Maine AgrAbility

Authored by Coaches Polly Shyka and Abby Sadauckas Small Bites are short, informational articles with practical ideas about stress reduction, improved communication, and farmer well-being. They are written by coaches from UMaine Extension’s Farm Coaching team. Farm Coaches are available at no cost to work remotely with farmers and farm families.  Methods of Communication – […]

Discovering the Root of your Back Story: Prevention and Understanding of Back Injuries Friday, September 25, 2020 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm EDT Summary: Back injuries are one of the most common forms of farm-related injuries. Protection of the spine and related musculature is one of the most important steps a producer can do to […]

Maine has one of the oldest populations in the United States. Agriculture and fishing are two of the state’s biggest industries. Combine these two facts with the culture of Maine‘s farmers and fishermen and you’ll appreciate this story even more from Outside Magazine’s Suzanne Rico “Life Lessons from a 97-Year-Old Lobsterman”. https://www.outsideonline.com/2401643/life-lessons-97-year-old-lobsterman

National AgrAbility News The U.S. House of Representatives included AgrAbility in its agricultural appropriations bill at level funding for FY 2021. The Senate has yet to finalize its agricultural appropriations bill. Due to continuing issues surrounding COVID-19 and guidance against gathering in large groups, the AgrAbility NTW scheduled to begin on Nov. 30 is being […]

Orono, Maine — University of Maine Cooperative Extension will offer a webinar about ways to address the physical strain of gardening, noon–1 p.m. Aug. 31. “Pain-free Gardening,” led by Maine AgrAbility specialist Ellen Gibson, will include discussions about ergonomics and tool choices, and demonstrations of safely bending, stretching and getting your body ready to garden. […]

Authored by Coaches Polly Shyka and Abby Sadauckas Small Bites are short, informational articles with practical ideas about stress reduction, improved communication, and farmer well-being. They are written by coaches from UMaine Extension’s Farm Coaching team. Farm Coaches are available at no cost to work remotely with farmers and farm families.  Methods of Communication – […]

Centralmaine.com spotlighted Maine AgrAbility’s new resource, Bulletin #2022: Tips for Farmers Who Hire Individuals with Disabilities. The fact sheet offers guidance throughout the process, including identifying goals and expectations, understanding limitations, safety and health considerations, and developing adaptations for workers for successful outcomes.

Authored by Coaches Abby Sadauckas and Polly Shyka Small Bites are short, informational articles with practical ideas about stress reduction, improved communication, and farmer well-being. They are written by coaches from UMaine Extension’s Farm Coaching team. Farm Coaches are available at no cost to work remotely with farmers and farm families.  Methods of Communication There […]

Small Bites -Practical Tips for Farm Resiliency Authored by Coach Polly Shkya Small Bites are short, informational articles with practical ideas about stress reduction, improved communication, and farmer well-being. They are written by coaches from UMaine Extension’s Farm Coaching team. Farm Coaches are available at no cost to work remotely with farmers and farm teams.  […]

Beekeeping is both a popular hobby and agricultural enterprise. For people just learning about keeping bees or considering it as an agricultural enterprise, Maine AgrAbility recently developed Bulletin #2021, Why Beekeeping in Maine Might Be a Suitable Enterprise for Persons with Disabilities. This provides a brief overview of seasonal beekeeping tasks and chores, equipment needs […]