Anhydrous Ammonia Safety Fact Sheet

Preventing Ammonia Burns and How to Treat Them

]]> In this episode, we talk to Dan Neenan, director of the National Education Center for Agricultural Safety, about anhydrous ammonia. Dan has worked as a firefighter and paramedic responding to anhydrous ammonia releases. 

"I've been a paramedic coming up on 30 years now and I don't think I've seen anybody in more pain than a gentleman that I had that was sprayed in the face and in the eyes with anhydrous ammonia." Dan describes anhydrous ammonia and the PPE you need to wear when working with it. He also talks about the increased presence of anhydrous tanks on the roads this time of year. 

Episode Resources
Iowa State University Extension: Play it safe with anhydrous ammonia (2-page pdf)

AgriSafe webinar: Anhydrous ammonia safety for farmworkers

NECAS Anhydrous Ammonia Safety Fact Sheet

Preventing Ammonia Burns and How to Treat Them

]]> Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health Buzzsprout-10212142 Wed, 09 Mar 2022 00:00:00 -0600 1078 1 14 full false Grain Bin Safety Grain Bin Safety In this episode, we talk about grain engulfment and entrapment. The speed and force of flowing or shifting grain can have deadly consequences for workers who enter grain bins or walk on outdoor grain piles. We will be hearing stories from three guests today: a woman whose brother was rescued from a grain bin, an emergency responder who has been called for grain bin rescues, and Dr. Salah Issa, a researcher at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, who has been studying grain bin engulfment and will provide recommendations for keeping safe when working with grain. Visit NECAS for future grain bin rescue giveaways: https://www.necasag.org/rescueprograms.

Episode Resources
GPCAH: Grain Engulfment and Entrapment

Purdue University: Agricultural Confined Spaces

Grain Safety Week 2022

]]> In this episode, we talk about grain engulfment and entrapment. The speed and force of flowing or shifting grain can have deadly consequences for workers who enter grain bins or walk on outdoor grain piles. We will be hearing stories from three guests today: a woman whose brother was rescued from a grain bin, an emergency responder who has been called for grain bin rescues, and Dr. Salah Issa, a researcher at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, who has been studying grain bin engulfment and will provide recommendations for keeping safe when working with grain. Visit NECAS for future grain bin rescue giveaways: https://www.necasag.org/rescueprograms.

Episode Resources
GPCAH: Grain Engulfment and Entrapment

Purdue University: Agricultural Confined Spaces

Grain Safety Week 2022

]]> Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health Buzzsprout-10124899 Wed, 23 Feb 2022 00:00:00 -0600 940 grain bin safety 1 13 full false Cold Weather Training Tips Cold Weather Training Tips In this episode, we wrap up our series on winter hazards and talk about things to include in cold weather safety trainings. Our guest is Dr. Maristela Rovai, a veterinarian, assistant professor, and extension dairy specialist at South Dakota State University. Dr. Rovai develops extension programs and assists dairy producers in training dairy workers. Winter can be challenging for anyone who has to work in cold temperatures and it can be especially challenging for immigrant workers new to the Midwest climate. Dr. Rovai shares tips on communicating winter hazards in cold weather trainings to protect workers at work and at home.

Episode Resources
Colder Weather Tips for Midwestern Dairy Farm

Consejos Básicos Para los Trabajadores de Lecherías de Cómo Afrontar el Invierno del Medio Oeste

]]> In this episode, we wrap up our series on winter hazards and talk about things to include in cold weather safety trainings. Our guest is Dr. Maristela Rovai, a veterinarian, assistant professor, and extension dairy specialist at South Dakota State University. Dr. Rovai develops extension programs and assists dairy producers in training dairy workers. Winter can be challenging for anyone who has to work in cold temperatures and it can be especially challenging for immigrant workers new to the Midwest climate. Dr. Rovai shares tips on communicating winter hazards in cold weather trainings to protect workers at work and at home.

Episode Resources
Colder Weather Tips for Midwestern Dairy Farm

Consejos Básicos Para los Trabajadores de Lecherías de Cómo Afrontar el Invierno del Medio Oeste

]]> Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health Buzzsprout-10028366 Wed, 09 Feb 2022 00:00:00 -0600 965 cold weather 1 12 full false Falls on Ice Falls on Ice We continue our winter series talking about falls on ice, a common wintertime hazard on the farm. In this episode, an Iowa rancher shares a story about falling on ice and hitting her head. She lists the things she always does now to try to prevent it from happening again. We also talk to Kathy Lee, RN, MSN, from the UIHC trauma program about health outcomes associated with falls and strategies for preventing falls on ice.

