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September 2025
A monthly update for AgrAbility projects and friends of AgrAbility
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Save the Date for the 2026 NTW. The 2026 NTW will be held at the Park Place Hotel in Traverse City, MI, on March 16th-19th.
Goodwill of the Finger Lakes is planning to hold a regional workshop in eastern NY in conjunction with NY FarmNet and will include invitees from NH, VT, MA, CT, RI, and MA. Staff are looking at a mid-November/early-December timeframe. If interested in helping to plan this event, contact Tess McKeel.
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AgrAbility NTW Encore Webinar September 17: “Boots to Business Overview.” This session will provide a one-hour overview of the day-long Boots to Business programs that assist veterans in understanding the steps, stages, and activities related to launching and growing a business as a post-military career. More
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The National AgrAbility team was honored to join several other organizations exhibiting in the Health & Wellness Tent at the Farm Progress Show, August 26-28, in Decatur, Illinois. The Farm Progress Show is the nation's largest outdoor farm show, attracting approximately 150,000 visitors annually to see the latest in agricultural technology. More
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July 25, the National AgrAbility Project as a partner in the LIFE Project USDA 2501 grant held a workshop at Martin University in Indianapolis, Indiana, from 9:00 - 5:00. Martin University is a private college founded in 1977 to serve low-income, minority, and adult learners. More
National AgrAbility and Indiana AgrAbility Assistive Technology Specialist Steve Swain presented "AgrAbility and Assistive Technology in Agriculture" to the PT 6002 clinical education seminar for the summer 2025 semester at Langston University in Oklahoma. More
Newly archived virtual events:
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With a Fingerprint-Enabled Door Lock, the only one with a "key" to your farm shop is you - or trusted persons (e.g., family members) with whom you share access. Besides reducing the chance of break-ins, this technology can also benefit those with limited hand strength and visual limitations. To function, the lock requires the user to enter fingerprint data. After that, it checks that fingerprint with saved data every time someone attempts to enter. If it matches, the door opens.
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August was a busy month for AK AgrAbility. Art Nash, Debu Misra, and volunteer Pauline Bennett-Gannon attended the Deltana State Fair in Interior Alaska and had numerous conversations with past and potential clients and the public, promoting awareness of the services of AgrAbility. More
Leslie Shallcross and Debu Mira attended the Kodiak State Fair and Rodeo - a new event for AgrAbility. Staff definitely created AgrAbility awareness and made some important connections for outreach to individuals in Kodiak where farmers are dispersed on several islands.
ATLA also promoted AgrAbility in several venues and provided assessments of previous clients and new clients. On July 31st, staff attended the Southeast State Fair in Haines, AK. More
On August 18th, ATLA staff attended a special event at the Alaska State Fair in Palmer: Embracing AK Disabilities. This event attracted fair-goers to learn about services available for people with disabilities in Alaska, including AgrAbility.
On August 20th, staff spoke at the monthly Walking Wednesday Community Event in Utiqikavik (Barrow). The event was attended by service providers, North Slope Borough staff, and other individuals from the community.
In the last week of August, AK AgrAbility had an advertising blitz with short TV and radio spots several times a day in all areas of the state: Juneau, Kenai Peninsula, Interior Alaska, Anchorage, etc. Staff will see if this is an effective approach - if phones get very busy.
| | California AgrAbility's Esmeralda Mandujano recently consulted on a graduate research project in the UC Davis International Agricultural Development Program, Department of Plant Sciences. The project, titled "Impact of Extension Services on Smallholder Women Farmers With and Without Disabilities in Northern Uganda," explores the critical role women play in subsistence agriculture across sub-Saharan Africa. More | | |
Florida AgrAbility successfully hosted the webinar, "Targeting Youth Populations in Agricultural Programming." Dr. Vanessa Spero, regional specialized 4-H agent with the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, shared practical strategies to engage youth, especially those with disabilities, in meaningful agricultural learning. More
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Georgia AgrAbility hosted the webinar "Discovering the Joy of Making AT-Methods, Materials, Tools, and Resources." The webinar was taught by Dr. Therese Willkomm and showcased many low-cost assistive technology items that can be made in a matter of minutes from supplies at a local hardware store.
As part of its continued efforts to serve more veterans, Georgia AgrAbility hosted the webinar "How to use a VA Home Loan to purchase a farm property." The session was taught by a certified veteran mortgage specialist and helped to answer many of the questions around the complexities of purchasing a farm property using VA benefits.
The Georgia chapter of the Farmer Veteran Coalition is under formation. AgrAbility staff have been serving on the chapter organizing committee to help provide logistical support as the group gets established. Staff are very excited for Georgia to finally have a chapter because they have seen how beneficial FVC is in other AgrAbility states.
