Farm Kid Paradox Pt 1

Farm Kid Paradox Pt 1

Bob Larson
Bob Larson
With today’s Fruit Grower Report, I’m Bob Larson. In these times of pandemic challenges, including school closures or virtual classes, many more children are spending their days on the farm.

Melissa Ploeckelman, with the National Farm Medicine Center, says it’s become a major challenge for farm parents over the past year …

PLOECKELMAN … “So, right now, that is our hot topic and that’s what we’re working so hard on. We’re looking at the ‘Farm Kid Paradox’, we call it. Right, it’s great to raise children on the farm. There’s so many benefits.”

Ploeckelman says their researchers have spent a lot of time on this new dynamic …

PLOECKELMAN … “We actually are doing a research project right now that’s proving that children that grow up on farms are less likely to have allergies and asthma. We know that they get a better work ethic. We know that they really understand where their food comes from. However, it is one of the most hazardous places for children to grow up as well.”

The parents, Ploeckelman says have had to change their daytime routines …

PLOECKELMAN … “Schools are canceled, or are virtual. Childcare centers are closed down. There’s no after school activities. Sports are canceled. So, all of the sudden, these children are at home all the time and parents are no longer parenting when their children are home and working when their children are gone.”

To learn more about National Farm Medicine Center, go to their website … www.marshfieldresearch.org/nfmc ... OR … listen tomorrow for more on the ‘Farm Kid Paradox.’

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