AgriSafe’s Board of Directors brings together individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives to help guide the organization and strengthen our mission of Protecting the People Who Feed the World.

Nominations for the AgriSafe Board of Directors are now open! Interested in serving or know someone who would be a great fit? We welcome both self-nominations and nominations of others.

Ready to learn more? Explore information about AgriSafe’s Board of Directors here.

August is National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM), an important opportunity for healthcare professionals to review vaccination status with agricultural patients, particularly their protection against tetanus.

Farmers, ranchers, and agricultural workers routinely encounter soil, manure, sharp tools, fencing, machinery, and animals, increasing the risk of cuts and puncture wounds that can provide a pathway for tetanus infection.

Healthcare professionals play an essential role in prevention. Routinely review vaccination histories and ensure agricultural patients are up to date with current recommendations. Adults generally need a Td or Tdap booster every 10 years (although certain wounds may require vaccination sooner). Did you know Tdap vaccination is also recommended during each pregnancy to help protect newborns against pertussis (whooping cough)?

Health care professionals can make a meaningful difference by asking agricultural patients one simple question: “Are you up to date on your tetanus vaccination?”

In this episode of Talking Total Farmer Health, podcast host Linda Emanuel speaks about farm emergencies and first responders with Fire Chief Jerry Minor from the Pittsville Fire Department in Wisconsin.  

Linda and Chief Minor discuss how farm and ranch emergencies differ from those at other businesses and residences. Additionally, they highlight specialized training available for first responders regarding agricultural hazards and accidents, and they provide practical advice for farmers and ranchers on how they can help emergency services locate the situation quickly and respond more effectively during a crisis.  

To listen to the latest episode, visit our website or listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

Tip: Subscribe so that you get notified when new episodes are released! 

Compassion fatigue is often described as the emotional and physical exhaustion that can develop from supporting others through difficult experiences. For those who work closely with agricultural communities, whether you're a healthcare provider, veterinarian, extension professional, lender, educator, or first responder, you may find yourself carrying the weight of others' stories long after the conversation has ended. Over time, hearing about financial hardships, natural disasters, livestock losses, or personal struggles can take an emotional toll. You may begin to feel drained, find it harder to disconnect from work, or even feel responsible for fixing problems that are beyond your control. While empathy is one of your greatest strengths, it's important to remember that caring deeply for others does not mean carrying their burdens alone.



One way to protect your own well-being is by practicing micro-recovery. These are small, intentional moments throughout the day that allow your mind and body to reset. Recovery doesn't always require a vacation or an entire day off. It can be as simple as taking a few slow breaths before your next appointment, stepping outside for fresh air, stretching between meetings, enjoying a cup of coffee without multitasking, or taking a short walk before heading home. At the end of a long day, giving yourself permission to pause, reflect, or engage in an activity that helps you unwind can make a meaningful difference. These small moments of recovery help replenish your emotional energy so you can continue supporting others while also caring for yourself. Remember, taking a minute to recharge isn't selfish - it's an investment in your ability to keep supporting and protecting the people who feed us.

This presentation focuses on vector-borne pathogens by discussing the vectors and trends with geographic distribution, temperature effects, and habitat management since the late 1890's through today, and potential future impacts. We are seeing in real time the expansion of the geographic range of certain tick and mosquito species. At the end of the webinar, participants will be able to: identify historical trends and issues with vector-borne and other zoonotic diseases, summarize One Health concepts and applications to zoonotic pathogens, and identify issues and solutions for vector-borne disease prevention in underserved populations.

Intended Audience: Physicians, veterinarians, nurses, public health professionals, epidemiologists, and members of the general public

Continuing Medical Education: This activity has been approved for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™.

General Continuing Education: The University of Cincinnati, Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences, Education and Research Center offers contact hours for this activity. Upon completing the evaluation, learners will receive a certificate of completion. 

AgriSafe was proud to participate in the Missouri Suicide Prevention Conference in Columbia, Missouri, where we connected with suicide prevention professionals and organizations from across the state. The conference provided a valuable opportunity to share resources, strengthen partnerships, and advance conversations around mental health in agricultural communities.

A highlight of the event was the closing keynote presented by Dr. Tara Haskins and Carey Portell, Missouri cattle farmer and host of AgriSafe's Mental Health Innovations Exchange (MHIE). Thank you to everyone who visited the AgriSafe table and helped make the conference a meaningful success.

Dr. Tara Haskins, AgriSafe’s Total Farmer Health Director, attended the Postvention Collective’s 2026 Conference, “Connecting a Stronger Chain,” on August 12–13 in Springfield, Missouri.

This innovative behavioral health conference served as an important gathering for the suicide postvention community, bringing together professionals, survivors, advocates, and community leaders to strengthen support and resources for individuals and communities affected by suicide loss.

Throughout the conference, Dr. Haskins connected with many individuals working to advance the field of suicide postvention.

Among the highlights, she spoke with Dr. Frank Campbell, attended a presentation by Dr. Thomas Joiner, and even had the opportunity to meet some of Missouri’s therapy dogs!

These conversations and connections helped strengthen the collective effort to ensure individuals, families, and communities have compassionate support following a suicide loss.

Learn more:

• Learn more about the Postvention Collective and its work to strengthen support following suicide loss here.
• Explore AgriSafe’s mental health resources for agricultural producers, families, and communities here.

In honor of the International Year of the Woman Farmer, Bridget Paige, Texas Master Beekeeper and licensed professional counselor, joined RFD-TV on July 20 to shine a spotlight on women’s health in agriculture.

Representing AgriSafe Network, Bridget drew from her experiences in the agricultural sector during an inspiring conversation with RFD-TV News. She addressed the often-overlooked topics of menopause and women’s health and encouraged the agricultural community to rally around and support female producers.

Her empowering advice for women navigating menopause? Treat your health with the same dedication you give your livestock and crops—listen to your body!

Calling All Rural Texans (Research Participant Opportunity)

A doctoral psychology student is seeking rural Texas adults who have experienced anxiety to participate in a research study about anxiety in rural communities. Participation involves a 60 to 90-minute Zoom interview scheduled at a time that works for you. No formal anxiety diagnosis is required, and all information will be kept private. Participants will receive a $25 Visa or Mastercard gift card upon completion.

Email Cheryl Senchesen for more information.

The Cultivating Change Summit (Minneapolis, MN | October 4 - 6)

The purpose of the Cultivating Change Summit is to bring together LGBTQ+ individuals connected to agriculture, natural resources, and food systems, along with employees, human resources, and diversity and inclusion professionals, employee resource group leaders, executives, organizational leaders, allies, and others who are working toward creating an equitable industry environment for LGBTQ+ people.