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January 2026
A monthly update for AgrAbility projects and friends of AgrAbility
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AgrAbility all-staff virtual meeting: Monday, January 26 at 3:00 p.m. EST. Looks for details coming to SRAP staff members.
The AgrAbility Annual Staff Needs Assessment is underway. SRAP staff members submitting responses are eligible for a drawing of the following incentives:
- One free NTW registration
- One $250 order of NAP resources
- One $100 order of NAP resources
Contact jonesp@purdue.edu if you are a SRAP staff member and have not yet received the survey link.
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NTW Updates:
Happy New Year! If you have been putting it off, it is time to start thinking about the NTW.
- Register for the NTW. Click HERE to go to the NTW website to find more detailed information. The registration link is on the registration tab.
- Reserve a hotel room at the Park Place Hotel. Click HERE to go to the hotel reservation page. More
- Put together a SRAP raffle basket and/or collect auctions items. Both activities help bring farmer clients to the NTW. More
- Poster submissions are accepted through January 31, and that form is available on the NTW website and through Call for posters- online.
- The exhibitor form is also available on the NTW website under the Exhibitor tab. Please pass this along to anyone who might be interested.
- While the official closing date for accepting farmer stipend applications is past, NAP will continue to process late applications on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are no longer available. Farmer Stipend Application
If you have any questions about the NTW, contact Tess at tmckeel@goodwillfingerlakes.org.
In cooperation with Arkansas Farm Bureau and University of Arkansas Extension, NAP is planning the Arkansas AgrAbility Conference on February 18-19 in Little Rock. More
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AgrAbility Zoom discussion: Emergency Preparedness for Rural People with Disabilities, Tuesday, January 20 at 3:00 p.m. EST. If you didn't receive a link yet, register at https://purdue.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3IP9uOJ3upt4nvE
NAP is sending 100 copies of the 2025 AgrAbility Harvest to each funded SRAP. These didn't get sorted before Christmas but are scheduled to be shipped this week.
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Kimber Nicoletti-Martinez and Esmeralda Mandujano gave the presentation, "Strengthening Frontline Capacity: Practical Approaches to Supporting Agricultural Worker Mental Health," at the National Center for Farmworker Health Fall Health Symposium in Phoenix on December 5 and staffed a display at the multi-day event.
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Paul Jones attended the “Empowering U.S. Extension Through GenAI” workshop at Tennessee State University in Nashville on December 11-12. The event featured a variety of hands-on exercises and tools for implementing artificial intelligence into Extension activities.
Newly archived virtual events:
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The 5-in-1 Mobile Workshop is designed to allow one to combine in one place the items needed and then transport them to the project site. This portable workstation consists of: (1) a two-wheeled, 300-pound load-capacity hand truck; (2) adjustable, three-speed fan; (3) adjustable, 1,100-lumen, LED work light; (4) power strip with three 110-volt outlets, two USB ports, and a 10-foot cord with an optional portable power station; and (5) a bungee-cord-equipped caddy for power and hand tools.
| | Staff used December for planning outreach and client recruitment for 2026 and for planning for a Farmer Academy to be offered in Spring 2026. | | |
In early December, California AgrAbility partnered with National AgrAbility at the Agricultural Workers Symposium in Phoenix, Arizona. They facilitated valuable conversations with colleagues from across the country, while AgrAbility and WRASAP educational resources were shared with health center leaders and direct service staff. More
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Later in the month, California AgrAbility joined Agroecology Commons for the annual Farmers Wellness Day, which celebrated the hard work and dedication of farmers. With support from a network of community healers, farmers were offered services like massage and chiropractic care, nourishing food, legal consultations, and market connections. More
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In early December, Georgia AgrAbility staff presented to a group of therapists at the Northeast Georgia Health Center rehabilitation clinic about AgrAbility services in Georgia. The therapists were very engaged and excited to hear about AgrAbility, with two of them having prior experience in agriculture. GA AgrAbility has already received new clients as a result of this in-service presentation.
Every December, AgrAbility staff exhibit at the Georgia Farm Bureau Annual Conference. They cherish the opportunity to connect with producers and policymakers in their state. This year, the wife of a GA AgrAbility client worked with staff at the event to share about the impact of AgrAbility with producers as they came by the booth.
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The Purdue University Extension Professional Development Conference (PDC) was held December 3rd and 5th as a virtual gathering via Microsoft Teams. This annual gathering brings together nearly 400 Extension professionals, including county Extension educators and campus-based specialists, to network and share experiences, programs, and ideas. More
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ME AgrAbility Program Coordinator Bella Russo presented on ME AgrAbility accomplishments in 2025 and how other UMaine Extension staff could help connect farmers to the program. Bella also hosted a short movement class for staff that focused on joint health and mobility during the workday.
