January 2024
A monthly update for AgrAbility projects and friends of AgrAbility
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Next AgrAbility All-Staff Meeting: save the date for Monday, February 5 at 3:00 p.m. EST. Look for an agenda and Zoom instructions via email. |
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NTW Updates:
Happy New Year! If you have been putting it off, make a resolution to start thinking about the NTW. Here are some things for you to do:
- Register for the NTW
- Reserve your hotel room
- Identify exhibitors and sponsors
- Assemble a SRAP auction basket and collection auction items
Monthly Zoom Disussion: Outreach to Extension - Wednesday, January 31 at 3:00 p.m. EST. Look for details coming soon.
NAP has just started planning a regional workshop scheduled for Michigan in July 2024. More information coming soon.
NAP is also planning to hold a regional workshop in Guam for October 2024 in cooperation with and supported by the Western Regional Agricultural Stress Assistance Program. More information will be coming out after the NTW.
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Joe Ricker and NAP SkillBridge military intern Brad Erdel attended the North American Honeybee Expo on January 4-6 in Louisville, KY, with over 3000 beekeepers from the nation participating. Joe and Brad staffed a booth with Justin Ruger of Accessible Beekeeping to help patrons understand accessibility options for beekeeping. |
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Newly archived virtual events:
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The OnTrak GPS Guidance System is designed to guide one in following straight lines, radius, or contour routes with an accuracy of about 7 inches according to the manufacturer. The system consists of a battery-powered, wireless device having seven bright LED lights (affixed magnetically to the hood) that operates off and transmits data to an in-cab iOS or Android app. It requires no internet connection, and the manufacturer claims that it can be swapped between machines in seconds, operates up to 24 hours of continuous use, records field map data by date, location, and field name, and saves that data as a digital file. NOTE: this is not an auto-steer system; it simply provides GPS guidance to the operator steering the tractor or UTV. |
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2023 was eventful for California AgrAbility. Staff had the opportunity to be a part of several events that provided support and education to the agricultural community of California. As they move into the new year, staff are feeling very grateful for their wonderful clients and partners. They're excited for all they have planned in 2024 and are looking forward to the busy year ahead! |
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Serap Gorucu and Lindsey Head attended the Farmers Town Hall and Virtual Barn to aid the Florida Discrimination Financial Assistance Program. This effort assists farmers who have experienced discrimination with USDA farm lending. Attendees learned the eligibility requirements and how to complete the application in order to receive support if they have faced unfair discrimination in the past. |
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Georgia AgrAbility staff were busy during December building a new website and updating their Facebook account to transition to an actual page. They will be launching the new website in early January! |
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The NTW is only three months away! Georgia AgrAbility is so excited to see everyone here in Atlanta! Check out this Georgia ag fact to get you ready for your trip to GA! |
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Indiana AgrAbility presented at the Purdue University Extension Professional Development Conference (PDC) held December 13-14 at the Tippecanoe County Fairgrounds Event Center in Lafayette, Indiana. This annual gathering brings together over 300 Extension professionals, including county Extension educators and campus-based specialists, to network and share experiences, programs, and ideas. More
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Michigan AgrAbility staff attended the Great Lakes Fruit and Vegetable Growers Expo (GLEXPO) in Grand Rapids. In addition to showcasing low-tech AT, they demonstrated Levitate and Laevo brand exoskeletons, which caught a lot of attention from attendees. More
The following week, fifteen staff members, partners, and clients met for the annual meeting and had a fruitful discussion with several action items to follow up on and improve logistics and efficiencies within the state program.
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The Michigan State University chapter of AGR fraternity hosted a pig roast fundraiser and awarded MI AgrAbility with the proceeds. Dr. Ron Bates is pictured with the group during the check presentation, photo by Bev Berens.
Ned Stoller started working with the MSU mechanical engineering professor on a hive lifter for an AgrAbility client for a spring 2024 capstone project.
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Missouri AgrAbility focused their social media efforts on program promotion, opportunities for farmers, and health, safety, and wellness tips.
This month staff collaboratively facilitated three network activities with primary MO AgrAbility stakeholders, provided direct assistance to client farmers, engaged in marketing activities through their programmatic social media outlets about upcoming educational activities, conferences, webinars, and other outreach initiatives.
