Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health

08/26/2026

In this episode, our collaborators Ellen and Carolyn talk about being prepared before a flood strikes.

08/19/2026

In this episode, Jonathan Lawrence talks about his GPCAH pilot project and building a peer network for farmers.

08/12/2026

In this episode, Mason tells us about a cool new tool used to assess l contaminants on the farms.

08/12/2026

Congratulations to Nate and the Whole-Body Vibration research team on the publication of their most recent paper: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0003687026001468?via%3Dihub



Salam Rahmatalla, Jonathan DeShaw, Yash Kumar Dhabi, Brian Fiegel, Elizabeth M. Ritchie, Tyler Guzowski, Geb Thomas, David G. Wilder, Nathan B. Fethke,
Effect of non-neutral seated postures on whole-body vibration measurements, Applied Ergonomics, Volume 138, 2027,104868,

Abstract: ISO 2631-1 generally treats frequency-weighted acceleration measured at the seat–occupant interface as independent of operator posture, yet this assumption has rarely been examined explicitly. This study evaluates that assumption. Twenty-four participants were exposed to three-dimensional whole-body vibration on a machine operator seat while maintaining forward lean, reclined, and twisted postures. Despite constant base excitation vibrations, the seat-interface frequency-weighted RMS acceleration (FWRMS) differed significantly across postures (F = 0.871, R = 0.765, T = 0.845 m/s2; p < 0.001), with posture explaining 78% of variance. A sandbag surrogate experiment confirmed that body-weight redistribution alone, without neuromuscular involvement, produced an approximately 13% variation in FWRMS, linking postural load shift to altered seat suspension dynamics. When propagated through ISO 2631-1 exposure equations, this corresponds to an approximately 27% difference in allowable daily exposure duration. These findings highlight the need to incorporate posture into whole-body vibration standard 2631-1 and occupational vibration risk assessment.

08/05/2026

Listen to Renee and Caroline talk about cancer risk in the ag sector.

07/29/2026

Season 5 of the FarmSafe Podcast continues with five thought-provoking episodes featuring experts dedicated to advancing agricultural health and rural resilience. From emerging research and innovative technologies to mental health support and disaster preparedness, these conversations highlight practical knowledge and real-world solutions for those who live and work in agriculture.

🎧 Listen now and join us in building safer, healthier, and stronger farm communities.

🎧 Now Available:
🔹 Ep. 11 – Understanding Cancer Risk Through the Lens of Agricultural Research
with Caroline Powell
🚁 Ep. 12 – UAVs & Agricultural Health: A New Tool Takes Flight
with Mason McCulley
🤝 Ep. 13 – Helping Farmers Help Farmers: Building a Mental Health Network
with Jonathan Lawrence
🌊 Ep. 14 – When Waters Rise: Flood Preparedness for Rural Communities
with Ellen Duysen & Carolyn Sheridan
🌱 Ep. 15 – Connecting Research and Rural Communities
with Caroline Powell, Mason McCulley & Jonathan Lawrence

07/29/2026

Bee Calm Bee Well is a groundbreaking evidence-based program that combines mindfulness practices with beekeeping to support positive mental health outcomes for military veterans.

Developed in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Heroes to Hives, Bee Wise Farms, Michigan Food and Farming Systems, and the University of New Hampshire, this unique training prepares facilitators to deliver therapeutic beekeeping programs across the nation.

The University of Missouri Extension and the University of Missouri’s Jefferson Farm and Garden Extension and Education Center are collaborating on this event.
Event Details * Space is limited to 20 participants*
Dates: September 16–17, 2026
Location: University of Missouri’s Jefferson Farm and Garden, Columbia, MO
Focus: Training medical professionals and beekeeping educators on 9 evidence-based mindfulness practices integrated into beekeeping settings to reduce anxiety and depression.
Registration Fee: $100
Register at: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/qgzc6re
If you have any questions, please contact Karen Funkenbusch at [email protected].

07/23/2026

Thanks for sharing this very important work to support caregivers University of Iowa Injury Prevention Research Center

🚜 Farming is one of the nation’s most dangerous occupations. Add dementia or memory loss to the equation, and the risk of serious injury becomes even greater, according to a new University of Iowa study.

📊 The study, led by Kanika Arora, associate professor of health management and policy at The University of Iowa College of Public Health, found that older adults with dementia who experienced farm-related injuries were more likely to suffer severe injuries and require intensive care or surgery than older adults with dementia who were injured outside farm settings.

💬“Falls caused 94% of traumatic injuries in individuals with dementia alone but accounted for only 35% of injuries in those with both agricultural injuries and dementia. Non-fall mechanisms on the farm may be inherently more severe.”

⚠️Compared with nonfarming older adults with dementia, older farmers with dementia experienced a broader range of injury causes, including motor vehicle incidents and environmental hazards.

🐑Most dementia safety programs, Arora said, focus on residential settings while overlooking farm environments that include hazards such as livestock, heavy equipment, and unsecured fi****ms.

💬 “They also fail to reflect the lived realities of farming communities, where work is deeply tied to identity and purpose and full retirement is relatively uncommon. Consequently, standard dementia safety recommendations—such as removing access to tractors or ceasing work—can feel intrusive or impractical, leading to low adherence.”

🔗 Go here to read the full blog article: https://bit.ly/3TbxCiU

Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health

07/23/2026

It's that time of year again! Get those abstracts done and submitted. Then you can enjoy the rest of your summer. Iowa's Center for Agricultural Safety & Health

REMINDER: Breakout session and roundtable abstracts are due August 10. Submit your ag health and safety abstracts here: https://icash.public-health.uiowa.edu/2026-mrash-conference/

07/22/2026

Libby is working hard finishing up the summer bundle of brand new FarmSafe podcast episodes. We're super excited to share them with you on July 29th.