September 2019
A monthly update for AgrAbility projects and friends of AgrAbility
Join the AgrAbility all-staff virtual meeting on Monday, September 23 at 3:00 p.m. ET/2:00 p.m. CT/1:00 p.m. MT/12:00 p.m. PT/11:00 a.m. AKT. Look for details in your email soon.
The AgrAbility National Training Workshop will take place in Madison, WI, March 23rd - 26th, 2020.

Don't forget to register for the Regional Workshop in State College, PA October 8-9. This workshop will focus on occupational therapy and assistive technology on the farm - working together to keep farmers farming! The agenda and registration for the workshop can be viewed HERE.

Registration for the Regional Workshop in Davis, CA, for December 3-4 will be open soon. The workshop will be at the Mondavi Sensory Theatre and hotel rooms are blocked at the Hyatt UC Davis. Hotel room reservations can be made HERE.

Davon Goodwin, a farmer veteran and North Carolina AgrAbility client, has agreed to serve as the client representative to the NAP Advisory Team for 2019-20. Thank you to those SRAPs that suggested potential team members.
The National AgrAbility Project was one of many exhibitors at the 2019 Farm Progress Show in Decatur, Illinois. The NAP exhibited jointly with Illinois AgrAbility Unlimited in the Health and Safety Tent, which was coordinated by Kelly Gagnon from Illinois AgrAbility Unlimited. More

The AgrAbility VR working group has continued to meet in an effort to bolster VR services to AgrAbility clients under the provisions of WIOA. Input was provided during the most recent call by Karri Wilson of Missouri VR. 

The AgrAbility webinar "UAVs: What are Drones and How are They Used in Agriculture?" has been archived at http://www.agrability.org/online-training/archived/. 
Toolbox Spotlight
An alternative to the common Langstroth beehive, the Drebbieville AZ Hive with Slide-Out Frames eliminates having to lift heavy, bulky boxes and honey-filled frames. With the AZ hive, the frames are accessed (i.e., pulled out) from the rear like a dollhouse or cabinet. The window latches and rear door are reversible.
Alaska
Fairs, Fairs, Fairs! It was fair time in Alaska, as in many other states. AgrAbility staff attended several fairs around the state in Fairbanks, Ninilchik, Palmer, and Kodiak this year, talking to farmers, ranchers, fishers, and the general public about AgrAbility resources and assessment opportunities. More

DeShana is working together with the Farmer Veteran Coalition (FVC) to gather information and resource contacts to begin work on starting an FVC state chapter. A group of veteran farmers have shown interest and discussions are taking place.
California
California AgrAbility and a coalition of agencies in Yolo County held the first "Encuentro de Promotores," an event that brought together 20 community leaders from rural Yolo County. More
California AgrAbility staff attended a presentation by Amjad Ramahi, Ph. D. candidate in the ergonomics lab, on the effectiveness of treatment in ligament injuries. He discovered that NSAIDS (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) will mitigate pain; however, they may slow down the recovery process. More
California AgrAbility conducted outreach at the Durst Organics Farm Health Fair to migrant and seasonal farmworkers employed by the farm. Participants were able to receive free vital exams to check their cholesterol, blood sugar content, and other tests, to determine their health base line. More
Colorado
August has been a fun month for the Colorado AgrAbility Project. CAP's partner organization, Goodwill Industries of Denver, held its annual golf tournament fundraiser. Personnel were asked to attend and staff a hole so that AgrAbility could receive some attention from stakeholders that staff normally do not interact with.
August is state fair time in many states and Colorado is no different. Commencing on August 22 and running to September 2, AgrAbility had a booth set up in the education pavilion. Staff were fortunate to have a "horse" available, so it really set the booth apart.

