AgrAbility VA - Winter Newsletter

Winter 2025

Farmer Spotlight: Paul Wilson

Hear from client Paul Wilson about how AgrAbility helped him find valuable resources and relationships to more effectively mange his farming operation.

2024 - A Year of Impact and Engagement:

AgrAbility Virginia made remarkable strides in 2024, connecting with farmers, families, and communities to promote farm safety, health, and well-being. Here’s a look at some of our standout efforts:

Farm Dinner Theatre: AgrAbility Virginia’s Jeremy Daubert organized a successful Farm Dinner Theatre in Raphine, VA, attracting 26 farmers and families. In partnership with Valley Urgent Care, 4H, and FFA, the event addressed critical farm health, stress, and safety issues in a fun, supportive setting. We can’t wait to bring more of these events to Virginia in 2025!
VA Farm Bureau Magazine published an article highlighting our farm dinner theater as a clever way to talk about farm safety and wellness. Read it HERE.

Conferences and Outreach: Our team presented at major events like the 2024 National AgrAbility Training Workshop, the Life Project – 5th Annual Farming & Assistive Technology workshop, and the 2024 Annual Agricultural Leadership and Community Education Graduate Student Symposium. We also reached thousands at 17 in-person events, including the VA Rural Health Association Conference, and the Virginia Farm Bureau 2024 Annual Convention. In addition, we introduced AgrAbility to students at Virginia Tech and engaged farm youth and local legislators.
Published Research: AgrAbility Virginia had impressive academic visibility, publishing a peer-reviewed journal article and a magazine article on our farm dinner theater program, along with two peer-reviewed posters on robotics research and farm worker health equity initiatives.
Read the article HERE.
Looking Ahead: We’re excited to continue sharing our work and expertise. In 2025, we’ll present at major conferences, including the National AgrAbility Training Workshop in Las Cruces, New Mexico and the VCE Winter Conference, offering insights on farm safety, wellness, and stress management techniques for farm professionals.

AgrAbility Virginia is proud to be part of this vibrant, supportive network—making real change for Virginia’s farmers and rural communities. Stay tuned for more exciting updates as we continue our efforts in 2025!

Mark Your Calendars:

Click the links for more information about these exciting events and trainings available to you!

February 5, 2025: Virginia No-Till alliance Winter Conference
February 4-6, 2025 : Virginia Cooperative Extension Winter Conference
March 24-27, 2025: National AgrAbility Training Workshop
April 16-19, 2025: Virginia Beef Expo

AgrAbility Virginia

540-231-4582 | AgrAbilityVA@vt.edu

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AgrAbility Virginia is funded by AgrAbility Project, USDA/NIFA Special Project 2019-2022 (41590-22326) and administered by Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, Easterseals UCP North Carolina/Virginia, Inc. and Virginia Cooperative Extension. Virginia Cooperative Extension programs and employment are open to all, regardless of age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. An equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Virginia State University, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture cooperating. Edwin J. Jones, Director, Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, United States; M. Ray McKinnie, Administrator, 1890 Extension Program, Virginia State University, Petersburg, VA, United States.

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