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Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Farmers and farmworkers

COVID-19 in Rural America: Impact on Farms & Agricultural Workers
Fact sheet highlights the impact of COVID-19 on American farms, farmworkers, and rural areas broadly. Details information about protective equipment, housing, and unemployment benefits, among other factors.
Date: 04/2021
Sponsoring organization: National Center for Farmworker Health
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An Analysis of Suicide Risk Factors among Farmers in the Midwestern United States
Study examining psychological, social, and contextual risk factors for suicide among farmers. Draws data from 600 surveys of agricultural producers in Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, and South Dakota. Discusses rates of depression, anxiety, farming-specific stressors, social support, and coping strategies.
Author(s): Andrea Bjornestad, Courtney Cuthbertson, Jessie Hendricks
Citation: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(7), 3563
Date: 03/2021
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Extreme Weather Events - Perspectives & Safety Impacts in Agriculture
Highlights the experiences of agricultural workers and employers on the effect of extreme weather on the health and wellness of agricultural workers. Discusses the challenges and precautions of working in extreme heat, dust, and wildfires, among other elements.
Date: 03/2021
Sponsoring organization: Western Center for Agricultural Health and Safety
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Addressing Higher Risk of Suicide Among Farmers in Rural America
Policy brief highlighting factors contributing to the higher risk of suicide among farmers, including financial pressures, social pressures, and access to care. Offers policy recommendations to promote and improve farmers' mental health.
Author(s): Rosalie Eisenreich, Carolyn Pollari
Date: 02/2021
Sponsoring organization: National Rural Health Association
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Pesticide Exposure and Incident Thyroid Cancer Among Male Pesticide Applicators in Agricultural Health Study
Analyzed 53,096 male pesticide applicators in Iowa and North Carolina from the Agricultural Health Study (AHS) for incidences of thyroid cancer. Participants were surveyed at enrollment in the study between 1993 and 1997 and then interviewed again between 1999 and 2005. Data show incidences of thyroid cancer with a break down of age, state, production type, and more. Also shows association between thyroid cancer risk and long-term use of pesticides.
Author(s): Catherine C. Lerro, Laura E. Beane Freeman, Curt T. DellaValle, et al.
Citation: Environmental International 146 (2021), 106187
Date: 01/2021
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Understanding Challenges to Well-Being among Latina FarmWorkers in Rural Idaho Using in an Interdisciplinary, Mixed-Methods Approach
Identifies social, cultural, and workplace-related risk factors impacting well-being in the public and private spheres of 70 female farmworkers in southwestern Idaho. Focuses on 6 themes specific to rural geography and farmworker populations, including long working hours, pesticide exposure, lack of enforcement of regulatory protections, food security, childcare responsibilities, and social isolation.
Author(s): Cynthia L. Curl, Lisa Meierotto, Rebecca L. Som Castellano
Citation: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(1), 169
Date: 01/2021
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Rural Michigan Farmers' Health Concerns and Experiences: A Focus Group Study
Interviewed 14 members of the Michigan Farm Bureau in 2019 to explore their healthcare system experiences. Overall themes discussed include formal healthcare, well-being and health supports, health insurance, and virtual healthcare. Data show basic demographics of participants in addition to their access to internet, cell phones, and virtual healthcare.
Author(s): Nathan Wright, Marylee Scherdt, Michelle L. Aebersold, et al.
Citation: Journal of Primary Care & Community Health, 12(2021)
Date: 2021
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Impacts of COVID-19 on Rural Mental Health
Presentation slides from an American Farm Bureau Federation poll of 2,000 rural adults in December 2020, comparing results to a similar April 2019 poll. Addresses perceived importance of mental health, issues of stigma, impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health, barriers to care, and other mental health topics. Tracks response trends between 2019 and 2020, highlighting consistent aspects of the survey and changes in impressions and experiences.
Date: 12/2020
Sponsoring organization: American Farm Bureau Federation
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An Initial Analysis of Agricultural Trauma in South Dakota with an Emphasis on Work-Related Injuries
Offers a preliminary analysis of agricultural work-related injury events in South Dakota between 2016 and 2018 using the South Dakota Trauma Registry. Data include a breakdown injury characteristics including mechanism, type of injury, season, and more.
Author(s): Jessica Simpkins, David Sturdevant, Gary Timmerman
Citation: Aesculapius, 1(2)
Date: 10/2020
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Safety Guidelines for Youth Operating Farm Equipment
Report highlights safety measures for youth ages 15-17 operating farm equipment. Details information on farm equipment hazards and risks for young workers, as well as federal and state regulations. Presents guidelines for the safe use of various forms of farm equipment by young workers.
Date: 10/2020
Sponsoring organization: National Children's Center for Rural and Agricultural Health and Safety
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