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April 2026
A monthly update for AgrAbility projects and friends of AgrAbility
| | AgrAbility all-staff virtual meeting: Wednesday, May 6 at 3:00 p.m. ET | 2:00 CT | 1:00 MT | 12:00 PT | 11:00 a.m. AKT. Look for an agenda and log-in email prior to the meeting. | | |
2026 NTW Recap
- To reiterate some of what JoBeth sent in a post-conference email to those who had registered ...NTW 2026 will certainly be one to remember! While Mother Nature decided to create her own version of an extreme winter challenge, attendees all rose to the occasion with true gold-medal energy. More
- For those who couldn't attend, you were genuinely missed. To past participants, it didn't feel quite complete without you, and for those we were eager to welcome for the first time, we're sorry this wasn't your opportunity. We truly appreciate the effort, persistence, and challenges you faced in trying to be there.
- Even with a smaller turnout (108 vs. 220) fundraising success was truly something to celebrate. Through raffles, the silent auction, and generous giving, more than $7,000 was raised-an outstanding accomplishment. Thank you to everyone who contributed and helped make a big impact.
If you have any questions about the NTW or are interested in hosting in 2027, contact Tess at tmckeel@goodwillfingerlakes.org.
One of the sessions that was canceled at the NTW will be held virtually (and NAP is working on hosting virtually other sessions that were canceled):
- "Understanding and Preventing Substance Misuse in Agriculture: Identifying Links Between Chronic Pain, Loneliness, and Farming." Tuesday, May 19 from 12:00–1:00 PM ET. on Zoom. Register at https://bit.ly/msue-farm-health-may19.
Congratulations to the individuals who received a Breaking New Ground Achievement Award at the NTW:
- Dee Jepsen, Ohio AgrAbility
- Mason Dean, AgrAbility in Georgia
- Roger Tormoehlen, Purdue University Ag Safety
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NAP is planning to recreate the regional workshop in Shipshewana, Indiana, originally planned for June 2025; the new date is June 3-4, 2026. If interested in helping plan this event, please contact Tess McKeel at tmckeel@goodwillfingerlakes.org.
NAP has developed a beta version of an upgrade of The Toolbox Assistive Technology Database. Those interested in being beta-testers should sign up by COB today: https://purdue.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0qTnqRHpXhRn1wa
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Join NAP for a discussion on artificial intelligence and AgrAbility on Wednesday, April 22 at 3:00 p.m. EDT. Part of the session will be dedicated to reviewing responses to a survey distributed to AgrAbility staff members in March. Contact jonesp@purdue.edu for more info.
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A Round Baler Net-Wrap Lifter is designed to replace having to load (either in barn or field) a heavy, cumbersome roll of net wrap into one's AGCO, Case IH, Deere, New Holland, or Vermeer baler. Powered by the tractor's electrical system, the device winches the roll up into the machine's rear wrapping compartment with the push of a button.
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ATLA staff provided a presentation to the Leadership Education on Employment for People with Developmental Disabilities group. The participants were community-based employment providers and excited to learn about the services provided through Alaska AgrAbility. More
Three Alaska AgrAbility staff members and two farming clients successfully traveled to the annual AgrAbility National Training Workshop. They all benefited from the workshops, networking, and offsite visits. More
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On March 11th, Florida AgrAbility's advisory board convened at the Florida Farm Bureau's office in Gainesville for the annual members' meeting. Twenty stakeholders from a variety of industries, including assisted living, veteran organizations, rural communities, and UF/IFAS Extension shared... More
On March 20th -21st, Florida AgrAbility attended the 2026 UF/IFAS Bee College. Danny Bost and Justin Sims led the session on "Accessible Beekeeping: AgrAbility," where they introduced the Florida AgrAbility program and shared practical modifications to support accessible beekeeping. More
Florida AgrAbility team members were also active in national agricultural events. Program representatives attended the Florida Farm Bureau Field to the Hill Fly-In in Washington, D.C., where they met with legislators to discuss issues impacting the agricultural industry. More
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Not even a two-hour wait in a TSA line and a blizzard could keep Georgia AgrAbility away from NTW, even if it was just part of our team that successfully made it. As always, staff had a fantastic time at NTW and look forward to returning to the best summertime vacation spot in Michigan. Mason and Kyle both presented with Ned Stoller at the conference.
