ashca annual report

2014 ASHCA ANNUAL REPORT | ashca .org AGRICULTURAL SAFETY AND HEALTH COUNCIL OF AMERICA 12014 ANNUAL REPORT

TABLE OF CONTENTS FROM THE CHAIR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

IN A NUTSHELL: 2014 HIGHLIGHTS . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

NEW INITIATIVES

SAFETY GRANTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

REGIONAL FORUMS / MINI-SUMMITS . . . . . . 6

2015 FACT SHEET . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

ADVISORY COUNCIL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

BOARD ACTIVITIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

ASHCA VISIBILITY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

SAFETY GRANT AWARDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-11

COMMITTEE REPORTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-13

MEET THE BOARD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-17

MEET THE ADMIN & MEDIA TEAM . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

FINANCIAL REPORT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

MEMBERSHIP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19-20

MISSIONTo proactively address ongoing and emerging occupational safety and health issues affecting U .S . agriculture .

VISIONA hazard-free and healthy work environment for people engaged in agricultural work across the US .

ASHCA is a not for profit 501 (c)(3) organization established December 2007 .

ASHCA thanks the following individuals for providing photos included in this report: Ben Burkett, Nicole Bell, Gordon Moore, Alex Heiphetz, USDA – Washington, D .C ., LaMar Grafft, Michele Proctor, and Scott Heiberger .

4 2014 ASHCA ANNUAL REPORT | ashca .org AGRICULTURAL SAFETY AND HEALTH COUNCIL OF AMERICA

This past year we have witnessed agricultural trends and national policies that reflect the importance of prioritizing

safety for workers in agriculture . The USDA reports increased stability and wealth in agriculture - the number of U .S . farms

remained constant from 2007 – 2012, while crop production increased by 48% and livestock by 18 .7% .(1) We are gearing up to feed the world’s growing population . Other social and economic issues affecting agriculture include labor shortages, immigration reform, consumer-producer relationships for locally grown foods, a new generation of technology driven farmers, and the influence of global trade opportunities . At the core of these issues are the people on the front line – producers and agricultural workers .

With all the changes in agriculture, ASHCA has had another banner year! We have focused on our core principles while strengthening our infrastructure and financial base . Through our Safety Grants program we have facilitated the adoption of safety strategies that address the most pressing agricultural safety issues at local levels . And through the new Regional Forums and Workshops initiative, ASHCA is building partnerships that raise the profile of worker safety within agricultural sectors and organizations that want to embrace best management safety practices .

Our newly released “ASHCA Facts – 2015” provides a snapshot of the changing demographics of farms, producers, and agricultural workers along with the many opportunities to stabilize agricultural enterprises by investing in safety . Our message of “Be Safe . Be Profitable” first served as the theme of ASHCA’s 2010 national conference and now we are able to put tangible numbers and facts behind that theme . We know that profits from investing in safety extend far beyond the dollars reported in your annual revenue and expenses accounts .

We encourage you to learn more about ASHCA and become involved in our endeavors at the national, regional and local level . Together, we can have an even greater impact . Efficient, productive and sustainable agriculture includes the preservation and well-being of all agricultural workers at every level .

William Nelson, Chair

ASHCA Board of Directors

1 . USDA Census of Agriculture Press Release (May 2, 2014) . www .agcensus .usda .gov/

FROM THE CHAIR

William Nelson Chair, ASHCA Board of Directors

2014 ASHCA ANNUAL REPORT | ashca .org AGRICULTURAL SAFETY AND HEALTH COUNCIL OF AMERICA 5

IN A NUTSHELL - 2014 HIGHLIGHTS

LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT • The Board of Directors, chaired by William Nelson, convened two in-person meetings –

January in Monterey, CA, and August in Milwaukee, WI, to continue strategic planning . • Joining the Board of Directors in 2014 were Brady Miller of Texas Cattle Feeders

Association; Joel Sherman of Grimmway Farms, Inc ., of California; and Chandler Goule of the National Farmers Union .

• Standing committees were expanded and restructured; the newly established Advisory Council convened its first meeting, chaired by Dan Hair .

• All administrative functions were transitioned to Marshfield, WI, including Data Flow corporate accounting and Tri-Media marketing . Kathleen Smith, Executive Assistant, became ASHCA’s first full-time employee .

• Membership increased by 27% and ASHCA ended 2014 in sound financial standing.

SAFETY GRANTS PROGRAMS • Ten projects were awarded grants up to $10,000. • Recipients hailed from 10 states (PA, NY, GA, NC, OK, MS, IL, UT, WA and CA).• Projects ranged from onsite worker training to mobile apps and safe play zones for

farmworker children . • Methods for grant solicitation, peer reviews and progress reports were refined.

REGIONAL FORUMS AND WORKSHOPS • The Program Committee developed protocols for soliciting and approving allocation of

funds and assistance for regional forums and roundtables .• Six events were reviewed and approved for 2015.

PARTNER RELATIONS • ASHCA served in advisory roles for two national initiatives – the National Tractor Safety

Coalition, based in Cooperstown, NY, and the Safety in Agriculture for Youth (SAY) project, funded by USDA, based at Penn State.

• The new Partner Relations Committee established operating guidelines for handling requests for letters of support, public testimony, ASHCA endorsements, and position papers .

