Maintain farmer health like you would farm equipment for success

Jan 08, 2020

By Linda Geist

Farmers know that well-maintained equipment is key to success.

Yet they often do not listen to the “check engine” warning signs of stress, says Sean Brotherson, family science specialist for North Dakota State University. Brotherson was the keynote speaker at the recent University of Missouri Crop Management Conference.

“Ag has its own rhythms. It has its own culture,” Brotherson said. When those rhythms go awry, stress can result.

“Health is the most important asset to any operation. If it is the most important asset, it also needs to be the most important priority,” he said.

Many sources of stress, such as weather and prices, are beyond the control of farmers. “You are at the mercy of things,” Brotherson said.

Research from the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration ranks farming as one of the top 10 stressful occupations. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that the suicide rate for farmers is 1.5 times the national average.

MU Extension farm health and safety specialist Karen Funkenbusch said that in 2019 farmers faced flood, rains, late planting and uncertainty about commodity prices. Issues beyond a farmer's control can weigh heavily and lead to depression, anxiety and suicide even in a typical farm season, Funkenbusch said. Debt, illness and injury also add to pressures.

“Farmers, because of their strong and independent nature, often are reluctant to talk about these issues,” she said. “Fortunately, resources are available. If you need help or know of someone who needs help, reach out.”

Funkenbusch leads the Missouri AgrAbility Project, an MU Extension program that works with partner organizations to provide practical education and direct assistance that promotes rural independence.

Funkenbusch offers these suggestions for farmers, ranchers and their families:

• Know the warning signs of stress. Physical signs include headaches, aches of the back and neck muscles, fatigue, labored breathing, weight gain, rising blood pressure, sweating, stomach issues, and sweating. Emotional signs include anger, restlessness, irritability, inability to sleep and relax, increased alcohol or drug use, and withdrawal from other people.

• Slow down.

• Get a physical checkup.

• Seek local resources, including clergy and medical professionals. Talk with other farm families and neighbors.

• Exercise daily. Take regular breaks throughout the day.

Source : missouri.edu

Video: How to fix a leaking pond.

Does the pond leak? Ummmm....possibly a tiny bit. Well, more than a bit...ok, the darn thing leaks like a sieve!

QUESTIONS ANSWERED: Damit is not plastic. Therefore, there are no microplastics. I wish I had not mentioned plastic, but that is a very common polymer and I mentioned it as an example of a polymer. A polymer is simply a chain of repeating molecules, or "monomers." Cellulose is a polymer of glucose molecules. Starches are also polymers of various molecules such as fructose, maltose, etc. We have many polymers inside our bodies. In other words, just knowing something is a polymer doesn't make it bad, toxic, harmful, etc. However, this also doesn't mean all polymers are safe.

The specific polymer used for Damit is a trade secret, however, it has been closely scrutinized by multiple health and safety authorities. This includes the governmental authorities of Australia, the USA, Europe, and Asia. Not only have they determined that is safe to use in earthen ponds, and not harmful to fish, but it is considered safe to use in human potable water systems in all of these areas. And of course, they know the exact makeup of the polymer when making this determination. I'm told that the same polymer is in use by many municipalities to keep potable water storage tanks leak free. I can't tell you exactly what the polymer is, because I don't know, but given the confidence with which the governmental authorities have authorized its use, I would bet it is made of a monomer that we are exposed to all the time, like fructose or something.

It also breaks down in a matter of years, and does not accumulate in the environment. The end products of breaking down are CO2, water, and base minerals like potassium. The SDS reports no need for concern with ingestion, inhalation, or contact. If in eyes, rinse with water.

End result, can I say for sure that it is 100% safe? No, I don't know exactly what it is. But given people who do know exactly what it is, and have scrutinized it, have approved it for use in human potable water systems, I'm pretty comfortable putting it in an earthen pond.