News  Rural Health

Farm Safety Week Highlights Risks of Harvest Fatigue

UNMC’s Ellen Duysen will discuss fatigue, sleep and worker safety during a free AgriSafe webinar.

September 22, 2026 04:33 PM • 
Neal Burnette-Irwin, David Nelson

OMAHA, Neb. (RFD News) — National Farm Safety and Health Week is highlighting the importance of managing fatigue as producers head into harvest.

Ellen Duysen with the University of Nebraska Medical Center joined us on Tuesday’s Market Day Report ahead of her AgriSafe webinar, “The Cost of Fatigue in Agriculture: Practical Solutions to Protect Workers and Increase Productivity.”

In her conversation with RFD News, Duysen said chronic fatigue can affect physical and mental health and impair judgment during high-intensity periods like harvest.

She encouraged producers to maintain a consistent sleep schedule and create a quiet environment free of distractions like cell phones.

Duysen recommended talking with a doctor if fatigue lasts more than a few weeks or begins affecting a person’s ability to work effectively.

LEARN MORE: www.agrisafe.org/event/nfshw26-the-cost-of-fatigue

Related Stories
ZlzNzpTQ.jpg
Rural Health Matters
Rural Health Matters: Breast Cancer Screening Saves Lives
Early detection can lead to a five-year survival rate of more than 99%.
October 16, 2026 04:30 PM
 · 
Neal Burnette-Irwin
US Department of Agriculture Building, Washington, D.C.
Business
USDA Tests New Approach to Tracking Salmonella in Poultry Plants
Deputy Agriculture Secretary Stephen Vaden explains USDA’s pilot to measure Salmonella levels throughout poultry slaughter and processing.
October 07, 2026 01:00 PM
 · 
Marion Kirkpatrick
A0cciVrl.jpg
Rural Health Matters
Rural Health Matters: Pros and Cons of Using AI for Health Information
Dr. Jeffrey Gold says AI can improve access to information but should not replace health care professionals.
October 05, 2026 05:00 PM
 · 
Neal Burnette-Irwin
A healthcare worker with a patient
Rural Health
Rural America Faces Growing Shortage of Surgeons Nationwide
A projected shortage of nearly 28,000 surgeons could hit rural communities hardest.
October 02, 2026 12:05 PM
 · 
Tony St. James
xkWMVWEU.jpg
Rural Health
Texas Officials Monitor Rise in CKDu Cases
Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller says heat and dehydration are linked to the disease.
September 30, 2026 05:01 PM
 · 
Frank McCaffrey
FIoEpz47.jpg
Rural Health Matters
Rural Health Matters: Staying Safe During Long Fall Harvest Night Shifts
Producers working late during harvest are encouraged to prioritize sleep and plan ahead for emergencies.
September 30, 2026 04:33 PM
 · 
Neal Burnette-Irwin

Health Ag Education & Resources Harvesting Mental Health Labor
Neal Burnette-Irwin
Neal Burnette-Irwin
Knoxville native Neal Burnette-Irwin is a graduate from MTSU where he majored in Journalism and Entertainment Studies. He works as a digital content producer with RFD News and is represented by multiple talent agencies in Nashville and Chicago.


LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

USMCA.jpg
Trade
Déjà Vu? U.S.-Mexico Trade Talks Stall on Tariffs, Echoing Canada Dispute as USMCA Review Nears
U.S.-Mexico tariff talks have stalled over autos, steel, and aluminum, raising concerns about trade certainty and access for American agricultural exports.
October 16, 2026 04:00 PM
 · 
Marion Kirkpatrick
9py4PvYi.jpg
Rural Lifestyle
Young Producers Take Center Stage at Arkansas State Fair
Livestock shows and FFA exhibits give visitors an up-close look at the state’s agriculture industry.
October 16, 2026 03:27 PM
 · 
Neal Burnette-Irwin
qwLm4zdM.jpg
USDA
USDA Reports Drop in Federal Food Assistance Spending
Spending declined overall in 2025, though WIC and child nutrition programs increased.
October 16, 2026 03:00 PM
 · 
Neal Burnette-Irwin
GrainBins-Sunset-Fence_AdobeStock_537915513_1920x1080.jpg
Crops
A Few Cents Per Bushel Add Up: Stored-Grain Insects Can Quickly Eat Away at Crop Value
Stored-grain insects can reduce grain mass by 2% to 3% in 30 days. Central Life Sciences Expert John Mays explains how bin preparation can help protect stored corn.
October 16, 2026 02:34 PM
 · 
Marion Kirkpatrick
potatoes_adobe stock.png
Crops
National Potato Council Highlights USDA Specialty Crop Support for Potato Research
Kam Quarles, CEO of the National Potato Council, discussed the USDA funding and its potential value for potato growers and the broader specialty crop industry.
October 16, 2026 02:00 PM
 · 
Marion Kirkpatrick
UYuGZqpO.jpg
Crops
Candy Makers Face Higher Cocoa Prices and Tighter Sugar Supplies
Weather and production challenges are creating uncertainty around two key ingredients.
October 16, 2026 01:30 PM
 · 
Neal Burnette-Irwin
XlBOJyRX.jpg
Farm Monitor
Georgia Farm Becomes One of the Nation’s Largest Muscadine Nurseries
Ison’s Nursery and Vineyard has been growing muscadines for more than 90 years.
October 16, 2026 01:00 PM
 · 
Damon Jones
77CfsX1N.jpg
Crops
Drought Takes Toll on Cotton Ahead of Harvest
Some dryland fields are being lost after months of challenging weather.
October 16, 2026 12:31 PM
 · 
Neal Burnette-Irwin
52oy4f9p.jpg
Energy
Global Diesel Shortage Drives Fuel Costs Higher
Disruptions in Russia and the Middle East cut diesel exports by 1.3 million barrels a day last month.
October 16, 2026 11:55 AM
 · 
Neal Burnette-Irwin
trump and tractor_nationalagday_white house.jpg
Rural Money
Rural Money: IRS Clarifies Red-Dyed Diesel Penalty Relief, but Tax Questions Remain
Farm CPA Paul Neiffer said farmers and truckers should check federal updates and rules in every state where they operate before changing their fueling practices.
October 15, 2026 06:33 PM
 · 
Marion Kirkpatrick
cbXMjl62.jpg
Farm Monitor
700,000 Sunflowers Put Georgia Farm in Full Bloom
Fausett Farms has become a seasonal agritourism destination.
October 15, 2026 05:30 PM
 · 
Damon Jones
cLo9zWLW.jpg
Crops
Dry Growing Season Takes Toll on Alfalfa Yields
Reduced yields have some producers considering rotating their alfalfa fields.
October 15, 2026 05:00 PM
 · 
Neal Burnette-Irwin