Jon Davis, a researcher and assistant professor at the University of Iowa’s College of Public Health has released an updated analysis of more than 3,700 farm-related injuries treated in Iowa hospitals between 2017 and 2023, using the state’s uniquely detailed trauma registry. Because Iowa is one of the few states that flags farm-related injuries in hospital data, the report provides a rare, accurate look at how farmers are getting hurt on the job. Davis found the patterns in his most recent report of injury trends remarkably consistent with earlier years, highlighting long-standing hazards that continue to challenge farm safety. Although the data are specific to Iowa, Davis believes these trends likely reflect injury risks in neighboring states with similar livestock and row-crop operations, underscoring the importance of better data systems and targeted prevention efforts to keep farmers safe. 

Episode Resources

• Injury Trends for Great Plains Farm Workers, GPCAH, Main Webpage
• Iowa Trauma Registry Ag Surveillance 2017-2023 Report, GPCAH
• 2017-2023 Injury Data: Have the Conversation About Injuries on the Farm, GPCAH, 11x17 Poster
• 2017-2023 Injury Data: Have the Conversation About Injuries on the Farm, GPCAH, 8.5x11 Flyer