Q&A: Jim Checkel on How Farming Can Shape Rural Medicine

The Daily Yonder

May 15, 2026

Interview with former Mayo Clinic lead lab technologist Jim Checkel, who has developed a curriculum to train future rural healthcare providers and researchers. Since buying a Minnesota farm in 1992 Checkel has hosted over 12,000 people at events where students learn about agriculture-related topics, including mechanical injuries and diseases related to farming.

Agricultural health and safety · Farmers and farmworkers · Health career pathways · Health workforce education and training · Injuries · Minnesota