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October 2024
A monthly update for AgrAbility projects and friends of AgrAbility
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NTW Updates
- The last day to submit a session proposal is November 4. If you have an idea for a session, but don't know who could present it, let Tess know and she can survey the planning committee. Call for Presentations; Call for Posters
- Rooms at the Encanto are now $110.00 per night, plus a $10 amenity fee and applicable taxes. Please use the following link below to book your accommodation online. This link is only valid during the specified room block dates, the arrival and departure dates must be selected from the drop-down menu. Booking Link: 2503AGRABI or call (866) 383-0443 and provide the group code: 2503AGRABI
- There are only two accessible rooms at the Hotel Encanto, but staff are working on blocking more at nearby hotels. The Hotel Encanto does have some rooms with a walk-in shower (1-2-inch lip), that may be able to be made accessible with a shower chair and removable grab bars. Please let Tess know if you are in need of these items.
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Goodwill staff will be accompanying National AgrAbility Project staff to Guam for the regional event that is being held Oct. 28-31. This workshop was planned with and supported by the University of Guam Cooperative Extension & Outreach and the Western Regional Agricultural Stress Assistance Program. Registration is still open for this event and can be accessed on the NAP website.
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NTW Encore Webinar Series: “Farming Like It’s 2024: Equipment and Technologies for Disabled Farmers,” Wednesday, October 23, 3:00 p.m. EDT. More
The date is set for the first Extension AgrAbility meetings, which will occur the second Wednesday of each month at 3 p.m. ET. Email Samantha at wolfesa4@msu.edu to be added to the list, or join the group on November 13 via Zoom (Meeting ID: 211 467 2813, Passcode: 922439).
AgrAbility Zoom discussion: “Brain Injury Causes and Effects plus Suggestions for Working with Farmers with Brain Injury,” Thursday, November 14 at 3:00 pm EST. Look for details coming via email.
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National AgrAbility Project with Goodwill of the Finger Lakes attended the Farm Aid Homegrown Village in Sarasota Springs, NY, to show the audience of over 20,000 attendees how AgrAbility empowers farmers with disabilities throughout the nation to continue farming.
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An Electronic Identification (EID) Tag Reader captures the data that's stored in a microchip-embedded transponder ear tag, allowing one to monitor each animal's progress, performance, and problems until marketed. Knowing such can lead to better-informed management decisions regarding nutrition, health, mating, culling, etc. An EID reader (whether stick/wand- or panel-type) can be used at a relatively safe distance from the animal, and also allows for instant editing/customizing of the animal's tag-stored data.
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During September, Assistive Technology of Alaska (ATLA) staff presented to hospitals in Anchorage and Fairbanks, discussing assistive technology options for independence at work and in the community. Occupational and physical therapists were excited by the prospect of AgrAbility helping Alaskans stay in their agricultural careers. More
Outreach was also conducted at the annual Alaska Nurse Practitioners Association Conference by UAF faculty. Practitioners were glad to know of this referral resource for their clients/patients experiencing disabilities.
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Illinois AgrAbility wrapped up a virtual, six-week chronic disease self-management class for participants across the state of Illinois who are farmers, members of farming families, veterans who farm, and anyone who deals with a chronic disease of some sort, on August 19th. Staff will be hosting an in-person chronic pain self-management class beginning October 18th for six weeks.
Illinois AgrAbility will be presenting about chronic health self-management and its importance for farmers via an interactive workshop at the Guam regional conference in October.
Illinois AgrAbility is gearing up to launch an outreach effort to reach PTs, OTs, clinics, post-secondary schools, etc., across the state to share AgrAbility resources, offer presentations, workshops, and more. This is in an effort to inform these contacts that AgrAbility is available for their agricultural clients across the state and how to refer them to our team.
