View as Webpage PDF

The 2024 NTW is in the books. Thank you to all who attended and to those who helped plan and conduct the NTW! It wouldn't come together without all of you. Two hundred sixty people attended and were able to pick from 48 different sessions. There were many great discussions and networking experiences. Forty-seven farmers/caregivers/spouses were able to come through stipends. During the keynote presentation, Mike Reynolds shared about being a farmer veteran with a TBI.

The NTW auctions and raffles were a big success, raising about $8,000 for next year's stipends. Thank you to all those that donated and made bids on items.

Please feel free to share photos on the NTW Facebook event page https://fb.me/e/4Qpu8miFv under the "Discussion" tab.

If you are interested in being on the planning committee for the 2025 NTW, please contact

Tess McKeel - tmckeel@goodwillfingerlakes.org -585.447.9015 or JoBeth Rath - jbrath@goodwillfingerlakes.org - 585.402.2059

Congratulations to the recipients of the 2024 Breaking New Ground Achievement Awards that are given to individuals who have shown outstanding commitment to serving farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural workers with disabilities:

NAP staff have started planning a regional workshop that will take place in Michigan July 16-18, 2024. It will focus on assistive technology, worksite assessment, and preparing for the ATP exam. All attendees will get a free 1-year membership to RESNA. Registration and hotel information will be out soon.

Staff are also planning a regional workshop in Guam for October 2024. More information should be coming out in a couple of months.

NAP would love to host a regional workshop with you. Please contact Tess tmckeel@goodwillfingerlakes.org or JoBeth jbrath@goodwillfingerlakes.org for more information.

AgrAbility was well-represented at the 2024 AOTA INSPIRE Annual Conference in Orlando on March 21-23. Many thanks the AgrAbility staff members who helped staff the display: Vanessa Spero from Florida AgrAbility, Marci Walborn from AgrAbility PA, and Meghan Skidmore from Texas AgrAbility, plus Marty Cotterman from LifeLyfts who supplied the accessible tractor.

AgrAbility/North Central Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Center webinar: "Agricultural Stress, Resiliency, and Mental Wellness: A Nevada Case Study," Wednesday, April 24, 3:00 p.m. Eastern. More  

The Colorado AgrAbility Project (CAP) was featured in the Colorado Farm Bureau's recently released documentary, LEGACY. This film offers a glimpse into the beautiful and sometimes painful stories of agriculture. It is truly an amazing production that everyone should appreciate! Watch LEGACY here.

CAP staff were excited to have much of the Colorado AgrAbility Project team (Rebecca, Bob, Chad, Jim, Kirsten, Julie, Natalie, James, and Myra) in Atlanta for NTW! In case you missed it... More

This spring CAP was able to work with two interns from CSU's

occupational therapy graduate program. This has been a tremendous, mutually beneficial partnership. Read about Sabrina's experience of interning with AgrAbility below: More

On March 15th-16th, members of Florida AgrAbility attended the UF IFAS Honey Bee Research and Extension Lab's annual Bee College. This weekend event hosts over 300 attendees and provides two-full days of classroom instruction on a variety of beekeeping topics and hands-on experiences in an apiary. More

Several Florida AgrAbility team members attended the National AgrAbility Training Workshop in Atlanta, Georgia, March 25th -March 28th . Florida AgrAbility presented a poster "Farmfield to Coastline," and co-presented on two panels: More

Florida AgrAbility staff member Vanessa Spero helped staff the National AgrAbility exhibit during the AOTA "INSPIRE" 2024 Annual Conference and Expo held on March 21-23 in Orlando, Florida.

Georgia AgrAbility was the proud host for the 2024 National AgrAbility Training Workshop in Atlanta, Georgia, on March 25th-28th, 2024! It was the largest NTW yet with almost 300 registrations. More

Justin Miller, the UGA Institute on Human Development and Disability's military veteran agricultural coordinator, was invited to the 2024 Farm Stress Summit as a panelist to discuss how different groups can work together to ensure producers are not falling through the gaps. Click the link to read the full story. https://ow.ly/Ks5X50R5G1N

On, March 19th ,Dr. Rains provided training on equipment safety and resources and services offered by Georgia AgrAbility at a Young Farmers association meeting. Fifteen attendees participated.