• Letters of support were issued for grant applications addressing agricultural safety and for continued federal funding for agricultural safety research .

• ASHCA partnered with conference financial support for NC-Far in Washington, D.C, the International Society for Agricultural Safety and Health, in Omaha, NE, and the 7th International Symposium: Safety and Health in Agricultural Populations, in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan .

• ASHCA sponsored the National Association of County Agricultural Agents “Search for Excellence in Farm Safety National Award” and began planning its own ongoing awards program .

COMMUNICATIONS and WEBSITE• The Journal of Agromedicine Volume 19, No. 2 was published in May, featuring abstracts

and peer-reviewed manuscripts from the 2013 North American Agricultural Safety Summit . • New formats were set for e-newsletters, news brief e-blasts and press releases to the

agricultural media .• A new ASHCA Facts 2015: Be Safe. Be Profitable was created to highlight several of the

economic benefits of investing in safety .

It is a pleasure and great honor to serve as ASHCA’s Executive Director . These highlights of major accomplishments and activities of 2014, provide strong evidence that ASHCA has a solid foundation upon which to build several new initiatives this coming year . Stay tuned and be involved!

Best regards, Barbara Lee, PhD


A lot of planning and hard work went into the exciting new Safety Grants program . Under the leadership of Leon Graves, committee chair, a formal set of guidelines were developed for internal management, promotional announcements, peer-reviews, follow-through, and overall evaluation . Individuals joining Graves include Board representatives, members at large and administrative staff: Dan Hair, Jan Klodowski, Amy Liebman, Brady Miller, Dennis Murphy, Aaron Yoder, Barb Lee and Kathleen Smith . The group held a productive meeting in Chicago, resulting in recommendations for 10 grant awards, description of lessons learned from this first year’s process, review of fiscal implications, and suggestions for improvement for the 2015 opportunity .

How does ASHCA help others build capacity in promoting safety for workers in agriculture? New in 2015 is the Regional Forums and Workshops Program, guided by ASHCA’s Education and Program Committee .

As these events gain recognition, it is anticipated that requests for ASHCA-sponsored forums will require a vetting process to set priorities for regions and topics . The first 2015 ASHCA-sponsored workshop is scheduled as a special track within the Agricultural Personnel Management Association (APMA) of California annual meeting to be held in January, in Monterey . The four-hour session will address worker safety topics that are new to this organization, which primarily has focused on human resource and regulatory issues . Speakers have been recommended by ASHCA as the experts in their field and ASHCA will defray costs for speaker travel . In return, ASHCA is living its mission “to proactively address ongoing and emerging occupational safety and health issues affecting US agriculture .” Additional events are scheduled including a feedlot safety forum in Amarillo, TX, a safety panel within the NCAE Annual Conference in Washington, D .C ., and a workshop for the Southern Federation of Cooperatives in Albany, GA .

SAFETY GRANTS REvIEWED

ASHCA REGIONAL FORUMS & WORKSHOPS LAUNCHED


INvESTING IN SAFETY PAYS OFFTo help spread the word about the importance of safety, the communications team worked with Board members to publish the “Be Safe . Be Profitable” fact sheet . Released on New Years Eve, the infographic visualizes key demographics and facts about agriculture, workers, injuries, costs and savings. A press release was picked up by major agricultural news outlets and stimulated many conversations . The facts are drawn from the best available sources, but do not represent official government statistics . The take-home message is that investing in safety has quantifiable profits in addition to quality of life and social responsibility issues .

ASHCA’s development since its creation in late 2007 has benefited from the guidance and active participation of experienced and committed leaders . As these individuals transition their relationship with ASHCA over time, it is important to maintain communications and garner their input and perspective on issues germane to ASHCA’s mission and success . Thus, the Board of Directors established an Advisory Council to provide guidance to the Board of Directors and, in particular, the Officers . Council members are encouraged to actively serve on standing committees, task forces, and to represent ASHCA at relevant events . They receive open invitations to join ASHCA strategic planning sessions, committee activities, Board meetings and all program activities . Dan Hair serves as the first Chair of the Advisory Council .

ASHCA 2015 SAFETY FACT SHEET RELEASED

ASHCA FORMS ADvISORY COUNCIL


ASHCA’s Annual Business Meeting was held January 29, 2014, at the Intercontinental Clement Hotel of Monterey, California . Our meeting was co-located with the Agricultural Personnel Managers Association (APMA) of California, allowing ASHCA members to become more knowledgeable of west coast agricultural safety issues . Facilitated by Kimberly Naffziger, Agricultural Specialist for The Zenith, the ASHCA team got the inside scoop on western agriculture production, meeting with representatives of the Growers and Shippers Association, touring the inside of Taylor Farms processing facility where they were preparing and shipping broccoli, cauliflower and mixed veggie packets, then enjoying a warm welcome and lunch at a local winery that recently transitioned from vegetable production to vineyards . A two hour open forum conversation was held between ASHCA and APMA representatives to compare and contrast issues germane to safety and health of workers in agriculture .

THE 2015 ANNUAL ASHCA BUSINESS MEETING IS SCHEDULED FOR FEBRUARY 3RD, 2015 IN WASHINGTON, D.C.

