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Both the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate have included AgrAbility in their versions of the Farm Bill that is currently under consideration. See p. 485 here for the House version and p. 515 here for the Senate version. The House version adds the provision that AgrAbility should "provide education and support to youth and young adults with disabilities interested in farming and farm-related occupations."

NAP recently released an AgrAbility 35-year summary report, Adapting. Not Quitting. This publication, produced in cooperation with Dearing Group, highlights how AgrAbility has helped farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural workers affected by disability continue working safely and productively since 1991. The report also highlights measurable outcomes, including improvements in quality of life, independence, and mental well-being among AgrAbility participants, along with the partnerships that make this work possible across the country. More

AgrAbility was honored to be included in the 2026 Forbes Accessibility 200 list. As with last year’s Forbes Accessibility 100 list, this recognition belongs to everyone involved in the AgrAbility Program—not only the National AgrAbility Project, but also the State/Regional AgrAbility Projects (SRAPs). More

Samantha Wolfe would love to get the monthly Extension check-in back on the books at a better time that works for more people! Please complete the poll at https://www.when2meet.com/?36899499-bAyrx to provide your general availability. (Note that the poll was set up in Eastern time; it may auto adjust to your time zone.) More

At Ease Orchard's American VetFarm Network is building a national network to support beginning veteran farmers and other beginning farmers through education, technical assistance, peer connection, and resource navigation. More

On June 3-4, NAP hosted a regional workshop in Shipshewana, Indiana, that included breakout sessions plus visits with Amish farmers and families, giving participants the opportunity to hear directly about their experiences and the role accessibility plays in everyday life and work. Though the group was small, the networking was impactful.

Chuck Baldwin then followed up with an AgrAbility display at the annual "National Amish Handicapped Gathering" that was held on June 6, also in Shipshewana.

NAP has hosted three 2026 NTW Encore Webinars, which are archived at www.agrability.org/training-category/archived:

• The Motherhouse Project: A Beekeeper Client Success Story
• Mental Health and Agriculture: The OT Perspective and Practice
• Cultivating Resilience: How Missouri AgrAbility and 4-H Promote Farm Safety and Mental Wellbeing for All Youth

The final Encore Webinar, "Communicating Economic Impacts of AgrAbility to Stakeholders," is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. EDT on July 28. Register here.

NAP is also partnering with the North Central Farm and Ranch Assistance Center to host the webinar, "Farm Stress Resources Across the USDA Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN)" on July 30 at 3:00 p.m. EDT. More

Other archived virtual events:

• AgrAbility all-staff virtual meeting: May 6 

At California's Ag Day at the Capitol 2026 in Sacramento, the California AgrAbility team hosted a table and connected with professionals and community members from all over the state. The event was centered around the theme "California Leads," celebrated the resilience of the agricultural community, and highlighted the 2026 International Year of the Woman Farmer. More

In April, Colorado AgrAbility partnered with the Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity for a volunteer service day supporting ongoing client Ann Allen at her ranch in Wellington, Colorado. Rural Rehab Specialist Hannah Cefalo helped organize the fraternity brothers who contributed three hours of labor assistance. More

Colorado AgrAbility also received increased media attention in May thanks to coverage highlighting the program's impact on disabled agricultural producers. The Brighton Blade, in an article by reporter Belen Ward titled "High-tech help sustains injured Brighton cattle rancher," and The Fence Post, in an article by Kayla Shepardson titled "AgrAbility helps Colorado rancher continue the job he loves," both featured Colorado AgrAbility's role in helping producers remain active and independent in agriculture, and specifically dove into its impact on long-standing client Alex Miller. More

Additionally, Rural Rehab Specialist Ashley Buchanan represented Colorado AgrAbility at Logan County Middle School's Ag Day, a large-scale agricultural education showcase focused on farm safety. During the event, Ashley staffed an outreach table and spoke with approximately 500 middle school students about agricultural safety, independence, and overall well-being. More

On April 13th, Florida AgrAbility team members presented at the Association for International Agricultural and Extension Education, AIAEE - 2026 AIAEE Conference in Costa Rica. Focusing on two unique initiatives in Florida, Barnyard Challengers for youth with disabilities and Roots to Work for adults with disabilities, Florida AgrAbility was able to share information and connect with others, opening opportunities for program replication in other areas.

