Wisconsin

Kewaunee Rural Safety day was Wednesday, May 20th, in Luxemburg, WI. AgrAbility had three representatives there talking to third graders about the modifications that AgrAbility can make to farms, or farm machinery. The representatives from AgrAbility had 15 minute time slots in which they explained what AgrAbility is and then the representatives showed the kids some examples. AgrAbility representatives had the kids guess what the tool or modification was and how it would help a farmer. The representatives had nine or so different tools or modifications with them, and the kids really enjoyed testing them all out and seeing just how easy something can be made for farmers, such as the extra shovel handle. Interacting with the children really got them interested in how AgrAbility can help farmers. It was a great way to spread awareness about AgrAbility and all they can provide for farmers.

One option that Wisconsin AgrAbility offers is the Agricultural Equipment Exchange site. AgrAbility of Wisconsin has been serving Wisconsin farmers for 24 years. As farmers adapt to changes implemented through our program, their needs have the potential to change. AgrAbility welcomes clients to come back to the program as many times as needed, in an effort to accommodate these changes.

Years after working with AgrAbility, some farmers who have had changes to their operations have equipment received through the program that they no longer need or use on their farm. As a way of paying it forward for the equipment that had once been of great use to them, this site allows the opportunity for farmers to pass on that equipment so that another farmer's work is easier and they, too, can continue to do the work that they love.

Initially for Wisconsin farmers with disabilities, the goal of this project is to provide an easy-to-use online resource where farmers can post serviceable agricultural equipment which can then be offered, shared, and/or sold to other Wisconsin farmers with disabilities.

The Agricultural Equipment Exchange site has existed for many years, but it has recently been re-vamped and made more "user-friendly." It is now very simple for farmers to post equipment that they wish to exchange through the Easter Seals website. Because a farmer's resources might be currently impacted by a chronic health condition or disability, the hope is that these items can be made available at no cost, or a reduced cost.

These items are offered by farmers "as is" with no warranty or other guarantee. If you are interested in an item, please contact the individual who posted the item. When an item you have posted to the site has been placed with another farmer, please let Easter Seals know so it can be removed from the list, keeping this resource useful for all.

We are currently in search of items to be added to the exchange website. Equipment can be posted at http://farm.eastersealswisconsin.com/content/agriculture-reutilization-resource. If you have an item you wish to exchange, please contact Bruce Whitmore at 920-675-0579 or whitmore@eastersealswisconsin.com.

Submitted by Hannah Gerbitz