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An Indiana NRCS diversity training was conducted at the Shelby County Fairgrounds with a focus on Indiana AgrAbility and working with farmers with disabilities. Bill Field, Steve Swain, Joe Ricker, and Indiana AgrAbility client Laurie Hayn presented the background of AgrAbility, assistive technology assessments and examples, and a client view of services and the need. More
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Agricultural Education Day for Youth at the Farmington Fair was September 16. School-age youth from Franklin County, Maine, came to learn about various ag-related topics from service providers in the Western Maine area. The Maine AgrAbility coordinator presented on safe movement and ergonomics.
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Maine AgrAbility hosted a staff working retreat in Newport, ME. The program PI and coordinator worked with staff to create working modules to develop and strengthen the program. Staff worked on action steps for connecting to underserved audiences, organizing program management, and increasing marketing efforts.
Certified logging professionals had their advisory council meeting at the Maine Forest Products Council in Augusta in early September. Maine AgrAbility coordinator presented on the LogAbility program and answered questions from council members. More
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In conjunction with Maine Farm Coaching and Maine Agricultural Mediation, Maine AgrAbility tabled at the Common Ground Fair, September 21-23, in Unity, Maine. Staff talked with a number of farmers, forest workers, and farm workers about our services and provided information on ergonomics.
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Staff continue working with clients into the fall and are taking some time to plan and strategize upcoming outreach opportunities and refresh materials.
The spring 2024 Michigan State University mechanical engineering capstone building plans for a swarm trap lifter were recently published through MSU Extension. The design plans may be found here.
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Livestock specialists with MU Extension, University of Missouri campus faculty members, and case managers with MO Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) and MO Rehabilitation Services for the Blind (RSB) worked together to facilitate three DVR and two RSB on-the-farm technical assessments. More
MU Extension specialists were also used this month to disseminate the Missouri AgrAbility resource kit at community-based field days, workshops, and seminars to help with the early identification of farm and rural families that need services related to the disability of an individual.
Missouri AgrAbility is working with two groups of certified occupational therapy assistant (COTA) students with the University of Missouri Department of Occupational Therapy. Both groups of COTA students are working on community practice projects collaborating with MU Extension and Missouri AgrAbility.
Lincoln University Innovative Small Farmers' Outreach Program Small Farm Specialist Penny Wilson shared information on AgrAbility, 988, and QPR with 50 small-scale farmers at the Southeast Missouri (SEMO) District Fair.
The Brain Injury Association of Missouri (BIA-MO) Networking Coffees for Professionals continues to provide opportunities for rehabilitation, vocational, agricultural, medical, mental health, community supporters, and other service providers to learn about Missouri AgrAbility. More than 45 participated in the three Networking Coffees for Professionals held in September.
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Nebraska AgrAbility's featured event this month was Husker Harvest Days. There were new changes as staff had a new location at the event. They were positioned in a tent that didn't have lights, which made it a little difficult to maneuver early in the day, but they got it done - safety! More
Nebraska AgrAbility held a zoom meeting for the advisory council on September 18. The goal is for the council and team to gather throughout the year, rather than for one in-person meeting held annually in February. More
Program Manager Emily Jacobson and rural rehabilitation specialists Kara Brichacek and Teresa Duffek have been working on client services with several farmers and ranchers across Nebraska. Emily shares "We always look forward to serving our clients and learning about new pieces of assistive technology they may need."
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The NM AgrAbility team continues to coordinate with the New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum for an opening of an AgrAbility exhibit in early 2025.
Two OT fieldwork II students have completed their third week at non-profit partner Mandy's Special Farm for improving the occupational performance of farm apprentices in farming tasks.
Speaking of farm apprentices... the first farm apprentice has received a job offer in growing plants upon his graduation from the NM AgrAbility @ Mandy's Farm program. Congratulations! The other apprentices who have been training at NMAP @ Mandy's Farm continue to work at the training site in the south-valley farm as well as at off-site farms to improve their farm and ranch work skills.