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The Indiana State fair brought over 850,000 visitors over 17 days in August. Indiana AgrAbility maintained an interactive educational display in the FFA pavilion throughout the fair. AgrAbility is fortunate the display is next to the ever-popular FFA petting zoo, so AgrAbility always has an audience! More
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ME AgrAbility staff presented at the Mechanized Logging Operations & Forest Trucking (MLOFT) student training in Fairfield, ME. Staff worked with two groups of logging students, covering slip, trip, and fall prevention, injury prevention, incorporating movement in repetitive motion work, and general program information about LogAbility. Students were given program brochures and "Stretches for Limber Loggers" posters.
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ME AgrAbility staff presented at the "Armed to Farm" farm visits in Knox County this year. An overview of small farm AT was covered as well as AgrAbility services to veterans in farming.
Coordinator Bella Russo provided a short presentation on garden modifications and low-tech AT during the Franklin County Cooperative Extension office's annual meeting. The meeting was attended by community members, home gardeners, and farmers.
| | The Michigan project's Extension educator, Sam Wolfe, presented alongside MSU's Farm Stress Team during the Northern Michigan Small Farms Conference. Two attendees took AgrAbility brochures, and one farmer visiting from Alaska was pleased to discover that there is a project in his state. More | | |
Sam also had a vendor booth during the Dirt to Glass: Elevating Michigan Wine from the Ground Up conference where at least 15 people who approached the booth had not heard of AgrAbility. All 100+ attendees also received brochures in their conference packets.
Bev Berens was invited to the Michigan Agri-Business Association's (MABA) Ag Club Breakfast at the AgroExpo in St. Johns. The AgroExpo is Michigan's premier outdoor farm show, while MABA is committed to the development and prosperity of Michigan agriculture as a leader in state and national education, promotion, and advocacy.
Staff also met with the Michigan Center for Rural Health and look forward to continuing to build this network to connect with rural healthcare centers and providers across the state.
A success story about a beekeeper client was shared in the Michigan Beekeeper's Association's monthly email newsletter.
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This past month Emily Doosing coordinated an AgrAbility & 4-H Save Your Brain outreach table at three back-to-school events. She handed out health, safety, and well-being educational materials and MO AgrAbility resources. More
MU Extension, Lincoln University Cooperative Extension (LUCE), Innovative Small Farmers' Outreach Program (ISFOP), and Show-Me Farm Safety showcased Missouri AgrAbility hands-on, interactive health and farm safety displays throughout the 2025 Missouri State Fair, from August 7 to 17 in Sedalia, MO.
Brenda Schreck, field specialist in livestock, Emily Doosing field specialist in 4-H development, Elizabeth Picking, field specialist in livestock ,all with MU Extension, combined with engineering consultants Willard Downs and Kirk Funkenbusch to provide onsite farmstead technical support to AgrAbility clients across the state of Missouri.
Farm outreach workers Mary Keeter and Julia Thompson shared AgrAbility information at a workshop titled "Urban Farming 101," in Saint Louis, Missouri, on August 21.
Maureen Cunningham with the Brain Injury Association of Missouri (BIA-MO) and Missouri AgrAbility Co-PI presented at the Ozark Area Crisis Intervention Team Council Meeting (OACIT) on July 9. She discussed how Missouri AgrAbility can be an important resource for CIT clients. More
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On August 15, Angie Howell (Easterseals Nebraska) and Dr. Aaron Yoder (University of Nebraska) presented virtually to the South Carolina AgrAbility (ABLE) Advisory Committee. They shared Nebraska's experiences since 1995, highlighting project activities, service partners, key initiatives, and funding strategies for assistive technology. More
Nebraska AgrAbility had a fantastic turnout during Older Nebraskans Day at the Nebraska State Fair. Thanks to beautiful weather, a record 1,500 visitors came through the Raising Nebraska Building. More
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September is shaping up to be a busy month for Nebraska AgrAbility with a Harvest for Health event, Husker Harvest Days, and OT/PT training. Emily Jacobson has also developed new informational handouts explaining what a worksite assessment looks like for clients and outlining the process with Nebraska VR. More
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One of Nebraska AgrAbility's long-term clients recently shared a fantastic solution that's helping him stay active on the farm. He discovered a custom-made lift right here in Nebraska and had it modified to fit his unique needs. More
Nebraska AgrAbility team member Dr. Aaron Yoder was featured in a Market Journal Story covering Progress Ag Safety Day in Nebraska. Watch the story at https://youtu.be/cpUe_7dPlAI?si=LpI-g73oSdjSQvtu.
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The NM AgrAbility project worked hard during a hot, dry, but sometimes rainy August on the following projects and events.
Six farm apprentices with non-profit partner Mandy's Farm have been busy nurturing crops and harvesting. Apprentice produce will be featured at a September 15 kick-off event for the Montezuma Ball, a gala event that will support many programs at Mandy's Farm.
