Do spring safety check on and off the farm
Check equipment, animal safety, chemicals, and stress levels this spring to keep farm and rural life safe for all family members.
Take your time with power takeoffs
Essential safety tips for working with power takeoffs (PTOs) on farm equipment, including clothing choices and proper shutdown procedures to prevent injuries.
Consider ergonomics when buying garden tools
Choose garden tools designed for comfort and ease to reduce strain and enjoy gardening more.
Free hotline offers counseling, referrals for Missourians in crisis
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Missourians in crisis can take advantage of a free 24-hour hotline for stress counseling as well as information and referrals on legal, financial, crisis/disaster and personal health topics. Individuals can seek help by phone or live online chat.
First state chapter of Heroes to Hives beekeeping program begins at MU
Missouri launches its first Heroes to Hives program, teaching veterans beekeeping skills and pollinator care.
Harvesting grief: National Suicide Awareness Month
Stories of rural families facing loss highlight mental health and suicide awareness in National Suicide Awareness Month.
Develop a family crisis plan
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The best time to prepare for an emergency is when there is no emergency, says Karen Funkenbusch, University of Missouri Extension health and safety specialist. National Preparedness Month, sponsored by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), is held annually in September and is a good time to develop a crisis plan, says Funkenbusch.
New research identifies behavioral health crisis in agriculture
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Amid mounting pressures — floods, bankruptcies, consolidation and a credit squeeze — rural Missourians struggle to access mental health services. Mental health challenges are a growing public health concern in rural Missouri, according to a new report from the Missouri Hospital Association, Missouri Department of Mental Health, Missouri Coalition for Community Behavioral Healthcare, Missouri Farm Bureau and University…
Child farm fatalities bring community together to learn about farm safety
FORTUNA, Mo. – The people of the Fortuna and Versailles areas know what a farm tragedy feels like. In the last few years, Mennonite families there lost two children to farm accidents. Another was critically injured.
Suicide rate higher in rural areas
COLUMBIA, Mo. – For many, the peace and quiet of country living is the American dream. But that dream can turn to a nightmare for those who become isolated and disconnected from their communities, says University of Missouri Extension safety and health specialist Karen Funkenbusch. May is Mental Health Month. It is a good time to talk with rural family members about increased risks of suicide, says Funkenbusch.
AgrAbility program from MU helps farmers after injury
BETHEL, Mo –Chris Allen wanted out of the bed. He argued with hospital staff that he needed to go home to harvest crops, feed cattle and cut firewood to heat his farmhouse. The lifelong Shelby County farmer had a brain aneurysm that resulted in a life-threatening hemorrhagic stroke on his farm in August of 2010. But the thought of crops in the field nagged at him while he was a patient at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis and…
Wear a helmet when horseback riding
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Horse trainer Zane Volkmann calls his riding helmet an “anti-watermelon cracker.” Volkmann, who suffered a brain injury two years ago while riding, spent part of his summer college-related internship encouraging horseback riders to wear a helmet. His most recent appearance was at a safety expo sponsored in part by University of Missouri Extension. He also talked about helmet protection in the agriculture safety booth…
Teach kids about mowing the lawn safely
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Lawn mowing is often one of the first jobs young people have. It is also one of the most dangerous spring activities, says University of Missouri Extension health and safety specialist Karen Funkenbusch.
Grain bin safety promoted April 9-13
Learn key tips to prevent grain bin accidents and protect farmworkers during April 9–13 safety awareness week.
Check your home for toxic plants
COLUMBIA, Mo. – It is estimated that more than 700 plant species growing in North America can have harmful effects on humans, said University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein. Many plant poisonings occur when curious children are attracted to colorful berries and blooms on plants within their reach. Their low body weight makes plant toxicity higher in children than adults, said MU Extension safety and health…
Farm Safety Day, March 24, offers free fun, family activities
FORTUNA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension offers a free Farm Safety Day from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, March 24, at Central Missouri Produce Auction in Fortuna.Fun, family-oriented events will be offered throughout the event, said University of Missouri Extension agronomy specialist Joni Harper.
'Grow Your Farm' sessions begin in Kirksville
KIRKSVILLE, Mo. – “Grow Your Farm” sessions for beginning farmers begin March 14 at the University of Missouri Extension Center in Adair County, Kirksville. MU Extension, through a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Office of Advocacy and Outreach to help veterans and socially disadvantaged persons who want to farm, offers the program to increase agribusinesses and enterprise development. Karen Funkenbusch serves as…
'Grow Your Farm' sessions begin in Eldon
ELDON, Mo. – “Grow Your Farm” sessions for beginning farmers start Saturday, March 10, at the Eldon Career Center. University of Missouri Extension agricultural business specialist Patricia Barrett says the practical seminars and field days give attendees opportunities to learn and network.
Workshop helps beginning farmers, ranchers, military veterans understand ABCs of USDA, other agencies
HANNIBAL, Mo. – Openings remain for a free Feb. 16 workshop to help beginning farmers and ranchers, including military veterans, learn about resources offered by state and federal agencies.University of Missouri Extension sponsors the workshop.
Workshop helps beginning farmers, ranchers, military veterans
ST. PETERS, Mo. – Openings remain for free Feb. 13 and March 7 workshops to help beginning farmers and ranchers, including military veterans, learn about resources offered by state and federal agencies. University of Missouri Extension sponsors the workshops.
Workshop helps new farmers, ranchers, military vets understand ABCs of USDA, other agencies
ELDON, Mo. – Openings remain for a free Jan. 24 workshop to help beginning farmers and ranchers, including military veterans, learn about resources offered by state and federal agencies.University of Missouri Extension sponsors the workshop.
Blindness helps man find opportunities for others in ag
MORRISON, Mo. – Jim Brinkmann’s blindness does not keep him from helping others with vision problems reach their potential.
Grow Your Farm program offered in downtown KC
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension invites anyone interested in learning to farm to attend an eight-session program, Grow Your Farm, offered by MU Extension in Jackson County. The program also offers two farm tours. Sessions begin Feb. 28 and end April 18. All sessions run 6-9 p.m. at the MU Extension center at 105 E. Fifth St. in the Kansas City River Market.
Tips for safe snow shoveling
Stay safe while shoveling snow with tips on lifting, breaks, hydration, and proper clothing to reduce strain and injury.