Outreach veterinarians (OVETs) perform customized outreach by visiting with farmers one-on-one. Farmers can sign up for these visits as a proactive measure to protect themselves against drug residues or a farmer may be contacted for a visit as a result of a drug residue violation in tissue or milk. Their visit with the OVET consists of a discussion about on-farm practices, including drug use and treatment protocols and customized recommendations for what farmers can consider to improve drug residue prevention practices on their farms. Connect with one of the contacts listed on this page to set up a visit!
Please note - OVETs are not meant to replace the farm veterinarian, but rather to help strengthen the veterinary-client-patient relationship (VCPR) by identifying potential problem areas for the farmer to discuss with his/her veterinarian.
Outreach is also carried out at events and through other avenues that allow communication with many people at once. You may see the DRPP team at conferences, state and county fairs, teaching 4-H and FFA participants, and teaching students anywhere from elementary school all the way up to graduate level courses. Additionally, we are expanding efforts to educate people virtually through development of online trainings and videos! Check out the MDA Events Calendar to look for upcoming events with the DRPP team.
Yes! Veterinarians are required to attend continuing education courses to make sure they stay up-to-date on current veterinary practices. Outreach veterinarians (OVETs) work with practicing veterinarians throughout the state of Minnesota to improve their knowledge, specifically on why drug residues are happening in the field. This, in turn, helps veterinarians guide their clients on how to use drugs appropriately on their farms. OVETs meet with veterinarians one-on-one, in-person, and also attend conferences or other events that would allow for interaction and conversation on the topic.
Yes! We have printable fact sheets, record-keeping booklets, signs, and more. Visit Drug Residue Prevention Resources for our producer resource libraries. Many of these resources were developed as a result of talking with farmers about their needs in the field. If you are looking for resources, have a suggestion on how to improve an existing resource, or have an idea for a new resource, please reach out to one of the contacts listed on this page!
- Personal fall-arrest systems, such as ropes, anchors, connectors, deceleration devices, harnesses, etc. and their installation (see Grain Handling Safety Coalition: Fall Protection (PDF) and OSHA Fall Protection Systems)
- Installing guardrail systems on existing ladders, roofs, and platforms (see Walking-Working Surfaces/Fall Protection factsheet (PDF) and OSHA Standard 1910 subpart D)
- Equipping existing fixed ladders with ladder safety or personal fall arrest system, (see Walking-Working Surfaces/Fall Protection factsheet (PDF) and OSHA Standard 1910 subpart D)
- Replacing grain bin ladders with stairs (see Ohio State University Extension – Ohio AgrAbility info)
- Personal fall-arrest systems, such as ropes, anchors, connectors, deceleration devices, harnesses, etc. and their installation (see Grain Handling Safety Coalition: Fall Protection (PDF) and OSHA Fall Protection Systems)
- Installing guardrail systems on existing ladders, roofs, and platforms (see Walking-Working Surfaces/Fall Protection factsheet (PDF) and OSHA Standard 1910 subpart D)
- Equipping existing fixed ladders with ladder safety or personal fall arrest system, (see Walking-Working Surfaces/Fall Protection factsheet (PDF) and OSHA Standard 1910 subpart D)
- Replacing grain bin ladders with stairs (see Ohio State University Extension – Ohio AgrAbility info)
- Lockout/tagout equipment (see Grain Handling Safety Coalition: LOTO (PDF) and OSHA Lockout/Tagout factsheet (PDF)
- Sweep auger equipped with an attached guard or a control mechanism such as a dead-man switch or similar device and with a positive speed control mechanism or bin stop device (see Grain Handling Safety Coalition: Sweep Auger Alternative Protection (PDF) from the Grain Handling Safety Coalition); this also includes sump guards/gates (see OSHA Grain Handling Facility Sweep Auger Enforcement Policy)
- Equipment shields on motors and other moving parts (see OSHA Machinery and machine guarding)
- Replacing overhead electricity to bins with buried power lines to prevent contact with augers
- Lockout/tagout equipment (see Grain Handling Safety Coalition: LOTO (PDF) and OSHA Lockout/Tagout factsheet (PDF)
- Sweep auger equipped with an attached guard or a control mechanism such as a dead-man switch or similar device and with a positive speed control mechanism or bin stop device (see Grain Handling Safety Coalition: Sweep Auger Alternative Protection (PDF) from the Grain Handling Safety Coalition); this also includes sump guards/gates (see OSHA Grain Handling Facility Sweep Auger Enforcement Policy)
- Equipment shields on motors and other moving parts (see OSHA Machinery and machine guarding)
- Replacing overhead electricity to bins with buried power lines to prevent contact with augers
- Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) for use in silos where silo gas may be present (see National Ag Safety Database Dangers of Silo Gas)
- Appropriate NIOSH-approved respirators (see AgriSafe factsheet or NASD Respiratory Protection in Agriculture) for use in and around grain bins and silos
- Other appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for use in and around grain bins and silos, such as hearing protection (see NASD hearing protection or NIOSH factsheet) or ANSI certified safety glasses
- Safety signs and markers appropriate for grain bins and silos (see OSHA Accident prevention signs and tags)
- Grain bin level gauges/indicators to reduce the need to climb bins
