FarmSafe Podcast

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 ResourcesFirst Aid for Burns, GPCAH [Poster, 11x17]First Aid for Burns, GPCAH [Handout, 8.5x11]First Aid/CPR/AED Courses, American Red Cross, WebpageFirst 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.

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 ResourcesA Roadmap for Delivering Child Care in Agricultural Communities, National Children's Center for Rural and Agricultural Health and Safety & Migrant Clinicians Network, WorkbookSafe Play Posters, Cultivate SafetyChild 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]

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 ResourcesCultivate Safety, Resource Search WebpageCreating Safe Play Areas on Farms, National Children's Center for Rural and Agricultural Health; National Farm Medicine Center; Marshfield Clinic, BookletSafe Play Areas, Cultivate Safety, Handout [PDF]Play Ideas, Cultivate Safety, Handout [PDF]

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 ResourcesLinking Childcare to Farm Children Safety, Marshfield Clinic Research InstituteShort article: ‘Farm families' childcare challenges impacting farm businesses', Penn State UniversityShort article: ‘When and how to safely involve the children on the farm', Penn State University

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 ResourcesBird Flu Resources, University of Nebraska Medicine, CS-CASH“Protect Yourself and Your Flock from Bird Flu”, Ellen Duysen, Farm Progress Column Bird Flu Resources, GPCAHFor 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.

Dr. Barbra 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 SummaryAgricultural Youth Work GuidelinesChildhood Agricultural Injuries – 2020 Factsheet, National Children's Center for Rural and Agricultural Health ad SafetyChild Farm Injuries are Never “Accidents” by Dr. Barbra Lee 

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

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 ResourcesAg 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 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 ResourcesThe Telling the Story Project, Leon SheetsFarm MapperSafer FarmRF-DASH WebpageFarm Fire Prevention Guide, I-CASH

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 ResourcesChild Farm Injuries are Never “Accidents” by Dr. Barbra Lee  Child injuries on farms are not ‘accidents'  Marshfield Clinic Research Institute, “Accidents” vs Incidents Webpage

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 & EpisodesMonday, Sept 16:  Equipment & Rural Roadway SafetySeason 1, Episode 9: Lighting and MarkingSeason 2, Episode 15: Safely Sharing the Road with Farm VehiclesSeason 1, Episode 15: Farm Vehicle Crashes on Public RoadsSeason 3, Episode 3: Safe Operation and Maintenance of Tractors Tuesday, Sept 17:  Health & WellnessSeason 2, Episode 7: What's Your Normal?Season 1, Episode 6: SleepSeason 1, Episode 19: Examining Support Systems for Farmers' Mental HealthSeason 1, Episode 20: Job Demands and Health Outcomes for Beginning Farmers Wednesday, Sept 18:  Generations of FarmingSeason 3, Episode 13: Exploring the Multi-generational Perspective on H&S with the Millennial FarmerSeason 3, Episode 14: Support for Farmers' Mental Health and Well-Being Thursday, Sept 19:  Confined SpacesSeason 1, Episode 21: Manure Gas SafetySeason 1, Episode 22: Gas MonitorsSeason 3, Episode 5: Grain Bin Safety Part 1 Friday, Sept 20: Reporting Ag InjuriesSeason 1, Episode 7: Back Pain and Whole-Body VibrationSeason 3, Episode 10: Poisons: Exposure ResponseSeason 3, Episode 12: Community Building for Rural Response to Emergencies

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 ResourcesLyme Disease Surveillance Data Lyme Disease, Marshfield ClinicTick ID Business CardTick ID Card

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 ResourcesCDC, Check what the common ticks are in your state at https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/about/where-ticks-live.htmlNIOSH, for general information on Tick-Borne Diseases: https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/tick-borne/default.htmlCDC, Tick Bite Data Tracker

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 ResourcesSafe Electricity HomepageElectrical Hazards During and After a Storm: https://safeelectricity.org/public-education/videos-library/The Cody Conrady StoryInfographic on Electrical Safety during Spring Planting

