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NDSU Extension Benson County For information about NDSU Extension: https://www.ndsu.edu/agriculture/extension/about-ndsu-extension

FARM SAFETY WEEK | SAFETY TODAY, SUCCESS TOMORROWAs National Farm Safety & Health Week comes to a close, we’re reminded ...
09/25/2026

FARM SAFETY WEEK | SAFETY TODAY, SUCCESS TOMORROW

As National Farm Safety & Health Week comes to a close, we’re reminded of why farm safety matters every single day.

No job on the farm is worth a life.

The crops matter. 🌽
The cattle matter. 🐄
The equipment matters. 🚜
The harvest matters.

But the people we love will always matter more. ❤️

Farming and ranching come with long days, unpredictable conditions and risks that can change in an instant. Taking a few extra minutes to shut down equipment, slow down, communicate with one another, wear the right protective equipment or simply take a break can make a lasting difference.

Farm safety isn't just about preventing an accident. It's about making sure the people who leave home to work the farm get to come home again.

This week may be over, but the conversation shouldn't be.

Talk with your family. Check your equipment. Make a plan. Look out for your neighbor. And don't be afraid to speak up when something isn't safe.

Safe farms. Strong families. Brighter tomorrows.

NDSU Extension is here to help North Dakota farm and ranch families make safety part of the everyday work of agriculture.

Keep the conversation going with these NDSU Extension resources:

👉 Let's Communicate on the Farm! — Conversation Starter Card Pack for Farm Families
A great resource for talking through farm equipment, livestock, grain bins, pesticides, ATV/UTV safety, farm stress, emergency calls and more.
🔗 https://www.ndsu.edu/agriculture/extension/publications/lets-communicate-farm-conversation-starter-card-pack-farm-families

👉 NDSU Extension Farm Safety & Health Resources
Find resources covering tractor and equipment safety, roadway safety, grain bins, livestock, hearing protection, farm stress and more.
🔗 https://www.ndsu.edu/agriculture/ag-hub/ag-topics

👉 Can You Hear Me Now? — Hearing Loss Prevention for Farmers and Ranchers
Hearing protection isn't just about protecting your ears — hearing loss can also affect awareness of warning signals and contribute to other safety risks.
🔗https://www.ndsu.edu/agriculture/sites/default/files/2022-09/fs2067.pdf

👉 NDSU Extension Farm Safety News & Resources
Explore additional information on topics including grain bin safety, farm stress, equipment safety, combine fires, youth safety and more.
🔗 https://www.ag.ndsu.edu/news/custom/farm-safety

Take care of the farm. Take care of the animals. Take care of the equipment. But most importantly — take care of each other.

National Farm Safety & Health Week: Cancer PreventionFarmers and ranchers spend a lot of time working outdoors, which me...
09/25/2026

National Farm Safety & Health Week: Cancer Prevention

Farmers and ranchers spend a lot of time working outdoors, which means protecting your health needs to be part of the job, too.

Today, we're talking about cancer prevention and early detection.

Simple habits can help protect your health:

🧴 Use broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.
👒 Wear a wide-brimmed hat when working outdoors.
👕 Wear long sleeves and clothing that helps protect your skin from UV exposure.
🕶️ Protect your eyes from UV rays.
🔎 Pay attention to changes in your skin and talk with a health-care provider about anything concerning.
🩺 Stay current with recommended health screenings.

NDSU Extension has resources on skin cancer prevention and other types of cancer, including breast, colon and prostate cancer.

And remember — sun exposure doesn't stop just because you're busy with harvest.

Protect yourself today so you can keep doing what you love for years to come.

Safety Today, Success Tomorrow.

Learn more from NDSU Extension:
Protect Your Skin — Simple Steps to Prevent Skin Cancer
🔗 https://www.ag.ndsu.edu/news/columns/prairie-fare/prairie-fare-protect-your-skin-2014-simple-steps-to-prevent-skin-cancer

NDSU Extension Chronic Disease & Cancer Prevention Resources
🔗 https://www.ndsu.edu/agriculture/extension/extension-topics/food-and-nutrition/nutrition-health-and-wellness/chronic-disease

National Farm Safety & Health Week: Confined SpacesGrain bins and other confined spaces can become dangerous in a matter...
09/24/2026

National Farm Safety & Health Week: Confined Spaces

Grain bins and other confined spaces can become dangerous in a matter of seconds.

Before entering a grain bin, take the time to stop and think:

🚫 Never enter a bin with flowing grain.
🔒 Shut down and lock out equipment before entering.
👥 Never enter alone.
🪢 Use appropriate safety equipment and follow established entry procedures.
📞 Have an emergency plan — and remember that an untrained person should not enter a confined space to attempt a rescue.

Grain can engulf a person incredibly quickly, and hazards may not always be obvious.

Don't let the pressure to get the job done become more important than getting everyone home safely.

Take the extra time. Follow the safety procedures. Plan before you enter.

Safety Today, Success Tomorrow.

