Agricultural in Minnesota

The occupational health hazards vary by commodity and can lead to various illnesses
and injuries in those that work in agriculture.  The Minnesota rural population at risk 
is becoming more heterogeneous to include farmers and their families, both children 
and a geriatric workforce, agricultural workers of varying ethnic make-up, and 
community members living next to agricultural operations.

There are many changes occurring in agriculture in general that also affect Minnesota.  
These include financial insecurity, loss of family farms, and the explosion in advances 
in biotechnology.  Minnesota is not alone in seeing the decline in family farms and 
rural population, the effects of suburban sprawl on family farms, and the loss of 
connection to our agrarian roots.  Other changes include fewer but larger farms, 
mechanization of agricultural labor, increased animal density and the rise of industrial 
agricultural operations.  We are just beginning to learn the impact of these changes 
upon the health of those involved in agricultural work. 
	
Agricultural health is a blend of rural health, environmental health, occupational health, 
and primary care. Often the farm is both the worksite and home for farmers, farm workers, 
and their families.  This results in blurring the boundaries between occupational and 
environmental hazards and affects all ages.   Agromedicine is interdisciplinary by 
definition. Other terms used, agrimedicine and agricultural medicine, refer more to the 
medical model of diagnosis and treatment.  While this is a crucial component, it does not 
address the interdisciplinary collaboration between the health care sciences, social sciences, 
and agricultural sciences, the impact of chronic medical conditions upon agricultural work,            
 and the impact of the global economy upon the mental health of those working in 
agriculture.  Unfortunately, agricultural health issues have not been a part of the health 
sciences curriculum and continue to be neglected.  It is imperative that all of those 
involved in rural health issues are sources and positive role models for increasing the 
awareness of the importance of prevention of agricultural illnesses and injuries and 
improving the health of the rural population.