Michigan AgrAbility

Some farm tasks are harder to do than others. Just like AgrAbility helps you figure out how to make some of your work easier, this webinar might give you tools and the extra push you need to get this unpopular farm chore done, and give you some peace of mind in the process.

Program Evaluation and Reporting System (PEARS) PEARS is the leading SaaS application that streamlines data collection, evaluation, and reporting for community engagement programs.

If you are a veteran in agriculture, please consider taking this brief survey from the Office of Research & Development at U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to help shape the future of support for those who follow in your footsteps. It should take less than 10 minutes and will - hopefully - have a lasting impact!

Please support "Cultivating Care for Veterans in Agriculture" by completing this brief survey: https://varedcap.rcp.vaec.va.gov/redcap/surveys/?s=F4FL9FTC34YT7NXY

Or https://varedcap.rcp.vaec.va.gov/redcap/surveys/
Access code: ND4Y884a3

More info from Dr. Karen Besterman-Dahan, RD:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-oJ3c8RoFDk

Fridays on the Farm: Easing the Way for Fellow Veterans This Friday meet Colonel Joe Ricker, U.S. Army Veteran and founder of the At Ease Orchard and Veterans IN Farming non-profit organizations in Indiana.

The MSU Extension Farm Business Management Team is hosting another lunch-and-learn webinar on Wednesday June 17, “Protecting the Farm: Medicaid & What Farmers Should Know”, from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm.

Attorney Libby Sanderson will join us to discuss how to transfer a farm while ensuring long term care coverage for the exiting generation. Planning ahead is critical, particularly for farm owners hoping to qualify for Medicaid funding; attend this webinar to learn about the major issues and basic strategies used for Medicaid planning within farm estate transfers. Libby practices law with Sarah’s Law Firm, which is focused on estate planning, including farm transfers.

Register at https://pears.io/events/msuext/6997/ today! The webinar will be recorded and put up on the MSU Extension website afterwards for viewing anytime. For more information contact Chris Bardenhagen at [email protected] or 231-256-9888.

Program Evaluation and Reporting System (PEARS) PEARS is the leading SaaS application that streamlines data collection, evaluation, and reporting for community engagement programs.

AgrAbility has been named for the second consecutive year to the Forbes list! This recognition puts into perspective the value, visibility, and real impact AgrAbility has within the agricultural community!

“The Forbes Accessibility 200 highlights the biggest innovators and impact-makers in accessibility, from juggernauts like Microsoft to VC-seeking startups. Based on more than 700 interviews and input from an expert advisory board across all sectors of business and society, the list highlights companies, individuals, and organizations that make the world more available to everyone.”

Call now to connect with business.

Join Heroes to Hives for this event next week on Zoom!

Happy World Bee Day on May 20th!

Thank you to the beekeepers of Slovenia who established World Bee Day in 2018 to celebrate the legacy and birthday of Anton Janša, who is widely recognized as the father of modern beekeeping.

Join us next week, May 28th from 6-7pm EST for a free webinar where we will be discussing the creation of a Slovenian style bee house (aka čebelnjak)! Register now at:

https://miffs.org/heroes-to-hives-events/

Sharing a reminder that telehealth services are once again funded! This program supports free, confidential counseling for individuals working in farming, forestry and fisheries across the state.

Counseling services for Michigan agricultural workers resume with federal support Counseling services for Michigan’s agricultural community have been restored following a lapse in funding that left many without support.

We are honored to see one of our greatest advocates and friends on the cover of the National AgrAbility Project's 35-year report! Read on for more about Doug's story, clients from all around the US, and a feature on Andrea's work with migrant and seasonal workers.

For 35 years, AgrAbility has helped farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural workers overcome barriers caused by injury, illness, aging, and disability — proving that with the right support and adaptive solutions, people can continue doing the work they love.

National AgrAbility is pleased to share our new publication: *Adapting. Not Quitting: 35 Years of AgrAbility.*

The report highlights:
🌱 The history and growth of the USDA AgrAbility Program
🌱 Stories of resilience and innovation from agricultural workers across the country
🌱 The impact of assistive technology and education
🌱 Statistics and milestones from 35 years of service
🌱 The partnerships that have helped cultivate independence in agriculture since 1991

The publication also includes inspiring client and staff stories — many with video links — that demonstrate the determination, creativity, and perseverance found throughout the agricultural community.

Download a PDF of the report or read the screen-reader friendly version here: [AgrAbility.org/35years](https://www.agrability.org/35years/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

AgrAbility sponsored another project with MSU's Mechanical Engineering capstone course this spring. Design Day took place at the end of April, when the team unveiled their prototype!

This Wheelchair Mounted Grain Feeder 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. They went to the farm to install it this week, so we hope for an update soon!