Episode Resources
How to stay warm in winter weather

NWS Windchill Chart

UIHC Fall Prevention Overview

]]> We continue our winter series talking about falls on ice, a common wintertime hazard on the farm. In this episode, an Iowa rancher shares a story about falling on ice and hitting her head. She lists the things she always does now to try to prevent it from happening again. We also talk to Kathy Lee, RN, MSN, from the UIHC trauma program about health outcomes associated with falls and strategies for preventing falls on ice.

Episode Resources
How to stay warm in winter weather

NWS Windchill Chart

UIHC Fall Prevention Overview

]]> Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health Buzzsprout-9951084 Wed, 26 Jan 2022 00:00:00 -0600 836 cold weather 1 11 full false Cold Weather Gear Cold Weather Gear We kick off our winter series by talking about cold weather gear. Agricultural workers have to work outside in the winter and here in the Midwest, staying safe and warm in the winter can be challenging. Having the right kind of clothing and accessories for working outside in the winter can help prevent cold temperature-related health problems like frostbite and hypothermia. In this episode, we talk about how to build a clothing system based on layering and what materials are best and worst for keeping you warm and dry. Our guest is Paige Grissinger, a student in Public Health and a senior in the Air Force ROTC program at the University of Iowa.

Episode Resources
Cold Weather Hazards

Avoid, Spot, Treat Frostbite and Hypothermia

Winter Weather Safety Tips and Resource Page (Ready.gov)

]]> We kick off our winter series by talking about cold weather gear. Agricultural workers have to work outside in the winter and here in the Midwest, staying safe and warm in the winter can be challenging. Having the right kind of clothing and accessories for working outside in the winter can help prevent cold temperature-related health problems like frostbite and hypothermia. In this episode, we talk about how to build a clothing system based on layering and what materials are best and worst for keeping you warm and dry. Our guest is Paige Grissinger, a student in Public Health and a senior in the Air Force ROTC program at the University of Iowa.

Episode Resources
Cold Weather Hazards

Avoid, Spot, Treat Frostbite and Hypothermia

Winter Weather Safety Tips and Resource Page (Ready.gov)

]]> Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health Buzzsprout-9862520 Wed, 12 Jan 2022 00:00:00 -0600 802 ppe, cold weather 1 10 full false Lighting and Marking in Agricultural Vehicles Lighting and Marking in Agricultural Vehicles "One of the big challenges with farm equipment on the roadway is that they’re large vehicles and they tend to move slowly and that actually makes it more difficult for drivers of other vehicles to see and judge their speed." In this episode, we are going to be talking about lighting and marking to increase visibility of farm vehicles and equipment on roadways. Reflective tape and slow-moving vehicle emblems draw other driver’s attention to the agricultural vehicle which may give them more time to adjust their speed and decrease the likelihood of a crash. We heard from Dr. Corinne Peek-Asa and the outreach coordinator for the Great Plains, Marsha Cheyney, MPH. GPCAH resources are available on this website. 

]]> "One of the big challenges with farm equipment on the roadway is that they’re large vehicles and they tend to move slowly and that actually makes it more difficult for drivers of other vehicles to see and judge their speed." In this episode, we are going to be talking about lighting and marking to increase visibility of farm vehicles and equipment on roadways. Reflective tape and slow-moving vehicle emblems draw other driver’s attention to the agricultural vehicle which may give them more time to adjust their speed and decrease the likelihood of a crash. We heard from Dr. Corinne Peek-Asa and the outreach coordinator for the Great Plains, Marsha Cheyney, MPH. GPCAH resources are available on this website. 

]]> Buzzsprout-9599746 Wed, 08 Dec 2021 00:00:00 -0600 775 roadway 1 9 full false Thanksgiving Special Thanksgiving Special “I’m thankful for farmers because of the hard work, dedication, persistence and pride that they take in their work to help feed people in the United States and around the world.”

This week we are celebrating farmers and their important work. We asked listeners and folks who work with the center to send in messages of thanks to the farmers who provide us with Thanksgiving staples and healthy and safe food all year round. We also recognize the enormous stressors that have strained the mental health of farmers and agricultural workers, especially in the last couple of years, and we have provided links to mental health resources for farmers and rural communities.

Episode Resources
FarmStress.org

TransFARMation Podcast

Rural Health Information Hub

]]> “I’m thankful for farmers because of the hard work, dedication, persistence and pride that they take in their work to help feed people in the United States and around the world.”

This week we are celebrating farmers and their important work. We asked listeners and folks who work with the center to send in messages of thanks to the farmers who provide us with Thanksgiving staples and healthy and safe food all year round. We also recognize the enormous stressors that have strained the mental health of farmers and agricultural workers, especially in the last couple of years, and we have provided links to mental health resources for farmers and rural communities.