Thirteen new ANR agents were given a 20-minute presentation on safety programs and AgrAbility resources available for the farmers in their counties. Agents were broken into three groups of four and five agents and rotated through safety, sprayer calibration, and water programs presentation at UGA.

Illinois AgrAbility presented a workshop at the National Training Workshop in Atlanta, GA, titled, "Behind the Scenes of the Ambassador Program with Illinois AgrAbility." It highlighted its ambassador program, how to begin one of your own, challenges, etc. Staff presented to about 18 people and had a great time!

Illinois AgrAbility is headed into week four of hosting a virtual, six-week chronic pain self-management class for those in Illinois involved in agriculture and who are dealing with chronic pain and/or are caretaking for someone who is. Staff have six class participants with several who are part of a farm family or farming.

Staff are wrapping up their spring webinar series on April 4th , which will be the third webinar in the series. This session will focus on youth health and safety in agriculture and will feature three guest presenters. Staff have had an average of 15 participants on each webinar.

Indiana AgrAbility staff and partner Lisa Becker from Easterseals Crossroads in Indianapolis were all involved in the 2024 NTW and appreciated the many fine presentations, good meals, great networking, and wonderful tours.

The Indiana AgrAbility team wishes to thank Farm Credit Mid-America for its generous donation this year that allowed the project to send 12 Indiana farmers to the NTW in Atlanta. For 11 of them, this was their first NTW experience, and the responses staff received have been overwhelmingly positive.

Both the Indiana and the National AgrAbility staff would like to thank all of those farmers who volunteered to share their stories in front of a camera for the "What AgrAbility Means To Me" segments on the NAP website.

Maine AgrAbility staff presented and tabled at the 2024 Maine Fisherman's Forum in Rockport, ME. Staff were able to network with a variety of service providers that serve the fishing community as well as connect with fisherman and aquaculturists directly. More

AgrAbility staff attended and tabled at the Maine Dairy Industry Association's Seminar and Annual Meeting in Waterville. The day was filled with education and dairy industry information for attendees. More

In conjunction with Franklin County Extension ag and hort, Maine AgrAbility co-presented a spring "Apple Tree Pruning 101" workshop. Participants learned general care and strategies for effective tree pruning and learned about adaptive tools and strategies including ergonomics to use on-the-job. More

Staff continued to serve and take on more farming clients by site visits primarily in the western and central Maine regions.

Maine AgrAbility expanded its reach in the month of March to serve youth audiences and hosted a "Safe Movement for 4-H Youth" workshop. Youth participants discussed with staff farm tasks that they do, identified areas of discomfort and pain, and learned how to better prepare themselves physically for manual work. More

Maine AgrAbility staff presented virtually to professionals in the logging and forestry products sector about Maine LogAbility. Staff gave a thorough overview of LogAbility services, with information specific to logging-related occupational hazards and common injuries in the mechanized logging vocation.

Staff held their quarterly Maine AgrAbility Advisory Council meeting in March via zoom. They are excited to have the support of an incredibly diverse and supportive group of volunteers to help guide the program.

The Maine AgrAbility group had a great time at the NTW representing their state efforts. Three staff members attended and were joined by Tim Small on behalf of Maine Vocational Rehab. More

Michigan AgrAbility staff members Bev Berens and Andrea Garza attended the Michigan Food and Farming Systems (MIFFS) Small Farms Conference. They networked with multiple agencies, non-profits, and small businesses, and talked with multiple farmers and small acreage farmers, people in regenerative agriculture, home gardeners, and people reviving cultural food and farming practices. More

Bev also attended the Mecosta Area Intermediate School District's career fair and talked to students at the tech center about agriculture, ag engineering, and communications. The all-day event hosted more than 50 vendors who showcased careers and offered internships and summer employment.

Ned Stoller and Samantha Wolfe attended the National Training Workshop, where Ned led several assistive technology breakout sessions, and both connected with AgrAbility staff, clients, and supporters from across the country. Client Cade Krieger also attended the NTW, and the three posed for a photo with T-Bone, the unofficial mascot for the conference.

4-H received grant funding from the Missouri 4-H Foundation to put on a summer camp for youth with the focus on positive mental health. 4-H Kindness Clown College will be a five-day, day camp targeting youth ages 8-12. More

Missouri AgrAbility worked with a multidisciplinary team to launch during the 2024 National AgrAbility Training Workshop a video on how drones can assist farmers with disabilities.