In late August, ASHCA convened a two-day Board and Leadership meeting in Milwaukee, WI . Hosted by Mike Pankonin of Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM), there was 100% attendance of the Board and staff who were also joined by Walt Armbruster of the Advisory Council . Additional guests included ASHCA’s financial manager and the three-member media/communications team . Meeting highlights included: a) a review of ASHCA accomplishments since its establishment seven years ago; b) consideration of ASHCA’s role as a Convener and Facilitator – filling an important need; c) financial planning; d) suggestions for promoting and facilitating access to safety grants; e) strengthening capacity of member organizations and partners to implement safety programs; and f) and setting a long-term strategy for acknowledging best practices and maintaining a sustainable infrastructure . The meeting was preceded by a tour of Growing Power – an award-winning three-acre urban farm in Milwaukee’s inner circle with six historic greenhouses, year-round hoop-houses, farm animals, and fish farming . Many social service programs and university training activities are associated with Growing Power – a leader in innovation, learning and inspiration .

2014 ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING

BOARD LEADERSHIP MEETS IN MILWAUKEE


• ASHCA and CHS Inc., continue to sponsor the Search for Excellence in Farm Health and Safety award at the annual meeting of the National Association of County Agricultural Agents . This year’s event honored David J . Workman of Moorefield, WV .

• ASHCA supported the inaugural “Cultivating a Healthy Future” summit, April 7, 2014, in Washington, D .C ., hosted by the National Coalition for Food and Agricultural Research (National C-FAR, www .ncfar .org) . The summit brought together leaders from the health care and agriculture communities to offer an innovative look at how U .S . food systems impact human health .

• ASHCA supported the 2014 meeting of the International Society for Agricultural Safety and Health (ISASH), June 22-26, in Omaha, Nebraska . ISASH is dedicated to the professional development of agricultural safety and health professionals, providing national and international leadership in preventing agricultural injuries and illnesses .

• ASHCA was a key sponsor of the “7th International Symposium: Safety and Health in Agricultural and Rural Populations,” October 19-22, 2014, in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan . This symposium addressed the impact of global issues and challenges facing the health and safety of rural peoples and will seek to bridge gaps that occur between the spectra of basic research, applied research, the community and policy .

As a testament to the value of the knowledge shared at the Summit event, a dedicated issue of the Journal of Agromedicine was published with full manuscripts, field notes, commentaries and 78 abstracts that were presented at the Summit event . Volume 19, Issue 2, was published in June 2014 . You can view abstracts of all articles for free at the Journal’s website, www .tandfonline .com/toc/wagr20/19/2

For information on a special annual subscription rate for ASHCA members ($45 online), email Customer .Service@taylorandfrancis .com .

ASHCA SUPPORTS SAFETY OF PARTNERS

JOURNAL OF AGROMEDICINE FEATURED BEST AG SAFETY PRACTICES


Alex Heiphetz, PhD -- AHG, Inc., State College, PA

Development of a Mobile App for Agricultural Hazard Assessment and Mitigation

This project created a mobile app for iOS designed to help reduce hazards to agricultural workers using the Farm/Agriculture/Rural Management – Hazard Analysis Tool (FARM-HAT)

previously developed at Penn State . The FARM-HAT Mobile App allows users to assess the level of hazard in various groups and categories, as well as review applicable information, regulations

and steps to correct the hazards . After completion of a hazard audit the mobile app will calculate user’s safety scores which are saved for subsequent access to see score history and trend, both as a

table and a graph . The iPhone FARM-HAT Mobile App is the first readily available in-pocket hazard audit mechanism coupled with suggested corrective actions targeted towards specific risks faced by agricultural

workers. Working with Alex on this project was Prof. Dennis Murphy, Douglas Schaufler, Linda Fetzer and Davis Hill of Pennsylvania State University

Nick Turkas, MS -- Arthritis Foundation, Mid-Atlantic Region, Charlotte, NC Arthritis Prevention and Self-management Program for NC Migrant and Seasonal Farm Workers Using the “Let’s Talk about Arthritis (Hablemos Artritis)” curriculum this project aimed to build state and local capacity to provide arthritis prevention and self-management training to migrant and seasonal farmworkers across North Carolina. The three-phase project included: 1) a two-day statewide train-the-trainer workshop to equip promotoras (lay health workers), migrant outreach staff and healthcare professionals to deliver arthritis prevention and self-management educational sessions for migrant and seasonal farmworkers; 2) two regional workshops led by trainers trained at the statewide training; and 3) subsequent local trainings on arthritis prevention . Feedback from attendees indicated the need for more opportunities like this workshop in NC, including improved resources and other educational training tools designed and packaged for health outreach workers to use in farmworker communities and housing camps .

Judy Wright – Cayuga County Extension, Auburn, NYLearning How Safety is NOT an Accident on Dairy FarmsThe project aimed to provide small dairy farms the opportunity to access Best Management Practices for a safe and hazard free work environment with a focus on OSHA’s Dairy Dozen through on-farm or local community meetings . Planning is underway to conduct these trainings over the winter months at various sites . Workshop presenters are secured and advertising the farm safety workshops has begun .