On April 17th and 18th, 4-H youth in the Barnyard Challengers - Florida AgrAbility - UF/IFAS participated in the Brevard County 4-H youth fair and poultry auction. During this culminating event, youth with disabilities and teen mentor participants exhibited their birds and participated in poultry showmanship, a poultry skillathon, and a poultry auction. More

On April 20th, Florida AgrAbility team members presented at the Visions Conference by the Florida Division on Career Development & Transition (FLDCDT), in Gainesville, Florida. The session shared information on the Roots to Work program, which provides agricultural training for young adults with disabilities. More

On April 24th and 25th, the Roots to Work - Florida AgrAbility - UF/IFAS program, which provides agricultural training for young adults with disabilities, culminated in an awards ceremony and a public plant sale the following day. One hundred percent of enrolled participants completed the training program, gaining valuable skills in horticulture and independence. More

Florida AgrAbility attended the International Year of the Woman Farmer ACE (Advocate Cultivate Empower) Summit from June 1st - 3rd, in Washington, D.C. This national gathering, hosted by the American Farm Bureau Federation and U.S. Agrifood System Stakeholders, sought to empower, equip, and connect women farmers, ranchers, and agribusiness professionals. More

Florida AgrAbility attended the 2026 Florida Cattlemen's Convention June 23rd -26th, held in Marco Island, Florida. During the event, staff networked with ranchers, agricultural stakeholders, and the Florida commissioner of agriculture to increase awareness of AgrAbility's services, foster collaborative relationships, and identify opportunities to better support farmers and ranchers with disabilities throughout the state.

AgrAbility staff members, along with partner Shepherd Center, were able to visit with four farm families with spinal cord injuries currently in the rehabilitation hospital. Staff members were able to tell them about AgrAbility services and get prepared for when they transfer home from the rehab center.

On May 26th, Georgia AgrAbility staff and the wife of an AgrAbility client presented at Shepherd Center Rehabilitation Hospital about AgrAbility services. The AgrAbility client was a patient of the Shepherd Center, so it was impactful for the therapists and rehab staff to hear firsthand how one of their patients was able to utilize AgrAbility to return to farming after an accident. More

The Georgia AgrAbility staff presented at Fort Valley State University's Change, Progress, and Restoration Workshop on June 29th. As well, staff demonstrated agricultural assistive technology firsthand, and participants were able to interact with various types of assistive technology. More

On June 16th, the AgrAbility staff worked with its partner, Shepherd Center, to train seven new occupational, physical, and recreational therapists on tool safety. The therapists then work with patients to use the tool program as part of their rehabilitation.

Illinois AgrAbility staff members participated in the National Center for Farmworker Health Spring 2026 Agricultural Worker Health Symposium in New Orleans, Louisiana, April 15-17. The symposium brought together professionals dedicated to improving the health of agricultural worker families through learning, networking, and collaboration. More

The Illinois AgrAbility staff participated in a farm site assessment training session on April 21 and 22 led by Ned Stoller, an assistive technology professional from Foresight Services, LLC. Illinois AgrAbility staff learned about the full assessment process, including initial client communication, farm site assessment, assistive technology recommendations, and farm assessment report writing. More

Indiana AgrAbility's rural rehabilitation specialist, Steve Swain, presented "Assessing and Acquiring Assistive Technology for Farmers with Disabilities" at the Indiana APSE conference at the Horizon Convention Center in Muncie, Indiana. The attendees were advocates and providers for employment for all and integrated employment.

At the end of the spring semester, Paul Jones gave the lecture "Understanding Disabilities" to Purdue's ASEC 201 Communicating Across Culture class. The presentation covered both general disability awareness information and AgrAbility-related topics.