Mackenzie Beving, Madison Fowler, Allison Starke, and Will DiStefano, all doctoral occupational therapy students with the department of occupational therapy developed A Resource Guide for Healthcare Practitioners Working with the Agricultural Community from the University of Missouri College of Health Sciences. More
Daniela Rodriguez, doctoral occupational therapy student, graduated in December 2023 from the rehabilitation and participation science program in occupational therapy from Washington University in St. Louis. She developed an AgrAbility resource for AgrAbility customers and their families. More
What's the buzz? Missouri AgrAbility in partnership with the Heroes to Hives state chapter are working to set up their 4th apiary in St. Louis County to address financial and personal wellness of veterans through free professional training and community development centered around beekeeping. More
On December 4th, Margo Jakobi, farm outreach worker, shared the Missouri AgrAbility Emergency Preparedness Guide for Farmers, Ranchers, and Families with Health Conditions with 10 farmers at an on-farm workshop.
Penny Wilson, small farm specialist from the LUCE ISFOP team, presented information on 988 hotline to 30 FFA students at Oak Ridge High School on December 11th.
Benefits and utilization of Missouri AgrAbility were discussed during the Brain Injury Association of Missouri (BIA-MO) Networking Coffee for Professionals - St. Louis on December 5. This discussion included professionals in the fields of vocational rehabilitation, medical rehabilitation, community reintegration, and brain injury.
Missouri AgrAbility was highlighted during a presentation on December 5 for 10 future neuropsychologists through the University of Missouri - St. Louis. During this presentation, Richard Wessbecher, a survivor of brain injury, shared his personal story, and Maureen Cunningham, BIA-MO executive director, discussed services of Missouri AgrAbility and the Brain Injury Association of Missouri.
Maureen Cunningham participated in a DHSS Senior Community Services Employment Program (SCSEP) meeting to explore potential collaborative opportunities for Missouri AgrAbility. Approximately 15 professionals with government agencies or non-profit organizations learned about Missouri AgrAbility as an employment and workforce development resource for aging rural Missourians in agriculture.
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In December, Nebraska AgrAbility hosted a booth at the 2023 Nebraska Ag Expo at the Lancaster Event Center in Lincoln. The theme of the regional expo was "Where Agriculture Meetings Innovation" and spanned three days with over 800 exhibitors. More
Nebraska AgrAbility finalized handouts focused on assistive technology tools and equipment. These resources will be shared at upcoming events and educational programs. The handouts are also available online at https://agrability.unl.edu/.
The Nebraska AgrAbility met in-person this month to plan for the 2024 programming year. The team prioritized projects and created a list of educational resources they want to develop over the next twelve months.
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After an accident earlier in the year, Byron wasn't certain how he could ever be a part of the family ranching operation again, but with the help of AgrAbility, @NebraskaVR, and @BlurbOutdoors, this Action Trackchair has allowed him to get back into the cattle yards to help with working his cattle. Way to go Byron! |
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New Mexico AgrAbility Project's eight apprentices wrapped up their first year of the apprenticeship program on December 22. These apprentices will return for year two of the program in February 2024 to continue developing their agricultural and workplace readiness skills through individualized internships in their desired agricultural employment areas with an increased focus on business/marketing.
New Mexico State University team members participated in the "Mental Wellness Conversation Curriculum" training hosted by Montana State University, Dec. 4-6. NMAP plans to provide this stress assistance information to its clients and other interested groups.
NMAP partners are thrilled to be preparing presentations for three sessions at NTW 2024:
- "Reaching new heights and expanding audiences by promoting AgrAbility" (NMSU team)
- "AT Fundamentals Course panel" (NM TAP team)
- "Gender differences in health conditions of agricultural workers" (UNM team)
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North Carolina (affilate) |
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December 1, the NC AgrAbility Partnership project manager presented "Taking Care of your Body: Your Best Tool" at the 2023 Food Inspired Resilience & Equity FIRE. The course was offered during the academic semester to eight students by NC State University, and Betty Rodriguez presented one of the sessions. |
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Ohio AgrAbility staff gathered to plan education, marketing, outreach, and events for 2024 and to celebrate the camaraderie and collaboration of the Ohio team. OAP is recruiting farmers for 2024NTW and are excited to see what 2024 has in store for AgrAbility and all of our farmers. |
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Happy 2024 from TN AgrAbility!