Amy Wolfe – AgSafe, Modesto, CAStaying a Step Ahead: Heat Illness Prevention Training for the Agricultural IndustryThis safety grant supported AgSafe’s efforts to convene heat illness prevention planning workshops in both English and Spanish across six agricultural regions in California, reaching about 200 participants . The team reviewed and audited several agricultural operations’ heat illness prevention programs, conducting employee interviews and inspection of heat prevention procedures and equipment (i .e ., shade, coolers, water, posters) . To date the workshops have been well received, with classes in both English and Spanish . Michael Alvarez, who is engaged by CalOSHA to provide heat illness prevention training, led each of the trainings . The goal from the beginning was to get participants engaged in the process of understanding how their individualized plans should coincide with the regulations . Additionally, workshop participants shared their experiences and their best practices with one another . Post-workshop evaluations were very positive .

AGRICULTURAL SAFETY GRANTS

AWARDED IN 2014

In April, 2014 ASHCA awarded its first round of safety grants to 10 recipients . Awards ranged from $6,000 - $10,000 and recipients were asked to complete their projects by June 2015 . Reports below reflect the grantees’ first nine months of progress .


Robert Aherin, PhD – University of Illinois Electronic Library of Safety & Training ResourcesA resource library for grain handling and storage safety -- both commercial and farm – is being developed to consolidate information into one Internet site. Components of the site include a training resource library and matrix (includes speakers/trainers on key subjects); a calendar of training events on national, state, and local levels for end users/workers; and portals to resource information through existing partner websites, e .g ., Illinois Farm Bureau or the Illinois Corn Growers’ Association . Several challenges have affected progress to date . For example resources for large grain operations are not matched to conditions on smaller farms . Options for website enhancements and sustainability are being pursued .

Cornelius Key -- Flint River Farmers’ Cooperative, Newton, GA Agriculture Safety Awareness Farm/FacilityThe project objectives are to fully equip farmers with valuable information on farm safety, farm equipment (GAP/GHP), quality production of produce, and to assure that farmers are capable of meeting the requirements of customers and buyers, while reducing and eliminating accidents on the farm and in processing facilities. The project team met with several Georgia farm cooperatives and staff are now developing flyers, mail outs and contacting farmers about forthcoming workshops on farm sites and at cooperative facilities .

Michael L. Pate -- PhD, Utah State University, Logan, UTRespirator Training Program and Fit Assessment for Agricultural ProducersThis safety grant aimed to better understand farmers’ and ranchers’ use of respirators, knowledge of respirator types, training experience and fitting procedures, and their selection of respirators used in production agriculture work. The project also evaluated the effectiveness of a mobile respirator training program at changing participants’ attitudes and behaviors following three months after completion of the training program . A press release was developed and sent to local news affiliations . Two radio interviews and a newspaper article were produced . Computers and software for respirator fit testing and training have been completed . Four pesticide applicator continuing education events in Delta, Richfield, Hurricane, and Logan, UT, were convened and evaluated .

Gordon Moore -- Moore Ag Safety, Goodwell, OKEquipment for Onsite Feed Yard TrainingThis safety grant provided funds to Moore Ag Safety to build innovative components for hands-on safety training of employees in livestock feed yards and pork facilities . To date, a machine guarding simulator and a Lockout/Tagout simulator have been built . A dust explosion simulator is currently under construction and the final component will be a grain tank simulator . The components that are finished have been used to train at five different locations, including sessions at Texas Cattle Feedyard Association member yards . To date the safety training has reached approximately 300 workers . The equipment has been transported and used in Kansas, Texas, Oklahoma and Iowa . During coming months the sites and number of workers trained will increase significantly . This equipment can be duplicated and used by others if desired . No patents or proprietary claims are connected to this equipment . Gordon Moore offers to advise or share plans to build other units with others if contacted .

Mike Gempler -- Washington Growers League, Yakima, WASafe Play Zones for Children of Farm WorkersThe goal of this project is to provide safe alternative for children who accompany their farmworker parents to the worksite. The project will reduce jeopardy for employers by keeping children out of the work area, thereby reducing the possibility of child labor violations and the resulting consequences, such as embargo of crop products. The project team, including Mary Miller (formerly with Washington Department of Labor and Industries) and local health providers, will provide guidance on child labor regulations to employers and create a partnership of stakeholder groups to collaborate in discussing and strategizing future long-term child care solutions for children, parents and employers . Washington Growers League captures many growers who are responding to a survey about child care options for employees which is expected to yield high quality, useable information for planning subsequent steps .

Ben F. Burkett -- Indian Springs Farmers Association, Petal, MSEquipping Farmers with Tools in Farm and Food SafetyThis project’s goal is to equip small-scale and limited-resource farmers and cooperative members with the necessary tools in farm and food safety. The specific objectives of this project are to: a) demonstrate good farm safety practices for farm equipment, tools, supplies, and personal protection equipment (PPE); b) host a first aid/CPR class; c) provide a pesticide and chemical application certification training; and d) conduct food safety and good agricultural practices/ good handling practices (GAP/GHP) trainings for farm production, harvesting, and post-harvest handling. The project management team has assembled instructional materials, identified training needs and the team has also identified the dates for demonstrations, training and other project activities. A demonstration and training was held on good farm safety practices for farm equipment, tools, supplies and personal protection equipment . Indian Springs also conducted trainings in GAP/GHP for farm production, harvesting and post-harvest handling .


