Tag: farm safety and health

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Heat-Related Illnesses and Agricultural Producers

Sunset photo

Sunset Photo

(Source: Penn State Ag Safety and Health)

Use the following format to cite this article:

Heat-related illnesses and agricultural producers. (2024) Ag Safety and Health eXtension Community of Practice. Retrieved from https://ag-safety.extension.org/heat-related-illnesses-and-agricultural-producers/.

Farmers and ranchers perform job responsibilities in all types of weather conditions including excessive heat and humidity. It is important for agricultural producers to understand risks associated with working in high heat work environments, potential heat-related illnesses, precautionary steps, and appropriate medical responses.

Understanding the Body’s Response to Heat

Our body’s primary defense against heat is through sweating. Sweating allows moisture to collect on the skin and evaporate. Sweating happens when the surrounding environment becomes greater than skin temperature. When this occurs, an internal body system called the sympathetic nervous system releases a chemical called acetylcholine which turns on sweat glands in the skin in an area called the dermis. The sweat glands release moisture and move it to the outer surface of the skin for cooling. However, in hot, humid weather, the moisture does not always evaporate and can collect on the skin causing the body to warm up and the heart to pump more blood to the skin. When this happens, the body starts to sweat excessively and depletes the body of water and electrolytes, which can lead to a heat-related illness.

The range for normal body temperature is between 96° to 100°F. Hard exercise, strenuous work, or fever will usually put the body in a range between 101° to 105°F. At 105° to 107°F, cooling treatment or fever therapy may be needed, and at even higher body temperatures, heat exhaustion and heat stroke usually occur. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke indicate a serious impairment to the body’s cooling system and is a definite signal for medical assistance. Heat stroke or body temperatures beyond 110°F may result in death.

Risk Factors for Heat-Related Illnesses

Everyone is at risk for heat-related illness if they do not follow standard precautionary measures. The following factor(s) can increase the chance for developing one of the five main heat-related illnesses:

  • Being elderly or an infant.
  • Having certain medical conditions such as circulatory problems, heart conditions, or pregnancy.
  • Being physically unfit or overweight.
  • Consuming alcohol and/or drugs (including prescription medication; for example. the medication atropine interferes with the ability to sweat).
  • Having lower heat tolerance levels or not becoming acclimated to working in high heat and humidity.
  • High temperatures and humidity levels in the environment (as well as sun radiation or heat-conducting surfaces like black asphalt).
  • Not having adequate fluid intake levels needed to hydrate the body.
  • Limited air flow or breeze to aid in the cooling process.

Breakdown of Common Heat-Related Illnesses

There are five heat-related illnesses: heat rash, syncope, cramps, exhaustion, and stroke. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are typically the most severe and require immediate medical attention. Figure 1 outlines each illness, typical symptoms, and treatment.

Fig. 1: Breakdown of Heat-Related Illnesses
Heat-Related Illnesses Cause Symptoms Treatment
Heat rash Excessive sweating during humid weather Red, blotchy skin rash; clusters of pimples or small blisters Keep the affected area dry, and treat with cornstarch or powder.  Work in a cooler, less humid work environment.
Heat syncope Prolonged standing or rising suddenly from a sitting or lying position Light-headedness, dizziness, or fainting Move person to a cool place to lie down, elevate the feet, and give liquids to drink.
Heat cramps Loss of body salts and fluids from sweating during strenuous activity Pain in stomach, arms, and/or legs Stop activity, drink clear or sports beverage. Massage affected muscles.
Heat exhaustion Excessive loss of body salts and water from sweating Cool, pale skin, dizziness, headache, cramps, nausea, sweating, weakness, confusion, high body temperature, and unconsciousness Have the person drink plenty of cool fluids, remove excess clothing, and apply cool compresses. Call for medical attention.
Heat stroke System that regulates body temperature fails and the body temperature rises to critical levels High temperature, hot dry skin, slurred speech, confusion, loss of consciousness, and seizures Immediately call for medical assistance. Move the person to a cool place, and slightly elevate the head and shoulders. Remove outer clothing, and cool the body with water, wet towels, or sheets.

