Winter Weather
Thursday, November 1, 2018

Brrrr...It's Cold Outside

Cold weather is here, or maybe it isn’t, after all we are living in Nebraska a state that is known for shall we say diverse weather! No matter the weather if you are farming there are chores that HAVE to be done every day, even if it is -40 with a 50 mile an hour wind. Caring for your animals needs is very important and a little pre-cold preparation will make those bitterly cold days so much easier.

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Line of traffic behind a tractor on the highway
Saturday, September 1, 2018

Think Safety as You Share the Road

It’s already starting. Farmers are hauling semi loads of grain. Ranchers are moving cattle and calves. Machinery is going to dealers for final checks before harvest begins. Farm machinery has hit the road – and it is time for everyone sharing the road to step up for safety!

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P.H.A.R.M. dog retrieving a glove
Thursday, August 2, 2018

P.H.A.R.M. Dog USA

Are you ever out in the pasture and you have a stubborn cow, calf, sheep, or goats that won’t move? Well, to get them going is sometimes even more difficult with a disability. The program I am about to share with you is one of the best around, I may be personally biased, but this program is a saving grace to many farmers. It is called P.H.A.R.M. Dog USA.

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Tractor steps
Sunday, July 1, 2018

Can You Use Assistive Technology?

Assistive Technology? Does it sound like something from the latest animated film? Or, maybe what you’d use to give your computer extra memory or storage space? AT is actually something folks with a disability use to get a job done – and often something others could use as preventive measures for chronic health conditions.

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Hearing protection in use
Monday, June 4, 2018

Protect Your Hearing Every Season

Can you hear me now? What’s that? Say that again. Are those common phrases around your farm or ranch? One of the most common health problems among agricultural workers is hearing loss caused by work in noisy environments. Hazardous noise levels are produced by many kinds of ag equipment and animals. Think about the noise when you are using tractors, combines, grain handling equipment and dryers, feed grinders, and chain saws. Or, when you are around livestock, like squealing baby pigs.

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Tuesday, May 1, 2018

Make Farming/Ranching with Arthritis Easier

Arthritis – it’s a chronic condition that most folks know something about, but most don’t think about until it affects them or someone they live with. Arthritis is widespread in the United States, with over 50 million doctor-diagnosed cases. It is a condition that has been seen more and more frequently among farmers and ranchers, and, in recent years, has become a debilitating condition for some. It can reduce mobility, physical strength, and the ability to complete routine tasks.

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A man lifting a hay bale with proper lifting techniques
Sunday, April 1, 2018

Getting 'Back' on the Farm or Ranch

Back pain for farmers and ranchers is almost a given, often a topic of conversation at coffee or lunch.  In a program survey done in central Nebraska in 2012, 87-89% of ag producers asked reported some back pain, from occasional to severe.

What are the reasons?  Why are back problems so widespread among ag producers?

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Outdoor play area
Thursday, March 1, 2018

Farm and Ranch Safety for Children

Longer days, nicer weather, outdoor fun, or maybe a list of tasks to be completed are calling many of us out of the house. It is so easy to just “head out.” But when was the last time you took a safety inventory of your farm, ranch or acreage?

A health and safety inspection is something the whole family can be involved in. Not only can you find hazards – and take action to fix any problem – but it is also an excellent way to teach children safe and healthy situations.

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Monday, December 1, 2008

AgrAbility Partnership Helps Nebraskans with Limitations

Reprinted with permission from Nebraska Farmer

Nebraska AgrAbility, a partnership of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension and Easter Seals Nebraska, helps Nebraska farmers and ranchers with disabilities find assistive technologies that will help them get back to work, says Sharry Nielsen, Extension Educator focused on farm safety in West Central Nebraska.

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