Board of Directors - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -The 15-member Board had a productive year . There were two in-person meetings and three teleconferences during which time committee work was reviewed and new business was addressed . Strategic planning encompassed a variety of topics including program growth, opportunities to promote safety in multiple venues, Bylaws amendments to accommodate a growing organization, and succession planning . New initiatives approved for further development included convening a Federal Agency Roundtable to discuss government programs that support agricultural safety and health research, creation of an ASHCA Foundation, and proposal for an ASHCA Agricultural Safety and Health Hall of Fame . The organization’s infrastructure was reviewed and recommendations were made to discontinue services of an association management company and function administratively with hired staff, based in Marshfield, WI . As a subset of the Board of Directors, the Executive Committee met by teleconference five times this year .

Advisory Council - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -ASHCA’s Advisory Council members represent individuals with current or past involvement in ASHCA leadership roles who can provide guidance to the Board of Directors and, in particular, the Officers . The first meeting of the Advisory Council was held in December . Dan Hair, Chair of this committee welcomed the following members: Dr . George Conway of CDC International (on assignment in west Africa), George Daniels, retired from FELS, Charles Brundage, retired from AGCO, Walt Armbruster, retired from the Farm Foundation and Darrin Drollinger, ASABE . Serving as ad hoc member is William Nelson . Topics included fine-tuning the new Council’s roles and potential benefits of forming a Foundation, separate from ASHCA’s day to day operations .

Finance, Investment and Development - - - - - - - - - - - - -Committee Chair, Frank Gasperini, convened this five-member committee four times during 2014 . Quarterly financial statements were reviewed along with Safety Grants program revenue and expenses . The committee approved transferring financial management to DataFlow, Inc . which occurred mid-year . The annual IRS 990 filing was reviewed and the financial impact of ASHCA administrative structure changes was discussed . Investment strategies were considered, reviewed with an investment consultant, and then deferred . At the request of the Board, the committee developed a Standard Operating Guideline for when to conduct formal financial audits . A 2015 operating budget was drafted by the Committee then approved by the full Board .

Program Committee - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Committee Chair, Kimberly Naffziger convened ASHCA’s largest committee three times during 2014 . The seventeen member committee had representation from various sectors of agriculture from more than ten states . Accomplishments included development of guidelines for the new Regional Forums/Workshops initiative and planning for future educational activities . The committee facilitated conversations with industry stakeholders searching for guidance on disseminating safety messages to the agricultural industry . They endorsed financial sponsorship for three 2014 conferences – the National Coalition for Food and Agricultural Research (Washington DC), the International Society of Agricultural Safety and

BOARD OF DIRECTORS & COMMITTEE REPORTS


Health (ISASH) annual conference (Omaha, Nebraska), and the 7th International Symposium for Safety and Health in Agriculture and Rural Populations (Saskatoon, Canada) . For 2015, the committee approved funding for four programs: 1) a safety track in conjunction with the Agricultural Personnel Management Association’s (APMA) Annual Forum in Monterey, California in January with several ASHCA members as speakers; 2) a safety presentation at National Council of Agriculture’s (NCAE) Annual Meeting in February in Washington, D .C .; 3) a Federal Agency Roundtable in Washington, D .C .; and 4) a Feedlot Safety Roundtable forum in February in Amarillo, Texas in conjunction with the Central States Center for Agricultural Safety and Health (CS-CASH), Texas Cattle Feeders Association (TCFA) and Moore Ag Safety . The committee is also exploring a collaborative effort with ISASH to host an Agricultural Safety Certificate Course . Other potential events are in the planning stages . The committee will be assessing activities during 2015 as a “pilot” phase that will guide future years .

Safety Grants Committee - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -The seven-member Safety Grants committee met four times in 2014, convened by Committee Chair, Leon Graves . Following development of criteria for grant applications and all protocols for soliciting and critiquing submitted proposals, they convened an April meeting in Chicago to review 18 safety grant applications for the first cycle . Ten safety grants were selected for funding at levels up to $10,000. The committee tracked progress of awards and noted they are on track for completion . The Committee recommended 2015 priority grant topics that were approved by the Board of Directors and published on the ASHCA website . Based on the first year experience, the Committee modified certain protocols and encouraged wide-scale announcements for the 2015 grant cycle .

Member Relations and Communications Committee - - - -Committee Chair, Jan Klodowski held four meetings during 2014 with the eight member committee and the marketing team from Tri-Media . The committee recommended an updated “look” for ASHCA that built upon the original 2008 logo and then approved branding guidelines . Other accomplishments included a new membership brochure, new member packets with three electronic and print newsletters, website upgrades, and drafting of a “Why ASHCA” video for the website’s homepage . Tri-media is also updating the ASHCA Power Point presentation that can be used by the BOD for more in-depth presentations on the value of being part of our organization . A strong member value - benefit foundation was built for 2014; and the committee will be focusing on member retention and recruitment strategies for 2015 .

Partner Relations Committee - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Partner Relations is a new committee, chaired by Frank Gasperini . They met three time in 2014 with 12 members . Among their accomplishments, they drafted and finalized a Standard Operating Guideline for how ASHCA will respond to requests for participation on Advisory Boards, letters of support, endorsements, sponsorships, and collaboration . The Committee reviewed ASHCA’s advisory role on two national initiatives (NTSC and SAY) and will strive to ensure ASHCA’s responses to partner-type requests are coordinated and consistent with ASHCA’s mission and core beliefs .

Nominating Committee - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Dan Hair chaired the Nominating Committee this year . The roster of Board members was reviewed and recommendations made for the nominees for elections to the 2015 Board . Protocols for electronic voting were confirmed .