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Illinois AgrAbility presented at an event in Albion, IL, on February 26 hosted by the Edwards County Farm Bureau. Speaking to about 40 nursing students, staff introduced the Illinois AgrAbility program, demonstrated assistive technologies, and discussed opportunities for collaboration between healthcare providers and AgrAbility.
Illinois AgrAbility hosted a booth during Stand Up 4 Grain Safety Week at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign on March 30. With about 60 participants, the booth shared information about Illinois AgrAbility services and offered a great chance to connect with students interested in careers related to agricultural safety and health. More
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Indiana and Ohio AgrAbility staff members led a panel discussion at the National Training Workshop in Traverse City, Michigan, sharing insights, experiences, and strategies to support farmers and rural communities facing challenges of dementia in agriculture. Indiana also presented a poster highlighting the benefits of Assistive Technology (AT) Expos.
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In March, staff members spoke about AgrAbility and demonstrated items from its AT lending library at Indiana Soil and Water Conservation District Annual Meetings for Ohio & Dearborn Counties. Each event was attended by more than 50 farmers. This prompted many discussions among the attendees.
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AgrAbility, Purdue Extension, Hoosier Uplands, and Veterans IN Farming hosted a multistate veteran event on March 28 where over 100 Veterans across the nation were given the opportunity to learn about horticulture, beekeeping, USDA programs, AgrAbility, and other topics. More
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ME AgrAbility staff provided four presentations throughout the NTW. The presentations included an un-conferencing session with ME leading the charge on developing FishAbility programs plus "Preventing Falls on the Farm," "Better Boat Builds for Bodies," as well as "Using Skeletal Models as Teaching Tools." More
ME staff completed an intake with a new AgrAbility client and connected them and their case to a staff OT.
ME staff updated logging-specific information and articles on the Maine AgrAbility website.
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ME staff prepared for, set up, and delivered 3 days' worth of tabling information at the Maine Fishermen's Forum.
The ME program coordinator hosted an apple tree pruning workshop with county ag staff.
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The Michigan team is grateful to everyone who made it to the NTW despite the snowstorm that shut down much of Northern Michigan. A special thank-you to Tess and JoBeth for their steady leadership and work ensuring everything went as smoothly as possible, and a shout-out to those who met up and drove from Chicago when flights were canceled! What commitment! More
In addition to the NTW this month, Ned Stoller continued working directly with clients and Michigan Rehabilitation Services to provide assistive technology to clients.
Andrea Garza attended a pruning demonstration offered in Spanish where she pitched AgrAbility and services in Spanish for the group at large.
Bev Berens was interviewed for a podcast and article for Brownfield Ag News (link below).
Samantha Wolfe attended a farm safety day to present "Ergonomics and Secondary Injury Prevention" for 15 Farm Bureau members.
The team also submitted a video to the SW MI Migrant Resource Council to provide information about AgrAbility during its spring grower meeting.