Episode Resources
FarmStress.org

TransFARMation Podcast

Rural Health Information Hub

]]> Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health Buzzsprout-9599726 Wed, 24 Nov 2021 00:00:00 -0600 877 1 8 full false Back Pain and Whole Body Vibration Back Pain and Whole Body Vibration In this episode, we talk about a common problem for farm workers: occupational exposure to whole body vibration, a primary risk factor for back pain. Drs. Fred Gerr and Nate Fethke talk about what whole-body vibration is and ways to reduce exposure. “The machine is shaking and…your muscles are constantly contracting to provide stabilization for your spine, so you need to give those muscles some time to recover.”

Episode Resources
Posters: Whole Body Vibration

Musculoskeletal Symptoms Among Farmers

Materials for Health Care Providers: Vehicle Vibration

]]> In this episode, we talk about a common problem for farm workers: occupational exposure to whole body vibration, a primary risk factor for back pain. Drs. Fred Gerr and Nate Fethke talk about what whole-body vibration is and ways to reduce exposure. “The machine is shaking and…your muscles are constantly contracting to provide stabilization for your spine, so you need to give those muscles some time to recover.”

Episode Resources
Posters: Whole Body Vibration

Musculoskeletal Symptoms Among Farmers

Materials for Health Care Providers: Vehicle Vibration

]]> Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health Buzzsprout-9511982 Wed, 10 Nov 2021 00:00:00 -0600 1146 1 7 full true Sleep Sleep It’s harvest season and during this busy time, farmers and ranchers may not be getting much sleep. In this episode, we talk with Susan Harris who works with Nebraska Extension, and Amanda Prokasky, a researcher from the University of Nebraska Medical Center. They talk with us about the importance of a good night’s sleep, and what to do if that isn’t possible when a farmer is up all night during calving season or rising early during harvest. They share some tips and tricks about how to rest up, even during the busy seasons.

Episode Resources
Tips and Tricks for Better Sleep

Youth Tips and Tricks for Better Sleep

]]> It’s harvest season and during this busy time, farmers and ranchers may not be getting much sleep. In this episode, we talk with Susan Harris who works with Nebraska Extension, and Amanda Prokasky, a researcher from the University of Nebraska Medical Center. They talk with us about the importance of a good night’s sleep, and what to do if that isn’t possible when a farmer is up all night during calving season or rising early during harvest. They share some tips and tricks about how to rest up, even during the busy seasons.

Episode Resources
Tips and Tricks for Better Sleep

Youth Tips and Tricks for Better Sleep

]]> Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health Buzzsprout-9416450 Wed, 27 Oct 2021 00:00:00 -0500 895 mental health,sleep,harvest 1 6 full false ATV Safety Features ATV Safety Features In this episode, Carolyn Sheridan and Jenna Gibbs from the Ag Safety and Health Alliance talk about the education they provide on ATV Safety in their Gear Up for Ag Program. Jenna and Carolyn spend time educating students on safety and engineering features of ATVs to help reduce risk of injury. These features include wider frames, crush protection devices, and GPS rollover systems or alarms. “I do think students are really interested in that, because those are safety decisions that you make at the point of purchase. It’s not like a behavior that you have to change after doing it for so many years.”   

Episode Resources
Gear Up for Safety 

ATV Safety – Engineering Controls Motion Graphic

Poster with Survey Data

]]> In this episode, Carolyn Sheridan and Jenna Gibbs from the Ag Safety and Health Alliance talk about the education they provide on ATV Safety in their Gear Up for Ag Program. Jenna and Carolyn spend time educating students on safety and engineering features of ATVs to help reduce risk of injury. These features include wider frames, crush protection devices, and GPS rollover systems or alarms. “I do think students are really interested in that, because those are safety decisions that you make at the point of purchase. It’s not like a behavior that you have to change after doing it for so many years.”   

Episode Resources
Gear Up for Safety 

ATV Safety – Engineering Controls Motion Graphic

Poster with Survey Data

]]> Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health Buzzsprout-9335190 Wed, 13 Oct 2021 00:00:00 -0500 1023 1 5 full false ATVs on the Farm ATVs on the Farm In this episode, we focus on ATV use on the farm and Dr. Charles Jennissen talks about some of the common injuries from ATV farm incidents and what activities might increase the risk of injury.  “ATVs and side by sides were the most common source of injury and death in agriculture across youth, for those kids 17 years and younger, and was the second most common source of injury and death in agriculture for all ages.”

Episode Resources
UI Agricultural ATV Fact Sheet

National 4-H ATV Safety Leader’s Guide

ATV Safety Institute

]]> In this episode, we focus on ATV use on the farm and Dr. Charles Jennissen talks about some of the common injuries from ATV farm incidents and what activities might increase the risk of injury.  “ATVs and side by sides were the most common source of injury and death in agriculture across youth, for those kids 17 years and younger, and was the second most common source of injury and death in agriculture for all ages.”