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 ResourcesAg Worker Mental Health TrainingRHIhubIowa Concern Hotline online or call 1-800-447-1985

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 Resourceshttps://farmrescue.org/Constructing a farm succession planMillennial Farmer YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/@MillennialFarmer

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 ResourcesStop the Bleed® ProgramFile for Life FolderSmart 911Farm MapperAlert Iowa

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 ResourcesEmergency Farm Plan Electronic Template, bulletin E-2575ETFarm First Aid GraphicFarm Emergency Plan: Tips and Guidance, Purdue UniversityUSDA Livestock Preparedness Fact SheetEmergency ContactsTo Order a Farm First-Aid Kit: Gloria Reiter | email: reiterg@nicc.edu | phone: 563-556-5110, ext. 371Matison Howard: matison-bentley@uiowa.edu

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 PreventionPesticide Poisoning Symptoms and First Aid, University of Missouri ExtensionFirst Aid for Poisoning (8.5x11 handout)First Aid for Poisoning (11x17 poster)

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

We are wrapping up our Gran Bin Safety series during February's Grain Bin Safety Week. Join us today as we chat with Rich and Kristina in the final part to our grain bin safety series. Today's topic is grain handling equipment safety. Episode ResourcesGrain Safety Shorts: Grain Handling Equipment Safety, Kristina TeBockhorst: https://www.extension.iastate.edu/smallfarms/grain-safety-shorts-grain-handling-equipment-safetyAvoid Risks When Working Around Grain Handling and Processing Equipment, NASD: https://nasdonline.org/1290/d001095/avoid-risks-when-working-around-grain-handling-and.htmlGrain Handling, OSHA: https://www.osha.gov/grain-handling/hazards

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

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.Episode ResourcesSafety Precautions for Grain Bin-Related Hazards Grain Safety Shorts: Aeration – why, when, and how?, by Kristina TeBockhorstGrain Safety Shorts: Bin Prep, by Kristina TeBockhorst 

This is our first episode in a series on grain bins leading up to grain bin safety week. We hear a farmer story on an extremely close call on the farm, resulting from grain entrapment. Episode ResourcesGPCAH Grain Engulfment and EntrapmentGrain Storage Structure Entry ProceduresJob Safety Analysis and Risk Assessment

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 ResourcesTo look for specific tools to address hazards on the farm, visit our resources pageIf you would like to take a deeper dive into ag safety and health, consider taking some free online coursesFarm Mapper Tool

Tractors are costly, and preventing costly repairs can be as simple as taking the time to do a pre-operational check on your tractor.

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. 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. 

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.

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. 

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. 

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.

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.

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. 

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.  

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.

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

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.

Dr. Athena Ramos works with, and specializes in, research regarding Latino and Hispanic farmworkers. With over 20 years of experience, Ramos's 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 creating a safety climate in feedyards that prioritizes talking about communicating effectively with cattle feedyard workers about safety. 

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. View the RFA at https://gpcah.public-health.uiowa.edu/gpcah-pilot-grant-program/.  Application deadline: July 3, 2023.

In this episode, titled "March Mudness," we look at 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.

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. 

Today, we are talking 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. 

This week's episode we're doing things a little different. 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.

We're keeping with the season 2 kickoff theme talking with women in agriculture. Karen Thorton devotes all of her time to agriculture, and today she will be discussing safety challenges from her experiences, highlighting her concerns on personal protective equipment fit. 

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.

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.

 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. 

We are wrapping up our first season with our 25th 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 who will be hosting the podcast in September, to hear about her and what episodes she's working on for Season 2.  In the meantime, please take our short 5-question survey about the podcast to let us know how we're doing!  You can find the survey here or in the episode resources section on our website.  

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 are available at the GPCAH website: https://gpcah.public-health.uiowa.edu/farmsafe/

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 are available at https://gpcah.public-health.uiowa.edu/farmsafe/

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 can be found on the GPCAH website.