Michigan

Michigan AgrAbility received broad-based support for its program and efforts during Michigan Farm Bureau's state annual meeting. During policy approval sessions, the more than 500 delegates approved MI AgrAbility's updated agricultural vocational rehabilitation policy to read:

"We support the concept and use of AgrAbility to keep farmers viable who have issues with walking, carrying, lifting, and normal movements in day-to-day farm activities.

We encourage the state of Michigan, Michigan State University Extension, Michigan Farm Bureau, and county Farm Bureaus, to continue funding AgrAbility and publicizing its services, recognizing a 2.7:1 match from the U.S. Department of Education.

We support the Michigan Chapter of the Farmer Veteran Coalition in their mission to help veterans identify agriculture as a viable career option after military service."

The Farmer Veteran Coalition organization and AgrAbility shared duties for staffing both organizations' booths. The two organizations share a history of being neighbors in the display gallery, and share responsibilities of promoting each other and answering questions to guests who drop by.

To celebrate Veterans Day, Michigan AgrAbility posted photos of all the veterans served by the organization on its Facebook page. The celebration of veterans spanned nearly two weeks, and even included a father/son farmer duo, both veterans and AgrAbility clients. The effort was well-received, shared often, and received many likes!

Submitted by Beverly Berens