The flu, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are the leading causes of hospitalizations for respiratory illnesses during the fall and winter months. Vaccination rates in rural areas can be significantly lower than in urban settings - this can result in increased flu cases during peak seasons.

Unsure which vaccines you need this season? Check out the CDC’s Fall and Winter Virus Season Immunization Guide for essential information on how to protect yourself and your loved ones. Stay informed and stay healthy!

AgriSafe is thrilled to shine the spotlight on Tara Maus as our October AgriSafe Nurse Scholar! Tara completed the Scholar Program in 2023, and she currently serves as the Health Coach at CHI St. Alexius Health Bismarck Medical Center in North Dakota.

Tara's journey into nursing was inspired by...

“All the wonderful nurses who supported me during various surgeries and tests had a profound impact. I may not remember their names, but I will always remember how they made me feel.”

What she loves most about being a nurse...

“I cherish getting to know people and their stories and being present for their life’s highs and lows. Life and love are truly beautiful.”

The AgriSafe Nurse Scholar Program has impacted Tara by...

“Opening up a whole network of possibilities to be able to help others. I am a small-town North Dakota girl and agriculture has impacted my life in so many different ways.”

Join us in celebrating Tara's contributions to nursing and her commitment to supporting her community!

Did you know that November 3rd is One Health Day?

One Health is a collaborative approach that focuses on the interconnectedness of human health, animal health, and environmental health. One Health brings together experts across these areas to communicate, collaborate, and coordinate to achieve the best health outcomes across humans, animals, and the environment.

In this episode, our host Linda Emanuel speaks with Dr. Heather Fowler, the Director of Producer & Public Health with the National Pork Board. Listen to this episode to hear Dr. Fowler's explanation of One Health, the We Care ethical principles, and how it all looks in action.

To listen to the latest episode, visit our website or on Apple Podcasts or Spotify - make sure to subscribe so that you to get notified when our episodes are released!

97th National FFA Convention and Expo

This month, AgriSafe team members Knesha Rose-Davison and Abigail Kahrs traveled to Indianapolis for the 2024 National FFA Convention and Expo, where they joined the Safety for Ag Youth group. Abby and Knesha were excited to exhibit "No Safe Way to Vape," a new topic in the Invest in Your Health youth education series. Students participated in a hands-on activity simulating the impact of vaping and smoking on the respiratory system, learning how these habits can make everyday tasks, like exercising, more challenging. With 71,096 attendees at this year’s convention, AgriSafe is thrilled to be part of this inspiring event each year!

Agriculture Recovery Resource Day

AgriSafe staff members Laura Siegel and Vanessa Martinez attended the first of many Agriculture Resource Recovery Day for southwestern Virginia on Tuesday October 29. This event was held in collaboration with over 17 local, state, and federal agencies, nonprofit organizations, and more. This first event was held in Independence, Virginia to offer resources and assistance to Grayson county residents impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Laura and Vanessa were glad to offer mental health and crisis resources, including the AgriStress Helpline, as well as flood safety and mold awareness resources crucial to those working with flood cleanup. The original estimate was to have 40-70 attendees, but a total of 111 individuals came out to access these resources! For more information on AgriSafe's help in Virginia, visit the Virginia Flood Response page!

"Call 911, the field is on fire!" - These are jarring words to hear from a family member in the middle of corn harvest. October is Fire Awareness Prevention Month, when extremely dry field conditions have the potential to enhance combine and field fires.

As we head into fall, agricultural communities must be extra vigilant when it comes to fire safety! Wildfires, equipment malfunctions, and dry conditions can pose serious risks to farms, ranches, and rural properties. But with the right precautions, we can help protect lives, livelihoods, and land. Let’s work together to protect our farms, families, and communities. Stay safe and be prepared!

Here are some fire safety tips for ag communities:

1. Maintain equipment – Regularly inspect and clean farm machinery to prevent sparks and malfunctions. Keep a tractor and disc ready and available to help control fire spread.
2. Create defensible space – Keep grass, brush, and debris clear around buildings and equipment.
3. Have a fire plan – Know your emergency exits, water sources, and local fire services.
4. Firebreaks & buffers – Use controlled burns or create firebreaks to reduce fire risk.
5. Fire extinguishers – Iowa State University recommends having two ABC-rated fire extinguishers on hand: a smaller 10-pound unit in the combine cab and a larger 20-extinguisher at ground level on the combine. Extra fire extinguishers on other pieces of machinery and/or trucks is a good practice. Invert the fire extinguishers once or twice during the season to ensure machine vibrations don’t compact the powder.
6. Create a list with the 911 address for each of your field locations. Have them easily accessible to family members and farm employees. When a fire is called in with a 911 address, dispatch can readily identify the incident location and relay this to the fire department, saving precious time.
7. Keep an N-95 2-strap NIOSH mask in the combine, field machinery, and trucks. Grain dust and smoke respiratory particles are potentially harmful and keeping PPE available is key to preserving good health.

Resources:

• Wildfires Resource Page - AgriSafe
• Keep Farms Fire-Free - UMASH Resource
• Fire Safety During Harvest Season: Essential Tips for Farmers - University of Nebraska-Lincoln Resource

The photo and tips in this article are courtesy of staff member Linda Emanuel, who recently experienced a fire on her family's farming operation. Thankfully she practiced the above tips and the fire was contained quickly because of her family's preparedness!

Monthly Mental Health Innovations Exchange- AgriStress Response Network

Wednesday, November 6

10 am - 11 am CDT

Suicide Prevention Training for Ag Communities: Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR)

Wednesday, November 6

11:30 am - 1 pm CDT

2024 Southern Region Small Farms Conference on November 6 - 8 (Mobile, AL)

The main audience for this conference is small farmers, landowners, agribusinesses, community gardeners, extension agents, and all interested parties addressing the following issues: Heirs Property, Agricultural Risk Management Strategies, Crop Insurance, USDA programs and services, Small Farms Program, FSMA Training, and Financial Literacy, New & Emerging Program, Govt. Programs, Organic Production, Value-Added Agriculture, New & Emerging Issues, and much more!

Registration is required to attend (Fees: Alabama producers $50 and non-Alabama attendees $100).

Interested in registering? Contact Strategic Alignment Network at info@strategicalignment.com or Rural South Institute at info@ruralsouthinstitute.com.

Limited scholarships are available, please contact E’licia L. Chaverest at (256) 457-8564 for more information.

Farm families - your input is needed! 

The University of Illinois and National Children's Center for Rural and Agricultural Health and Safety are recruiting farm parents and adolescents to complete a survey on farming, stress, and health. One parent and one adolescent from the same household must participate to qualify.

Have questions? Contact Josie Rudolphi via email at josier@illinois.edu for more information.

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