Growing Wisconsin Conference - Member public profile

January 18-20, 2026 | Wisconsin Dells, WI

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UW Madison

Member profile details

First name

John

Last name

Shutske

Company / Farm

UW Madison

Title

Professor and Agriculture Safety & Health Specialist

Profile Picture

About Me

Professor and Agricultural Safety & Health Specialist
University of Wisconsin–Madison

Dr. John Shutske is a Professor in the Department of Biological Systems Engineering and serves as Wisconsin’s statewide Agricultural Safety and Health Extension Specialist. For more than 30 years, he has been the go-to expert helping farmers, farm families, and rural communities prevent injuries, illnesses, and fatalities on Wisconsin farms and in agribusiness.

John’s work focuses on practical, research-based solutions in key areas:

Tractor and machinery safety (ROPS/rollover protection, SMV emblems, roadway safety)
ATV/UTV safety in agriculture
Respiratory health (dust, gases, and silo gas hazards)
Stress, mental health, and opioid misuse in rural communities
Emerging risks from automation, robotics, and new technology on farms
A nationally recognized leader, John has directed major USDA-funded projects, including the Upper Midwest Agricultural Safety and Health Center (UMASH) initiatives, and has trained thousands through programs like the Wisconsin Farm Safety Summit and Progressive Agriculture Safety Days. He frequently partners with the National Farm Medicine Center, Wisconsin Farm Bureau, and industry groups to deliver real-world training that saves lives.

John is known for his straightforward, farmer-to-farmer style of communication—whether he’s speaking at a field day, on the radio, or testifying at the Capitol. His passion is simple: “No one should lose a loved one because of a preventable farm incident.”

Website

https://bse.wisc.edu/staff/shutske-john/

The Growing Wisconsin Conference is run by the Wisconsin Apple Growers Association. For more information please contact us. Thank you for your interest in the Growing Wisconsin Conference!

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Burlington WI 53105