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In March 2026, several MO AgrAbility articles were published in media this month. The one that gained the most media attention was a collaboration with MU News Bureau. The article discussed a research grant for alpha-gal syndrome and included a sidebar where Karen Funkenbusch provided MU Extension and MO AgrAbility resources for individuals with AGS. More
The Missouri AgrAbility program networked with 300 participants at the Show Me Trade Show held in Versailles, MO. Joni Harper, a field specialist in natural resources, collaborated with local rural organizations in a dynamic and interactive learning setting aimed at engaging overall health and well-being in the west central Missouri community. More
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Karen Funkenbusch, the director of Missouri AgrAbility Project, along with David Middleton, the Level II onsite farmstead assessor for MO AgrAbility, plus volunteer technical consultant Kirk Funkenbusch, all representing Missouri AgrAbility, participated in the 2026 AgrAbility National Training Workshop, held March 16-19, in Traverse City, Michigan. More
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Emily Doosing, a field specialist in 4-H Youth Develop, had a busy month launching Missouri AgrAbility activities. She led 4-H Save Your Brain Ambassadors meetings on March 4 and March 11, that focused on mental health awareness, substance misuse prevention, and peer leadership development. More
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Missouri AgrAbility was featured at an exhibit during the Missouri Association of Elementary School Principals. Many of the rural school principals oversee all grade levels of students. More
Katie Aggarwal, BIA-MO program associate, and Maureen Cunningham, BIA-MO executive director, provided education about brain injury, BIA-MO, and Missouri AgrAbility to four staff members of the University of Missouri - Kansas City Family 2 Family Program. This staff training was held on Mar 23.
Missouri AgrAbility was highlighted during three Networking Coffees for Professionals hosted by the Brain Injury Association of Missouri (BIA-MO). At these events, 40 rehabilitation, vocational, healthcare, agriculture, and community support professionals gained awareness about Missouri AgrAbility as a resource.
The first of the BIA-MO Survivor and Family Seminars was held in western Missouri on March 28. Missouri AgrAbility was recognized as a program partner, and one-on-one marketing was provided at the Missouri AgrAbility exhibit hosted by Susan Jaster with Lincoln University Innovative Small Farm Program.
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Julie LaJeunesse, NMAP's program manager, is collaborating with the Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum and NMSU for updates at the AgrAbility exhibit.
Two population health students are continuing their capstone projects, including fieldwork at NMAP's non-profit partner's site.
Twenty-four occupational therapy students attended a training program with the NM Technology Assistance Program about assistive technology, including the value of an AgrAbility AT evaluation.
Six farm apprentices continue to seed, harden off, and plant crops in their South Valley farm location in the training program provided by non-profit partner Mandy's Farm.
The NMAP team is scheduled to speak at AgXplorer days (April 20-21), The Cuba, NM Senior Center & Water Conservation District offices on May 14, Master Gardeners at Tony Hillerman Library on June 3, with the Grow the Grower program on July 24.
NM's technology assistance program partner is in planning stages for an assistive technology conference for fall 2026.
The NMAP team is formulating plans for a "Day on the Farm" event to include information on drones & disability, if possible, in fall 2026.
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Ohio AgrAbility staff members, eight Ohio farmers and their family members, and colleagues from OSU Extension and Central State University braved the snow and drove to the NTW in Traverse City, MI. Everyone welcomed the opportunities to meet new people, see old friends, learn from our colleagues and other presenters, network, and share ideas to grow our project. More
Program Director Dee Jepsen represented Oho AgrAbility at the OSU Small Farms Conference at OSU Agriculture Technical Institute in Wooster, Ohio. Dee spoke to many attendees about Ohio AgrAbility services and demonstrated several ergonomic garden tools and hand tools.
Rachel Jarman (rural rehabilitation coordinator) and Laura Akgerman (disability services coordinator) presented on Ohio AgrAbility to Wilmington College's Master of Occupational Therapy (rural focus) class. Presenting to the class is an annual event, and it is exciting to see the program grow and add more students every year.
Laura Akgerman co-presented "Promising Practices for Individuals with Disabilities" with Vanessa Spero (Florida AgrAbility) and other colleagues from the National Association of Extension 4-H Youth Development Professionals Access, Engagement and Belonging committee.