Episode Resources
UI Agricultural ATV Fact Sheet

National 4-H ATV Safety Leader’s Guide

ATV Safety Institute

]]> Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health Buzzsprout-9254410 Wed, 29 Sep 2021 00:00:00 -0500 802 1 4 full false ATVs and Young Riders ATVs and Young Riders We continue our conversation with Dr. Charles Jennissen on ATV safety. Adult-sized vehicles are designed for adults, so young riders may be unable to control them. “95% of all deaths of children on ATVs occur on an adult-sized ATV at the time of their crash and death.” Dr. Jennissen also talks about the risk involved with having a passenger on an ATV as most youths ride with or as a passenger, increasing the risk of injury and death.

Episode Resources
University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital ATV Safety

National 4-H ATV Safety Leader’s Guide

Hands On Rider Course Training

]]> We continue our conversation with Dr. Charles Jennissen on ATV safety. Adult-sized vehicles are designed for adults, so young riders may be unable to control them. “95% of all deaths of children on ATVs occur on an adult-sized ATV at the time of their crash and death.” Dr. Jennissen also talks about the risk involved with having a passenger on an ATV as most youths ride with or as a passenger, increasing the risk of injury and death.

Episode Resources
University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital ATV Safety

National 4-H ATV Safety Leader’s Guide

Hands On Rider Course Training

]]> Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health Buzzsprout-9167019 Wed, 15 Sep 2021 00:00:00 -0500 840 1 3 full false ATVs on Roadways ATVs on Roadways ATVs are designed for off-road use.  “They’re not really all-terrain…so when they’re on roadways, both paved and unpaved, they can have a very unpredictable relationship with the roadway surface- one tire can grab and all of a sudden- boom, the ATV is rolling over.”  Dr. Charles Jennissen is a pediatrician and emergency medicine physician who has been around ATVs for most of his life. 

We talk with Dr. Jennissen in this episode about the way ATVs are designed, and the risk involved with driving them on roads.  He also provides recommendations for staying safe if you have to be on the road with an ATV for farm work. 

Episode Resources
University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital ATV Safety

ATV Safety Institute

Check your state’s ATV laws here

]]> ATVs are designed for off-road use.  “They’re not really all-terrain…so when they’re on roadways, both paved and unpaved, they can have a very unpredictable relationship with the roadway surface- one tire can grab and all of a sudden- boom, the ATV is rolling over.”  Dr. Charles Jennissen is a pediatrician and emergency medicine physician who has been around ATVs for most of his life. 

We talk with Dr. Jennissen in this episode about the way ATVs are designed, and the risk involved with driving them on roads.  He also provides recommendations for staying safe if you have to be on the road with an ATV for farm work. 

Episode Resources
University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital ATV Safety

ATV Safety Institute

Check your state’s ATV laws here

]]> Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health Buzzsprout-9117570 Wed, 01 Sep 2021 00:00:00 -0500 679 roadway 1 2 full false FarmSafe Trailer FarmSafe Trailer Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health Buzzsprout-9061086 Fri, 20 Aug 2021 12:00:00 -0500 80 1 0 trailer false Introducing FarmSafe and the Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health Introducing FarmSafe and the Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health Welcome to the FarmSafe podcast.  Farming is a dangerous job and there are a variety of hazards involved.  In this introductory episode, we hear from GPCAH researchers and partners about the work they do to help keep farmers safe and healthy.

You will first hear from this season's host, Kate Crawford, PhD. In order of appearance, we talked with Ralph Altmaier, MS, Kayla Faust, PhD, our center director Renée T. Anthony, PhD, Matthew Nonnenman, PhD (University of Nebraska), Kanika Arora, PhD, Nate Fethke, PhD, Jenna Gibbs, PhD, Diane Rohlman, PhD, and Brandi Janssen, PhD.

Episode Resources
Agriculture Health and Safety: The Core Course

SafetyWatch

]]> Welcome to the FarmSafe podcast.  Farming is a dangerous job and there are a variety of hazards involved.  In this introductory episode, we hear from GPCAH researchers and partners about the work they do to help keep farmers safe and healthy.

You will first hear from this season's host, Kate Crawford, PhD. In order of appearance, we talked with Ralph Altmaier, MS, Kayla Faust, PhD, our center director Renée T. Anthony, PhD, Matthew Nonnenman, PhD (University of Nebraska), Kanika Arora, PhD, Nate Fethke, PhD, Jenna Gibbs, PhD, Diane Rohlman, PhD, and Brandi Janssen, PhD.

Episode Resources
Agriculture Health and Safety: The Core Course

SafetyWatch

]]> Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health Buzzsprout-9060968 Fri, 20 Aug 2021 11:00:00 -0500 755 1 1 full false