Staff member Brie Weisman prepared and presented two education days with the Certified Logging Professionals of Maine on preventing trips, slips, and falls in a conventional logging setting. Staff presented to 18 loggers in western and central Maine. Loggers left with program brochures and copies of the Limber Loggers poster from ME AgrAbility.

ME AgrAbility staff members were working with three new clients in the month of April, including an organic dairy farmer, a horse farmer, and a small-scale vegetable farmer.

Staff members Bella Russo and Caragh Fitzgerald are running tractor safety courses in Sidney and Turner, ME. Presentation topics include safe tractor operation, awareness of tractor and equipment hazards, farm safety, and AgrAbility information. 

Staff member Toni Small has reached out to interested AgrAbility states following the unconferencing session at the NTW. The session identified shared challenges in reaching and working with sea-based producers. Next steps and connections were included in the email. 

A ME FishAbility client worked with VR to access support for their oyster operation. VR provided equipment including a washer and counter/conveyor, orthotics, and lift arm/crane for their boat. This client also just received a loan from CEI as well as Maine Aquaculture Innovation Center to help purchases of the hull, vessel, and motor.

Ned Stoller and Andrea Garza continued working with 61 clients across the state during the month of April.

Samantha Wolfe presented and provided an assistive technology demo of basic gardening AT for a community college horticultural class in southwest Michigan. 

The MSU mechanical engineering department's spring capstone Design Day took place on April 24. This semester, the team built a prototype for a wheelchair mounted grain feeder that can be used by a young man with severe cognitive and physical disabilities to haul a feeder trailer with his power wheelchair and dispense feed for his family's cows with the touch of a button.

An international group from Taiwan visited MSU's campus at the end of April. They had the opportunity to visit farms and partner organizations around the state and spent a day with Ned and Sam to learn about assistive technology and adaptive processes in the greenhouse. More

Finally, Michigan AgrAbility was fortunate to receive another generous donation from the Tau chapter of AGR for the proceeds from their annual beef preview show in February.

On June 26, Bev Berens and Samantha Wolfe joined collaborators from MSU's Division of occupational and environmental medicine to facilitate a 4-H Exploration Days farm safety and AgrAbility session. Twenty-five students investigated real case studies of farm fatalities, learned about farm hazards and mitigation strategies, and even completed farm tasks around the room while "trying on" different impairments. More

On April 24, more than 60 donors gathered to learn about Missouri AgrAbility and Heroes to Hives of Missouri. Members of the MU Extension team, including Joni Harper, Travis Harper, Eli Isele, John Fuller, and Karen Funkenbusch, along with volunteer consultant farmer Kirk Funkenbusch, provided insights during two distinct networking events at Jefferson Farm. More

Within the context of production agriculture and rehabilitation technologies necessary to accommodate disabilities, Corrine Benedict, OTA/S, from the occupational therapy department at the College of Health Sciences, University of Missouri, showcased a research poster for her baccalaureate project II titled, "Bridging the Rural Gap: Planting Knowledge, Growing Awareness, AT & OT Education Across Missouri and Beyond | Phase 2 Campus-wide Expansion" at the University of Missouri. More

In April, Missouri AgrAbility conducted three personalized level II fee-for-service consultations that increased the likelihood that AgrAbility customers and their farm operations are successful. AgrAbility team members met at the agricultural site to talk about the safe selection and placement of technologies, issues of accessibility, and ways to prevent secondary injuries. 

In a notable initiative over the past several months, Missouri AgrAbility collaborated with the Missouri Broadcasters Association to launch a targeted digital campaign focused on Alpha-Gal, which has impressively garnered 3,950,372 views.

The ninth annual Butterfly Festival at Jefferson Farm and Garden was a huge success, drawing in over 725 attendees despite having to shut down early due to thunderstorms. This year's festival blended pollinators with vital education on accessible farming, mental health, and innovative beekeeping practices. More

Maureen Cunningham with the Brain Injury Association of Missouri (BIA-MO) shared information about Missouri AgrAbility and "Get Schooled on Concussions" for Missouri at the KU Concussion Summit held in the Kansas City area on April 3. Approximately 150 rural healthcare providers became aware of Missouri AgrAbility as a resource for farmers with disabilities.