Recommendations to Avoid Heat-Related Problems

  • Do not wait until you are thirsty – drink approximately 8 oz. (1 cup) of water every 15 to 30 minutes.
  • Take a 15-minute break in a shaded area every two hours.
  • Monitor the weather, and schedule strenuous work activities accordingly to reduce exposure to high heat situations.
  • Wear light-colored, lightweight, and loose-fitting clothing.
  • Avoid the use of alcohol, drugs, caffeine, and large amounts of sugar when exposed to heat because they can increase your rate of dehydration.
  • Check your prescriptions and over-the-counter medications to determine if there are any side effects when you are exposed to heat.
  • Appropriately wear specialized protective gear such as cooling vests to reduce your risk of a heat illness;  if used inappropriately, heat illness can actually increase.
  • Learn about prevention of heat illness and teach your workers about health and safety instructions related to working in hot weather and appropriate responses to heat-related illnesses.
  • Gradually build up a tolerance to working in the heat. If a person has a severely low tolerance to heat, that person may need to perform tasks that limit exposure to the heat.
  • Certain types of personal protective equipment (PPE) can increase the risk of heat stress, such as protective suiting. Schedule jobs that require PPE during cooler times of the day.
  • Recognize the conditions that can affect body heat such as fever, physically strenuous work, and even time of day (for example, body temperature is higher in late afternoons).
  • Talk to your physician if you have a chronic health condition or disability (e.g., spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis) before working in the heat.

View the U.S. Agricultural Safety and Health Centers video below to learn about the risk of heat-related illnesses for outdoor workers.

Sources

Heat stress. (2022). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/heatstress/heatrelillness.html.

Jepsen, S.D., McGuire, K. & Poland, D. (2011) Secondary injury prevention: Heat stress. The Ohio State University. Retrieved from http://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/AEX-981.4-10.

Murphy, D. & Fetzer, L. (2024.). Heat illness and agriculture. Pennsylvania State University College of Agricultural Science Cooperative Extension. Retrieved from https://extension.psu.edu/heat-illness-and-agriculture.

Porth, C.M. (2010). Pathophysiology, 8th ed. Lippincott-Williams.

Protecting workers from the effects of heat. (2023). Occupational Safety and Health Administration Fact Sheet. Retrieved from https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/publications/OSHA3743.pdf.

Reviewed and Summarized by:
Linda M. Fetzer, Pennsylvania State University – lmf8@psu.edu      
Karen Funkenbusch – University of Missouri – funkenbuschk@missouri.edu
Dennis J. Murphy, Pennsylvania State University (Has since retired)
Carla Wilhite, University of New Mexico – CWilhite@salud.unm.edu
Aaron M. Yoder, University of Nebraska Medical Center – aaron.yoder@unmc.edu
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Safety in Agriculture for Youth

Safety in Agriculture for Youth (SAY) is a grant project funded by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), National Institute of Food and Agriculture to develop a sustainable and accessible national clearinghouse for agricultural safety and health curriculum for youth. For the funding period of 2021 – 2025, the SAY Project now consists of three funded project that each focus on a different aspect of youth farm safety. The projects are housed at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, the Ohio State University and Utah State University and will respectively focus on the SAY National Clearinghouse Project (e.g., SAY Clearinghouse, curricula submission and review, and marketing), Youth Farm Safety Education and Certification (YFSEC) Instructor Training and YFSEC Youth Training.

***New Resources***

Teacher resource guides will assist instructors with integrating curricula hosted in the SAY Clearinghouse by providing teaching methods to instructors on preparing students with safety instruction. The following teacher resource guides are available:

Foundational Safety Related Technical Knowledge and Skills – Teacher Resource Guide: Grain Safety Example

Animal Systems Career Pathway Teacher Resource Guide – Right from the Start: Safety Awareness for Livestock Producers

Animal Systems Career Pathway Teacher Resource Guide – Positive Animal Handling (Stockmanship) on Dairy Farms

Power, Structural and Technical System Teacher Resource Guide –

SAY National Clearinghouse

The SAY National Clearinghouse consists of two different types of educational products: formal curricula and other supporting resources and provides their alignment to Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources (AFNR) Career Cluster Content Standards related to agricultural safety and health.

Each educational resource has a page that provides you with a description, type of resource, language (English and/or Spanish), website link to resource, and alignment chart to AFRN standards.

Learn how to use the SAY Clearinghouse through the following videos:

SAY Teacher Update – Segment 1:  https://youtu.be/M-x-89-zvtQ

SAY Teacher Update – Segment 2: https://youtu.be/VIxXN-C_5dQ

SAY Teacher Update – Segment 3: https://youtu.be/Bzj8RSWNKN4

SAY Teacher Update – Segment 4: https://youtu.be/6T-VJ-JH2mM

Submitting your Ag Safety and Health Curriculum

Click HERE to be directed to submission instructions and link to submit your curriculum through the Curriculum Alignment Submission Tool (CAST).

