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Articles by Dee Jepsen
Universal design tools makes farming safer for everyone
By Laura Akgerman and Dee Jepsen, Ohio State University Spring is a good time to try new tools and equipment, especially if those tools can boost productivity while making farm work easier and safer. The Ohio AgrAbility Program primarily serves farmers with disabilities, yet many of the tools and technologies we promote are examples of universal design, which is equipment that can benefit people of all abilities.
Safety for off-highway vehicles
By Dee Jepsen, Wayne Dellinger, Amanda Douridas and Rob Leeds Off-highway vehicles (OHVs) were originally designed for recreation, but their versatility has made them popular for work and transportation in rural areas, farms, and small communities. All-terrain vehicles (ATVs), utility terrain vehicles (UTVs), and recreational off-highway vehicles (ROVs) are now used for hauling equipment, maintaining property, and traveling short distances. As their use expands, so do concerns about safety.
Farm income forecast shows big disparity between crop and livestock receipts
By Bernt Nelson, Economist, American Farm Bureau Federation USDA’s September 2025 net farm income forecast, released Sept. 3, projects net farm income will rise sharply from 2024. While stronger performance in some sectors is a factor in the increase, much of it is tied to continued support from government disaster assistance. Overall, USDA’s September 2025 net farm income forecast projects a mixed outlook for farmers.
Ohio Ag Net Podcast – Ep 414 – Waiting on Rain and Waiting on Washington - Ohio Ag Net | Ohio's Country Journal
This week on the Ohio Ag Net Podcast, our own Ty Higgins catches up with Emily Buckman, Director of Government Relations for the American Farm Bureau Federation, to unpack the impact of the ongoing government shutdown on farmers and ranchers nationwide. Buckman shares how furloughed USDA employees and delayed services ripple through rural America, why a prolonged shutdown hurts the ag economy, and what’s at stake as lawmakers debate the next Farm Bill.
Safe driving during harvest season
By Dee Jepsen, State Agricultural Safety and Health Leader As tractors, combines and grain appear on Ohio roads, roadway safety becomes a focus for all who share the road with farm machinery. Vehicle collisions can happen at any time. Many result from the speed difference between slower-moving farm equipment and passenger vehicles, especially when motorists are distracted and don’t slow down in time before colliding with machinery.
Safety first, avoid the worst
By Dee Jepsen, Ohio State University Extension Agricultural Safety Specialist While farming is an occupation of productivity and pride, it’s also part of the agricultural industry, which is the most dangerous industry for workers across the country. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the agricultural sector reported 448 fatalities in 2023. Ohio contributed 2% to this national statistic.
Don’t learn safety by accident - Ohio Ag Net | Ohio's Country Journal
By Dee Jepsen National Farm Safety and Health Week is Sept. 15–21, 2024. This annual event was put in place by U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1944. For the past 80 years, the nation continues to commemorate safety education for farm workers and farm families. The 2024 theme is “Don’t Learn Safety by Accident.” What is an accident? Traditionally, we think of accidents as random or unexplained events that can’t be avoided.
Take action against combine and field fires
By Wayne Dellinger, CCA, and Dee Jepsen, Ohio State University Extension Weather conditions have helped Ohio wheat fields mature a little early this year — but these same conditions can lead to an increase in fires to combine harvesters and crop fields. Unintentional fires are never an enjoyable event. Two recommendations to prevent injuries and property damage include preventative maintenance and pre-planning for fire emergencies. Ohio ranks fourth in the nation for combine fires.
Weather conditions ripe for field fires
Take action against combine and field fires By Wayne Dellinger and Dee Jepsen; edited by Mark Badertscher / OSU Extension HARDIN COUNTY__Weather conditions have helped Ohio wheat fields mature a little early this year – but these same conditions can lead to an increase in fires to combine harvesters and crop fields. Unintentional fires are never an enjoyable event. Two recommendations to prevent injuries and property damage include preventative maintenance and pre-planning for fire emergencies.
March: It’s magically delicious
Country Life, Top Headlines By Shelly Detwiler, berry farmer and dietician It is that time of year. Time to deck out in green and cheer on National Nutrition Month! Not sure if anyone but dietitians have heard of NNM, but it is just another reason to invite everyone to learn about making informed food choices and to develop healthful eating and active habits. This year I just love the theme Beyond the Table, and its focus on the farm-to-fork aspect of nutrition.
