AgrAbility News for July 2019
Maine AgrAbility Project News
As a continuation of peer mentoring and career exploration with youth with disabilities, four students from southern Maine worked three mornings a week on local farms in July. AgrAbility staff are in the process of evaluating impacts of this experience for the students. Concurrently, a video was recorded that followed the students and their work at the farm. More to come!
Staff continued their outreach efforts through FishAbility. Lani Carlson spent quality time talking with fisherman and their families on Matinicus and Great Cranberry Islands as part of Maine Seacoast Mission health events. Read more at A Great Turnout at Mission Lobstermen’s Health Issues Event.
On July 17, Wanda Caron, Richard Brzozowski, and Marie DeFranca attended the Wild Blueberry Annual Summer Field Day at Blueberry Hill Farm in Jonesboro, Maine. Their display focused on aging farmers.
On July 18, Anne Devin and Lani Carlson exhibited at the Maine Military Community Network (MMCN) conference. The topic of discussion at the booth was focused around agriculture as a viable employment option for veterans.
On July 31st Anne Devin exhibited at the Highmoor Farm Field Day at a university farm. Over 100 vegetable and fruit growers were on hand to stop by the display as part of the events.
On August 1, Positively Maine’s Tory Ryden interviewed Lani Carlson and Dick Brzozowski from Maine AgrAbility as well as the new dean of Cooperative Extension, Dr. Hannah Carter. Listen to the 4-part podcast.
AgrAbility News from Across the Nation
The AgrAbility National Training Workshop will take place in Madison, WI, March 23 – 26, 2020.
- The request for presentations and posters has been sent out. You can access them here: Call for Presentation Form. Call for Poster Form. Please feel free to forward this link to anyone who might be interested in presenting at the NTW.
- Contact JoBeth or Tess anytime: JoBeth Rath – jbrath@goodwillfingerlakes.org 585.402.2059 and Tess McKeel – tmckeel@goodwillfingerlakes.org – 585.447.9015
Registration is open for the Regional Workshop in State College, PA October 8-9. This workshop will focus on occupational therapy and assistive technology on the farm – working together to keep farmers farming! You can view the agenda and register for the workshop HERE. You can reserve your room at the Days Inn Penn State by clicking HERE.
The NAP and California AgrAbility are in the beginning stages of planning a Regional Workshop in Davis, CA, for December 3-4. The workshop will be at the Mondavi Sensory Theatre and rooms are blocked at the Hyatt UC Davis. More information will be coming soon!
Toolbox Spotlight
Mini Wheel Loaders offer an alternative to skid-steers with regard to accessing and operating, i.e., side entry (vs. front entry) and steering wheel (vs. push-pull lever control). The machines have hydraulic booms (not loader arms) that accommodate most skid-steer and small tractor attachments. Other features include articulated steering, hydrostatic four-wheel drive, and open or enclosed cab options.