A webinar "Brain Injury Causes, Effects, and Resources" as part of the UMKC - Institute of Human Development Open Door Series educated 35 online participants of farmers, survivors of brain injury, family members with a loved one with a disability, as well as professionals in fields such as healthcare, agriculture, veterans services, community support, employment, and more. More

Missouri AgrAbility was featured as a program partner for the BIA-MO Survivor and Family Seminars in St. Louis (April 11) and Springfield (April 18). Julie Thompson with Missouri AgrAbility partner Lincoln University Innovative Small Farm Program shared information about Missouri AgrAbility during the community resource session and at the Missouri AgrAbility exhibit for the St. Louis seminar. More

Keeley Construction Health Fair on April 23 raised awareness about Missouri AgrAbility through visits at the BIA-MO exhibit. About 94 Keeley staff visited the BIA-MO/Missouri AgrAbility exhibit to learn about brain injury and resources, including Missouri AgrAbility. 

The Innovative Small Farmers' Outreach Program (ISFOP) at Lincoln University Cooperative Extension (LUCE) had an eventful month throughout Missouri, focusing on educating, networking, and promoting the Missouri AgrAbility initiative to small farmers. The following highlights showcase the program's impactful activities: More

Nebraska AgrAbility had a strong presence at this year's Nebraska State FFA Conference, where John Davis, Michelle Arens, and Aaron Yoder hosted an interactive booth focused on safety, accessibility, and innovation in agriculture. Students participated in hands-on demonstrations, such as testing grip strength with a dynamometer, driving nails using a one-handed hammer, and experiencing simulated visual impairments with specialized sunglasses. More

Hosted by the Gothenburg Health Foundation and local community partners, the ag health & safety event "Cultivating Health-Growing Safety" provided a special day dedicated to supporting and empowering Nebraska's agricultural community. This year's theme emphasized the essential importance of protecting the health and safety of agricultural producers and their families. More

Aaron Yoder and Michelle Arens, a capstone occupational therapy student working with Nebraska AgrAbility, represented Nebraska AgrAbility in collaboration with Nebraska Easterseals at the Nebraska Nurse Practitioners Association Conference - Cultivating Health in Our Communities - 34th Annual Education Conference, Kearney - earlier this year. More

Nebraska AgrAbility was represented at the 2026 National AgrAbility Training Workshop by occupational therapy capstone student Michelle Arens who participated in a variety of hands-on learning experiences throughout the week. More

In February, Aaron Yoder and Soni Cochran presented posters at the Extension Disaster Education Network (EDEN) Spring Training Conference in Tampa, Florida. More

As part of her capstone project, occupational therapy student Michelle Arens developed several practical and educational resources during her time with Nebraska AgrAbility. These resources include "Workload Management and Energy Conservation for Farmers and Ranchers: Strategies for Safer, Sustainable Work"; More

Nebraska AgrAbility continues to support clients through follow-up visits that help bring cases to a successful close. Emily Jacobson, program manager for Nebraska AgrAbility, recently completed several of these visits, providing an opportunity to assess progress and ensure solutions are meeting client needs. More

Ashley Ahrens, Extension educator and member of the Nebraska AgrAbility team, presented at the Western Nebraska Stroke Symposium held May 6 in Scottsbluff. Her breakout session drew approximately 30 attendees, primarily occupational therapists (OTs) and physical therapists (PTs). More

In June, Nebraska AgrAbility hosted the Rehabilitating Farmers and Ranchers with Disabilities course for occupational and physical therapists from across the state. The training was held in West Point, Nebraska, with Christine Hutchinson, PT, DPT, CBIS, director of rehabilitation, Franciscan Healthcare, serving as the lead presenter. More

Nebraska AgrAbility supported four clients who were not eligible for services through state vocational rehabilitation by helping them access the AgrAbility Assistive Technology (AT) Fund application. Each client was awarded their requested amount with a minimum 5% match requirement. More

Two population health students have had a positive experience with their capstone rotation at the farm-site of non-profit partner Mandy's Farm. Two fieldwork II (12-week) OT students will learn about the tasks of farming and animal care as well as supporting farmers with disabilities at the NMAP@Mandy's farm site in the fall 2026 semester.