For the remainder of the time in August, staff were just doing what they always do this time of year: calling to check on clients, record keeping, and planning for Winter Workshops 2019/2020.
Georgia
Georgia AgrAbility co-sponsored the Agritourism 101 Workshop held in Alto, Georgia. Jaemor Farms hosted the event. The program featured the following topics on agritourism: customer service and working with the media; insurance considerations and an ADA overview. More
Georgia AgrAbility staff met with the Chestatee Chattahoochee Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) to tell them about the AgrAbility Project. RC&D assists with conserving natural resources, supporting economic development, and enhancing the environment. Both groups identified ways that they can partner in the future. They also co-sponsored the Agritourism 101 Workshop. (August 2nd)
Indiana
Indiana AgrAbility again had an exhibit at the Indiana State Fair in the FFA Pavilion. More

Indiana AgrAbility also took part in the Purdue Extension displays in the Agriculture/Horticulture building for two days of the Indiana State Fair as a rotating exhibit. The display was similar to the one in the FFA Pavilion except that the John Deere tractor and lift were not included.

Steve Swain, Indiana AgrAbility rural rehabilitation specialist, presented AgrAbility, farm safety, and assistive technology on the farm, to the agriculture mechanization class at North Montgomery High School. More
Kansas
Kansas AgrAbility Project (KAP) staff and volunteers enjoyed "Kansas Night" hosted by the Kansas Association of USDA Farm Service Agency County Office Employees (KASCOE). More

Kansas AgrAbility Project Coordinator Tawnie Larson attended the Kansas Agricultural Growth Summit in Manhattan, Kansas. More
Maine
Maine AgrAbility has been working on producing videos featuring AgrAbility clients. The videos capture a fisherman, a dairy farmer, and a vegetable farmer selling value-added products from a food truck. More
Staff are working on another video series featuring correct lifting and bending techniques for harvesting work at a farm in southern Maine. The production has several volunteer gleaners. The final video will be coming soon.

On July 18, Maine AgrAbility's veteran outreach specialist, Anne Devin, was asked to speak about her own experience in the military as part of a VetTalkx. More
On August 8, Ellen Gibson presented "Gardening Forever" in Buxton, Maine. More
As part of the annual Maine Farm Days event in Clinton Maine on August 20-21, staff enhanced their AgrAbility display with a little locomotion! They featured an electric train set in the Maine countryside traveling through the common health issues of production agricultural workers addressed by AgrAbility.
Michigan
Have to let the cat out of the bag! August provided a great month for the lead-in for the implementation of a momentous, long-awaited, indispensable, dream ... Michigan AgrAbility Demonstration Farm! Michigan AgrAbility partnered with Holland area farmer Doug Ver Hoeven to establish a demonstration farm where farmers can "try before they buy"... see and try a variety of assistive technology tools and equipment before investing in aids that can sometimes carry a hefty price tag. More
Tom Wing, a dairy farmer in Barry County, was being held back by the spondylosis that was accelerating in his spine. More

August was a busy month for Michigan AgrAbility! Staff exhibited at the 4th annual Agro Expo in St. Johns at Agro Liquid farm on Aug. 13-14, the UP State Fair (Upper Peninsula for those of you who don't know Michigan vernacular) Aug. 12-18, at the inaugural Northwest Michigan Veterans/Military Expo on Aug. 24, and to a local county Farm Bureau.

If in the MSU neighborhood on Friday, September 6, come eat some of the best pork and side dishes you will ever eat at the Alpha Gamma Rho's annual hog roast. More
Missouri
For ten days, August 8 - August 18, Missouri AgrAbility had a booth at the Missouri State Fair promoting rural health, safety, wellness, and prevention of secondary injuries within the context of agriculture through interactive hands-on safety and health displays. More

Missouri AgrAbility staff were invited to present at the MO USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) State Office Annual Civil Rights Refresher on August 18 in Columbia at Parkade Plaza in the USDA Training Room. More

Missouri AgrAbility promoted rural health, safety, wellness, and prevention of secondary injuries within the context of agriculture through interactive hands-on safety and health displays at the Mizzou to You showcase's "University FOR Missouri" on August 24. More