VICE-CHAIR - Jan Klodowski, MBA Jan is the Vice President of Agri-Services Agency LLC (ASA), an agricultural focused insurance group located in Syracuse, New York . Jan is responsible for the administration and management of Agrisurance, Inc ., the captive program that was formed over 17 years ago to provide stable and consistent workers’ compensation coverage for agriculture business owners . Jan has more than 25 years of experience, working closely with loss control, claims, and insurance professionals to develop and share strategies promoting safety awareness on the farm . Jan currently serves on the Advisory Panel for the Northeast Center for Agricultural Health (NEC) . Jan chairs ASHCA’s Member Relations and Communications Committee .

Cornelius Blanding Cornelius began his career in development work as an economic development intern for the City of Miami Beach and since then has gained a broad experience base including rural, international and cooperative economic development . His experiences include business development, management and marketing . He has worked as a small business development & management consultant, manager of a $3 million revolving loan fund, domestic and international project director, director of field operations and is now presently serving as the Deputy Executive Director for the Federation of Southern Cooperatives . Cornelius has also served and continues to serve on various boards and committees, including the National Cooperative Business Association (NCBA), Agricultural Safety & Health Council of America (ASHCA), Southeast Climate Consortium (SECC) and the Presbyterian Committee on the Self Development of People (SDOP) .

CHAIR - William Nelson, MA, MS William is Vice President of Corporate Citizenship for CHS Inc ., and President of the CHS Foundation . William provides leadership to all CHS corporate citizenship activities including corporate philanthropy, volunteerism, employee engagement and CHS corporate memberships in associated organizations . William also leads the CHS Foundation, which offers support through university partnerships, rural leadership development, cooperative education, and agricultural safety programs . William serves on several boards, including the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives, National Cooperative Business Association, the Ralph K . Morris Foundation, and the University of Wisconsin Center for Cooperatives Advisory Committee . He is a member of the Farm Foundation Roundtable and Board, USGLC’s Minnesota Advisory Council and the eXtension Foundation Leadership Council .

SECRETARY/TREASURER - Frank Gasperini, MSc Frank is the Executive Vice President and CEO of the National Council of Agricultural Employers (NCAE) located in Vienna, VA . NCAE is the national trade association for labor intensive agricultural employers . Frank’s background includes over 35 years of specialty and production agricultural sales, marketing, association management, and lobbying state and federal legislators and regulators on behalf of domestic agriculture. Frank joined NCAE in 2008 and remains optimistic for the future of US, domestic, labor intensive agriculture despite the challenges . Frank chairs ASHCA’s Finance, Development and Investment Committee and chairs the new Partner Relations Committee .

MEET THE BOARD


Chandler Goule Chandler was promoted to National Farmers Union’s senior vice president of programs in 2014 . Goule began his career with NFU in November 2009 as the vice president of government relations . Goule previously served as the staff director of the Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy and Poultry for the U .S . House Committee on Agriculture . In his current capacity, Goule oversees NFU’s government relations, communications, membership and education departments, which advocate for the economic and social well-being, and quality of life of family farmers, ranchers, fishermen and consumers. For eleven years prior to joining NFU, Goule worked in Washington, D.C., on agriculture, food safety and trade policy .

Leon Graves Leon is the Vice President for New England for Dairy Marketing Services and is the General Manager of Empire Livestock . Prior to working for Dairy Marketing Services he was Vermont’s Commissioner of Agriculture for nearly 9 years . Prior to his appointment as Vermont’s Commissioner of Agriculture, he served for 9 years in the Vermont House of Representatives and Senate . He operated his family dairy farm in Fairfield, Vermont for 22 years . On the ASHCA Board, he represents Dairy Farmers of America (DFA) . Leon is Chair of ASHCA’s Safety Grants Committee .

Paul Gunderson, PhD Dr . Gunderson is Director of the Dakota Precision Ag Center, Devil’s Lake, North Dakota . Dr . Gunderson’s career exploring the health impact of human activity in agricultural work settings began in 1976 with research on the respiratory effect of working in poultry barns, and continued until his initial retirement in 2000 . He has conducted numerous research initiatives exploring the health effects of agricultural exposures, convened scientific meetings and seminars and chaired scientific review mechanisms that rate applications for federal funding .

Dan Hair, MS, CSP Dan is the Senior Vice President and Chief Risk Officer for Workers Compensation Fund . Dan is responsible for the loss control and underwriting operations of the company . He began his insurance career with the State Compensation Insurance Fund of California in 1976, and spent 25 years with Zenith Insurance Company in a variety of technical and management positions ending as Senior Vice President and National Director of Safety & Health . Dan previously served as ASHCA Vice Chair . Dan is chairing ASHCA’s newly established Advisory Council .


Dennis Murphy, PhD Dr . Murphy is the Nationwide Insurance Professor of Agricultural Safety and Health and Extension Safety Specialist, and leads Penn State’s agricultural safety and health extension, research and teaching program . He is a nationally and internationally recognized leader in agricultural safety and health . Program areas include applied research and education for: tractor and machinery safety issues; youth safety; classification of agricultural deaths and injuries; methods of modifying farm worker safety behavior; developing hazard analyses tools; and ventilation of confined-space manure pits to reduce risk of entry into the pits . Dennis co-led the feasibility study leading to the creation of the Agricultural Safety and Health Council of America .