Non-profit partner Mandy's Farm is expanding its AmeriCorps program to extend workforce development supports to the NMAP farm apprenticeship program. They have been tilling and planting beets and Swiss chard. More

The technology assistance program partner spoke to 600+ elementary school students in Roswell, NM, about technology to promote the abilities of farmers and ranchers to continue their work. 

NMAP's program manager is working with The Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum to improve an app to capture farm stories. An adaptive saddle is presently on display.

NMAP team members staffed a booth and spoke at the 2026 AgriFuture Educational Institute on June 15-17. 

NMAP's apprentice program with nonprofit partner, Mandy's Farm, was featured in the news: Local urban farmers awarded grants to preserve agricultural heritage

Two fieldwork-I OT students started a rotation with NMAP and Mandy's Farm on June 5 and continue through the hot summer months. Their focus will be on the psychosocial demands of producing food for the NMAP agricultural apprentices and for the population of farmers and ranchers in general.  

Six agricultural apprentices continue to produce nutrient-dense food using regenerative agriculture, permaculture, soil remediation, composting, companion planting, and innovative water conservation techniques.

The NMAP team has created a newsletter for spring and summer.

The NM AgrAbility Program (NMAP) has been reenergized through a meeting with its advisory council on June 29. 

NMAP is proud that David Wyllie of HoneyBee Home Crafters, an NMAP client and advisory council member, presented on The Motherhouse Project: A Beekeeper Client Success Story for the 2026 AgrAbility NTW Encore Webinar Series on June 30. 

The NMAP team was hard at work crafting a proposal for the NOFO, which was submitted on June 22. 

NMAP's fieldwork educator, Mary Thelander, Ph.D. OTR/L ATP, presented at the NM AgriFuture Conference on wellness topics (check out the injury prevention and pain reduction materials created for the event)

Six agricultural apprentices at Mandy's farm have continued to nurture their fields, goats and ducks. Two fieldwork 1 OT students have been learning about the rigors of farm work as well as how to support farm apprentices on hot summer days. 

NMAP will present with the Grow the Grower program on July 24, with the ABQ master gardener's program on July 19 and with the Los Lunas Agricultural Science Center Field Day on August 13.

In addition to in-person outreach, Ohio AgrAbility was featured in two articles. Ohio AgrAbility helps farmers with disabilities find independence was published in The Lantern, The Ohio State University's student newspaper. More

Laura presented two sessions at The Ohio State University's ADA Coordinators Multiple Perspectives Conference. Session titles were "Intro to AgrAbility and Agricultural Assistive Technology: Building Infrastructures for Accessibility" and "Accommodating Youth with Disabilities." More

The Ohio AgrAbility staff stayed busy in May, crossing the state to visit farmers, overseeing equipment delivery, and strengthening connections between OAP, farmers, and media outlets. The last days of May found OAP staff giving interviews for two news stories and working with farmers to share their stories and the important work of AgrAbility. 

Disability Services Coordinator Laura Akgerman supported an Ohio AgrAbility Program (OAP) client's child in receiving accommodations to safely participate in showing her horse at the county fair. Through advocacy and collaboration, adjustments were made to ensure both the child's access to fair activities and the safety of all exhibitors. More

Ohio AgrAbility Program staff hosted a peer-to-peer lunch and learn at Punderson Manor State Park Lodge in northeast Ohio in June. The event brought together 25 attendees, including farmers, Ohio State University and Central State University Extension educators, and supervisors from Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities. More

Spring and summer are busy times in the garden! Laura delivered gardening-focused education in community settings, providing training for Master Gardener volunteers in Hardin County through "Gardening and Ergonomics." She also presented "Gardening with Arthritis: It Doesn't Have to Hurt" to approximately 50 participants at an Ohio Association of Garden Clubs regional meeting in May. More