Missouri AgrAbility partially funded the Missouri Mennonite 20th Central Missouri Vegetable and Greenhouse Tour sponsored by the Missouri Growers Association on August 28 in Versailles, Missouri. More
University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Pharmacy, a Missouri AgrAbility collaborator, provided rural wellness outreach and education at the Missouri State Fair on Aug 10th in the MO Ag Theater. More
Pharm to Farm, a collaborative partner of Missouri AgrAbility Project, presented to 50 student leaders from three locations at Columbia, Springfield, and Kansas City, from the largest student organization, American Pharmacists Association-Academy of Student Pharmacists, about how they can incorporate Missouri AgrAbility Project brochures and materials into their statewide outreach efforts. More

Maureen Cunningham, Brain Injury Association of Missouri (BIA-MO) executive director, discussed AgrAbility with five BIA-MO support group facilitators during their quarterly call on August 6 for the purpose of marketing AgrAbility to potential clients who attend BIA-MO support groups across Missouri.

University physical medicine and rehabilitation residency students learned about services of BIA-MO and the partnership with the Missouri AgrAbility Project as part of their lecture series when Maureen Cunningham presented to the group on August 8. There were 10 medical students and two professors in this training session.

The Missouri AgrAbility Project (MAP) was highlighted during the BIA-MO Networking Coffee for Professionals in Springfield on August 15. More
Courtney Stevens, BIA-MO office administrator, shared information about the Missouri AgrAbility Project and BIA-MO services with professionals who work with veterans, including those affected by brain injury, at the VA Health Care System Veterans Health Event on August 16 at Washington University in St. Louis.

Maureen Cunningham presented AgrAbility as a resource to 15 attendees of the Missouri Injury and Violence Prevention Advisory Council (MIVPAC) on August 19. More

AgrAbility networking with Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA) staff and board members was productive during dinners held in conjunction with the BIAA board meeting at which Maureen Cunningham serves as a member. More

The Missouri AgrAbility Project was highlighted as a partnering resource of BIA-MO during the Missouri State Employees Charitable Campaign (MSECC) Fair. More
Nebraska
Nebraska AgrAbility is very excited for client Kyle Lammers to be working with P.H.A.R.M. Dog USA. More

A staff member was able to attend a two-day Veteran and Family Fair Share in Norfolk, Nebraska. More

AgrAbility was present at Older Nebraskan Day at the State Fair. While the turnout was not great due to rainy weather and more flooding, there were a few great conversations and referrals.

Speaking of flooding, Nebraska has continued to see rain and major flooding issues. AgrAbility will be handing out wallet cards with stress/suicide resources at all events going forward. More
Emily, John Davis, and Lorri Billeter, all of Easterseals Nebraska, presented on the Largest Classroom Day at the State Fair serving K-4th grades. Children were educated on disabilities and how AgrAbility can help farmers and ranchers with disabilities. It was a fun day!
Emily has been chosen by the National Team to present at the regional workshop in California. Her topic is AT Show-N-Tell. If anyone has new and exciting AT that you feel she should share, please email it to her at [email protected]
New Mexico
Staff from the New Mexico AgrAbility Project participated in an assistive technology event in Farmington, NM, led by New Mexico Technology Assistance, on August 20th. More
North Carolina
As part of the NC AgrAbility goals, the program facilitates networking activities for farmers with disabilities. These activities usually take place in the eastern and western region of the state. This year was the last year of the 4-year grant cycle, and NC AgrAbility provided the opportunity for farmers to meet and learn at the NC AgrAbility Farmer Appreciation Gala Workshop. More

The Agribusiness department at NCA&T is collaborating with NC AgrAbility in providing solutions to farmers with disabilities. On August 27, Betty presented an overview of the program to 11 undergrad students at their agribusiness and food industry management class. More
Ohio
Ohio AgrAbility (OAP) Project Director Dr. Dee Jepsen presented "Ohio AgrAbility - Providing Resources and Assistance to Ohio Farmers with Disabilities" at the Amish Health Care Conference in early August. More
Ohio AgrAbility has been very busy with outreach and education this summer. In early August, OAP held the annual Peer to Peer Summer Meeting. More
"Fitness for Farm Life" will not be limited to the OAP summer meeting - OAP is holding daily sessions at the Ohio AgrAbility tent at Farm Science Review in London, Ohio, September 17-19. More