Michael Pankonin, MBAMichael is a Senior Director, Technical and Safety Services at the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) . He began his career in test engineering and has served industry in the agricultural, construction, utility and forestry sectors . Michael currently has responsibility for the Technical and Safety Services at AEM and works with AEM product groups including the Manufacturers of Earthmoving and Mining Equipment . He serves on several ISO standards committees, is a member of American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE), Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), and is the AEM staff contact for Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) and emissions-related activities .

Brady Miller Brady Miller is regulatory manager for the Texas Cattle Feeders Association (TCFA), a position he took shortly after graduating from West Texas A&M University in 1999 with a master’s degree in agriculture with an emphasis in environmental ag . Miller has split duties at TCFA . He assists TCFA Feedyard Members with human safety along with feedyard employee safety training, their overall environmental quality assurance programs and their Beef Quality Assurance program (BQA) . He is the point person when it comes to TCFA members and their employee safety efforts . Brady was the primary author in the development of the TCFA Employee Safety Guidelines and created the TCFA employee safety training trailer . He helps cattle feeders stay up-to-date when it comes to safety in Cattle Feeding Country of Texas, Oklahoma and New Mexico .

Kimberly Naffziger Kimberly is an Assistant Vice President and Agricultural Specialist with Zenith Insurance Company and has been involved with the agricultural industry for most of her life . She served as Program Development Specialist at the California State University, Fresno Center for Agricultural Business from 1990 to 2008 . From 1997 to 2008, she was Executive Director for AgSafe, a non-profit organization dedicated to reducing injuries, illnesses and fatalities in agriculture. During her tenure at both the university and at AgSafe she played an integral part in the development of educational programs for the agricultural industry including the California Agricultural Safety Certificate Program, the Farm Labor Contractor’s Education Institute, the Motor Vehicle Education Program for Spanish speaking workers, and the Supervisor Development Program .


Joel Sherman Joel is the Director of Safety, Workers’ Compensation and Regulatory Compliance for Grimmway Farms, a large vegetable grower/packer/shipper based in Kern County, California . Mr . Sherman oversees three departments responsible for the safety and workers’ compensation issues for more than 7,500 employees and contract laborers . Joel has more than thirty years’ experience in the safety and workers’ compensation field. He has served in a variety of capacities including claims adjuster, loss control consultant, policy services representative, and as the workers’ compensation liaison for a large industrial medicine practice . A certified self-insurance administrator, Joel presently teaches Introduction to Workers’ Compensation at CSUB, and was also certified by the state as a continuing education provider for Qualified Medical Evaluators .

Aaron Yoder, PhD Dr . Yoder is an Assistant Professor at the University of Nebraska Medical Center working with the Central States Center for Agricultural Safety and Health . Prior to that, he was a Penn State Instructor and Extension Safety Associate, where he provided national leadership for the National Safe Tractor and Machinery Operation Program by coordinating online instructor training and educational programs for 4-Hers, volunteers and county educators . In addition, he taught within the Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering and participated in other research and outreach programs for the Penn State Agricultural Safety and Health Program .

Barbara Lee, PhD Dr . Lee is a senior scientist with the Marshfield Clinic Research Foundation, Marshfield, Wisconsin, where she has directed the NIOSH-funded National Children’s Center for Rural and Agricultural Health and Safety since 1997. She has chaired major efforts to launch, then update, the national agenda for childhood agricultural injury prevention. She is a past President of the International Society for Ag Safety and Health . Barbara co-led a feasibility study with agri-business and farm organization leaders leading to the creation of the Agricultural Safety and Health Council of America in 2007 and now serves as the Executive Director .

THANK YOU! This year included new opportunities for Board members who departed our leadership ranks, but remain committed to ASHCA’s purpose . Dr . Barbara Glen left her position at CropLife America to become CEO of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) . Brittany Jablonksy left the National Farmers Union to become Senator Amy Klobuchar’s (D-MN) senior legislative assistant for agriculture . Another leader, Dr . George Conway, is now a member of ASHCA’s Advisory Council and reported he is on assignment for WHO/CDC in Monrovia, Liberia addressing the Ebola outbreak .


Scott Heiberger Scott Heiberger manages media relations and publications for ASHCA as well as the National Farm Medicine Center/National Children’s Center for Rural and Agricultural Health and Safety . He is also managing editor of the peer-reviewed Journal of Agromedicine . Heiberger serves on the board of the International Society for Agricultural Safety and Health (ISASH) and is also a member of the American Agricultural Editors Association and the National Association of Farm Broadcasting .

Benjamin Bauer Ben is Lead Designer and a co-owner of Premier Printing and Tri-Media . He comes from an entrepreneurial family from Central Wisconsin . Ben graduated with an Associates degree in Graphic Design and a Graphic Web Design certification . His degrees and business experience has allowed him to build a diverse portfolio of graphic design, marketing campaigns, illustration and project management.

Branden Bodendorfer Branden is the Sales Director and co-owner of Premier Printing and Tri-Media . He values the entrepreneur model of business and strives to make area businesses stronger through brand development and marketing . His strong entrepreneurial skills and passion for the local economy has pushed him to develop new marketing vehicles for area businesses, that are increasing awareness .

