NATIONAL FARM SAFETY & HEALTH WEEK
SEPTEMBER 21-27, 2025
Public and land-grant universities play a key role in supporting farm safety and health. Through education, research, outreach, and other community support they help reduce risks in the agricultural sector and promote farmers' mental and physical health.
Helping farmers affected by natural disasters with their mental health resiliency and safety
Drought, flooding and fire risk increasingly impact the mental health and safety of farmers, who are already less likely to seek mental health support. Ensuring the well-being of food producers ensures sustainability and resilience of our agricultural sector.
Agricultural Safety and Health Research and Extension
Across the nation, people who work or live on farms and ranches are regularly exposed to dangerous machinery, biological pathogens, confined spaces, extreme temperatures, and other hazards. Since 2000, a committee of experts at land-grant universities across the U.S. has worked to pinpoint the knowledge, outreach, engineering, and legislation needed to prevent work-related injury, illness, and death.
Agricultural Safety and Health Research and Extension
Across the nation, people who work or live on farms and ranches are regularly exposed to dangerous machinery, biological pathogens, confined spaces, extreme temperatures, and other hazards. Since 2000, a committee of experts at land-grant universities across the U.S. has worked to pinpoint the knowledge, outreach, engineering, and legislation needed to prevent work-related injury, illness, and death.
Addressing injuries and stress in agriculture
Farmers, ranchers and agricultural workers face significant challenges, from physical strain and injuries to financial uncertainty. Extension programs at land-grant universities address provide essential support tailored to the agricultural community. These programs not only improve individual well-being but also strengthen the resilience of rural economies by ensuring farmers and ranchers have the resources they need to continue their essential work.
AgrAbility: Renewing Hope, Restoring Productivity
The vision of AgrAbility is to enhance quality of life for farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural workers with disabilities, so that they, their families, and their communities continue to succeed in rural America. The national and state level AgrAbility Projects are partnerships between a land-grant university and at least one nonprofit disability organization.
AgrAbility: Renewing Hope, Restoring Productivity
The vision of AgrAbility is to enhance quality of life for farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural workers with disabilities, so that they, their families, and their communities continue to succeed in rural America. The national and state level AgrAbility Projects are partnerships between a land-grant university and at least one nonprofit disability organization.
This short film, produced by Michigan State University Extension, highlights the voices of farmers as they share their experiences navigating the challenges of farm life. By giving farmers a platform to speak openly, the film aims to normalize seeking help and foster a culture of support within rural communities. This project was made possible with funding from the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) and the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA).
MSU Extension works to improve farm personal well-being and income, expand ag-related businesses and improve ag employment, leading to agriculture being one of the strongest industries within Michigan.
Photo courtesy of the Georgia Farm Bureau.
Helping Farmers Mitigate Stress
Fort Valley State University
The Farm Stress Summit is a one-day workshop where community leaders, healthcare providers, non- profits, county officials and faith leaders connect to develop partnerships to support farm families and develop best practices for assisting farmers with mental health challenges.
Fall Harvest Safety Tips
Michigan State University
During the fall harvest season, countless hours will be spent in combines, tractors, trucks and other equipment by farmers and workers who will be transporting large equipment on our roads and highways. It is always a good suggestion to go over safety considerations with all workers to teach or reinforce the importance of safety on the farm.
ISU Study Examines Impacts of Collective Trauma on Iowa Farmers
Iowa State University
The Farm Stress Summit is a one-day workshop where community leaders, healthcare providers, non- profits, county officials and faith leaders connect to develop partnerships to support farm families and develop best practices for assisting farmers with mental health challenges.
Photo courtesy of the University of Georgia.
Farm Boot Camp Trains Military Veterans to Start Farms
University of Georgia
An outreach program offered by the University of Georgia trains military veterans to start their own farms. Farm Boot Camp offers free monthly trainings and specialized workshops to provide essential skills and knowledge needed to start or return to farming operations.
Photo courtesy of Chi Catalone/Penn State Extension.
‘Pennsylvania AgForum’ Focused on Farm Stress and Actionable Strategies
Penn State
Held in State College, the “Pennsylvania AgForum: Taking Action Together for Our Agricultural Community” brought together stakeholders in agriculture, health care, finance, mental health, child care and government. Hosted by Penn State Extension, the event was aimed at building partnerships across sectors to address the financial and mental health challenges in the farming community.
Kansas State University
Clean clothes might not top the list when thinking about farm safety, but proper hygiene can play a vital role in preventing the spread of disease and chemical exposure. Workers can become contaminated with different substances as they work out in the field and around animals, should be aware of cross-contamination.
Photo courtesy of North Dakota State University.
North Dakota State University
At NDSU Extension's Farm Safety Camp, teens gain skills for use on the farm and in life. It's an effort to make the most dangerous industry as safe as it can be, particularly for teens.
UMES Publishes Workers’ Compensation Guide for Maryland Agricultural Employers
University of Maryland Eastern Shore
UMES Extension recently published a guide to workers’ compensation for Maryland agricultural employers. The guide outlines who is covered by workers’ compensation, which injuries are covered, what benefits are provided, how to obtain coverage, employee and employer obligations in the event of a claim, and penalties for violating the act.
Photo courtesy of the University of Delaware Extension.