OAP staff presented a session on Ohio AgrAbility, OSU Extension, Generation Rx, and "PROSPER Ohio - reducing substance misuse and building strong communities" at the annual Ohio Rural Health Conference. More
Pennsylvania
Regional Workshop: Registration Open! Oct. 8-9, 2019; Days Inn Penn State, State College, PA.
The AgrAbility PA team is excited to announce that we will be hosting a regional workshop in conjunction with the National AgrAbility Project in STATE COLLEGE, PA! More
AgrAbility PA exhibited at Penn State University's annual Ag Progress Days event in August. This event is the Super Bowl equivalent for not only Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences but for hundreds of vendors, exhibitors, More

AgrAbility PA provided an educational "lunch and learn" session for staff and interns at Rodale Institute. More
Tennessee
August brought back-to-school, football, end of farmers markets, and fairs.

TN AgrAbility exhibited at the Steak and Potatoes Field Day in Crossville, TN, where farmers learned about AgrAbility, beef production, fruit and vegetable production, and information for landowners. Tours were made of the beautiful Plateau AgResearch and Education Center.
TN AgrAbility was proud to support the Yellow Ribbon Fund at a Farm to Table feast with Michael and Stephanie Trost at the first annual "Heroes, Hops and Harvest" at Pokedot Hops and Gardens, honoring injured military heroes and their incredible caregivers!

In between farm visits and exhibiting, a lot of time was spent getting ready for upcoming events in September: National Farm and Health Safety week, National Women in Ag Symposium, and the TN Small Farm Expo.
Texas
The summer heat is still in full swing in Texas, and so are Texas AgrAbility programs.

Texas AgrAbility completed a farm assessment at 4E farms in Kempner, just outside of Fort Hood. The farmer is a veteran and one of few who produce vegetables in the area. More
Staff members Cheryl Grenwelge and Makenzie Thomas assisted with the delivery of a tractor lift for Texas AgrAbility client Tim Barger. Mr. Barger has a cattle and hay operation and was an ag teacher at the time of his injury. More
Texas AgrAbility client Chase Stanley received his Life Essentials Flatbed Lift. Chase works for a heavy equipment operating company and his employer's ag operation. More
Farmers Assisting Returning Military (F.A.R.M.) hosted a farm tour in conjunction with the Dallas agriculture business workshop hosted by Texas AgrAbility and BattleGround to Breaking Ground. More
Texas AgrAbility and BattleGround to Breaking Ground hosted ag business workshops in Dallas and San Angelo in August. The workshops highlighted a veteran in production agriculture and includes presentations on ag business ideas, business planning basics, financial funding options, and veteran and beginning farmer resources.
Utah
AgrAbility of Utah presented at the Utah Wool Growers Summer Convention in Coalville, UT, on August 5. More
New Mexico
Deborah Wieclaw is the new AgrAbility Specialist with the New Mexico Technology Assistance Program. She has an associate degree from CNM, a bachelor's degree from the University of New Mexico and holds a master's degree in Agriculture from New Mexico State University. Deborah is from, and continues to live in, the South Valley of Albuquerque, New Mexico. MORE
Wisconsin
AgrAbility of Wisconsin recently said goodbye to Outreach Specialist Abi Jensen. We thank Abi for her three years of work and her continued help through volunteering with the program.

AgrAbility of Wisconsin says hello to new Outreach Specialist Amanda Harguth. Amanda started in August and is excited to bring her experience and passion to the program.
Missouri
Please welcome Andrew Downs who joins the Missouri AgrAbility team this summer. Andrew will be a data analyst, primarily focusing on accumulating and presenting data for both internal and external use. Andrew is enrolled at Purdue University as an actuarial science major and plans on graduating in 2021. He grew up in central Missouri. He spent his younger years involved in Cub Scouts, and still enjoys hiking and camping with friends and family. Andrew also enjoys both music and math and has decided to pursue his interest in math as a career.
Problems? Contact Chuck Baldwin, National AgrAbility Project, [email protected]

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