Belief Statements & Guiding Principles for Youth Working in Ag

The Safety in Agriculture for Youth (SAY) Project National Steering Committee developed a belief statements document regarding youth working in agriculture. The belief statements outline consensus-based beliefs and principles that promote safety and health for youth working in agriculture. Click HERE for more information.

Injury Risk Assessment for SAE

The injury risk assessment for supervised agricultural experience (SAE) was developed by Utah State University through the SAY Project. Click HERE to access all of the components of the risk assessment.

SAY Project eNews

The SAY Project produces an eNews 3-4 times per year which is sent to those on the listserv and the SAY National Steering Committee. Links to the past eNews are below:

March 2023
June 2023 
September 2023
December 2023
March 2024

OSHA 10-Hour General Industry (Agriculture) Course

CareerSafe is now offering an online training course providing training for entry level workers and employers. Visit the SAY National Clearinghouse for more information about the online training course.

Connecting with SAY

How to get connected? To stay up-to-date on the SAY Project and its objectives, sign up for alerts by subscribing to the listserv at SAY-L-subscribe-request@lists.psu.edu. Follow SAY on Facebook (AgSafety4u) and Twitter (@AgSafety4u). If you have any feedback or suggestions, email Linda Fetzer at lmf8psu.edu.

Project Reports:

 

Additional Resources

SAY Project Background

 

Summarized and reviewed by:
Linda M. Fetzer, Penn State University – lmf8@psu.edu

Davis E. Hill, Penn State University (has since retired)

Dennis J. Murphy, Penn State University (has since retired)
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Hearing Loss and Protection for Agricultural Producers

Hearing protection

Photos provided by the Central States Center for Agricultural Safety and Health (CS-CASH)

Use the following format to cite this article:

Hearing loss and protection for agricultural producers. (2024) Ag Safety and Health eXtension Community of Practice. Retrieved from https://ag-safety.extension.org/hearing-loss-and-protection-for-agricultural-producers/.

Farmers and ranchers are exposed to loud noises in their work environment on a daily basis. Gradual hearing loss is common during the aging process, but noise-induced hearing loss can occur at any age. Noise-induced hearing loss is a result of exposure to high-intensity noise without proper hearing protection. Noise-induced hearing loss is preventable by reducing the level of noise at its source and correctly wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).

Mechanics of Hearing and Hearing Loss

Sound goes into the ear canal and strikes the eardrum causing it to vibrate. The vibrations create waves that travel to the middle ear forming waves in the cochlea. The cochlea contains small hairlike cells called cilia that wave when they come in contact with the vibration. Once the vibration enters the cochlea, these waves send a signal to the brain which interprets them as sounds. Hearing loss occurs when the cilia become flattened and eventually destroyed  from overstimulation of sound that is too loud or that lasts too long. Once  these hair cells (cilia) are destroyed they can never be replaced causing permanent hearing loss.

Noise Levels and Duration

Sound loudness or intensity is measured in decibels (dB). In the United States, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) establishes guidelines regarding exposure to high levels of noise and recommends that hearing protection be used when you are exposed to a minimum sound level of 90 dB for eight hours. However, some individuals have developed noise-induced hearing loss at lower levels. The following table shows the noise exposure levels, maximum time durations set by OSHA, and examples of home and farm equipment with those sound levels.

 
Duration per day (hours) Sound level dB Examples of noise source at sound levels
8 90 Tractor, combine, or ATV
6 92 Tractor or combine
4 95 Tractor, grain grinding, combine, or air compressor
3 97 Tractor, combine, or shop vacuum
2 100 Tractor, pigs squealing, or table saw
1 1/2 102 Tractor, combine, or riding lawnmower
1 105 Tractor, combine, chickens, or irrigation pump
1/2 110 Tractor or leaf blower
1/4 115 Chainsaw

Four Ways to Prevent Noise-Induced Hearing Loss

  1. Noise reduction – An easy way to reduce noise levels on your farm or ranch is to pay close attention to equipment maintenance such as regular lubrication and replacement of parts. Operating  larger equipment at a lower speed can also reduce noise levels. The installation of vibration isolation pads under the legs of noisy equipment can reduce the noise from equipment vibration on a cement floor. Newer models of certain handheld equipment are equipped with flexible mountings to reduce noise from vibration.
  2. Noise isolation – When purchasing equipment, consider buying a tractor or skid-steer that is equipped with sound-reducing cabs and tightly fitting cab doors and windows. These changes can reduce the amount of noise that you hear inside the cab when operating the equipment.
  3. Administrative Controls – As an employer, you can control your workers’ exposure to noise by rotating their workstations to limit their exposure time to jobs with high noise levels. Set up a rotation that allows a worker to operate a noisy machine for a specific period of time and then rotate that person to a less noisy task. If a person already has a hearing problem, he or she should not work in high noise areas.
  4. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) – Use and require your employees to use personal protective equipment such as earplugs and ear muffs to reduce noise exposure.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Hearing personal protective equipment (PPE) is measured according to its noise reduction rating (NRR) which is a single number that indicates the reduction in decibels when the PPE is properly used. Hearing PPE should have a noise reduction rating of at least 25 decibels. Remember that the rating is achieved only when the equipment is properly fitted and worn for the recommended period of time. Earplugs and ear muffs are the most widely used personal protective equipment to reduce noise levels.

