Nebraska

Husker Harvest Days, the nation's largest farm and ranch expo, was held September 15-17 near Grand Island and was sponsored by Farm Progress. Nebraska AgrAbility staffed a booth in the Nebraska Farmer Hospitality Tent with about 22 other health and safety organizations. Rod Peterson, rehabilitation specialist, set up the staffing schedule with AgrAbility staff and peer supporters greeting participants and talking about the project. The educational focus this year was preventing back pain/injury, with a display that included ergonomic tools and an activity using ergonomic handles to lift and carry full grain buckets. A highlight at HHD was being next to Jackie Allebrand and PHARM Dog USA and seeing the fantastic work she is doing placing service dogs. About 12 peers helped staff the booth and promote the project.

National Farm Safety and Health Week was the third week in September, with the theme "Ag Safety is not just a slogan; it's a lifestyle." Sharry Nielsen, Nebraska Extension educator, did a regional TV spot about the week and activities people could take part in. She developed and distributed posters to ag businesses in three counties to highlight safety during the harvest season.

Trainings to improve skills and network with other professionals were on tap this month. Emily Freudenburg attended the No Wrong Door Training & Networking, learning about working with veterans with PTSD and TBIs. There was a panel made up of veterans and veteran family members who gave great insight into what it is really like. Emily also attended Re-Run Network Training by ATP to learn more about equipment that is available for temporary use by clients.

Submitted by Sharry Nielsen