By Blake Jackson
During this year’s Ag Safety Awareness Program (ASAP) Week, set from March 2-6, University of Missouri Extension health and safety specialist Karen Funkenbusch is partnering with the American Farm Bureau Federation and other agricultural safety advocates to urge farmers to prioritize their health and well-being.
Funkenbusch emphasizes that personal wellness plays a vital role in farm safety and the long-term success of agricultural operations. Held just before the demanding spring calving and planting season, ASAP Week highlights potential health and safety risks while reminding farmers, ranchers and farmworkers that caring for themselves is just as important as managing their farms.
This year’s theme, “Live Well, Farm Well,” focuses on daily habits that can lower the risk of farm-related injuries and fatalities. One commonly overlooked practice, Funkenbusch says, is “Rest and Refuel.”
With pressures from unpredictable weather, financial strain and long work hours, many producers push through exhaustion without recognizing its impact. Fatigue can increase errors, particularly when handling machinery, livestock or agricultural chemicals.
Simple habits such as getting eight hours of sleep, eating balanced meals and staying hydrated improve concentration, coordination and memory all critical to preventing accidents. Stress and lack of rest often slow reaction times and lead to risky shortcuts, especially during equipment failures or tight planting windows.
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.
Funkenbusch also encourages producers to stay on top of chronic conditions like diabetes or heart disease and maintain consistent routines, including regular breaks and healthy sleep schedules. As she notes, “A well-rested farmer is a safer farmer.”
Beyond peak seasons, year-round planning, routine check-ins and resource sharing strengthen rural communities. University of Missouri Extension also offers mental health support, including access to the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (988) and free rural telehealth counseling for agricultural producers and their families.
Photo Credit: istock-chas53
Categories: Missouri, Rural Lifestyle, Farm Safety