NDSU Extension resources:
Work Safely Around Grain
🔗https://www.ag.ndsu.edu/news/newsreleases/2018/april-9-2018/work-safely-around-grain

Let's Communicate on the Farm! — Confined Space & Grain Bin Safety
🔗 https://www.ndsu.edu/agriculture/extension/publications/lets-communicate-farm-conversation-starter-card-pack-farm-families

09/23/2026

It's the first day of fall! Which means... coffee season is here in full force.

Many studies have explored the health benefits and risks of coffee. Although coffee in large amounts may have some negative effects, try strategies to reduce these outcomes. Drink coffee in moderation (3 to 5 cups per day). Consume a diet rich in calcium to prevent osteoporosis, and drink filtered coffee to avoid coffee’s lipid-raising agents.

Also, be aware that coffee beverages vary widely in calorie, caffeine and sugar content. Many coffee shops provide nutritional information online or in printed materials.

Learn more about coffee from NDSU Extension >>> https://www.ndsu.edu/agriculture/extension/publications/coffee-time-exploring-favorite-beverage

09/23/2026

Learn how to preserve apple relish! 😋

Apples can be eaten fresh, baked, cooked, dried, frozen.... and as a relish? That's right! Sweet spreads and relishes are tasty additions to your menus.

On average, one medium apple with skin (3 inches in diameter) is a good source of fiber, vitamins and minerals for less than 100 calories.

Learn how to make two different types of Apple Relish from NDSU Extension >>> https://www.ndsu.edu/agriculture/extension/publications/orchard-table-apples #:~:text=the%20search%20box.-,Making%20Jams%2C%20Jellies%20and%20Relishes,-Sweet%20spreads%20and

National Farm Safety & Health Week: Generations of FarmingFor many farm and ranch families, agriculture is more than a j...
09/23/2026

National Farm Safety & Health Week: Generations of Farming

For many farm and ranch families, agriculture is more than a job — it's a way of life passed from one generation to the next.

Today is a great opportunity to have a farm safety conversation with your family.

What safety lessons were passed down to you?

What has changed since you learned them?

And what safety habits do you want the next generation to carry forward?

👧 Teach children about farm hazards.
👦 Give youth age-appropriate responsibilities.
🗣️ Talk about what to do when something goes wrong.
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Make sure everyone knows how to communicate during an emergency.
🚜 Don't assume that experience alone makes a task safe.

NDSU Extension encourages communication between parents, employers and young workers as an important part of preparing the next generation for agricultural work.

The safest traditions are the ones worth passing on.

Safety Today, Success Tomorrow.

Try this NDSU Extension resource with your family:
Let's Communicate on the Farm! Conversation Starter Card Pack for Farm Families
https://www.ndsu.edu/agriculture/extension/publications/lets-communicate-farm-conversation-starter-card-pack-farm-families

Farm safety includes taking care of the person behind the equipment.Long days, loud machinery and the pressure of harves...
09/22/2026

Farm safety includes taking care of the person behind the equipment.

Long days, loud machinery and the pressure of harvest can take a toll on both physical and mental health. Remember to drink water, eat regularly, use hearing protection and take short breaks before fatigue begins affecting your judgment or reaction time.

Check in with the people working beside you, too. Sometimes a simple conversation can make a real difference.

Rest is not wasted time. It is part of working safely.

NDSU Extension offers practical tools, publications and support resources for managing farm and ranch stress:
https://www.ndsu.edu/agriculture/ag-hub/ag-topics/farm-safety-health/managing-stress?fbclid=IwY2xjawUfrANwZG9mAWV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAGJyaWQRMXNjd3F0VW8zTFA5bmFPS0VzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEePlTZlTYwnIbDzM5S16BGBV-QnwqZ15-k3dI0KAW4YtGTc0z4W2EEHVeqwRo_aem_Rbqyd9VfQDG-3RCoHabuJw

If you or someone you know needs immediate mental health support, call or text 988.

Virtual Nutrition Classes are coming up!Looking for practical ways to make healthy eating easier for your family? NDSU E...
09/22/2026

Virtual Nutrition Classes are coming up!

Looking for practical ways to make healthy eating easier for your family? NDSU Extension and the Expanded Food & Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) are offering FREE virtual nutrition classes!

Around the Table: Nourishing Families
Explore ways to provide healthy meals and good nutrition for your family.
📅 Tuesdays: October 6–November 10, 2026 | 12–1 PM
📅 Wednesdays: April 14–May 19, 2027 | 10–11 AM

Cooking 101
Perfect for less experienced home cooks! Learn kitchen basics along with ideas for time-saving, inexpensive, nutritious meals.
📅 Wednesdays: January 6–February 10, 2027 | 5:30–6:30 PM
📅 Wednesdays: July 14–August 18, 2027 | 1–2 PM

These are virtual classes, making it easy to participate from home!

👉 Scan the QR code on the flyer for more information or visit ndsu.edu/agriculture/ag-home/events.

Please share with anyone who might be interested!

Address

311 B Avenue South, Courthouse, P. O. Box 205
Minnewaukan, ND
58351

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+17014735363

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