TN AgrAbility, UT TSU Extension-Fayette County, and STAR Center hosted a lunch and learn field day with 27 farmers, gardeners, vocational rehabilitation counselors, Farm Bureau, UT TSU Extension, and STAR Center staff in attendance. Attendees were introduced to the benefits of stretching & yoga; assistive technology gardening & home equipment; tractor lifts/steps; outdoor mobility devices; PTO links; automatic feeders; hydra-grips for hydraulic hoses and skid steers. More

TN AgrAbility is grateful to the National AgrAbility Project for recognizing Jason "Duck" Barber with a 2026 Breaking New Ground Achievement Award. Although the award is typically presented at the National Training Workshop, Duck was unable to attend due to the snowstorm. More

Middle TN Retirees Association enjoyed a meal at Soda Pop Junction and then toured the farm of a Giles County TN AgrAbility farmer. The farmer raises around 30 head of calves for another local farmer. More

AgrAbility promoted the program and assistive technology at the Bell County Disability Fair in Belton, Texas, on April 26.

AgrAbility partnered with Battle Ground to Breaking Ground on April 21-22 to assist farmers with sheep production at Texas A&M University.

Cindy Kovar, program manager, presented "Empowering Farmers and Ranchers with Disabilities through Assistive Technology: Building Inclusive Rural Communities" at the Association of Farmworker Opportunity Programs (AFOP) Conference in Fort Worth, Texas, on April 22. AFOP has been a leading advocate for migrant and seasonal farmworkers since 1971. More

Texas A&M AgrAbility, in partnership with the SARE PDP-funded accessible beekeeping training for ag professionals, successfully hosted an accessible beekeeping training in College Station on Thursday, May 21. The full-day session took place at the AgriLife Extension South Campus and brought together Extension agents, agricultural educators, vocational rehabilitation professionals, and service providers from across the region. More

June was a busy and impactful month for AgrAbility across Texas. On June 4, the team connected with nearly 500 attendees at the Brazos County & Sister Cities College Station and Bryan Employee Health and Wellness Event, sharing resources to support agricultural workers.

On June 9, Texas A&M AgrAbility met with newly hired Texas A&M AgriLife Extension agents, introducing them to the services available to assist producers in their counties.

Rounding out the month, AgrAbility supported Battleground to Breaking Ground staff to deliver a Natural Resource Management & Pasture and Rangeland Management workshop June 24-26 that was designed for beginning and intermediate farmers, ranchers, and landowners.

AgrAbility of Utah staff set up a vendor table and talked to many of the participants of the Northern Utah Conservation Fair in Tremonton, UT, on April 2nd. Over 90 people from Box Elder County attended the event. Some of the topics included invasive weeds, soil health, and current Utah drought conditions.

On April 21st, AgrAbility staff set up a vendor table at the Utah State FFA Next Step Expo in Logan, Utah. Staff were excited to explain AgrAbility to many of the 1,200 FFA students and instructors from across the state. 

The AgrAbility of Utah staff met with Utah State Office of Rehabilitation administrators to address any barriers and learn more about each other's organization on April 23rd. 

On April 27th, May 18th, and June 22nd AgrAbility staff presented to members of the Cache Interagency Council in Logan, UT. 

The AgrAbility of Utah staff were pleased to be consultants on a Brigham Young University capstone project where students designed an accessibility harvesting cart for users with limited mobility. The cart is meant to be used in a rural garden setting to help those with mobility limitations so they can continue to enjoy their hobbies. It may also be useful in small "off-roading" situations where a normal motorized wheelchair is not a good option.

AgrAbility of Utah staff attended the Bear River Non-Profit Mini-Conference in Logan, UT, and learned about networking, fundraising, leadership and caring for caregivers.

The AgrAbility staff set up a booth at the Roads to Independence Vendor Fair in Ogden, Utah, on June 25th and was able to explain AgrAbility to many of the attendees. Roads To Independence is one of six independent living centers in Utah and is AgrAbility of Utah's Non-Profit partner.

