Latest News From Health

Farmer and philanthropist Howard Buffett held a fireside chat during the 2024 Top Producer Summit to share his experiences visiting the front line of Ukraine over the past two years.

Vanessa O'Brien shares the similar traits held by both farmers and explorers: courage, endurance, resilience and dedication.

Understanding the causes of injuries in ag occupations can help improve safety and policy measures. However, obtaining a comprehensive overview of injuries is hindered by the absence of a central reporting system.

Babe Didrikson was talented in the game of basketball as well as baseball, track and field and golf. It's been nearly a century since she passed away, but her accomplishments still astound Texas visitors today.

It’s important the friends, family, and business professionals close to farmers are prepared and able to effectively communicate in a mental health crisis.

Two farmers speak up on the importance of addressing stress.

To create a safe and comfortable work environment for your farm employees, it’s important to address the specific challenges posed by cold weather on the farm.

To wrap up 2023 I thought I’d show my list of good news that few believe: the good news with declining crime rates, wage growth and cooling inflation.

Rainbow Meadows Equine Rescue started Christmas at the Stables three years ago as a way for visitors to see the work and rehabilitation that goes on all year. It's hosted every Saturday night leading up to Christmas.

USDA has granted Mr. Claus and his reindeer a special permit to enter the U.S., ensuring a seamless journey for the joy they bring each holiday season.

On Nov. 19, 2023, Iowa farmer Joe Rempe suffered severe injuries from an anhydrous leak while in the field. His fiance, Kendra Vander Leest, not only helped save Joe, but she's been caring for him since.

Prioritizing culture is often overlooked when it comes to employee management and retention.

Sarah Beth Aubrey shares tips for effective communication and building influence before stepping into a leadership role.

Fear of leadership is natural. That's why Sarah Beth Aubrey is sharing the best practices to get out of your own head.

Some farming operations have been ruined by PFAS, but there's still things the industry doesn't know, including how PFAS enters the food chain. John Phipps thinks the debate over PFAS may just be getting started.

As more Americans become hooked on weight-loss medication, the impact on farmers could be substantial as more and cheaper versions of these drugs are released in the next few months.

Advocating for something you care about has risks. Step into leadership with these tips.

September is National Suicide Prevention Month. According to the CDC, between 2000 and 2020 suicide rates climbed 46% in rural areas. By comparison, the rate in metro areas climbed 27.3%. 

On October 8th, 2019, local farmer Jerry Schwarzrock was entrapped in his grain bin. His sons found him, and immediately called 911. That one call then sparked a new calling for the local fire department.

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln kickstarted the Know Your Well Project in 2022 to teach the next generation how to test well water. The EPA took notice and looks to double the program's reach.

Cash and essential healthcare products are being donated to aid relief efforts, the company reports.

Osage, Iowa was able to raise enough money, without raising taxes, to build the Cedar River Complex, which features an indoor pool, fitness center, walking track, basketball courts, 600 seat theatre, museum and more.

Unhealthy levels of air pollutants are spreading across some parts of the U.S., a result of the worst-ever start to wildfire season in Canada. Sixteen million acres have burned--an area a bit larger than West Virginia.

Don’t let day-to-day farm tasks stand in your way of showing some extra gratitude to your hardworking employees.

Despite the positive sentiment, local community bankers report concerns about lower commodity prices, the ‘big bank mess’ and another potential rate hike in June by the Fed.

Thanks to some cinder blocks and an online fitness community, Amanda found a renewed purpose in the farm community and a new lease on living a physically and mentally healthy life.

John Deere and the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) have joined forces to support the new documentary film “Odd Hours, No Pay, Cool Hat.”

A couple of years ago I was approached with a novel idea. Could we use the show to help share stories about the U.S. with those outside this country and perhaps help them learn English as a second language as well?  

Farmers have to keep in mind their personal health and safety. Bayer Crop Science launched a campaign that delivers that message in a clear, simple way.

It’s written on the back of every medicine bottle and next to the shocking price sticker on exercise equipment and hidden somewhere in nearly every terms of agreement: Consult Your Physician Before Using. 

In 2014, Nationwide launched Grain Bin Safety Week to not only get the essential rescue tools in the hands of first responders, but also the essential training. Nominations are now open for local departments.

Polyester’s popularity was prompted by economics (it’s cheap), and properties such as non-shrinking and, most importantly, fashion. 

“People are concerned about food inflation right now,” says Dr. Michael Swanson, Wells Fargo Chief Agricultural Economist. "Some premier celebration foods have actually dropped from a year ago."

Can you smell that? It’s the aroma of fresh opportunities.

Instead of writing down these big audacious goals, Jon Acuff, an entrepreneur, speaker and best-selling author, has better advice: Set micro goals. 

It doesn’t matter if it’s spring, summer, winter or fall, weather is always on producers’ minds. While slower seasons can offer relief, winter can drain emotional batteries. Here are two steps to help find relief.

For 2023, set your sights on achieving your goals. Start with something small, and you will be amazed how dreams inspire dreams.

John Phipps examines one aspect of the pandemic experts have noticed: consumption of more alcohol during and especially immediately after the isolations and quarantines. What does it mean? John explains in John's World.

Letting an employee know how he or she is performing can encourage the employee to perform at a high level, and letting the employee know he or she has fallen short can help reinforce expectations.

There has been a widening gulf between the official numbers and anecdotal evidence of spiraling infections on the ground.

John Phipps unexpectedly stumbled into the real Christmas spirit recently, and as he shares in his annual Christmas in the Country commentary, the Christmas spirit is alive and well.

In 2012, Jerry Lageson flipped the switch and transformed an oak tree into a landmark for thousands of passersby. South of Faribault, Minn., Lageson annually adorns this tree with 50,000 white lights.

The statistics surrounding mental health are alarming. The reasons varied, but while the holidays can be a time of happiness, it also can be challenging. Follow these tips if you notice your mental health worsening.

How remarkable teenagers put a call to help into action, creating some unlikely friendships and bonds after Mayfield, Kentucky was ravaged by a tornado on December 10, 2021.

While so much has been done in the year since the tornado hit, Mayfield still has a long road of recovery ahead. The community continues to come together to aid a long-term recovery and create a Christmas comeback.

With some structures still standing but severely damaged, with just yards away other buildings barely touched, the calculus of destruction to this rural town was cruelly selective.

Damage remains along the tornado's 220-mile path nearly a year after the deadly tornado tore through Mayfield, Kentucky. Farmers and ag businesses are still working to restore their operations.

Over the past nearly three decades, John Phipps has written around 600 articles for Farm Journal and Top Producer, and about 800 commentaries for U.S. Farm Report. He's found a way to boost his creativity.

After Paul Baker passed away unexpectedly in October, nearly 25 combines and 38 trucks came together for a touching tribute. The outpouring of support for Paul left his family full of gratitude and thanks.

Your goal is to commit yourself to establishing a culture of thanks on your farm. Try out a few of these ideas during this season of Thanksgiving.