Wisconsin

The fall Neighbor-to-Neighbor meeting was held Thursday, September 25, at Gary Stankowski's farm in Mosinee, Wisconsin. During this informal gathering, farmers shared ideas and experiences with their peers and viewed accommodations on Mr. Stankowski's farm.

Individuals who were new to the program had a chance to meet with farmers nearing completion of the program and to discuss the process working with AgrAbility, Easter Seals, and the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation.

Gary hosted the meeting as a recent client of the AgrAbility process. He had reached out to AgrAbility following a serious tractor accident a few years ago. The program helped him to continue farming by recommending such accommodations as an automated feed cart, a small skid loader, a round bale chopper, and rubber floor mats for the parlor. The highlight of the meeting was the round bale carrier system (pictured). This is a device that includes a tracking system that holds one round bale, allowing it to be easily moved and distributed around the manger of the barn. Gary's round bale system was the first to ever be installed in Wisconsin.

AgrAbility coordinates Neighbor-to-Neighbor meetings all around the state several times a year. The AgrAbility staff thanks Gary and his family for hosting the most recent Neighbor-to-Neighbor event.

AgrAbility of Wisconsin attended the Indian Summer Festival, held at the Summerfest grounds in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, September 5-7. At the festival, there is a tent for veterans where AgrAbility set up a table to share resources with attendees. This was also an excellent opportunity to network with other veteran groups from around Wisconsin and Minnesota. Staff enjoyed attending this unique venue to share information about AgrAbility services.

Submitted by Hannah Gerbitz