Accessing your farm vehicles more conveniently and safely with Universal Design
By Dee Jepsen and Laura Akgerman The Ohio AgrAbility program works with farmers of all abilities. Our team provides outreach education about good body mechanics and safe lifting. We also make recommendations to farmers, agricultural businesses, landowners and gardeners about making their work environment safe and accessible. A popular recommendation is to use equipment that is based on Universal Design (UD) concepts.
Noise at the grain bins
By Dee Jepsen and Peggy Kirk Hall Harvest season can be rather noisy — both for the farm operator and the rural neighborhood. This season is full of extra activity around grain bins that may create more noise than expected. Technically speaking, sounds do not need to be at damaging levels to be considered noise. Noise can simply be defined as “unwanted sound.” There are two types of noise at the bins — occupational and environmental.
A focus on farm stress
By Dee Jepsen This time of year, it’s possible to look back with different outlooks about how the past year has treated us, especially if we’re involved with agriculture. The year 2023 has served us with many fluctuations, whether it be the weather, the markets, supply chain delays, labor shortages or any combination of other stressors. Yet, rural people continue to be resilient in the unique way they face each day and each season.
No one can take your place
By Dee Jepsen National Farm Safety and Health Week is September 17 to 23, 2023. This promotional week has occurred since 1944 to commemorate the hard work, diligence and sacrifices made by our nation’s farmers and ranchers. The 2023 theme, “No one can take your place,” reminds us that working in agriculture is different than working other industries. Farms are unique businesses, each producing their own commodity, with their own workforce, management team, and production schedule.
Preventing Combine Fires in the Field
By Dee Jepsen and Wayne Dellinger; edited by Mark Badertscher HARDIN COUNTY – Did you know Ohio ranks 4th in the nation for the number of reported combine fires? Other states leading the list include Minnesota (1st), Iowa (2nd), Illinois (3rd), Kansas (5th), Nebraska (6th) and South Dakota (7th). While most harvester fires start in the engine compartment, other locations on the combine can be at risk for fires. The primary heat sources causing fires include faulty wiring and overheated bearings.
Combine Fire Prevention
By Dee Jepsen and Wayne Dellinger Did you know Ohio ranks 4th in the nation for the number of reported combine fires? Other states leading the list include Minnesota (1st), Iowa (2nd), Illinois (3rd), Kansas (5th), Nebraska (6th) and South Dakota (7th). TIPS TO PREVENT COMBINE FIRES INCLUDE: Have a daily maintenance plan during the harvest period. Keeping machinery well maintained plays a large role in preventing fires from these sources.
Combine Fire Prevention
Take steps to prevent combine fires Did you know Ohio ranks 4th in the nation for the number of reported combine fires? Other states leading the list include Minnesota (1st), Iowa (2nd), Illinois (3rd), Kansas (5th), Nebraska (6th) and South Dakota (7th). While the majority of harvester fires start in the engine compartment, other locations on the combine can be at risk for fires. The primary heat sources causing fires include faulty wiring and over-heated bearings.
Protecting agriculture’s future
By Dee Jepsen National Farm Safety and Health Week is September 18-24, 2022. The annual event historically occurs on the third week of September. This year’s theme is “Protecting agriculture’s future.” Farm safety is necessary for the U.S. economy The U.S. agricultural workforce is small and getting smaller every year. Ag workers make up about 1% of the total laborers in the country. Yet these workers are responsible for all fruits, vegetables, animal- and plant-based protein sources we consume.
The dangers of farm gases
By Dee Jepsen, Haley Zynda, Jason Hartschuh Agriculture is the third most hazardous industry in the U.S. While many hazards are apparent, agricultural gases are considered silent dangers. Oftentimes they go unnoticed. Yet in the right atmospheric conditions they have potential to do great harm. Working in and around confined spaces are a necessity on grain and livestock operations.
Prevent Combine Fires During Fall Harvest
By Dee Jepsen Autumn weather conditions have led to an increase in combine fires. Two recommendations to prevent injuries and property damage include: preventative maintenance and pre-planning for fire emergencies. Ohio ranks fourth in the nation for combine fires. Other states leading the list include Minnesota (1st), Iowa (2nd), Illinois (3rd), Kansas (5th), Nebraska (6th) and South Dakota (7th). The majority of harvester fires start in the engine compartment.