Linking Aquaculture and Agriculture to Risk Management Resources
University of Delaware
The “Linking Aquaculture and Agriculture Vitality and Health Forum” was conducted to help invitees learn about and address barriers to knowledge and care in physical and psychological wellness and health for farm audiences; to create and strengthen networks of care; encourage networking to learn about existing resources and leverage those resources to improve outreach to farm audiences and find opportunities within existing structures for short term impactful outcomes.
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Outdoor workers, especially farmworkers, can face significant risks due to prolonged exposure to high temperatures; strenuous physical labor; and limited access to shade, water, and rest. Salah Issa, an expert in farm safety, weighs in with advice for those working outdoors.
Photo courtesy of North Carolina A&T University.
Food Science Student Helps Bring Agriculture to Medicine with New Wound Dressing
North Carolina A&T University
An interdisciplinary team from N.C. A&T developed a revolutionary new hydrogel prototype wound dressing, called Woundra, a material engineered for controlled antimicrobial release, cellular safety, and environmental safety.
4-H Safety Day
University of Connecticut
UConn Extension is committed to promoting farm safety through a multifaceted approach that supports both physical and mental well-being. Programs like the 4-H Farm Safety Day engage youth in hands-on learning about equipment safety, animal handling, and emergency preparedness, helping to build a culture of safety from an early age.
This short film, produced by Michigan State University Extension, highlights the voices of farmers as they share their experiences navigating the challenges of farm life. By giving farmers a platform to speak openly, the film aims to normalize seeking help and foster a culture of support within rural communities. This project was made possible with funding from the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) and the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA).
MSU Extension works to improve farm personal well-being and income, expand ag-related businesses and improve ag employment, leading to agriculture being one of the strongest industries within Michigan.
Photo courtesy of the Georgia Farm Bureau.
Helping Farmers Mitigate Stress
Fort Valley State University
The Farm Stress Summit is a one-day workshop where community leaders, healthcare providers, non- profits, county officials and faith leaders connect to develop partnerships to support farm families and develop best practices for assisting farmers with mental health challenges.
Fall Harvest Safety Tips
Michigan State University
During the fall harvest season, countless hours will be spent in combines, tractors, trucks and other equipment by farmers and workers who will be transporting large equipment on our roads and highways. It is always a good suggestion to go over safety considerations with all workers to teach or reinforce the importance of safety on the farm.
ISU Study Examines Impacts of Collective Trauma on Iowa Farmers
Iowa State University
The Farm Stress Summit is a one-day workshop where community leaders, healthcare providers, non- profits, county officials and faith leaders connect to develop partnerships to support farm families and develop best practices for assisting farmers with mental health challenges.
Photo courtesy of the University of Georgia.
Farm Boot Camp Trains Military Veterans to Start Farms
University of Georgia
An outreach program offered by the University of Georgia trains military veterans to start their own farms. Farm Boot Camp offers free monthly trainings and specialized workshops to provide essential skills and knowledge needed to start or return to farming operations.
Photo courtesy of Chi Catalone/Penn State Extension.
‘Pennsylvania AgForum’ Focused on Farm Stress and Actionable Strategies
Penn State
Held in State College, the “Pennsylvania AgForum: Taking Action Together for Our Agricultural Community” brought together stakeholders in agriculture, health care, finance, mental health, child care and government. Hosted by Penn State Extension, the event was aimed at building partnerships across sectors to address the financial and mental health challenges in the farming community.
Kansas State University
Clean clothes might not top the list when thinking about farm safety, but proper hygiene can play a vital role in preventing the spread of disease and chemical exposure. Workers can become contaminated with different substances as they work out in the field and around animals, should be aware of cross-contamination.
Photo courtesy of North Dakota State University.
North Dakota State University
At NDSU Extension's Farm Safety Camp, teens gain skills for use on the farm and in life. It's an effort to make the most dangerous industry as safe as it can be, particularly for teens.
UMES Publishes Workers’ Compensation Guide for Maryland Agricultural Employers
University of Maryland Eastern Shore
UMES Extension recently published a guide to workers’ compensation for Maryland agricultural employers. The guide outlines who is covered by workers’ compensation, which injuries are covered, what benefits are provided, how to obtain coverage, employee and employer obligations in the event of a claim, and penalties for violating the act.
Photo courtesy of the University of Delaware Extension.
Linking Aquaculture and Agriculture to Risk Management Resources
University of Delaware
The “Linking Aquaculture and Agriculture Vitality and Health Forum” was conducted to help invitees learn about and address barriers to knowledge and care in physical and psychological wellness and health for farm audiences; to create and strengthen networks of care; encourage networking to learn about existing resources and leverage those resources to improve outreach to farm audiences and find opportunities within existing structures for short term impactful outcomes.
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Outdoor workers, especially farmworkers, can face significant risks due to prolonged exposure to high temperatures; strenuous physical labor; and limited access to shade, water, and rest. Salah Issa, an expert in farm safety, weighs in with advice for those working outdoors.
Photo courtesy of North Carolina A&T University.
Food Science Student Helps Bring Agriculture to Medicine with New Wound Dressing
North Carolina A&T University
An interdisciplinary team from N.C. A&T developed a revolutionary new hydrogel prototype wound dressing, called Woundra, a material engineered for controlled antimicrobial release, cellular safety, and environmental safety.
4-H Safety Day
University of Connecticut
UConn Extension is committed to promoting farm safety through a multifaceted approach that supports both physical and mental well-being. Programs like the 4-H Farm Safety Day engage youth in hands-on learning about equipment safety, animal handling, and emergency preparedness, helping to build a culture of safety from an early age.