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The South Carolina AgrAbility Project was proud to debut The Toolbox Assistive Technology Database as part of the 2026 South Carolina Assistive Technology Expo program on March 10. Staff had a fantastic turnout of 40 attendees, including service providers and students in technology, education, and agriculture, all eager to learn how these resources support South Carolina's farming community. More
At the SC Farmworkers Service Providers Institute on March 20, the SC AgrAbility Project staff connected with community partners such as the SC Commission for Community Advancement and Engagement, South Carolina Department of Education, SC Appleseed Legal Justice Center, SC Migrant Education Program, SC Department of Public Health, and SC Department of Employment and Workforce that work closely with farmers and ranchers across South Carolina. More
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TN was represented by three farmers and four TN AgrAbility team members at the 2026 National AgrAbility Training Workshop. Despite severe winter storms, the event showcased resilience and adaptability throughout the United States. More
Thirty farmers joined TNAP on March 27 in Bedford County for a meaningful day of connection, practical solutions, and support for farmers of all abilities. TN AgrAbility staff/partners were grateful to Matthew Deist, Bedford County Extension director, for hosting the event and for his grilling techniques. More
A new seven-month journey has begun for beginning farmers across the state with the kickoff session of Tennessee State University's signature program, the New Farmer Academy. It provides hands-on training, resources, and business development support. More
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TN AgrAbility, along with 4000+ TN FFA members, advisors, vendors, and guests stormed the convention center in Gatlinburg, TN. A sea of blue corduroy jackets was spotted for five days in the auditorium, meeting rooms, and streets. More
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Texas AgrAbility staff conducted a QPR training on 3/23/26 for 69 attendees to train on suicide prevention within the agricultural community.
The Texas AgrAbility program manager conducted a presentation on 3/2/26 for 15 students who are part of the human development and family science (HDFS) BS program. This presentation promoted the AgrAbility program as well as raised awareness of inclusion in the agricultural field.
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The AgrAbility of Utah staff was excited to set up a table and explain AgrAbility to many of Utah State University's Extension agents at the Meet the Specialist event in Logan, UT, on March 4th.
AgrAbility of Utah staff members trained the staff of Options for Independence about AgrAbility on March 9th in Logan, UT. Options for Independence is an independent living center that serves people with disabilities in Northern Utah.
On March 24th and 25th, AgrAbility staff members set up a table and presented at the 48th Annual Range Livestock Grazing Workshop in Orderville and Hurricane, Utah. The event was attended by over 200 ranchers, and topics included animal health, profitability, and post-fire recovery.
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This month, the program connected with more than 150 attendees at the Virginia Agritourism Conference in Virginia Beach and participated in a Farm Safety Day at the Rockingham Fairgrounds in Harrisonburg, serving approximately 150 attendees alongside 35 volunteers. More
In addition to outreach, AgrAbility Virginia is currently supporting 50 active farmer clients with diverse needs. The team is working in partnership with Easterseals PORT Health to pursue funding for assistive tools for a vegetable farmer seeking to reduce repetitive motion strain in the greenhouse.
Program growth continues through new collaborations with Extension, academic partners, and community organizations, including the reactivation of the AgrAbility Virginia Network (AVN) via a monthly newsletter. More
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AgrAbility for Africa staff attended the NTW Conference in Traverse City, Michigan, from March 16 to 19, 2026. The event provided enriching opportunities for knowledge sharing and networking, and it was a great honor for the team to be part of such a valuable experience.
AgrAbility for Africa staff are responding to a recent tragic mental health breakdown within urban fish-trading communities. This incident, involving a farmer, is not isolated. More
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Congratulations to Mason Dean for being a recipient of the 2026 Breaking New Ground Achievement Award! Staff are very thankful for Mason's dedication to the Georgia AgrAbility program for over 10 years!
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The Wisconsin AgrAbility program welcomes Buffy Uglow as the new outreach coordinator. In her role, Uglow will drive awareness of the program and identify opportunities for new program development while creating and supporting partnerships to promote Wisconsin AgrAbility, improving access to farmers and farm families across the state. Learn more about Buffy at: https://farms.extension.wisc.edu/extension-announces-agrability-and-youth-tractor-safety-outreach-program-coordinator/.
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Click titles below for news stories featuring AgrAbility projects.
| | Click titles below for other news of interest to AgrAbility staff members. | | | | |
