John Shutske is a professor in the Department of Biological Systems Engineering at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where he also serves as an Extension Agricultural Safety and Health Specialist. With more than three decades of experience, he is recognized nationally for his work to improve safety, health, and risk management across agricultural systems. Shutske holds B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees from Purdue University, specializing in agricultural mechanization, machinery safety, and engineering. His expertise spans occupational health hazards, farm stress and mental health, safety engineering, and the emerging challenges posed by automation and robotics in modern agriculture.
In his teaching, research, and outreach roles, Shutske focuses on practical, people‑centered solutions that help farmers, workers, and rural communities thrive. His recent projects have examined airborne hazards, worker roles in antimicrobial resistance, digital technology adoption on farms, and the impacts of stress on health and injury risk. Shutske holds affiliate appointments in the UW School of Medicine and Public Health and previously led the UW Center for Agricultural Safety and Health. Before joining UW–Madison, he spent 18 years at the University of Minnesota and worked with the Illinois Farm Bureau, strengthening his long-standing commitment to agricultural safety and community well‑being.
Kate McCoy is the Program Supervisor for the Occupational Health and Safety Surveillance Program at the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. She leads statewide efforts to track workplace injuries and health risks, ensuring that data informs policies and programs that protect Wisconsin workers. Her role centers on identifying emerging hazards, improving access to safety resources, and collaborating with partners across public health and industry.
McCoy has also worked to strengthen worker engagement through bilingual training initiatives and listening sessions with workers. Her background includes previous roles as a health services supervisor, research analyst, and education consultant within state agencies, bringing a strong foundation in data‑driven decision‑making and public service.
Wisconsin’s dairy industry depends heavily on immigrant Latino workers, many of whom face serious challenges in staying healthy and safe. Language barriers, limited transportation, lack of insurance, and rural isolation make it difficult for workers to access healthcare or receive timely treatment. The nature of dairy work also brings higher risks—injuries, exposure to zoonotic diseases, stress, and unmanaged chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease. Supporting the health of these essential workers is not only vital for their well‑being but also critical to the long‑term stability and success of Wisconsin’s dairies.
The Wellness on Wheels (WoW) project brings health support directly to farms by offering bilingual education, wellness coaching, screenings, and emergency response training. Community health workers will lead 12‑week sessions on farms, while Promotores de Bienestar—peer leaders from within the workforce—will be trained to sustain health practices long‑term. Through assessments, surveys, interviews, and tracking changes in behaviors such as PPE use and participation in screenings, WoW will identify effective strategies to improve daily habits, emergency preparedness, and access to care. The project will also produce practical tools and trained peer leaders to expand its impact statewide. This effort supports Dairy Task Force 2.0 Recommendation #11, which emphasizes helping rural businesses strengthen workplace health practices and aligns with the goals of the National Dairy FARM Program.