NMSU has collaborated with Mandy's Farm to replicate best practices from their farm apprenticeship program for an adaptive apprenticeship program micro-credentialing course. This will include an introduction to farming and ranching knowledge plus skills and abilities for people with disabilities. The course is fully online, and staff hope that will make it accessible to more people.
Two FWII (full-time, 12-week) occupational therapy students started their clinical rotations with NMAP on September 8. Among other tasks, the students will conduct fall prevention screenings with seniors from surrounding Native American pueblos while marketing NMAP.
On September 19, NMAP with NM DVR will hold a Day on the Farm event to increase communication between DVR, farmers and ranchers with assistive technology needs, and NM AgrAbility.
Technology assistance partner NMTAP will offer an assistive technology conference on September 22-23. UNM OT partner Mary Thelander will speak at the conference about the benefits of an AgrAbility farm-site evaluation and the power of assistive technology to keep farmers and ranchers growing.
| | Ohio AgrAbility staff spent August assisting farmers, visiting inclusive livestock shows at county fairs, and hosting farmers and colleagues for a peer-to-peer lunch and learn in beautiful southwest Ohio. One of the highlights of the peer meeting was when a client farmer, Tom, spoke about the impact an auto-steer system installed in his tractor has made on his farming. More | |
OAP hosted 40+ farmers and family members, Extension educators, and colleagues at Hueston Woods State Park Lodge in beautiful southwest Ohio. Everyone enjoyed networking, seeing old friends and making new connections, and hearing about Ohio AgrAbility's outreach and educational initiatives in 2025. More
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OAP Disability Services Coordinator Laura Akgerman has attended inclusive livestock shows at 19 county fairs and the Ohio State Fair and still has several more scheduled in September! OSU Extension is sponsoring Laura's travel, which allows her to advocate for accessible agriculture, meet local disability advocates, and support full inclusion in community activities for individuals with disabilities.
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AgrAbility PA staff attended Penn State's Ag Progress Days and had a table with relevant print information and demo assistive technology including a Stand 'n Plant planter and ergonomic hand tools for gardening. Em Kase, an AgrAbility PA staff member that uses a wheelchair, also utilized an Action Trackchair to get around during the event and had information about the Trackchair for patrons upon request. More
| | During an advisory meeting, SC AgrAbility's conversation with the Nebraska AgrAbility team provided South Carolina's program with practical insights into building a more robust and sustainable support system for farmers and ranchers with disabilities. Nebraska's strategies - such as leveraging partnerships with Vocational Rehabilitation, blending state and nonprofit funding, and using targeted outreach through community events and social media-offered actionable models that South Carolina intends to adapt. More | | |
TN AgrAbility spoke to over 100 attendees at the West Tennessee Outreach Conference located at the UT TSU Extension-Madison County Agri-Plex. The conference was sponsored by a USDA OPPE outreach grant. More
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Hurricane Helene left devastating impacts on agriculture in East Tennessee in 2024, but the Flood Recovery Field Day in Limestone, TN, showed that hope is taking root again. One hundred eighty farmers, neighbors, and UTIA experts gathered to share innovative solutions like soil restoration techniques, forage recovery, and riparian buffer projects that can help bring farmland back to life. More
Attendees spent the day learning the latest in beef, fruit, and veggie production from UTIA experts at the 2025 Steak and Potatoes Field Day located on the Plateau Ag Research and Education Center in Crossville to learn, connect, and enjoy a delicious steak sandwich! Held on August 21 with over 200 attendees, this event featured UTIA-led sessions on cattle management, high-density fruit tree planting, disease diagnostics, and more. More
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TN AgrAbility had the pleasure of demonstrating assistive technology equipment and informing 62 New Farmer Academy participants about the TN AgrAbility and AgVOLS programs. The event was located at the AgriCenter International Farmer's Market. More
Jason Barber, a TN AgrAbility cattle farmer with retinitis pigmentosa, and Ned Stoller from MI AgrAbility co-hosted a live demo highlighting smartphone apps like WayAround and Be My Eyes to support visually impaired farmers. Watch the archived session at http://www.agrability.org/training-category/archived/.
TN AgrAbility honored the memory of Jenni Goodrich, a passionate advocate for beginning farmers and veterans. Her impact through the East Tennessee New Farmer Academy, TN AgrAbility, and UT TSU Extension was profound. More
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AgrAbility has been out in the field with farm assessments, one in Seguin and one in Alvarado. Staff are helping educate farmers on how to modify equipment to continue farming. More
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The AgrAbility of Utah staff was excited to attend the Utah State Summit in Orem, Utah, on Aug. 1st and represent AgrAbility.