The UMaine Extension Aggies meeting was held on November 21st in Bangor, ME. The AgrAbility coordinator presented on achievements from 2025 and discussed how Extension ag staff could broach AgrAbility with their clients.
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While December is typically a quieter month, between shorter day length and time off for the holidays, Michigan AgrAbility packed a lot into the first few weeks!
Ned Stoller attended the Michigan Farm Bureau state annual meeting where he demonstrated several exoskeletons and represented AgrAbility in addition to his role as a county delegate.
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MSU's mechanical engineering department held its fall capstone Design Day. Michigan AgrAbility sponsored two projects this term, so staff attended the presentations and shared their enthusiasm for the end of the term and the lasting benefits these prototype projects will provide to their farmer clients. More
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The entire team, including clients, joined Michigan AgrAbility during the Great Lakes Fruit and Vegetable Grower's Expo in Grand Rapids. Ned Stoller provided a presentation about exoskeletons and demonstrated several brands and designs. More
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In the fall semester of 2025, Emily Doosing, a field specialist in 4-H, guided undergraduate occupational therapy (OT) students at the University of Missouri in developing additional 4-H Save Your Brain curriculum modules, which expand accessible brain health education resources for youth. More
Additionally, during the fall semester of 2025, Karen Funkenbusch, the project director for MO AgrAbility, guided a doctoral OT student's capstone project at the University of Missouri. The project aimed to develop mental health resources for veteran beekeepers with disabilities. More
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Missouri AgrAbility exhibited at the 2025 Missouri Farm Bureau Federal Annual Meeting, which took place from December 7-9. Attendees received resources for disability awareness, educational health, ergonomics, agricultural safety, and well-being publications specifically designed for Missouri.
On December 10, lead presenter Linda Fetzer from PA AgrAbility invited Karen Funkenbusch with MO AgrAbility to join her in presenting AgWorks: Ergonomics and Safe Movement on the Farm. Linda's presentation included a discussion about AgrAbility for Pennsylvanians.
Missouri AgrAbility marketing continued in December with more than 40 healthcare, rehabilitation, employment, agriculture, and other professionals discussing Missouri AgrAbility as a resource for farmers and ranchers with disabilities. More
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John Davis represented Nebraska AgrAbility at the Lincoln Ag Expo in December. While overall attendance was lower than anticipated, John had several meaningful conversations, including reconnecting with a vendor from Propel Sliding Door Automation. More
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In December, Emily Jacobson, program manager, traveled west to Scottsbluff for a client visit alongside NE AgrAbility's contract partner, the Nebraska Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired (NCBVI). On her return trip, she stopped in Ogallala to conduct two follow-up visits, helping ensure continued support and progress for our clients.
The Nebraska AgrAbility team met in Kearney to discuss their upcoming grant proposal and prepare for spring programming. With two team members planning maternity leave, the meeting provided an important opportunity to align responsibilities and ensure continuity of services moving forward.
Team members, Emily, Jada Zimmer, and Angie Howell met in West Point with lead presenter Christine Hutchinson to review Nebraska AgrAbility's OT/PT training program. The group discussed what is working well, identified areas for improvement, and explored the possibility of transitioning the training to a fully online format. More
In cooperation with the Central States Center for Agricultural Safety and Health, Aaron Yoder represented Nebraska AgrAbility at the Nebraska Cattlemen Annual Trade Convention and Trade Show in December. Aaron had the opportunity to visit with cattle producers, equipment suppliers, and allied industry members from across the central states region.
| | Happy New Year from the NM AgrAbility Project! This month, NM AgrAbility program partners are truly sowing the seeds that will lead to a successful 2026! | | |
Over at Mandy's Farm, staff are using the AgrAbility apprenticeship winter break to create a crop plan that focuses on vegetables that grow well in NM's arid climate. Chosen crops will have a direct connection to the foods NM AgrAbility apprentices already enjoy, such as radishes, carrots, beets, and leafy greens. More
This year, Mandy's Farm interns will again be supported by the University of New Mexico's occupational therapy graduate program, a partner of the NM AgrAbility Project. Two UNM population health students will complete their capstone project at Mandy's Farm under the supervision of the fieldwork educator. More
Lastly, during the second week of January, NM AgrAbility's PI and program manager will participate in New Mexico State University's Cooperative Extension Service's three-day in-service training. There, staff will educate NM's 33 county extension employees on NM AgrAbility services.