Beware of dark dust clouds during harvest
October 21, 2021 Crops, Top Headlines By Pierce Paul and Dee Jepsen, Ohio State University Extension There have been reports of huge dust clouds blowing up behind combines during harvest. It is certainly not uncommon to see dust during harvest as fragments of dead, dry plant parts and soil particles are usually suspended into the air as the combine drives though the field. However, the concern this year is that the dust seems excessive and particularly darker in color than usual.
Prevent combine fires during fall harvest
October 21, 2021 Equipment, Top Headlines By Dee Jepsen, Wayne Dellinger, CCA, Ohio State University Extension Autumn weather conditions have led to an increase in combine fires. Two recommendations to prevent injuries and property damage include: preventative maintenance and pre-planning for fire emergencies. Ohio ranks fourth in the nation for combine fires. Other states leading the list include Minnesota (1st), Iowa (2nd), Illinois (3rd), Kansas (5th), Nebraska (6th) and South Dakota (7th).
Ohio: Prevent Combine Fires During Fall Harvest
Combine fire. Photo: Ohio State University Autumn weather conditions have led to an increase in combine fires. Two recommendations to prevent injuries and property damage include: preventative maintenance and pre-planning for fire emergencies. Ohio ranks fourth in the nation for combine fires. Other states leading the list include Minnesota (1st), Iowa (2nd), Illinois (3rd), Kansas (5th), Nebraska (6th) and South Dakota (7th). The majority of harvester fires start in the engine compartment.
Ohio Corn: Harvesting Fields with Moldy Leaves and Stubble
A red combine harvests dried corn in a dusty field. Photo: Kevin Hudson, Mississippi State University Dark Dust Clouds During Harvest There have been reports of huge dust clouds blowing up behind combines during harvest. It is certainly not uncommon to see dust during harvest as fragments of dead, dry plant parts and soil particles are usually suspended into the air as the combine drives though the field.
Ohio farm safety statistics
By Dee Jepsen Have you ever had to describe “agricultural work” to anyone not familiar with the day-to-day, season-to-season functions of a farm? It is difficult to explain the types of tasks, the type of equipment, and the varying schedules that farm life demands. The occupational pressures of tending to the land, crops and livestock is different than other workplace pressures.
Farm safety yields real results
By Dee Jepsen National Farm Safety and Health Week is Sept. 19 through Sept. 25, 2021. This annual promotional week commemorates the hard work, diligence and sacrifices made by our nation’s farmers and ranchers. The promotion reminds us to take time for safety as we head into the fall harvest season. The 2021 theme is “Farm Safety Yields Real Results.” This positive message implies safety practices not only protect lives but also yield profitable results for the farm.
Practicing good body mechanics
By Dee Jepsen, Leah Schwinn, and Laura Akgerman Spring and summer are busy times for farmers, gardeners, and landscapers. On a smaller scale, home-owners can experience the same fatigue that comes with long hours of yard work. Paying attention to how you do the work can help alleviate some of the aches and pains. Good body mechanics are an essential part of decreasing your risk of injury and muscle fatigue and increasing your muscle stamina and productivity.
Agriculture must be prioritized for COVID-19 vaccine
President Joe Biden. Photo by White House staff. March 25, 2021 Country Life, Top Headlines The American Farm Bureau Federation is urging the Biden administration to prioritize agriculture for the COVID-19 vaccine. In a letter sent to the administration, AFBF President Zippy Duvall called for the elimination of barriers to vaccine access for America’s farmers and farmworkers.
WISHH sharing soy health benefits around the world
Aaron Overholser from Darke County harvest a population trial for the OSU eFields Report March 3, 2021 Crops, Top Headlines Release of the U.S. government’s “Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025” reaffirms the role of U.S. soy in human diets. As a globally-respected, science-based reference, the report recognizes soy in core elements of healthy dietary patterns.
Health and Safety Recommendations for On-Farm Grain Bin Facilities
By Wayne Dellinger and Dee Jepsen In the ten-year period from 2009 to 2018 Ohio had 9 fatalities in grain handling and grain storage facilities. Five of these fatalities were from suffocation and 2 were from falls from the structure, while the others involved auger entanglements. Purdue University reported 38 grain entrapments across the U.S. in 2019. Twenty-three of these entrapments resulted in a fatality. February 21st begins Nationwide Insurance Grain Bin Safety Week.