Earplugs

Earplugs are either disposable or reusable.

Disposable earplugs:

  • Are designed to fit into the ear opening.
  • Should never be shared with others to reduce the risk of ear infections.
  • Should be disposed of once removed from the ear.

Reusable earplugs:

  • Are either pre-molded, moldable, or custom fit.
  • Have a limited usage period.
  • Should be disposed of when they are cracked, dirty, no longer pliable, or permanently deformed.

Ear Muffs

Ear muffs are designed to cover the ear and ear canal, so it is important to use muffs that are comfortable and fit properly. They can be used for years, and certain models can be used in combination with other safety equipment such as goggles, a hard hat, or respiratory protection. Remember that hearing protection needs to be used whenever you are exposed to loud noises.

When to Visit the Audiologist

An audiologist can perform a specialized hearing test called an audiogram to detect and diagnose hearing loss. You cannot fix hearing loss once it has started, but you can prevent the damage to your hearing from getting worse. The following are a few signs that you may have a problem with your hearing:

  • You are turning up the volume on the TV or radio.
  • You have difficulty understanding consonants in words and high notes of music.
  • You have difficulty hearing a person’s voice when they are standing only a few feet away.
  • Sound may be muffled after noise is stopped.
  • You have ringing in your ears.
  

Use the following format to cite this article:

Hearing loss and protection for agricultural producers. (2024) Ag Safety and Health eXtension Community of Practice. Retrieved from https://ag-safety.extension.org/hearing-loss-and-protection-for-agricultural-producers/.

Sources

Murphy, D., Harshman, W. & Fetzer, L. (2022) Noise induced hearing loss in agriculture. Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences Cooperative Extension.  Retrieved from https://extension.psu.edu/noise-induced-hearing-loss-in-agriculture.

Hearing loss prevention (n.d.) AgriSafety. Retrieved from  https://www.agrisafe.org/healthcare/hearing-loss-prevention/.

Hearing loss among farmers and agricultural workers (n.d.) Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health. Retrieved from https://gpcah.public-health.uiowa.edu/fact-sheets/hearing-loss/.
Reviewers, Contributors and Summarized by:
Linda M. Fetzer, Pennsylvania State University – lmf8@psu.edu
Karen Funkenbusch, University of Missouri – funkenbuschk@missouri.edu
Dennis J. Murphy, Pennsylvania State University (Has since retired)
Charles V. Schwab, Iowa State University (Has since retired)
Aaron M. Yoder, University of Nebraska Medical Center – aaron.yoder@unmc.edu
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Tire Safety: Expiration Dates

Did you know your tires have an expiration date?

The fact is that all tires have an expiration date. Surprisingly, many consumers and sellers of tires do not know about tire expiration dates. An uninformed consumer thinks he or she purchased brand new tires when in reality those tires may have been sitting on the shelf for years. Even though the tires were never used on a vehicle, they are still several years old. Every tire has a birth date—the day it was manufactured—and an expiration date that is six years from that manufacture date. Most automobile manufacturers warn drivers to replace vehicle tires after six years. To wait any longer than that is a gamble with tire integrity and is risky for drivers.

So what can you, as a driver, do to protect yourself?  When buying new tires, ask for the newest tires available, and look at the tire’s manufacture date. The manufacture date is part of a Department of Transportation (DOT – Tire Identification Number ) The DOT ( TIN ) is embossed on the side of the tire near the rim (see Figure 1).  The letters DOT are followed by a ( TIN ) that is eight to thirteen letters and or numbers that identify where the tire was manufactured, tire size and the manufacturer’s code, along with the week and year the tire was manufactured.

Figure 1. The DOT- TIN number is shown in the red box. With the date in the yellow box

The TIN found on this tire ( Figure 1 ) The numbers in the yellow box are the most important piece of information about a tire. These last four numbers of the DOT- TIN represent the manufacture date of the tire. The last two numbers refer to the year the tire was produced, and the first two identify the week number within that year. The tire shown in ( Figure 1) was manufactured on the 49th week of the year 2021..