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In December, Ohio AgrAbility helped a farmer to safely work on his equipment. Larry had not been able to use a mechanic's creeper or to crouch down to work on equipment for years. More
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Linda Fetzer, AgrAbilityPA, and Karen Funkenbusch, Missouri AgrAbility Project, co-presented a webinar titled "Why Ergonomics Matter on the Farm" for the AgWorks Project on December 10. The webinar featured information about ergonomics, AgrAbility, assistive technology, and ways to change tasks on the farm.
Marci Walborn presented a brief overview of the AgrAbilityPA project to the Northeast Ag Safety & Health Coalition at its quarterly zoom meeting on December, 9. The overview outlined the services and supports AgrAbilityPA provides to farmers, as well as the types of outreach provided to increase awareness to professionals and the general public.
| | The sweetest traditions of the season begin with family and friends - and on the farm. TN AgrAbility is grateful for the farmers who make these most cherished holiday moments possible. Hope everyone enjoyed a warm, bright, healthy and joyful holiday season from TN AgrAbility. | |
TNAP exhibited at the 104th TN Farm Bureau Annual Meeting, an event marking the last event with Troy Dugger before his 2025 retirement. Staff Troy and CPA for their support of TN AgrAbility over the past five years and for his 40 years of service to UTIA.
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Wes Allison, United States Navy veteran and December '25 University of Tennessee ag engineering graduate had the opportunity to participate in a special project during the fall semester for an Obion County farmer who had suffered a stroke in the recent past. This medical mishap limited said farmer in various ways that affected his ability to perform routine tasks for maintenance of his combine. More
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TN AgrAbility, The STAR Center, and TN Division of Vocational Rehabilitation provided a Giles County farmer with knee and back impairments with assistive technology equipment to prevent secondary injuries in his backgrounding livestock operation. Cattle guards were installed in December on his farm. More
| | Texas AgrAbility was featured in December as part of NAP's "featured SRAP" social media initiative. | | |
AgrAbility of Utah staff presented at the Cache County Pesticide Training Workshop in Logan, UT, on December 9th. Over 75 people attended, and the event was sponsored by Utah State University Extension.
On December 16th, AgrAbility staff presented at the Box Elder County Pesticide Training Workshop in Brigham City, UT. The event was sponsored by Utah State University Extension and was
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AgrAbility Virginia was represented at the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Annual Convention held December 1-2 in Williamsburg. The event provided a valuable opportunity to connect with members of the farming community and partner agricultural organizations.
In addition, AgrAbility Virginia continues its collaboration with Mary Baldwin University students on their capstone project.
| | On December 21, the AgrAbility for Africa staff had the opportunity to share information about AgrAbility services during a community health empowerment event in Luzira, Uganda, as part of the Agriculture Wellness Alliance's lunch and learn series. The staff presented to the group, highlighting the impact of HIV/AIDS and diabetes on the population, and shared a sample client case to demonstrate how the program works and the type of support provided. | |
Additionally, during the month of December 2025, the AgrAbility for Africa staff extended support to families of farmers with disabilities, contributing to the reduction of harmful practices that lead to community morbidity and loss of independence, particularly in-house smoke inhalation and the lack of access to clean drinking and cooking water among rural, island, and coastal farming families through the donation of clean cooking gas burners and water filtration systems.
| | Florida AgrAbility is excited to welcome new team member Natalie Parkell! Natalie brings years of experience as an educator, from 4-H youth to adult programs, as well as expertise in gardening and hydroponics, and will be a valuable addition to our team. | |
Meet Michelle Ahrens, Capstone Student, University of South Dakota: Michelle Arens grew up on her family's farm in rural Minnesota where she was involved in feedlot cattle, hog, and crop production. These experiences shaped her understanding of the physical demands and problem-solving required in agriculture. Michelle is completing her doctorate in occupational therapy, with a capstone focused on educating farmers and ranchers about the benefits of occupational therapy and preparing occupational therapists to work in agricultural settings. More
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We would like to give a warm welcome to Mistique Primar-Sternagle who joined the AgrAbility PA project mid-December as the AgrAbilityPA community specialist. Mistique will be handling all of our social media, marketing, and community outreach to increase awareness of the AgrAbilityPA project.
We would like to say thank you to Em Kase for all of the wonderful work she has done with the project over the last year. She will be missed, and we wish her the best in her future endeavors.
| AgrAbility of Utah wishes Connor Dyreng the best as he leaves as a resource facilitator. Connor has worked with AgrAbility of Utah for over eight years and will now be self-employed. Thank you for your dedicated service. | | |
Click titles below for news stories featuring AgrAbility projects.
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Click titles below for other news of interest to AgrAbility staff members.
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