Short film raises awareness
By Kolt Buchenroth, Ohio Ag Net Warning: This story (and the video it’s about) portrays a fictional plotline about farmer suicide. It’s intended to raise awareness. I will do my best to keep the spoilers to a minimum, but they are in the story. My phone buzzed with a message from one of my friends on Facebook. “Hey Kolt,” the message read.
CDC agrees: Frontline meat and poultry workers high priority for COVID-19 vaccination - Ohio Ag Net | Ohio's Country Journal
December 23, 2020 Livestock, Top Headlines Frontline meat and poultry workers should be amongst the first to be vaccinated after health care workers and those in long-term care facilities, according to federal guidance approved today by the Centers for Disease Control’s (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Priority (ACIP). Meat Institute President and CEO Julie Anna Potts applauded ACIP’s guidance and urged state governments to follow CDC’s decision.
Ohio: Harvesting and Handling Moldy Corn
Corn ears infected with myotoxin and aflatoxin. Photo: G. Roth, Pennsylvania State University This year, slow grain dry-down, delayed harvest, and late-season rainfall have led to fairly high levels of one or more ear rots (Gibberella, Fusarium, Diplodia and Trichoderma) in some corn fields.
The power of rural health in Ohio
By Dee Jepsen and Laura Akgerman National Rural Health Day is Thursday Nov. 19, 2020. This day highlights the unique challenges rural communities face when it comes to health services and healthy people. Focusing on the Power of Rural is the theme for this year’s campaign Ohio has a State Office of Rural Health (SORH), which serves as the anchor of information and support for rural communities.
USDA releases farm production expense forecast for 2020
November 9, 2020 Country Life, Top Headlines By Chris Zoller, Ohio State University Extension Educator, ANR in Tuscarawas County The United States Department of Agriculture Economic Research Service (USDA-ERS) has announced their prediction for farm production expenses for 2020. Production expenses are projected to be reduced by 1.3% to $344.2 billion in nominal (non-inflation-adjusted) dollars.
Don’t take drying shortcuts with stored corn
November 5, 2020 Crops, Top Headlines By Dee Jepsen and Lisa Pfeifer, Ohio State University Extension Wet weather conditions are causing concerns with the 2020 corn crop going into storage. Proper management of stored grain will be the key to eliminating risks to human health and safety later in the season. Grain that goes into the bin with higher moisture content presents a host of possible issues. It can freeze or bind. Mold issues can arise.
For Safety’s Sake: Don’t Take Drying Shortcuts with Stored Corn
By Dee Jepsen and Lisa Pfeifer Wet weather conditions are causing concerns with the 2020 corn crop going into storage. Proper management of stored grain will be the key to eliminating risks to human health and safety later in the season. Grain that goes into the bin with higher moisture content presents a host of possible issues. It can freeze or bind. Mold issues can arise. An environment susceptible to insect problems can be created. Higher volumes of bin fines can result.
Ohio: For Safety’s Sake, Don’t Take Drying Shortcuts with Stored Corn
Wet weather conditions are causing concerns with the 2020 corn crop going into storage. Proper management of stored grain will be the key to eliminating risks to human health and safety later in the season. Grain that goes into the bin with higher moisture content presents a host of possible issues. It can freeze or bind. Mold issues can arise. An environment susceptible to insect problems can be created. Higher volumes of bin fines can result.
Be Prepared for Combine Fires during Harvest Season
By Dee Jepsen The combination of high temperatures and dry conditions are the perfect conditions for field fires and combine fires during harvest. Dry grasses, crop residues, and woodland debris along many of our farm fields provide fuel for field fires. Likewise, leaked fuel, cracked hydraulic hoses, heated bearings, overheated belts and chains can provide the ignition for equipment fires. The combine is a critical piece of equipment for fall harvest.
Fall agritourism operations: Safety and accessibility are key this season
October 13, 2020 Country Life, Top Headlines By Dee Jepsen, Lisa Pfeifer, and Laura Akgerman The fall agritourism season is in full swing — even during a pandemic. And while businesses of all kinds have met unprecedented challenges, there are recommended practices that will go a long way for agritourism operations to keep their doors open while remaining safe and accessible in this environment.