NM AgrAbility informed the community about farm-site evaluations at the NM Occupational Therapy Association meeting on September 7 (150 attendees) and with the NM Falls Coalition event at a multi-generational center on September 20 (100+ attendees).
The New Mexico Technical Assistance Program and the University of New Mexico will collaborate to inform the farming and ranching community about NM AgrAbility at the Los Lunas Farm Expo on 10/19.
Farmsite Evaluator Carmen McClelland has been responding to evaluation requests in northern NM, where the primary production includes orchards and vineyards.
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Ohio AgrAbility started September at the 8th annual Cursive Ohio Charity Bike Ride in Ada, Ohio. Almost 100 riders and a few dozen volunteers braved the weather to support Ohio AgrAbility's farmers and programs. More
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Farm Science Review 2024 was another great show with many opportunities for networking, outreach, and education. Austin from Cursive Ohio stopped by to present the check from the ride, Marty Cotterman represented LifeLyfts, and Derek and Mike from DM Carts demonstrated their modified carts to visitors. More
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Ohio AgrAbility farmer Mike Clark, a Vietnam veteran, and Rachel Jarman, OAP rural rehabilitation coordinator, were featured on Cincinnati TV station WCPO's Homefront series. Mike and Rachel talked about Ohio AgrAbility, and Mike shared his experience in farming with a disability.
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Project staff member Linda Fetzer presented AgrAbility at the PA Rural Health Association quarterly meeting on September 13. The PA Rural Health Association is dedicated to rural health issues and is a conduit for information and resources. | |
AgrAbilityPA attended the PA Occupational Therapy Association (POTA) conference on September 28-29 to educate clinicians and students about the work and resources of AgrAbility. Students were engaged in an interactive display to test their knowledge about prevalence of injury by farmers. More
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The AgrAbility team, in collaboration with Clemson University's agriculture safety unit, continues hosting engaging educational programs emphasizing farm safety's importance. These events cater to young and older adults, highlighting how critical safety practices are for sustaining farming operations and preventing accidents. Participants are also introduced to South Carolina's AgrAbility program...More | |
The month ended with the Hurricane Helene destruction that tore through the Southeast. Upper northeast TN had many areas experiencing devastating losses of life and property as a result and subsequent flooding. More | |
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Don't Learn Safety by Accident "Preventable Incident" was the theme for the third week in September which is annually recognized as National Farm Safety and Health Week (NFSHW). Harvest time can be one of the busiest and most dangerous seasons of the year in agriculture. More
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September was National Service Dog Month! The STAR Center, TN AgrAbility's nonprofit partner, recognized the crucial roles service dogs play in providing independence and support to individuals with disabilities. More
TN AgrAbility attended the day long "Boots to the Business Reboot for Veteran Beginning Farmers and Ranchers" webinar hosted by the Veterans Business Outreach Center of New England, in partnership with the Small Business Administration and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). More
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Occupational therapists (OTs)/assistive technology (AT) specialists from TN AgrAbility's nonprofit disability partner, STAR Center, are essential to justify needed AT on farm assessments for TN AgrAbility's farmers. More
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TN AgrAbility exhibited at the University of TN Institute Ag (UTIA) Day 2024 at Brehm Animal Science Arena in Knoxville for a day of agriculture fun related activities on the campus of UTIA. Hundreds of alumni, students and potential VOLS visited UTIA and celebrated the land-grant mission of teaching, research, and outreach.
TN AgrAbility exhibited at the 2024 Tennessee State University Small Farm Expo. This Expo was geared toward TN small farmers looking to expand their knowledge and connect with other small farmers and network with industry experts to explore new resources and discover the latest innovations in agriculture. There were 235 in attendance.
