Ag Safety Awareness Program Week highlights link between farmer health and farm safety

During this year’s Ag Safety Awareness Program Week, March 2-6, University of Missouri Extension health and safety specialist Karen Funkenbusch is encouraging farmers to make their health and well-being a priority.

Observed ahead of the busy spring calving and planting season, ASAP Week raises awareness about health and safety hazards and reminds farmers, ranchers and farmworkers that caring for themselves is as essential as caring for their operations.

This year’s theme, “Live Well, Farm Well,” highlights how everyday habits can reduce farm-related injuries and fatalities. Funkenbusch said personal wellness directly supports farm safety and long-term farm success.

One commonly neglected habit is rest and proper nutrition, she said. Pressures from unpredictable weather, tight finances and long workdays often lead farmers to push through fatigue without considering the toll on their mental and physical health. Fatigue can increase the risk of mistakes, especially when working with machinery, livestock or chemicals.

Funkenbusch recommends getting eight hours of sleep, eating regular meals and staying hydrated to support focus, balance and memory, all of which play a role in preventing accidents. She noted that stress and lack of sleep contribute to many injuries. Equipment breakdowns, untimely rains and long hours can cause short-term stress that reduces reaction time and may lead to shortcuts.

To help maintain energy during busy seasons, Funkenbusch suggests keeping a snack box stocked with protein-rich foods, nuts and whole grains in trucks or tractors to avoid skipping meals or relying on fast food.

She also encourages farmers to monitor chronic health conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Maintaining consistent routines, including regular bedtimes, nutritious meals and scheduled breaks, can help reduce preventable injuries. “A well-rested farmer is a safer farmer,” Funkenbusch said.

Funkenbusch emphasized that self-care should extend beyond peak seasons. She said year-round planning, regular check-ins and sharing available resources can strengthen agricultural and rural communities. MU Extension offers mental health and wellness resources for producers and their families.

PHOTO: Farmer is standing in his growing wheat field. (Adobe Stock │ #439789431 – djoronimo)