Summer 2025

Hello from AgrAbility Virginia!

We hope your summer has been productive and safe so far. Here’s a quick look at what our team has been up to—and what’s coming soon to support YOU, Virginia’s hardworking farmers and farmworkers:

Farmer Spotlight: Craig Bailey

AgrAbility Virginia was privileged to assist Craig Bailey, a dedicated farmer in Harrisonburg with over 30 years of experience and a below-the-elbow amputation on his right arm.

We helped Craig identify and adapt tools—such as a specialized chemical pump and a drill adapter for a trailer jack—to support his daily work and reduce physical strain. Craig continues to farm safely, efficiently, and independently, thanks to the right tools and ongoing support tailored to his needs.

🚜 Summer in the Field: Outreach & Advocacy

Our staff hit the ground running this summer, attending two important events:

• Rockingham County Extension’s Breakfast with Legislators – Advocating for agricultural support - April 2025
• Whole Health, Whole Communities: Dialogues to Reduce Rural Health Disparities Symposium - May 2025
• 2025 Agriculture, Food, and Human Values Annual Conference in Corvallis, Oregon, highlighting AgrAblity Virginia’s role, focusing on our Extension partnership, in supporting farmers and farm laborers to advance health and wellness in agriculture. - June 2025

We also set up shop at:

• Virginia Beef Expo - April 2025
• VSU Farmers Field Day - May 2025
• 2025 Virginia Dairy Expo (pictured on the right) - June 2025
• and many more!

📚 Resources on the Way

Coming late August:

• 2 Extension publications tailored for Occupational & Physical Therapists working with farmers

These resources aim to provide more specialized tools and guidance for your health, safety, and success in the field and we look forward to sharing them with you, soon!

🤝 Partnering for Better Health & Support

We continue to collaborate with key groups like:

• AgriStress Network – Mental Health Innovation Exchange
• Virginia State Technical Committee (NRCS)
• The Graze 300 Equipment Barrier Working Group - dedicated to developing innovative strategies that help farmers overcome obstacles to adopting rotational grazing practices.

Our latest Farmworker Health Study helped pinpoint top health and safety concerns—insights that will fuel new training tools and educational resources.

We’re also wrapping up the Digital Literacy Project for farmworkers, featuring audio and video content launching in late August.

🌟In the News:

• We’re excited to see the National AgrAbility Project featured on the inaugural Forbes Accessibility 100—a list recognizing top programs and companies improving access for people with disabilities. For over 30 years, AgrAbility has helped farmers, ranchers, and ag workers with disabilities keep doing what they love—providing on-site assessments, adaptive tools, training, and more. Serving communities across 21 states and supporting thousands of individuals, AgrAbility’s impact is both practical and far-reaching. Read more HERE.
• Thanks to everyone for your feedback as we put together the 2025 AgrAbility Virginia Report. Your feedback is very important as we work to make our services even better. Take a look at the report and conclusions HERE.

👩‍🌾 Investing in Future Farmers

We’re proud to support the next generation of Ag leaders!

• Students volunteered at the Dairy Expo
• Our staff mentored Pence FFA Ag Issues Teams, offering feedback ahead of their Ag Issues Forum Leadership Development Event

📅 Save the Dates! Upcoming Event

• Farm Field Day at Kentland Farm - September 9, 2025, more info

Thank you for all you do to keep Virginia growing strong. We’re honored to support your work—on and off the farm.

Stay safe,

The AgrAbility Virginia Team

AgrAbility Virginia is funded by AgrAbility Project, USDA/NIFA, Special Project 2023-2027 (41590-41168) and administered by Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, Easterseals PORThealth North Carolina/Virginia, Inc., and Virginia Cooperative Extension. Virginia Cooperative Extension is a partnership of Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and local governments, and is an equal opportunity employer. For the full non-discrimination statement, please visit ext.vt.edu/accessibility.