The majority of people who take the gamble of keeping outdated tires do so to save money. Driving on outdated tires is risky not only for the driver of the car having those tires but also for other drivers. Take the initiative and change vehicle tires every six years, or sooner, to diffuse a potentially dangerous situation.

Authored by:
Matt Deskevich, Student Assistant at Penn State University
Revised February 2024.
Reviewed by:
Bill Harshman, Penn State University (Has since retired)
Dennis Murphy, Penn State University (Has since retired)
Aaron M. Yoder, University of Nebraska – aaron.yoder@unmc.edu
Kerri Ebert, Kansas State University – kebert@ksu.edu
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Agricultural Safety and Health Mobile Apps

Chicken ROPS Run iOS & Android App

Mobile apps—computer applications that run on mobile devices such as smartphones—can be educational, fun, and easy-to-use, and they can help users improve agricultural safety and health. The number of safety and health mobile apps continues to grow in number and functionality. Below is a list of mobile apps that may be useful for agricultural safety and health:

Ag Safety & Health Apps

  • CSP Quiz Game Plus: These quiz games are designed to help industrial hygienists prepare for the Board of Certified Safety Professionals comprehensive exam.
  • Decibel 10th: This app turns an Apple mobile device into a sound meter.
  • FallClear LITE – Fall Arrest Clearance Calculators: This app provides fall arrest clearance calculators, tools for supervisors and workers trained in fall protection.
  • FarmPAD Mobile App: This app can be used to store farm records, equipment service logs, and spray records or to take notes and pictures.
  • Heat Safety Tool: The US Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) released this app to enable workers and supervisors to calculate the heat index for their worksites and learn about protective measures to reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses.
  • Ladder Safety: The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health released this app to improve extension-ladder safety.
  • Safety Data Sheets: Database for material safety data sheets; enter a product name to find related MSD. (Android devices)
  • NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards for iPad: This app provides a source for general information about industrial hygiene.
  • Sound Meter: Easy to use sound meter that measures SPL (sound pressure level) in decibels (db). (Android devices)

Ag Education Apps

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Chemical and Biological Material Safety Publications

 

Topic Title Organizaton Pub Date
Anhydrous Ammonia Safety: Play it Safe with Anhydrous Ammonia Iowa State University Extension and Outreach 2008
Farm Family Exposure to Pesticides: A Discussion with Farm Families Purdue Extension 2007
Handling Pesticides Safely University of Maine Extension 2020
Laundering Pesticide-Contaminated Clothing University of Missouri Extension 2010
Laundering Pesticide-Contaminated Clothing University of Maine Extension 2002
Learn about Pesticides and Clothes Iowa State University Extension and Outreach 2002
Master Gardeners’ Safety Precautions for Handling, Applying, and Storing Biochar Iowa State University 2012
Pesticides and Their Toxicity University of Maine Extension 2020
Personal Protective Equipment for Pesticide Handlers University of Maine Extension 2020
Personal Protective Equipment for Working with Pesticides University of Missouri Extension 2001
Pesticide Poisoning Symptoms and First Aid University of Missouri Extension 2002
Using Pesticides Safely Around the Home University of Missouri 2007
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Ag Safety and Health Upcoming Events

Ag safety at FFA Convention

Agricultural safety and health (ASH) events allow you to meet other ASH professionals, learn about current research projects, and explore ways to collaborate with others. The following is a list of upcoming national or regional ASH events:

International Society of Agricultural Safety and Health Conference (ISASH)
June 17 – 19, 2024
Location: Portland, OR

National Association of Extension 4-H Agents
October 15-17, 2024
Location: Boise, Idaho

2024 National FFA Convention
October 23 – 26, 2024
Location: Indianapolis, Indiana

AgrAbility National Training Workshop
March 2025
Location: TBD

Summarized and Reviewed by:

  • Linda M. Fetzer, Pennsylvania State University – lmf8@psu.edu
  • Dennis J. Murphy, Pennsylvania State University – (has since retired)
  • Aaron M. Yoder, University of Nebraska Medical Center – aaron.yoder@unmc.edu
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Injury Risk Assessment for Supervised Agricultural Experiences

 

Injury Risk Assessment

(Source: Utah State University)

A supervised agricultural experience (SAE) is one of the three key components of an agricultural education program for high school students. An SAE provides a student with an experiential learning opportunity and is based on one or more of the following categories: entrepreneurship, placement, research and experimentation, or exploration.

