Al Rasmussen and Carol Fury from the Minnesota AgrAbility Project participated in the annual statewide conventions for the Minnesota Farm Bureau (93rd annual convention) and Minnesota Farmers Union (70th annual convention). Memberships for these two organizations cover the entire state of Minnesota, representing all 87 counties, including the Twin Cities metropolitan area. Over 900 individuals attended the two events which were held over the weekend of November 17-21.
The Minnesota AgrAbility Project greeted members, engaging them in discussions regarding services available to disabled farmers and their families. EquipALife and the University of Minnesota had AgrAbility displays at both conventions, providing information and packets of materials highlighting areas such as emergency preparedness, arthritis support, product solutions including assistive technology, and financial opportunities available through EquipALife's low interest loan program. This alternative finance program helps disabled farmers purchase equipment or modify and customize existing farm equipment.
Submitted by Dan Stores