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As an addition to Virtual Farmfest, the Upper Midwest Agricultural Safety and Health Center (UMASH) is hosting the "UMASH Online Expo: A 20/20 Look at Ag Health, Safety, and Wellness" featuring exhibitors, safety demonstrations, and speakers on a number of health and safety topics.

Agriculture ranks among the most hazardous industries according to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Farmers and family members (who often share the work) are at very high risk for fatal and nonfatal injuries.

The risks are real. So join us August 11 – 13, 2020 for this free online event.

View the Program-at-a-Glance (PDF) to see more details and join the sessions using Zoom.

Beginning September 1, the application of nitrogen fertilizer in the fall and on frozen soil will be restricted in areas vulnerable to groundwater contamination. This will also apply to Drinking Water Supply Management Areas (DWSMAs) with elevated nitrate levels.

Learn more about the Groundwater Protection Rule, where the restrictions apply, and the exceptions to the rule. If you're not able to join us for the live webinar view the prerecorded presentation.

To join the webinar please use the link below and enter the password "Groundwater". Participants will be encouraged to submit questions through a Q&A pop-up box. All attendees will be muted and will have their personal video turned off upon entering the meeting.

• Join the Nitrogen Fertilizer Restrictions Webinar
  Password: Groundwater

If you are new to Webex, additional resources are available.

• Get Started with Cisco Webex Meetings for Attendees

Take a dive into the world of e-commerce! In the first half, industry experts will provide an overview of different e-commerce channels that can be used to drive online sales. In the second half, see examples of successful digital marketing strategies you can employ (i.e. how to drive traffic, use social media effectively, etc.). Finally, hear from local startups who have found success in e-commerce.

We'll also share information on our cost-sharing program for e-commerce activities. We're bringing this event to you in collaboration with Grow North and the Agricultural Utilization Research Institute.

Stressful times in agriculture can trigger difficult conversations that many of us dread – whether we’re delivering bad news, are on the receiving end of it, or are helping farmers or farm families make sense of it all.  Fortunately, these situations don’t have to be uncomfortable or unproductive. 

In this series of five engaging 30-minute Zoom sessions, you’ll learn tips and strategies for having constructive interactions that can lead to better outcomes for everyone involved. You will also learn precautions to keep yourself safe in highly charged situations. These free online sessions are an adaptation of a three-hour workshop we offered in 2019. Whether the content is new to you or you simply want a refresher, we hope you’ll participate and share the opportunity with colleagues.

Time: 8:30-9:00 a.m. each day

Schedule:

Monday, September 14 - Bring your best self forward

Tuesday, September 15 - Embrace conflict and change 

Wednesday, September 16 - Name and frame the conversation 

Thursday, September 17 - Listen for success

Friday, September 18 - Be safe: de-escalation and personal safety

Objectives:

• Reduce personal anxiety and fear about interpersonal conflict
• Explore the connection between conflict and change
• Understand how self-awareness and group dynamics contribute to successful outcomes
• Recognize the importance of using framing and reflecting techniques in discussion
• Learn precautions you can take to keep yourself safe at work – both in and outside your office

About the Presenters:

Denise Stromme, M.A. is a University of Minnesota Extension educator in the Center for Community Vitality. She has more than 35 years of experience helping adults develop the skills, connections, and confidence they need to realize their goals. Born and raised in Detroit Lakes, Denise has degrees in Education and Intercultural Management which have led her to live and work across the U.S. and abroad. A member of the Minnesota law enforcement community will teach Friday’s session on de-escalation and personal safety.

This workshop is supported by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture and the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture, under award number 2018-38640-28416 through the North Central Region SARE program under project number ENC18-170. The MDA and USDA are equal opportunity employers and service providers. The opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this workshop do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Individuals with a disability who need a reasonable accommodation to participate in this event please contact Stephen Moser at 651-201-6012 or through the Minnesota Relay Service at 711 as soon as possible.