Importance of an Injury Risk Assessment Protocol for SAEs

The SAE is a broadly defined experience for students and can include but is not limited to working in a job or an internship on a farm or ranch, owning and operating an agricultural business, planning and conducting a scientific experiment, or exploring agricultural career opportunities. The Injury Risk Assessment for SAEs protocol is a resource for evaluating work sites to assess risks for individuals involved with production-based SAEs on those work sites. Production-based SAE safety evaluations and risk assessments must be integral parts of agricultural educators’ visits to production-based SAE sites. Click here to learn more about the importance of safety in production-based SAEs.

Components of the Injury Risk Assessment for SAEs Protocol

The Injury Risk Assessment for SAEs protocol includes the following components:

SAE Safety Daily Lesson Plan – The daily lesson plan provides agricultural educators with a complete 30-minute lesson that includes an SAE Safety slide presentation.

SAE Code of Practice for Safety Risk Assessment – Educators, employers, and/or parents can have students review and sign this agreement form to state that they will represent their school and FFA Chapter positively with regard to promoting and strengthening student safety while completing an SAE. The Code of Practice should be completed at the beginning of a student’s SAE or the beginning of each school year or as an assignment related to a unit of instruction in an SAE.

Student Self-Assessment of SAE – Students complete this self-evaluation to assess an SAE in relation to supervision, working conditions, and emergencies. The self-assessment should be completed by students as an assignment within the first two weeks of an SAE. An administrator of the SAE should file the completed form for future reference.

Teacher/Parent/Employer Safety Assessment of Student’s SAE – This easy-to-use assessment form was developed specifically for a teacher, a parent, or an employer to conduct a safety assessment of a student’s SAE, based on the job, working conditions, and injury preparedness. Ideally, this form should be completed after the student completes the SAE Code of Practice and Student Self-Assessment documents and after or in conjunction with a scheduled SAE visit. Again, an administrator of the SAE should file the completed form for future reference.

Return to the Safety in Agriculture for Youth (SAY) page.

Reviewed and Summarized by:
Linda M. Fetzer, Pennsylvania State University – lmf8@psu.edu
Michael Pate, Utah State University – michael.pate@usu.eduRebecca G. Lawver, Utah State University – Rebecca.lawver@usu.edu
Dennis J. Murphy, Penn State University (Has since retired)
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Funding Resources for Assistive Technology for Farmers and Ranchers

Aftermarket Steps on Tractor

Aftermarket Steps on Tractor

Aftermarket steps can improve tractor accessibility.

(Source: AgrAbility for Pennsylvanians)

 
Use the following format to cite this article:
Funding resources for assistive technology for farmers and ranchers. (2022) Ag Safety and Health in eXtension Community of Practice. Retrieved from https://ag-safety.extension.org/funding-resources-for-assistive-technology-for-farmers-and-ranchers/

Individuals can have difficulty locating and qualifying for funding for assistive technology. Farmers and ranchers with disabilities who seek assistive technology can face even more challenges because of their work statuses, their farm or ranch assets, and the types of accommodations they may need to continue working in production agriculture. Assistive technology for those involved in production agriculture may need to be more durable than that needed for people working in other occupations because of the type of work and the work environment. The table that follows provides information about possible funding resources for farmers and ranchers with disabilities.

Funding Source Information Example Notes
National AgrAbility Project

State and Regional AgrAbility Projects (SRAPs)

 Currently, more than 20 SRAPs provide direct services to farmers and ranchers with disabilities for their agricultural operations. SRAPs can provide farmers and ranchers who have disabilities with information about modifications for their farm operations. SRAP staff members are knowledgeable about funding options for assistive technology and other opportunities within their state. If you are from a state that does not have a SRAP, contact the National AgrAbility Project.
State vocational rehabilitation agencies The Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) of the US Department of Education provides funding to states to help individuals with disabilities obtain or retain employment. These federal dollars go to the vocational rehabilitation agency within a state. Services, including assistive technology, restoration services, and training, are provided to eligible individuals through an approved Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE). Examples of available assistive technology include gators/utility vehicles, steps onto a tractor, air suspension seats for a tractor, automatic hitching systems, and hand controls on skid steers. The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act puts an emphasis on transition for students with disabilities. There is also emphasis on serving individuals with the most significant disabilities.
US Department of Veteran Affairs Both the Veterans Health Administration and the Veterans Benefits Administration provide assistive technology to veterans. All veterans who have an honorable discharge are eligible for some services, whether the disability is service-related or not. The Veterans Health Administration can provide durable medical equipment, glasses, hearing aids, Home Improvements and Structural Alterations (HISA) benefits, and grants for veterans who are blind. The Veterans Benefits Administration can provide vehicles (including tractors), home adaptations, and Specially Adapted Housing grants. A veteran must be registered at his or her local Veterans Affairs Medical Center.
Home and Community-Based Services Waivers programs The US Department of Health and Human Services provides funding to states to provide services to people with disabilities in the community. These services are designed to help individuals be independent, safe, and included in the community. Available devices and services include adaptations to vehicles, home modifications, hearing aids, and other assistive technology (environmental controls, specialized computers and software). There are both financial and functional eligibility requirements. Waivers can be used to support farm family members who want to participate in farming activities, live at home, or participate in community activities.
Health insurance

