Oklahoma AgrAbility Project • Newsletter • Summer 2005

Oklahoma AgrAbility Newsletter

Summer 2005 • Volume 4 • Issue 3

Ah, the sweet smell of freshly mowed hay...

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NOTE: Mention or display of a trademark, proprietary product or firm in text or figures does not constitute an endorsement by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Oklahoma State University, Langston University or the National AgrAbility Project and does not imply approval to the exclusion of other suitable products or firms.

In This Issue

Ah, the sweet smell of freshly mowed hay...

Contact Information for Devices Discussed in this Newsletter

Ah, the sweet smell of freshly mowed hay...

As we travel our Oklahoma highways and byways, farmers are busy mowing, raking, baling, and stacking this year’s hay crop. Summer field work is often hard, hot, and dusty. This newsletter focuses on technologies that farmers and ranchers with disabilities use to stay active in the haying industry. From an ergonomic hay hook to a self-loading bale trailer… the right technology can be a great benefit. For additional information regarding haying in your area, contact your local county extension office. A special thanks to our summer occupational therapy student interns, Heather Coffman and Jill Sump, for compiling this valuable information.

Rachael Kircher, AgrAbility Project Coordinator

Carla Wilhite, OT/L, AgrAbility Program Specialist

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Hay Handling

Hay handling can be a demanding job for any farmer. Over 14, 000 Oklahoma farm families are working with one or more disabling conditions that affect the productivity on their farm. To keep these farmers in business, several assistive devices are available to decrease the stress and strain of hauling hay.

Two of the most common forms of hay are small square bales and large round bales. Small square bales are manually handled and weigh between 40 - 100 pounds. Large round bales are moved mechanically and can weigh over 2000 pounds with a diameter up to six feet.

Bale Kart

A bale cart can be used to transport small bales to help prevent injury to hands and wrists. Carts are pulled manually or with a utility vehicle and require less repetitive bending and lifting. They may also help with energy conservation as well as decrease back injuries and joint problems.

Bale Kart

Hay hooks, a hand held device, extend the reach of the user and make it easier to pick up a bale. This assistive device has been around as long as the small square bale and traditionally has a wood or metal handle. The updated hooks have an ergonomic polypropylene handle that will form to the size and shape of a person’s hand. The PersonaGrip adjustable hand grip is molded for strength, comfort, and ergonomics decreasing pain and soreness in the hands. Using a hay hook decreases the risk of serious injuries to tendons and ligaments in the hand which can occur from lifting and moving bales with strings and wires alone.

Bale Feeder

Another challenge to using round bales is feeding bales in all weather conditions. Round bale feeders are becoming more common for people who are trying to get away from bale rings. The RW Spin Off is designed to mount on the three point hitch of a tractor and actually spins the bale (in either direction) and is controlled from the driver’s seat by hydraulics.

AgWay Manufacturing created the Chainless Bale Feeder that can be used in the field as well as in the barn. It actually loads the bale onto the trailer and the bale is separated with varying speed rotors.

Bale Runner

Moving and stacking round bales is a time consuming job. To reduce time spent, several round bale trailers are on the market. One unique trailer is self-loading and can be pulled behind a pick-up or tractor. The Bale Runner loads and holds up to five bales and can collect all five in a matter of minutes. A control box inside the cab is used to adjust the hydraulics of the Bale Runner. The driver never needs to exit the vehicle. Additionally, the Bale runner is highway legal.

An airstream helmet with a plastic face mask

Respiratory Equipment

Hay is often dusty and/or moldy, and can be a respiratory irritant. Many farmers have asthma, allergies, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or a variety of other respiratory issues. To reduce irritation a dust mask, respirator, or a device such as the Airstream 3M helmet can help keep toxins out of the system. The Airstream 3M helmet has a HEPA filter and helps clean the air as you work by reducing the amount of dust and mold ingested. A variety of dust masks and respirators are available from most retailers and provide a varying degree of protection.

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Hay Safety Tips

Use extreme caution!
Always turn off the engine before dismounting the tractor
Perform regular maintenance
Replace broken and worn parts prior to use
Keep a charged fire extinguisher on tractors and other vehicles
Wear seat belts at all times
When moving large bales, use appropriate sized equipment
Wear a dust mask, respirator, or air cleaner
Do not try to stop a hay bale that is rolling

Sources:

http://www.oznet.ksu.edu/agsafety

http://www.ianrpubs.unl.edu/safety/

http://www.ext.vt.edu/pubs/ageng/442-455/442-455.html

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You Can Get Too HOT

Heat, sun exposure, and humidity can lead to serious health related issues in the summer. Sun burns, dehydration, and heat stress are just a few of the problems farm families may face in the hot Oklahoma summer days or sun.

Sun Safety

With just a few simple steps you can prevent immediate sun burns and reduce your risk for health complications in the future. Remember to apply sunscreen regularly and wear a wide brimmed hat protecting your head, neck, and nose. Also cover up with tightly woven light colored fabrics and limit exposure during the heat of the day (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) If you must be in the sun, make sure you are drinking plenty of water. This will reduce possible dehydration and decrease your risk of heat stress.

Heat Stress

This includes any heat related illness. It is often the predecessor to heat stroke. If you think someone is experiencing heat stroke, contact emergency personnel immediately. Summer is in full swing, but it is not too late to visit with your health care provider about any special precautions you should take before spending an extended period of time outside.

Some precautions to take if you must be in the hot summer sun:

pace yourself.
drink plenty of water.
you may also need to replenish your salts and minerals. A sports drink may help, but contact your doctor if you are on a restricted diet to find the best strategy for you.
wear appropriate clothes, lightweight and light colored.
make sure that someone knows where you are and that you have a method to reach them if you are not feeling well.

ple over the age of 65 are often at a higher risk for heat related illnesses. If you are in this category, take extra precautions as directed by your physician.

Source: www.cdc.gov/nceh/hsb/extremeheat

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Prevent Dehydration

Don’t wait until you are thirsty to drink
Take frequent breaks and stay in the shade when possible
Drink at least eight glasses of water per day. Cool water is preferred but warm water is better than nothing
Carry water with you when working on tractors and in fields
Do not drink carbonated or alcoholic beverages
Use caution when working in the heat while you are ill
Work during the cool parts of the day, when possible

Source: Nutrition Information Center at Rockefeller University and the International Bottle Water Association

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Signs of Dehydration

headache
fatigue
nausea
dizziness
thirst
weakness
appetite loss
heat intolerance
dark urine with a strong odor
cramping
irritability
dry coughs

When feeling symptoms of dehydration, take a break in a cool environment and drink plenty of water. Do not return to activity until all symptoms have subsided.

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