Mary Keeter with Lincoln University shared information on ergonomics and safety with a group of beginner veteran farmers at a workshop on electric fencing for small ruminants on March 23rd.

Lincoln University Farm Outreach Worker Susan Jaster presented at the AgrAbility 2024 National Training Workshop alongside MU colleague Karen Funkenbusch and Missouri AgrAbility onsite assessor David Middleton in a session titled "Farm Like It's 2024: Adaptive Devices and Technology for Safety and Wellbeing"

Mary Keeter and Susan Jaster with Lincoln University collaborated on an educational poster titled "Jesup Wagon 2.0" with MU's Karen Funkenbusch for the 2024AgrAbility National Training Workshop.

Several members of the Nebraska AgrAbility team attended NTW in Atlanta, Georgia, including Emily Jacobson, program manager, Dr. Aaron Yoder, UNMC, Jada Ruff, Nebraska Extension, Soni Cochran, Nebraska Extension, and Ethan Deyhle, OT/PT student intern. Emily presented "Creating a Program for Educating OTs and PTs on Rehabilitating Farmers and Ranchers." More

Emily Jacobson shared that the staff spent this past month following up on client visits and shared that there are new referrals coming through the system soon. Emily also shared that the team will be at the Nebraska State FFA Convention in Lincoln and in attendance at youth safety days events this next month.

The Rehabilitating Nebraska Farmers & Ranchers with Disabilities Workshop will be held April 24, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. at the public library in St. Paul, Nebraska. This is an intermediate level training to help health professionals become more competent care providers for production agriculture workers who seek treatment at facilities in rural and urban areas. More

The team is exhausted, but exhilarated, from a wonderful conference in Atlanta and grateful to the hosts.

NMAP partner NMTAP is excited to be hosting a second annual hands-on assistive technology event for University of New Mexico occupational therapy graduate students at the NMAP demonstration center. During the event, OT students will have the opportunity to engage with not only AT for daily living and automation, but students will also hear about AgrAbility and see examples of tools that folks in agriculture can use to assist them in their work. More

All eight farm apprentices at non-profit partner Mandy's Farm have been participating in internships at local farms to stretch their skills. They are supported by job coaches and by two fieldwork II OT students from UNM.

Staff are continuing to coordinate major activities:

Dairy is now the #1 agricultural product in New Mexico, surpassing green chili!

NC AgrAbility, as part of NC A&T's agromedicine platform, participated in the NC Agromedicine Institute's 25th anniversary symposium. NC A&T is a co-founding institution of the NC Agromedicine Institute, with NC AgrAbility as its featured service program. More

NC AgrAbility will host a SaGE (Southern Ag Exchange Network) fellow this summer, working as part of a team on solutions for issues of BIPOC farmer stress and duress.

NC AgrAbility tabled at the Organic Growers School in Mars Hill, NC, connecting with small growers throughout the region. It is now in the process of developing a relationship for financial counseling for its farmers through Western North Carolina University.

The NC AgrAbility PI participated again this month as part of an ANR "listening tour" with Extension agents and directors, this month visiting mountain counties Madison, Yancey, Avery, and Watauga.

NC AgrAbility brought 20 farmers, veterans in agriculture, researchers, field agents, staff, assistive technology staff, and students to the NTW in Atlanta.

NC AgrAbility staff and partner Veterans Farm of NC presented at the NTW on their ongoing and anticipated research on adapted and assistive technology and equipment for small and/or sustainable farms.

Easterseals UCP began its formal relationship with NC AgrAbility in March 2024 as its participating non-profit for the duration of NC AgrAbility's current NCE. Easterseals UCP's Leslie Lawrence will work principally with NC AgrAbility on issues of marketing and public relations.

NC AgrAbility client Carolyn Cheek remains in production due in part to NC AgrAbility support and recently received the Small Farmer of the Year award.

Ohio AgrAbility staff and farmers enjoyed making new friends and seeing old friends and colleagues at NTW 2024. Ohio AgrAbility sponsored six farmers, four capstone students, and the entire (5-person) OAP team this year.