Kathleen Smith Kathleen joined ASHCA full time as Assistant to the Executive Director in July 2014 . Prior to that she was with the National Farm Medicine Center/National Children’s Center for Rural and Agricultural Health and Safety and the editorial assistant of the peer-reviewed Journal of Agromedicine . She has over 30 years of administrative experience in the nonprofit, academic and for-profit world .

Michelle Socha Michelle is an Enrolled Agent employed with Data Flow Corporation in Marshfield, Wisconsin, the public accounting firm that provides services to ASHCA . Michelle’s experience includes compilations of financial statements, payroll reporting, and income tax returns both personal, corporate, and nonprofit organziations . Michelle has worked in the accounting industry for nearly 20 years .

MEET THE ADMIN TEAM


INCOMEMembership Dues $31,725CHS Grant (Restricted) $200,000Other Grants/Registrations $1,195

Interest $733

Total Income $233,653

EXPENSESAdministrative Contract $55,147Board Meetings $2,911Grant Expense (Restricted) $76,202Insurance $750Marketing $12,317Office Expense $3,652Program Expenses $5,999Sponsorships $4,000

Total Expense $160,978Net Income 2014 $72,675Less: Net Restrictions $123,798

Net Unrestricted Activity 2014 $51,123

FINANCIAL REPORTASHCA MEMBERSHIP

CHARTER/BENEFACTOR MEMBERS

Year Senior Organization

Junior Association Individual Total

2008 12 6 4 222010 15 18 9 422012 16 21 12 492014 18 24 18 60

National Institute forOccupational Safety and Health

NIOSH

American Farm Bureau Federation®


AgriSafe Network, IN. – Natalie Roy - Spencer, IA

AgSafe – Amy Wolfe - Modesto, CA

APMA - Julia Belliard - Salinas, CA

Berkley Agribusiness Risk Specialist - Mondale Smith - Urbandale, IA

Cactus Operating, LTD - Ronald Odell - Amarillo, TX

California Farm Labor Contractor Assn - Guadalupe Sandoval - Sacramento, CA

CAPAY Organic - Gloria Bell - West Sacramento, CA

Central States Center for Safety & Health - Risto Rautiainen - Omaha, NE

Empire Livestock - Leon Graves - Syracuse, NY

Farm Safety for Just Kids - David Schweitz - Urbandale, IA

Great Plains Center of Agricultural Health - Fred Gerr - Iowa City, IA

High Plains Ag Center – Steve Reynolds - Fort Collins, CO

LDS Church – Paul Riley - Salt Lake City, UT

Migrant Clinicians Network - Amy Liebman - Austin, TX

National Education Center for Ag Safety – Dan Neenan -Peosta, IA

Northeast Center for Agricultural Health – Julie Sorensen - Cooperstown, NY

Pacific Northwest Ag Safety and Health Center - Richard Fenske - Seattle, WA

Progressive Ag Foundation – Susan Reynolds-Porter - Birmingham, AL

Southeast Center for Ag Health & Injury Prevention - David Mannino – Lexington, KY

Southwest Center for Agricultural Health, Injury Prevention and Education – Jeffrey Levin - Tyler, TX

Texas Cattle Feeders Association - Brady Miller - Amarillo, TX

Upper Midwest Agricultural Safety & Health Center – Bruce Alexander - Minneapolis, MN

USDA/NIFA Institute of Food Production & Sustainability - Bradley Rein – Washington DC

Washington Growers League - Mike Gempler - Yakima, WA

Western Center for Ag Health and Safety - Marc Schenker - Davis, CA Individual members are listed on www.ashca.org

Agri-Services Agency LLC - Janice Klodowski - Syracuse, NY

Association of Equipment Manufacturers - Mike Pankonin -Milwaukee, WI

CHS Foundation - William Nelson - Saint Paul, MN

CropLife America - Jay Vroom - Washington, DC

Dairy Farmers of America - David Darr and Leon Graves - Kansas City, MO

Grimmway Farms - Joel Sherman - Bakersfield, CA

Travelers Insurance - Christopher Nash - Hartford, CT

Farm Foundation – Neil Conklin - Oakbrook, IL

Liberty Mutual Agency Markets – Fairfield, OH

National Council of Agricultural Employers – Frank Gasperini -Vienna, VA

National Farm Medicine Center – Matthew Keifer - Marshfield, WI

National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health – Capt . Brad Husberg - Washington, DC

Workers Compensation Fund – Dan Hair - Sandy, UT

Iowa State University Extension & Outreach - Charles Schwab - Ames, IA

National Farmers Union - Chandler Goule - Washington, DC

North Carolina Agromedicine Institute – Robin Tutor - Greenville, NC

Zenith Insurance Company - Kimberly Naffziger - Woodland Hills, CA

SUSTAINING MEMBERS / BENEFACTORS

SENIOR ORGANIZATIONS

JUNIOR ASSOCIATIONS

2014 ASHCA MEMBERS

This report is a publication of the Agricultural Safety & Health Council of AmericaP . O . Box 356Marshfield, WI 54449

ContactPhone: 715-898-1263Fax: 715-898-1264E-mail: info@ashca .org Web: www .ashca .org

ashca annual report - 2014

Documents

org agricultural safety

agricultural workers

agricultural sectors

agricultural trends

agricultural enterprises

ashca thanks

safety grants program