Episode Summary

Farm families face similar child care access and affordability challenges as other working families nationwide, yet research on their specific experiences and needs is limited. Existing research lacks a deep understanding of how farm families actually use child care, and what types of arrangements and support systems would motivate them to utilize child care more. In this episode, we are joined by Florence Becot, nationwide insurance early career professor in agricultural safety and health and a faculty member at Penn State University. Dr. Becot’s work contributes to the field of agricultural health and safety by examining how under-appreciated factors such as child care, health care, and health insurance shape farm families’ ability and willingness to adopt farm safety practices and seek medical care. We discuss Dr. Becot’s current study, which highlights the significant, often overlooked, mental health challenges faced by farm women while raising children.

Episode Resources

Cultivate Safety, Resource Search Webpage

Creating Safe Play Areas on Farms, National Children’s Center for Rural and Agricultural Health; National Farm Medicine Center; Marshfield Clinic, Booklet

Safe Play Areas, Cultivate Safety, Handout [PDF]

Play Ideas, Cultivate Safety, Handout [PDF]