Staff and farmer/OSU Extension colleague Kane Lewis presented with Texas AgrAbility on building a peer network/mentoring program. Staff also co-presented five sessions with AgrAbility SRAP colleagues. More

March 6, OAP hosted a peer-to-peer networking meeting in Bellville, Ohio. Attendees were a mix of "regulars" as well as new farmers and family members. More

The PA AgrAbility team Suzanna Windon (PSU), Linda Fetzer (PSU), Marci Walborn (UCP), and Danielle Schmidgall (PA OVR) had a productive and insightful experience at the 2024 National AgrAbility Workshop in Atlanta, GA! Attending various training sessions and learning about the work of other AgrAbility projects provided valuable knowledge and networking opportunities for the team. More

AgrAbility's Linda Fetzer presented at the Mercer County Crops Day on March 15th. The presentation focused on reasons why ag safety and health practices are good for the farm operation and highlighted AgrAbility, farm stress and wellness.

AgrAbility Case Coordinator Abbie Spackman provided six comprehensive worksite assessments in March for new and returning clients across the state of Pennsylvania. The assessments resulted in assistive technology recommendations, referrals to additional service providers, and other tangible takeaways. More

AgrAbility PA staff continues to focus on direct client services and providing education on assistive technology options for the agricultural community.

AgrAbility PA staff member Marci Walborn (non-profit partner), OTR/L, ATP, attended the 2024 AOTA annual conference in Orlando, FL, along with staff members from Texas AgrAbility, Florida AgrAbility, and LifeLyfts to talk with OT professionals who visited the booth in the exhibit hall. More

South Carolina AgrAbility's new associate and a graduate student traveled to Atlanta, Georgia, to attend the national conference and training workshop. The new associate attended training for new staff and enjoyed the essential information to use in the program. More

The team also conducted a site survey with an individual inquiring about assistance. The person initially asked about getting an equestrian lift to be used by the particular education class at West Oak High School to allow students with mobility disabilities to mount and dismount the horses at WOHS. More

THANK YOU to GA AgrAbility FARM AGAIN for being gracious hosts, and to Tess McKeel and the NTW planning committee for hours of calls and work toward the AgrAbility National Training Workshop (NTW) in Atlanta, Georgia. There were 15 attendees (seven TN AgrAbility farmers and eight professionals) from Tennessee. More

Thank you to Pokeadot Hops Cabin and the Trosts (TNAP farmers) for donating a two-night stay to their cabin for the live auction. Staff believe networking with other state projects and farmers is the best part every year, but T-bone, feature bull at the NTW photo booth, was a close second this year. More

Eileen Legault, TNAP area specialist, was honored for being one of five recognized nationally with the AgrAbility Breaking New Ground Achievement Award. She has worked for the University of TN Extension since 2014 for a total of 15 years with UT TSU Extension/TN AgrAbility Project. More

Agricenter International is immersed in the heart of agriculture in Memphis on over 1000 acres. Thank you to Agricenter for hosting a great learning experience at the TSU Farmer Veteran Bootcamp. More

UT TSU Extension Carter County, SAgE TN Network (Southern Ag Exchange Network/USDA's Farm and Ranch Assistance Network/stress assistance program), TN Farm Bureau Insurance-Elizabethton, and Carter County Cattleman's Association partnered to honor TN farm families with a "Farmer's Night Out" at Stateline Drive-in Movie Theater. It was a huge hit for local farm families. More

Paulus P. Shelby, age 88, retired in July of 2001 as Extension professor of plant and soil science. Mr. Paulus served as specialist for cotton and small grains. He modified his zero-turn mower with assistance from his son Philip Shelby and a close friend who is a welder. More

For the fourth year, the 113th General Assembly of Tennessee proclaimed March 11th #DisabilityAdvocacyDayTN! Staff honored the importance of advocacy in the lives of Tennesseans with disabilities and continue to work to improve access to equal opportunities across the state. More

March is Extension month in Tennessee. To highlight Tennessee AgrAbility's impact with UT/TSU Extension and the STAR Center, Tennessee AgrAbility highlighted a new video clip on a local farmer/client. More

Texas AgrAbility staff attended the AgrAbility NTW in Atlanta, Georgia, to network with other projects and gain education and resources. Staff members were able to interact with assistive technologies and connect with other projects to collaborate on initiatives. More

Texas AgrAbility staff presented with Ohio AgrAbility staff at the AgrAbility NTW. The presentation "Cultivating a Peer and Mentorship Network in Your State" included testimonials from peer group members from each state. More

Makenzie Thomas, program manager, presented to the Polk County Growers Breakfast on March 29. Attendees learned about assistive tools for their agricultural operations and ways to get connected with Texas AgrAbility.