Tennessee AgrAbility ended 2023 with a special assistive technology delivery to a Hawkins County farmer, Vernon Goad. A special thank-you to Michael Boucher with All Things Terrain in Georgia who drove up on a cold, rainy day to deliver an Action Trackstander to Mr. Goad. More
TN AgrAbility nonprofit partner, The STAR Center, celebrated the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on December 3. The STAR Center stands for inclusivity and empowerment for individuals with disabilities. More
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December brought another fantastic day of grain bin safety/rescue awareness training and hands-on demonstrations in collaboration with TN AgrAbility and Brian Robinson with the amazing team at the TN Association of Rescue Squads! Thank you to all the volunteers and rescue personnel who save lives and give so freely of their time. |
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TNAP staff participated in the 102nd TN Farm Bureau annual convention trade show with displays for TN AgrAbility and SAgE (Southern Ag Exchange Network). Staff spoke with an estimated 100+ farmers, women in ag, and youths that attended the trade show. More
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Texas AgrAbility collaborated with West Texas A&M University (WTAMU) engineering capstone students to fabricate a tractor lift for a central Texas cattle producer. The client has an above the knee amputation and utilizes his tractor for numerous tasks around his ranch. More
The Texas AgrAbility Total Farmer Health coach provided QPR for agricultural communities to Extension agents throughout the state. Attendees reported increasing their knowledge of resources and tools to help farmers and ranchers under stress and in mental health crisis.
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AgrAbility of Utah staff met with staff from the Utah State Office of Rehabilitation on December 7 to address any barriers and learn more about each other's organization.
On December 15, AgrAbility of Utah staff presented at the 2023 pesticide safety education and applicator training in Brigham City, Utah and explained AgrAbility to the many northern Utah farmers and ranchers who attended.
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AgrAbility Virginia met many professionals at the Virginia Farm to Table Conferences during the month of December. The team tabled at three of the four sessions across the state, reaching 400+ people. More
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Washington AgrAbility spent much of December continuing to attend conferences and share AgrAbility resources.
Emily Whittier, Washington AgrAbility co-coordinator, attended the Northwest Horticulture Expo and the Washington State Tree Fruit Association Annual Meeting in Kennewick, Washington. More
Debbie Fredricks and Alyssa Wade, Washington AgrAbility co-coordinators, attended and tabled at the Washington Dairy Federation Conference in Grand Mound, WA. More
Deb Eidsness, Washington AgrAbility co-coordinator, attended the Skagit Festival of the Family Farms to share AgrAbility resources.
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AgrAbility for Africa staff met in Kampala, the capital of Uganda, on December 22nd. The gathering was composed of professionals from agriculture, rehabilitation-related organizations, and the farming community, all to contribute to short- and long-term strategic planning for 2024, and to enhance networking capacity. More than 75 advisors, consultants, farmers, and staff members participated. |
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Little success has been achieved in improving health information and knowledge penetration to farmers across Africa, at the cost of their quality of life. Many health conditions are still festering because sicknesses such as diabetes and lung cancer are still mistaken for harm caused through the use of supernatural powers.
Together with partners, AgrAbility for Africa staff is expanding and extending health and nutrition information to rural Africa in support of better personal care, early diagnosis, and treatment for different health conditions. More
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The Colorado AgrAbility Project (CAP) welcomed Natalie Bachmeier as its new coordinator. She was preceded by Ellis Vidmar, who played a pivotal role in advancing CAP's communications efforts throughout 2023. Natalie holds a master's degree in public health from the Colorado School of Public Health at CSU. She is dedicated to cultivating strong relationships and linking agricultural communities to the resources they need to be successful and thrive.
CAP is currently seeking a new supervisor to oversee program activities statewide. They encourage SRAPs to distribute the position announcement within their networks. Additional information is available here. |
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AgrAbility Virginia is excited to announce Roberto Franco as our new program coordinator. Roberto previously worked with AgrAbility Virginia on several projects and program initiatives in his role as a Virgnia Tech PhD student. He recently served as our interim program coordinator since May 2023. We look forward to utilizing Roberto's ample experience and passion to assist farmers throughout Virginia and beyond! |
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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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