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 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 Pediatric Agricultural Injuries: An Interview with Jenna Gibbs,Injury Prevention Research CenterSafety Guidelines, Cultivate Safety“Accidents” vs Incidents Webpage, Marshfield Clinic Research Institute

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 Ag Health Academy,

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 Injury Trends for Great Plains Farm Workers, GPCAH, Iowa Trauma Registry Ag Surveillance 2017-2023 Report, GPCAH2017-2023 Injury Data: Have the Conversation About Injuries on the Farm, GPCAH, 2017-2023 Injury Data: Have the Conversation About Injuries on the Farm, GPCAH,

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 Meeting People Where They Are: Improving Health in Collaboration with the Places Where Rural Communities Gather, American Heart AssociationOutpace CVD: A Grant Opportunity for Rural Midwest Health Care Organizations, American Heart AssociationAmerican Heart Month 2026: American Heart Association Toolkit, American Heart AssociationAmerican Heart Association Resources

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

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: Tallgrass Prairie Centerhttps://tallgrassprairiecenter.org/videosISU-Extensionhttps://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLpkEiJv9k6M1hUflhvVGvqMt1p7H-v3OcBasic 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

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 https://hhs.iowa.gov/center-acute-disease-epidemiology/rabies-information-public-providers-and-veterinariansBats of Iowa Communications Toolkithttps://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/rabies/index.html

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 Ag Youth Work GuidelinesVignette

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 GPCAH Outreach ToolkitsGPCAH Flat Farmers Toolkit

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 Ag Health and Safety Alliance Resource WebpageGPCAH Main Resources WebpageGPCAH FarmSafe in the ClassroomGPCAH Ag Educator Posters

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.

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.

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

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]

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]

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: Note that many institutions also offer online training courses.

In this episode, we explore the important role that terminology plays in how agricultural injuries and fatalities are reported in the media. Dr. Barbra 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. Barbra Lee Child injuries on farms are not ‘accidents’ Marshfield Clinic Research Institute, “Accidents” vs Incidents Webpage

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 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