On March 1, the AgrAbility of Utah staff was excited to set up a booth at Utah Beef Field Days. This annual event is sponsored by Utah State University Extension and was held at the USU South Farm in Wellsville, UT. Some of the many presentations included "Beef Market Outlook," and "Rangeland Issues."

AgrAbility staff set up a table at the "Meet the Specialists" session of the Utah State University Extension Conference on March 6 and met with many of the Extension agents and staff from across the state. This three-day annual conference was held at the Event Center in Logan, Utah.

AgrAbility staff set up a table at the Morgan County Disability Fair in Morgan, Utah, on March 16. This first ever event was sponsored by Roads to Independence Independent Living Center and featured over 25 organizations that work with people with disabilities.

On March 22, AgrAbility presented at the Annual Pork Producers Convention in Lehi, Utah. Utah has over 560 hog farms and ranks 15th among U.S. states in pork production.

Thanks to AgrAbility of Georgia and the planning committee for the wonderful and enjoyable NTW conference. The speakers, presentations, and food were amazing! Thank you so much!

Virginia AgrAbility team members assisted in organizing a farm safety day event for school-aged children. Students learned about safety regarding power lines, cattle handling, guns, silo/grain bins, water tanker, equipment, and general farm safety. Each station provided an interactive, hands-on experience to practice skills being taught.

Team members enjoyed sharing with NTW attendees about farmer dinner theaters and how these events facilitate healthy conversation and resources across Virginia. Many thanks to the planning committee and Georgia team for hosting another wonderful conference!

Don McMoran, Washington AgrAbility program director, attended the National AgrAbility Training Workshop in Atlanta, Georgia. With his team of Julie Jesmer, program coordinator for the Western Region Agricultural Stress Assistance Program (WRASAP) and Gracia Puerto, Skagit County Spanish-speaking agricultural Extension coordinator, they tabled at the event and had many amazing training experiences while in attendance.

Among the amazing experiences in the humorous category was learning from Dr. Bill Field the proper decorum for conducting large conferences. All attendees saw the light!

Emily Whittier, Washington AgrAbility co-coordinator, presented at two agriculture safety and health forums hosted by the Washington Department of Labor and Industries. She shared information about Washington's SRAP and the National AgrAbility Project.

Emily also attended and tabled at Maritime Safety Day, hosted by the Governor's Industrial Safety and Health Advisory Board. She displayed various AT items and promoted The Toolbox to many maritime professionals.

Debbie Fredricks, Washington AgrAbility co-coordinator, has been busy putting the finishing touches on her "Farmer Wellness" event on April 5th in Lewis County, WA. It is going to be a magnificent event with loads of resources for local farmers. More

Deb Eidsness, Washington AgrAbility co-coordinator, attended the Northwest Meat Processors Association in Albany, Oregon. She tabled at the event, shared many assistive technology resources, and had many great conversations.

We are still searching for a new AgrAbility Supervisor. Please consider sharing the job listing with your networks!

Joyce Brkopac said goodbye to the team on April 5, 2024. "Although it was a short run with the team, I really enjoyed working with our community of farmers and our counterpart Penn State Extension teammates. As a veteran farmer myself, I enjoyed once more being in the company of fellow veterans. I am hoping to remain connected to AgrAbility 'on the other side of the fence'."

Washington AgrAbility is sad to announce that Emily Whittier will be leaving our team this month. Thank you, Emily, for your hard work and dedication to AgrAbility. We wish you the best of luck on your next adventure. You will be missed!

Click titles below for news stories featuring AgrAbility projects.

..........Episode 32, 1st April 2024.

Click here for professional development events related to AgrAbility. 

Problems? Contact Chuck Baldwin, National AgrAbility Project, baldwi19@purdue.edu

Copyright © 2024 Purdue University

An equal access/equal opportunity university. All rights reserved.