By Andi Anderson
Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is organizing two free webinars in August to address the growing concern of excessive heat affecting farmers, workers, and crops. With rising temperatures posing risks to both health and productivity, these sessions aim to provide practical advice for those in agriculture.
The first webinar, Heat-Smart:
Protecting People from Field Heat Stress, is scheduled for August 5 from noon to 1 p.m. It will feature Brandi Janssen, a clinical professor in occupational and environmental health at the University of Iowa.
This session will focus on how extreme heat impacts agricultural workers’ physical and mental health and will offer effective strategies to manage heat exposure in farm environments. Key topics include heat trends, health risks, mental health impacts, and intervention methods in agriculture.
The second webinar, Heat-Stressed Harvests:
Protecting Crops and Produce in Rising Temperatures, will take place on August 19 from noon to 1 p.m. Suzanne Slack, assistant professor and fruit crop specialist at Iowa State, will lead this session.
The webinar will guide small-scale growers on protecting crops and harvested produce from heat stress. Topics will cover plant physiology, heat response, mitigation strategies, cooling methods, and considerations for storage and transport.
Both webinars are open to the public at no cost. Participants are encouraged to register online in advance. The sessions aim to equip farmers, growers, and market producers with knowledge and practical tools to safeguard both people and produce during hot weather.
For more details, attendees can visit the event websites or contact Alex Van Alstyne at alexv@iastate.edu or 515-294-3041. These educational efforts reflect Iowa State’s commitment to supporting agricultural resilience in changing climates.
Photo Credit: iowa-state-university
Categories: Iowa, Education