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August 2014

Utah

Dr. Rhonda Miller presented the poster Assistive Technology for Irrigation Systems in the West at the International Society for Agricultural Safety and Health (ISASH) annual conference, June 22-26, in Omaha, Nebraska. In the West, the majority of irrigation systems utilize canal water. Canal systems typically require a great deal of bending, lifting, and walking through the field to open and close gates, move hand-lines, connect and disconnect pipes, and start and stop motors. These tasks are often problematic to those facing mobility and other disability issues, and can result in back and shoulder strain. Assistive technology options were presented that can make irrigation tasks easier and safer for producers.

Submitted by Anne Brown-Reither