AgrAbility for Pennsylvanians held its annual advisory group meeting on April 17. There were approximately 20 people in attendance, including project team members, project partners (VR, Dept. of Ag, VA, etc.), and agricultural producers. The advisory group provided the project team with valuable information and marketing strategies to continue in striving to increase AgrAbility's visibility in the state.
Submitted by Erica Bobbitt
Students involved in Penn State University's agricultural Greek organizations raised money in conjunction with AgrAbility for Pennsylvanians in a grassroots campaign this spring. Using a combination of a penny war competition, a spaghetti dinner, and outside fundraising, the students raised $1,100 to help an agricultural producer with a disability complete farm tasks. Josh Cassar, student organizer from Delta Theta Sigma Fraternity, stated, "The project allows Ag students to engage in meaningful community service and it has a direct impact on the day-to-day life of a farmer."
The students chose the recipient of their efforts to be Kenneth Bowser, a dairy farmer in Jefferson County who will use the funds to purchase a sprayer to help control weeds along the fence lines on his farming operation.
Dr. Connie Baggett, director of the PA AgrAbility project, was very pleased that the project was so successful again this year and commented, "AgrAbility for Pennsylvanians is fortunate to have the opportunity to continue working with young and talented student leaders in a way that teaches them the power of grassroots activism in making positive changes in the life of a farmer."
Submitted by Michael Freeman