FarmSafe Podcast
In the blink of an eye a farm injury can change your life. Sharing stories of events, close-calls, and effective safety strategies can help you identify on farm risks and figure out ways to prevent devastating injuries and illnesses. The Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health presents FarmSafe, a podcast dedicated to sharing stories and tips to help make your work on the farm safer and healthier. Original music for the FarmSafe podcast was written and performed by Ben Schmidt. This work was funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as part of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health’s Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health. The content does not necessarily represent the official views of the CDC or NIOSH.
FarmSafe Podcast
Ticks on the Rise, Part 1: Why Farmers Should Pay Attention
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In this episode, we explore why tick-borne diseases are becoming an emerging concern across Iowa and the Midwest, particularly for farmers and other outdoor workers. Dr. Kathryn Dalton from the University of Iowa College of Public Health joins the conversation to break down what’s driving these changes and why they matter. As tick populations grow and their active season expands, farmers are facing increased exposure risks simply due to the nature of their work. While there is still much to learn about tick exposure in Midwest farming populations, this episode lays the groundwork for understanding the scope of the issue and why awareness is more important than ever. In the next episode, we’ll take a closer look at prevention strategies, symptoms to watch for, and what to do if you suspect a tick-borne illness.
Episode Resources
- Check Your Body for Ticks, Graphic, GPCAH
- Tick-Borne Disease in Iowa, Iowa State University
- Kathryn Dalton's Tick Study, Webpage
- Tick Study Post Card