The program continues to expand partnerships with Extension and community organizations. This spring, AgrAbility Virginia completed a two-semester community practicum with physical and occupational therapy students from Mary Baldwin University's Murphy Deming College of Health Sciences. More

AgrAbility Virginia also conducted outreach at several events, including a guest lecture in a Virginia Tech agriculture and life sciences undergraduate course, participation in the Virginia Beef Expo, judging the 4-H and FFA Beef Challenge, and attending the Rockingham County Extension Breakfast with legislators. 

AgrAbility VA had an in-person meeting of the AgrAbility Virginia Advisory Group at Mary Baldwin University, where members shared program updates and discussed future directions.

At the 2026 Agriculture, Food, and Human Values Conference held at the University of Vermont in Burlington in June, Dr. Kim Niewolny presented findings from a partner project. The presentation highlighted research and outreach about farmworker health and wellness in Virginia, emphasizing key insights and ongoing efforts to support workers and farm owners to increase health and viability in their agricultural communities.

The AgrAbility Virginia team is currently supporting 49 active farmer clients with a wide range of needs related to disability and agricultural work. The team continues to collaborate with Easterseals PORT Health to secure funding for assistive technology and adaptive tools that will help a vegetable farmer reduce back strain and address lower-body mobility limitations and to secure funding for assistive tools to help two vegetable farmers reduce repetitive motion strain associated with greenhouse work.

AgrAbility Virginia recently exhibited and presented at the Virginia Dairy Expo and the VSU Randolph Farm Farmer Field Day. These events brought together farmers, agricultural professionals, and community partners to exchange information about services and highlight how AgrAbility Virginia assists farmers, ranchers, and agricultural workers with disabilities and health-related challenges.

In addition, AgrAbility Virginia has once again been invited to serve as a community partner for the Mary Baldwin University Murphy Deming College of Health Sciences Community Practicum during the upcoming academic year. Staff are excited to continue strengthening their partnership with Mary Baldwin University and providing students with opportunities to learn about agricultural health, safety, and assistive technology.

AgrAbility of Wisconsin exhibited at the Dodge County Dairy Brunch on June 7th to raise awareness of the program and connect with the local Wisconsin community around the resources that AgrAbility offers to farmers. The event drew nearly 1,800 attendees and led to positive connections and newfound assistive technology opportunities for many who stopped by the booth.  

Jeff Kratochwill and Buffy Uglow of the AgrAbility of Wisconsin project guided Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) Self Employment Lead and Technical Advisor Jessica Fasanello through a day of on-farm learning. Visiting three AgrAbility of Wisconsin clients - two dairy farms and one feeder cattle farm - Fasanello had the opportunity to take in a day in the life of each operator, review how they employ their assistive technology to continue farming safely and successfully, and connect written reports with the needs of those who benefit from DVR's services.

At the start of May 2026, the AgrAbility for Africa staff expanded their work-skills development initiatives by launching an accessible land aquaculture and small-scale fishing training center. This model project aims to reduce the structural barriers faced by persons with disabilities and help address the disability employment gap across Africa, where an estimated 70-80% of working-age persons with disabilities are unemployed or outside the workforce, facing nearly twice the risk of unemployment compared to persons without disabilities.

Ebola virus disease (EVD), formerly known as Ebola hemorrhagic fever (EHF), remains a serious public health concern within Uganda and Congo. While movement restrictions have been put in place to help contain the spread of the disease, AgrAbility for Africa staff are contributing awareness campaigns through short message services. More

Nebraska

Nebraska AgrAbility is pleased to welcome back Program Manager Emily Jacobson following her recent maternity leave. During her time away, AgrAbility services continued without interruption thanks to the strong support and collaboration of the team. Emily shared her appreciation to John Davis for ensuring client services remained active and responsive. "The commitment shown by the entire team made all the difference, and I'm incredibly grateful," Emily noted. This dedication reflects Nebraska AgrAbility's ongoing commitment to support farmers and ranchers across the state.