Medicare

 Health insurance plans, including private plans, Medicaid, and Medicare, provide Durable Medical Equipment (DME) for enrollees. DME includes canes, walkers, wheelchairs, hospital beds, oxygen equipment, and in-home dialysis equipment. Assistive technology provided by health insurance coverage is directly related to medical need.
Statewide Assistive Technology Programs Every state and territory has a program that incorporate activities for learning about and acquiring assistive technology. Most state assistive technology programs provide information about devices, assistive technology demonstrations, equipment lending libraries, and reuse programs. Some have state financing programs. Some of the states include alternative financing programs (AFPs) as part of their assistive technology programs; some provide other allowable programs, including Telecommunication Device Distribution Programs (TDDP).
Alternative Financing Programs (AFPs) The majority of the states and territories (at least 42) have financing programs for the purchase of assistive technology. As part of the Assistive Technology Act, AFPs provide flexible financing terms for people with disabilities and their families. Depending on the state’s program, borrowers have the ability to purchase adapted vehicles, home modifications, hearing aids, computers, tablets, and adapted farm equipment. AFPs provide direct loans, guaranteed loans, interest buy-downs, and traditional loans. Some of the programs are embedded within the state assistive technology project; others are non-profit organizations.
US Department of Agriculture (USDA) loan programs The USDA has several loan programs, along with partial grants, available to eligible low-income homeowners to repair, improve, or modernize their homes. A variety of financing packages (including grants) are available to individuals, non-profits, consumer cooperatives, and others. These programs can make it possible for a farmer to make repairs on his or her home. Basic repairs (such as a roof repair) are not considered assistive technology and so do not qualify for an AFP loan.
Housing Financing Agencies Every state and territory has a housing financing agency. These agencies incorporate a number of programs that expand affordable, accessible housing options for people with disabilities. States have the ability to develop their own programs. Many states provide flexible financing for home ownership, renovation and repair programs, and programs that finance assistive technology (home modifications) for individuals who have disabilities or long-term health conditions. Many states have created Housing Trust Funds to support the expansion of housing programs. Several states have expanded the funding for these programs with fees or taxes from gas production.
Local service clubs and disability service clubs Many disability and service clubs provide grants to individuals for assistive technology or labor to build, renovate, or repair structures. Local affiliates of United Cerebral Palsy provide grants for computers and specialized software; many organizations serving individuals with multiple sclerosis provide small grants for home modifications; many agencies serving individuals with ALS have equipment loan closets; Lions Club affiliates provide eyeglasses; and Eagle Scouts work on projects on farms. Also, many Grange and local Farm Bureau organizations and 4H programs have service learning projects and small grant programs. Because there are a variety of small grant programs, it is important to research local resources.
Options Counseling
The Administration for Community Living within the US Department of Health and Human Services is responsible for creating Options Counseling programs in every state. Options Counselors help individuals—primarily those who are aging or who have a disability or health-related diagnosis—develop a plan for addressing long-term services and supports and assist these individuals in connecting with public and private funding, as needed.
 Options Counselors are being trained and will have the resources necessary (including state-specific information via the Internet) to help individuals learn about the resources they need to work, live in their own homes, and participate in their communities. Options Counselors are being trained on resources that will help farmers and ranchers with disabilities continue in production agriculture.
Cooperative Extension System The Cooperative Extension System, which is funded in part by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture within the USDA, has a network of local and regional offices that are staffed by experts who provide information and training opportunities for farmers, ranchers, and farm families interested in topics related to agriculture. Through a network of statewide and local resources, Extension teams can provide farmers, gardeners, and producers with the information needed to start or expand a business, health and safety protocols, and connections to peers, vendors, and information related to emerging businesses. The Extension system is well-coordinated, and Extension staff members have the ability to research and share information that is useful to individual farmers and ranchers.
State Departments of Agriculture Every state and territory has a Department of Agriculture that is staffed by knowledgeable employees and funded with a combination of state and federal dollars. There are a variety of grant-funded programs available for farmers or others who are interested in production agriculture. Programs cover such topics as business planning, transitions to organic farming, improving soil health, and protecting water quality. Funding for specific programs may not be available every year.  It is important to research what is available within a specific state.
National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) A non-profit, NCAT hosts a number of programs that promote sustainable agriculture. NCAT’s agriculture work has recently focused on small-scale intensive farming, urban farming, and local foods, and assistance to small farmers, beginning and new farmers, and veterans wishing to become farmers. NCAT has staff members who can assist farmers and ranchers with information and training opportunities. NCAT developed and manages the National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service (ATTRA).
Kiva Zip Kiva provides 0% interest micro-loans to eligible small business owners in the United States. Kiva Zip provides small business loans of up to $10,000 to farmers when other sources of funds are not available. A few programs are working with foundations to expand lending opportunities to entrepreneurs. A program in Philadelphia is designed to expand urban gardening/production. Borrowers must have a viable business or business plan. The loan must be expected to have a positive social impact (for example, food production for urban areas).
Weatherization Assistance Programs The US Department of Energy (DOE) provides grants to states for weatherization assistance. Under DOE guidelines, states give preference to people over 60, families with one or more members having a disability, and low-income families with children. The local weatherization assistance agency carries out an energy audit, makes recommendations, and depending on the needs, provides the necessary work (energy-related). Weatherization assistance programs do not assist with new roofs or siding or similar structural improvements.  However, agencies may be able to coordinate with organizations that provide such assistance.
National Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) NRCS is part of the USDA. NRCS financial and technical projects relate to air quality, groundwater conservation, erosion reduction, and so on. NRCS offers programs to eligible landowners and agricultural producers to help sustainably manage natural resources.
Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education (SARE) SARE has grant opportunities available to producers, students, community organizations, and others. Grants for producers may help with the costs of hosting field days, samples and analyses, labor, and so on (see grant guidelines). Grants are very competitive. For producers, grant funds cannot be used to buy equipment or to start or expand an operation. Funds can be used for outreach, materials for the funded project, and so on.