On Aug 5th, AgrAbility of Utah staff set up a vendor's booth at the Urban and Small Farms Workshop in Kaysville, UT, and talked to many of the participants who attended classes on fruits, vegetables, flowers, and landscaping. The event was sponsored by Utah State University Extension and was attended by over 85 people.
AgrAbility staff set up a table and farm safety scavenger hunt on Aug. 22nd for students in the 2025 Connections classes. Connections is a three-day orientation class for incoming Utah State University freshmen.
On Aug. 25th, AgrAbility staff presented to members of the Cache Interagency Council in Logan, UT.
| | AgrAbility Virginia is busy serving farmers across the state, each with unique needs. One client-a poultry farmer-is seeking a track chair to improve mobility and safely manage daily tasks. The team is working to locate an affordable, used unit. | | |
The mobile education unit continues to log many miles across Virginia and beyond, raising awareness not only about AgrAbility Virginia's services, but also about the vital role and lasting impact of agriculture in the Commonwealth.
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In the month of August, the AgrAbility team lent a helping hand at the Rockingham County Fair, supporting the 4-H livestock sale, engaging with youths and their families, and enjoying the sights-from goats in pajamas to Oreo cows and the grand champion sheep strutting its stuff.
The SRAP recently published its evaluation, filled with valuable feedback from farmer clients and partners. This document reinforces the impact of AgrAbility Virginia's work and informs ongoing service improvements to ensure more farmers can continue thriving in the field. It's not just data; it's direction! View the brief HERE.
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AgrAbility of Wisconsin (AAW) staff exhibited at Wisconsin Farm Technology Days from August 5-7. This annual event showcases the latest advancements in agricultural technology and practices, drawing over 40,000 attendees across three days. More
Professor Emeritus Dick Straub represented AgrAbility of Wisconsin at the Columbia County Corn Growers Annual Farm Safety Field Day on August 6. Held at the Arlington Agricultural Research Station, the event featured hands-on learning and networking opportunities for 45 participants. More
AgrAbility of Wisconsin staff members Michelle Bachand, AgrAbility outreach program coordinator, and Jeff Kratochwill, Easterseals FARM Team program director, presented to the OT/PT staff of the Marshfield Clinic System on August 21. The virtual session introduced 35 occupational and physical therapy professionals to the AgrAbility program and its resources for patients working in agriculture. More
Michelle Bachand joined Extension horticulture educator Margaret Murphy for a presentation titled "Gardening for Life." The session explored the physical, emotional, and mental health benefits of gardening. More
Jeff Kratochwill appeared on the Barn Talk Podcast to discuss farm safety and AgrAbility's impact. The episode covered real-life stories of farm accidents, the challenges of seeking help, and the work of Easterseals and AgrAbility of Wisconsin in supporting farmers. More
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AgrAbility for Africa staff members are creating a demonstration hub to break down barriers in African agriculture. The hub will showcase practical, low-cost solutions, including adapted tools, innovative techniques, and training programs to overcome physical, attitudinal, communication, and institutional challenges. More
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Georgia AgrAbility extends our heartfelt thanks to our veteran agricultural liaison, Justin Miller, for his years of service to our AgrAbility farmer veteran clients. His work helped our veterans access resources, and he was always an advocate for the expansion of veteran programs across the state. We wish Justin and his wife the best as he heads to the beach to enjoy retirement!
| Please help us welcome Katie Aggarwal (Agg-are-wall), who joined the Brain Injury Association of Missouri (BIA-MO) on August 4, as its program associate. Katie will provide community resource services for survivors of brain injury, family members, and professionals. She serves as the "resource guru" and connects individuals with services to meet their needs. In addition, Katie will manage details for BIA-MO programs of support, education, and recreation. These services include support groups, survivor and family seminars, one-day regional outdoor camps, annual statewide conference, networking coffee for professionals, "Concussions: Facts, Fallacies, and New Frontiers" seminars, brain injury resource kits, and more. Katie is a physical therapist with neurological certification and experience. She is now utilizing her knowledge of brain injury and therapy expertise to support survivors of brain injury and their families through the Brain Injury Association of Missouri. | |
Dr. Cheryl Grenwelge, the program director and disability specialist for Texas, retired August 31, 2025, from the Texas AgrAbility Project. She will stay on a few hours a week in a consulting role. Her expertise in the disability field and personal background in agriculture gave her a distinct level of expertise in working with the individuals in the field of agriculture who have acquired a disabling condition. She worked closely with the farmers/ranchers and vocational rehabilitation. These efforts were directed at assisting the individual who has acquired a disability in the agriculture field to return to their chosen profession. Thanks Cheryl or "Doctor G" for all your hard work and dedication to Texas AgrAbility. Send congrats to Cheryl chgrenwelge@ag.tamu.edu
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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.
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