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In September, Texas AgrAbility had the privilege of participating in the filming of an upcoming episode of Around Texas with Chancellor John Sharp. During the shoot, Dr. Cheryl Grenwelge, Texas AgrAbility's program director and disability specialist, was interviewed by Chancellor Sharp to showcase the impactful work of Texas AgrAbility. More | |
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The AgrAbility of Utah staff was excited to join with Utah State University Extension and display an AgrAbility/farm safety scavenger hunt exhibit at the Cache Valley Cheese and Dairy Festival in Logan, Utah, on Sept. 27th and 28th. Hundreds viewed the demonstration and attempted to find all 13 unsafe farm practices. More
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The Virginia State University College of Agriculture hosted its field day, "A Taste of Randolph Farm," in Petersburg, attracting 500 attendees eager to learn and engage with agricultural practices.
The team conducted virtual farm stress training sessions for Farm Credit employees with 45 participants enhancing their understanding of mental health in agriculture.
AgrAbility Virginia was featured in an interview with WDBJ 7, spotlighting efforts to assist farmers facing mental health challenges. Watch the segment here.
Staff participated in the in-person 4th Grade Ag Day at Wise County Fairgrounds, with over 140 fourth grade students in attendance!
The Team participated in the celebration of the Virginia Tech Center for Food Systems and Community Transformation's 5-year anniversary in Blacksburg, VA, with ~40 attendees.
Currently, AgrAbility Virginia is supporting 38 open farmer client cases at various levels of engagement. One notable case involves assisting a beef farmer with a tractor lift to improve access between his truck and farm equipment.
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AgrAbility of Wisconsin hosted a Neighbor-to-Neighbor peer networking event at Wathke Farms in Fall Creek, WI, on September 5th. Local farmers had the opportunity to see how Larry Wathke was able to incorporate assistive technology into his dairy operation. More
AgrAbility Outreach Program Coordinator Michelle Bachand joined local Extension colleagues to promote AgrAbility of Wisconsin at the Eau Claire Veteran Resource Fair on September 19th. One hundred local veterans stopped at the booth to have meaningful conversations or take resources.
To raise awareness of National Farm Safety and Health Week, Program Assistant Julianne Renner shared a series of posts on social media to share information and resources.
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AgrAbility for Africa staff are responding to rising reports of "rare conditions," primarily pesticide-related illnesses in elderly farmers. The team is expanding awareness and doing education campaigns on right practices, health exposures, and environmental hazards, as well as promoting PPE use.
AgrAbility for Africa staff members are expanding partnerships and collaborations to tackle assistive equipment failures in Africa. The barrier of high costs has always forced farmers to accept non-prescribed products. More
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AgrAbility of Utah would like to welcome Jack Larsen. Jack is our newest resource facilitator and lives in central Utah in Ephraim. He is proficient in Spanish and brings with him a vast knowledge of agricultural experience. We are excited to have him on our team! | |
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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.
- Seven hundred, thirty-five Gibson County 4th grade students attended Ag Day hosted by TN AgrAbility, Gibson County Farm Bureau Women's Leadership, Gibson County Soil & Water Conservation Board, and Gibson County FFA. Students participated in hands on activities at nine different agriculture related stations: poultry, vet science; equine/safety; drones/safety; water quality; animals/safety; snacks (where does your food come from); entomology, and grains/cotton.
- The annual Tennessee Valley Fair Down on the Farm was held in Knoxville teaching over 700 children about rural AT, farm safety and health, plus lots of farm fun and animals. More
- Diverse crop rotation reduces risk of loss, research shows
- New Research Suggests Eggs Might Help Prevent Alzheimer’s—As Long As You Eat This Part
- Study Reveals Agriculture-Related Injuries More Numerous than Previously Known
- Investment in Farmer to Farmer Training Cuts Costs, Improves Safety
- Hemp Shows High Promise as Potential Natural Insecticide
- Refugees in New Hampshire turn to farming for income, taste of home
- Passion in Action: Celebrating the Powerful Impact of Farm Aid 2024
- USDA launches assistance network to help financially distressed farmers, ranchers
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