Use the following format to cite this article:

Funding resources for assistive technology for farmers and ranchers. (2022) Ag Safety and Health in eXtension Community of Practice. Retrieved from https://ag-safety.extension.org/funding-resources-for-assistive-technology-for-farmers-and-ranchers/

Authored by:

Susan Tachau, PA Assistive Technology Foundation – stachau@patf.us
Reviewed by:
Kirk Ballin, Virginia AgrAbility
Linda M. Fetzer, Pennsylvania State University – lmf8@psu.edu
Karen Funkenbusch, University of Missouri – FunkenbuschK@missouri.edu
Dennis J. Murphy, Pennsylvania State University (has since retired)
Aaron M. Yoder, University of Nebraska – aaron.yoder@unmc.edu
Posted on

Women in Agriculture

Photo: Central Missouri woman in agriculture. Photo credit, Tevin Uthlaut, University of Missouri Extension.

The Ag Safety and Health Community of Practice and the Enhancing Educational Programming for Beginning Farm and Ranch Women are working together to provide a one-stop for resources about agricultural safety, health, and mechanization information specifically for women.

Based on the 2017 Census of Agriculture, women represent 36% of all American agricultural producers, which an increase of about 5% since the 2012 Census. Over the years, the woman’s role in agriculture continues to change as more women are involved in a broader aspect of farm and ranch responsibilities. Women are more likely to have livestock operations than traditional field crops. Farms and ranches operated by women typically involved less than 180 acres.

Production agriculture is a demanding and physical occupation but there are some specific risks for women in agriculture. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has outlined specific risk for women in agriculture including pregnancy-related risks, mental health, work-related injuries, and many more. The Ag Safety and Health eXtension Community of Practice has developed the article pages to provide more in-depth information related to specially to women in agriculture in the following topic areas:

Additional information about and for women in agriculture can be located at the following site:

Article Summarized and Reviewed By:

Linda Fetzer, Pennsylvania State University – lmf8@psu.edu
Karen Funkenbusch, University of Missouri – funkenbuschk@missouri.edu
Angie Hissong, OTR/L, Pennsylvania State University – anh1@psu.edu
Tevin Uthlaut, University of Missouri – UthlautT@missouri.edu

Project Funding Acknowledgement:

This material is supported by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, U.S.D.A., under award number 2014-68006-21873.

 AgrAbility for Pennsylvanians Project is supported under USDA/NIFA Special Projects 2017-41590-27105 in collaboration with Penn State Extension.

The Missouri AgrAbility Project is supported by funds from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) under sponsored project number 2018-41590-22323.

 

 

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