Summary: Farmers, ranchers, and ag operators were deemed ‘essential’ during the COVID19 pandemic. Learning how to protect employees, families, clients, and the community evolved throughout the pandemic and uncertainty was often difficult to navigate. During this webinar, we hope to bring forward some of the lessons learned during the pandemic and help share strategies forRead More
Summary: Agricultural workers are exposed to infectious agents that can lead to illness, lost time away from work, and other economic stress. A long-term illness may also negatively affect the workers’ family and their employer. In this fast-paced session, learn about emerging, reemerging, and long-standing infectious disease health risks. From Aspergillus to zoonotic diseases, youRead More
Summary: More than 100 million US adults have high blood pressure, often called the “silent killer.” Half of those individuals affected do not know that they have it. Men and Women of all ages are affected, and it can cause serious heart problems. In women, the number one cause of death in the US isRead More
Summary: Farm workers experience high rates of mental health and substance use problems due to numerous risk factors. Barriers for mental health services prevent most farm workers from accessing culturally appropriate care. COVID highlighted the increased need for mental health support and services in farm worker populations. Farm Workers experienced additional stress and did notRead More
Summary: Confined spaces such as tanks and storage bins are recognized workplace hazards on agricultural production settings. Manure storage facilities are often not recognized as confined spaces, especially on dairy farms. These facilities meet the definition of a confined space as they can expose workers to toxic gases and other hazards. The purpose of thisRead More
Summary: In this informative presentation, we will explore the world of grain safety, shedding light on various types of incidents and the alarming statistics surrounding them. We will delve into the immense pressure exerted by grain, a contributing factor to the severity of injuries and tragic fatalities. Moreover, we will examine the distinction between youthRead More
Summary: CALM (Conversations on Access to Lethal Means) is a suicide prevention training that encourages safe storage of lethal means (firearms and medications) during a suicidal crisis. By temporarily putting time and distance between a suicidal person and highly lethal means, a life may be saved. CALM: Counseling on Access to Lethal Means was originally createdRead More
Summary: It’s no surprise that farmers’ behavioral health is positively correlated with crop production and healthy animals. But what happens when markets swing, there’s a drought, feed prices go sky-high, and you can’t find good employees? Stress. It’s the body's reaction to any change that requires an adjustment or response. Stress creates chemical reactions inRead More
Summary: Stress can directly impact safety. Whether managing forestry wildfires or working long strenuous days harvesting and hauling timber, the forestry and logging workforce face unique situations that can predispose stress and challenges to mental well-being. The agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting (AgFF) industries has one of highest percentages of deaths by suicide. Key factorsRead More
Meeting Purpose: The purpose of these monthly meetings is to engage innovative ideas and strategies to serve the farming and ranching community in the area of mental health. Please extend invitations to colleagues and other professionals that are interested in this subject. Register Here Interested in sharing a mental health innovation? Email CareyRead More
Summary: Forest workers face unique ergonomic challenges due to their exposure to extreme environmental conditions, heavy workload, and dangerous tools and machines. The forest sector has one of the highest rates of Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs), almost 100 times higher than the industrial targets the National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health (NIOSH) set. This programRead More
What is QPR? QPR training teaches laypeople and professionals to recognize and respond to mental health crises using the approach of Question, Persuade and Refer. To attend this training participants must be 18 years of age or older. In this 1.5-hour QPR training, we will provide: - Information on the unique challenges farmers face thatRead More