Managing your fall farm operations through COVID-19
September 4, 2020 Country Life, Top Headlines By Lisa Pfeifer and Dee Jepsen In big or small ways, COVID-19 has impacted most aspects of farming and agribusiness. Safety, health, and wellness have become necessary concerns for farm operations. Health officials have provided guidance on frequent hand washing, physical distancing, and staying home when sick. These practices should be in place for the farm operation, not just those businesses with public interaction.
Protecting yourself from heat and sun while working outdoors
Home / Country Life / Protecting yourself from heat and sun while working outdoors Photo by Lea Kimley. August 7, 2020 Country Life, Top Headlines By Dee Jepsen, PhD; Pat Brinkman, MA; and Jill Kilanowski, PhD, RN, CPNP, FAAN When working outdoors the sun and heat can be our enemies. The heat during these hot summer months adds additional stress to our body’s coolant system, which can cause heat stroke, heat stress or heat exhaustion.
Heat Alert - Farm Workers at Increased Risk this Summer
By Dee Jepsen Outdoor work during these hot summer months adds additional stress to our body’s coolant system. Heat stroke, heat stress, or heat exhaustion – to distinguish between these terms does not matter – any form of heat stress can impair function. Working in extreme heat lowers the body’s reaction time and can put workers at risk. When our body’s internal temperature cannot cool itself fast enough, our body will react.
Heat Alert - Farm Workers at Increased Risk this Summer
Thermometer showing high temperatures. Photo: Ohio State University Outdoor work during these hot summer months adds additional stress to our body’s coolant system. Heat stroke, heat stress, or heat exhaustion – to distinguish between these terms does not matter – any form of heat stress can impair function. Working in extreme heat lowers the body’s reaction time and can put workers at risk. When our body’s internal temperature cannot cool itself fast enough, our body will react.
Virtual Wheat Tour 2020 — Day 2 - Ohio Ag Net | Ohio's Country Journal
May 21, 2020 National Headlines By Mary Kennedy DTN Cash Grains Analyst and Pamela Smith DTN/Progressive Farmer Crops Technology Editor OMAHA (DTN) — Romulo Lollato skeptically eyed a dark cloud floating overhead as he electronically delivered assessments from the second day of touring Kansas wheat fields. On Wednesday, crop scouts fanned out across the west-central and southwestern regions of the state where it was clear a combination of drought and freeze have taken a toll.
Embracing young family workers and teaching farm safety during the COVID summer
By Dee Jepsen and Shoshanah Inwood This spring and summer will be like no other in recent history during the COVID-19 outbreak. As you take stock of the goals you have for your farm this season, labor needs, and family dynamics, now is also the perfect time to create a plan for the role kids will have on the farm this season. As you formulate your plan, it will be important to take the age of your children and their farm interest into account.
Spring farm safety reminders
April 13, 2020 Country Life, Top Headlines By Wayne Dellinger, Dee Jepsen, Ohio State University Extension Spring of 2019 brought never-before seen planting conditions for our generation. With a similar weather pattern predicted for spring 2020, the window to get crops in the field may be short again this season. With shorter windows brings a sense of hurriedness, stress, and fatigue. These may all lead to an increased potential of incidents and injuries during planting.
Highlighting rural health
November 21, 2019 Country Life, Top Headlines By Dee Jepsen and Shoshanah Inwood National Rural Health Day was Thursday November 21, 2019. This day brings attention to the unique challenges rural communities face when it comes to health services and healthy people. Each year, the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health selects a topic to organize its efforts and creates awareness for health care services. The 2019 theme is: Plug into the power of rural.
12 Tips to Avoid, Contain Combine Fires During Harvest
Burned out combine from harvest fire. Photo: Andrew Winger, Winger Farms Meteorologists would likely correct us if we referred to this year’s summer climate as bipolar. However, the early fall rain patterns seem to be completely different depending on where one stands in the state. It is either rain, and lots of it – or dry, on the verge of drought.
Farm safety: Time to shift into high gear
September 27, 2019 Country Life, Slider By Dee Jepsen This year’s National Farm Safety and Health Week commemorated the hard work, diligence, and sacrifices made by our nation’s farmers and ranchers. The 2019 theme is “Shift farm safety into high gear.” The national theme reminds us that harvest is one of the highest seasons for unexpected deaths and serious injury. In Ohio, our state rates increase in the summer months and continue to rise through October.
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