Each year, I-CASH releases a calendar that features beautiful photos of rural Iowa. Each month also highlights an important safety and health topic. Check out the safety topics and resources from the 2024 Calendar below!
View the 2024 calendar in its entirety: 2024 CALENDAR
Have you communicated about your 2024 farm health and wellness plan?
Health and wellness of farm employees and family members is an important part of farm success. Discuss potential safety upgrades with employees and family members. Prioritize hazards that pose the greatest risk, but also consider general wellness by ensuring that employees have appropriate rest times and a healthy work environment.
Are you up to date with preventive health screenings?
Iowa has the second highest incidence rate for cancer in the U.S., and is the only state where rates are increasing. Stay up to date with preventive health care and be aware of your personal risk factors, which could include exposures in the home like radon. Early detection can be a lifesaver.
CDC Recommended Cancer Screening Tests
Do you know your area’s burn ordinances or permit requirements?
Plan ahead for a controlled burn and always find out and comply with local burn regulations. Notify the appropriate authorities and neighbors that this is a planned fire. Know the weather conditions and use proper safety equipment. Have water, shovels and rakes nearby and monitor the fire continuously.
Have you had your well tested recently?
Private wells should be tested annually for coliform bacteria, nitrate and nitrite, and manganese; test at least once for arsenic. Contact your county health department to see if they participate in the Grants for Counties program and can help pay for your well test. For additional information on how to correctly obtain a sample and submit it for testing, please refer to the State Hygienic Laboratory web page.
Are your workers trained to use orchard ladders safely?
Orchard ladders are specifically designed for tree orchard work and have a third “tripod pole” to position the ladder under and within fruit trees. These ladders are the leading cause of injury on commercial orchards. Place ladders on stable ground with the tripod pole positioned uphill if on a slope. Use both hands and maintain three points of contact when climbing. Stay centered on the ladder and do not reach beyond the side rails. Move ladders as needed to work from the center position. Do not overfill produce bags or stand on the ladder’s top three steps.
Do your young workers feel comfortable asking questions?
Many farms hire young workers, which helps them gain experience in agriculture. Young or new workers may be reluctant to speak up if they are uncertain about the job or if they have a concern. After you demonstrate a new task, have them show you that they can complete it or repeat back the process. This is called the “teach-back” method of training. Regularly invite them to ask questions about the job.
Do you know where to find information about local air quality?
In addition to normal agricultural contaminants, smoke from large wildfires can affect air quality thousands of miles from the site of the fire. Wildfire smoke contains many pollutants that can cause a wide variety of health effects from mild irritation to increasing the risk of heart attack. The interactive AirNOW map, developed by the EPA, can provide up to date information about local air quality.
Have you communicated with your farm landlord or tenant about next season?
Written lease agreements protect both landlords and tenants. Verbal lease agreements are enforceable, but only for a one-year period. For future planning, communicate regularly with your landlord or tenant about lease terms. Iowa code states that farm leases auto-renew at the same conditions and terms as the original lease, unless either party provides written notice of termination by September 1.
ISU Ag Decision Maker- Leasing
Have you talked with your family about your farm’s succession plan?
Farm succession planning is different from estate planning. Start the process early, defining the goals and needs for your retirement and the future of the farm. It is important to talk with family members and potential heirs about your plans and involve them in the process as much as possible
Are your firearms securely stored in a locked gun safe separately from the ammunition?
Firearms are a leading cause of death among young people in the US. Many of these deaths are the result of an accidental discharge of a firearm that was improperly stored. In addition, quick access to a firearm is a risk factor for suicide. Guns should be stored unloaded in a locked location, separate from ammunition.
Do you know which agricultural digging projects require a call to Iowa One Call?
Many normal farming activities are exempt, but Iowa law requires all farmers and ranchers to notify Iowa One Call at least 48 weekday hours prior to any digging more than fifteen inches in depth. This includes tree planting, terracing and waterway projects, new fence post installations, tiling, subsoiling, ripping or chisel plowing.
Iowa One Call: 811
Do you know how to recognize signs that someone is in distress?
Suicide rates in rural areas and among farmers are higher than the general population. Be attentive to signs of distress, including withdrawing from activities, giving away possessions, or talking about suicide. Asking someone if they are considering suicide does not introduce the idea. Instead, it lets them know that you are there to help them. If someone is in a crisis situation, stay with them until they receive help at the emergency department or via a hotline.