The Nebraska AgrAbility team extends sincere thanks to Michelle Arens for her passion, professionalism, and commitment to creating meaningful learning opportunities and resources that support farmers and ranchers across Nebraska. Her contributions will continue to enhance outreach efforts and promote health, safety, and sustainability in agricultural work. The staff wishes Michelle all the best as she continues her journey into the field of occupational therapy and thanks her for the lasting impact she has made through her work with Nebraska AgrAbility.

Nebraska AgrAbility is pleased to welcome back Jada Zimmer (Ruff) from her recent maternity leave. Jada is a Nebraska Extension educator and member of the AgrAbility team.

Tennessee

April 30, 2026, marked a truly bittersweet moment as we celebrated the remarkable career and retirement of Joetta T. White, honoring 38 years of dedicated service. For nine years with UT Extension as a 4-H agent in Gibson County and 29 years with TN AgrAbility, Joetta has quietly and faithfully made a difference in ways that are difficult to fully measure. Her compassion, steady commitment, and passion for educating others about assistive technology, farm health, and safety have touched countless lives across Tennessee. Joetta has worked with individuals ranging in age from 16 to 90; men and women who farm, garden, show livestock, or simply dream of beginning a life in agriculture. More

Click titles below for news stories featuring AgrAbility projects.

• AgrAbility helps Alaskan food producers with disabilities (Alaska AgrAbility Project)
• Universal design tools makes farming safer for everyone (Ohio AgrAbility)
• High-tech help sustains injured Brighton cattle rancher (Colorado AgrAbility Project)
• AgrAbility helps Colorado rancher continue the job he loves (Colorado AgrAbility Project)
• From Injury to Innovation: Sydni Mell’s Journey with AgrAbility (AgrAbility of Wisconsin)
• Growing Skills and Confidence: The Roots to Work Program (Florida AgrAbility Project)
• Local urban farmers awarded grants to preserve agricultural heritage (New Mexico AgrAbility Project)
• Capstone Project Puts Young Farmer in the Driver’s Seat (Michigan AgrAbility Project)

Click titles below for other news of interest to AgrAbility staff members.

• Nebraska AgrAbility recently partnered with Boone and Nance County Youth Safety Days to provide important education on ATV and UTV safety. Emily Jacobson, program manager for Nebraska AgrAbility, led sessions focused on safe riding practices for youth operating 90cc ATVs. More
• May was Mental Health Awareness Month, a reminder that farming brings unique challenges, including financial pressures, unpredictable weather, long hours, isolation, and family stress. Mental health is an essential part of overall well-being, and no one should face these challenges alone. If you or someone you know needs support, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7, or FRSAN South Concern Line is available 24/7- call 833-381-7232
• June was PTSD Awareness Month, an opportunity to increase understanding of post-traumatic stress disorder and the importance of support and connection. Healing looks different for everyone, but no one has to face it alone. Supporting someone with PTSD starts with listening, offering patience, and letting them know you are there when they are ready. Simple acts of connection can reduce isolation and provide meaningful encouragement. While loved ones are not expected to have all the answers, their support can make a lasting difference.
• If you are a veteran and want to tell your story, or a songwriter who wants to help write those stories, please contact: https://www.operationsong.org/contact
• Trump Plans to Move Forest Service Headquarters to Utah and Shutter Research Sites
• John Deere settles right-to-repair lawsuit for $99 million
• USDA Announces the Creation of the USDA National Proving Grounds Network to Strengthen U.S. Farm and Ranch Profitability
• Athleisure Wear Made from Corn? How Cargill and HELM’s QIRA Technology is Making It Possible
• FCS Financial, Farm Credit offer new website for young, beginning, and small farmers
• When should a cow's hooves be trimmed? Here's a simple guide to better hoof health
• Registration is Open for the International Year of the Woman Farmer ACE Summit
• Ecorobotix invests $50 million to expand U.S. operations to bring Swiss-engineered precision spraying technology to American farmers

Click here for professional development events related to AgrAbility. 

Problems? Contact Chuck Baldwin, National AgrAbility Project, baldwi19@purdue.edu

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