9 Tips for Keeping Yourself Healthy During Harvest Season

Harvest season safety is a huge concern for farmers. Endless hours outdoors in the heat and dust, as well as stress and physical labor, can wear on farmers and ranchers during one of the busiest times of year. But you don’t want to get sick or injured just when you’re ready to reap your harvest. Follow these tried-and-true tips for thriving during harvest and putting another safe and healthy season in the rearview.

1. Don’t Skip Meals

When the day is long and busy, you might be tempted to skip meals. But proper nutrition will help you power through the day and keep your blood sugar stable — a must when operating heavy equipment or making important decisions. Eating meals rich in protein, fiber and healthy fats can help you operate at peak performance. Mealtime is also a great opportunity to check in with loved ones and maintain those important relationships. Ask family to bring lunch or dinner to the field and take that time to relax with them and catch up on the day.

2. Eat Healthy Snacks

Keep nuts, fruit, jerky, veggies and other healthy grab-and-go items handy so you can stay fueled during long hours. Eating sugary snacks will lead to an energy plummet after an hour or so, which can impair your physical and mental performance. Instead, choose sustained energy without the jitters or the crash. 

3. Stay Hydrated

Keep water with you at all times and take frequent water breaks. Hydration will stave off exhaustion, keep you cool and make sure you don’t get sick. Sure, you can drink your morning cup of joe and the occasional afternoon soda but make the same good old-fashioned water that you give your crops and livestock your main drink of choice. If you’re working through hot days, take an extra step and have a drink with electrolytes to stay replenished. Your body will thank you later.

4. Get Enough Sleep

You know you’re busy from sunup to sundown, so don’t forget to grab enough shut eye. Your body needs time to rest overworked muscles, and your mind needs time to recharge. Sleep deprivation can lead to decreased efficiency, trouble with decision-making and even accidents. Don’t risk your safety!

5. Take Frequent Breaks

You’ll need breaks for food and drink, but don’t forget to take time to stretch as well. Stretching periodically can help you avoid aches and pains and even prevent injury. Sitting all day in a combine can wreak havoc on your back muscles, causing stiffness the next day. A short stretch break that focuses on your chest, arms, back and hamstrings will re-energize you for another haul and help you stay injury-free.

6. Wear Proper Protection

Protect yourself with a two-strap disposable lung mask to prevent farmer’s lung or organic dust toxicity syndrome (ODTS). Slather on sunscreen and reapply often to prevent sunburn and skin damage. Make sure your clothing isn’t loose enough to get caught in machinery and check that your footwear is sturdy enough to protect your feet.  

7. Schedule a Checkup

You might be extremely busy in the weeks before harvest but take time to schedule a checkup with your doctor in order to treat or prevent health issues that could derail the season.

8. Run Safety Checks

Don’t rush the process: make sure your equipment is operating at peak efficiency. Take your time and run all proper safety inspections on your equipment before using. Review our farm and ranch safety tips.

9. Check Exposed Skin

Don’t let an issue go unnoticed that could cause problems later. Each night, check your skin for ticks and other bug bites as well as for cuts, scrapes, chafing, rashes or anything else that could cause problems in the future if they go untreated. Clean and treat wounds with antibiotic ointment and moisturize sunburned or dry skin.

Keep Yourself and Your Farm in Peak Condition

Harvest can be a busy time of year, with long hours and stressful days. Make sure you follow these simple tips to stay in shape for the long haul. Make the most of your hard work throughout the season by protecting what matters most. Contact your Farm Bureau agent to schedule a SuperCheck to ensure you are covered for this year’s harvest and beyond.