TNAP helped a seventh-generation farmer raising beef cattle and hay on 100 acres of a Century farm with his dad. The Bedford County farmer has retinitis pigmentosa (RP) that has reduced his vision over the years and now renders him legally blind. TNAP partnered with TN Technology Act and DVR to purchase him a new iPad and ZOOMTEXT app for scanning and reading plus radio frequency tags and a digital wand to read tags on cattle.
Congratulations to Dr. Deborah Reed for her first interview with O, The Oprah Magazine in May 2019 in "Role of Lifetime" about her farm health and safety theater! She did talk about AgrAbility and Extension's role but that, unfortunately, was edited out. O Magazine has showcased nurse-led innovative care. The farm theater has put farmer health and safety on everyone's radar and has influenced farmers' behavior.
TNAP staff participated in the 2019 TN Association of Agricultural Agents and Specialists state conference. Also, thank you Dr. Deborah Reed, "Ag Nurse" from University of KY, for presenting how to start the conversations about "Farm Stress" and always advocating for farm health and safety. A big thanks also goes to Dr. Heather Wallace, UT human development specialist, who has been compiling TN and national resources and shared the UT Extension's "Farmer and Family Stress Toolkit".
Pokedot Hops and Garden welcomed the East TN New Farmer Academy for its 2nd class. The Trosts continue to share their story and give hope to wounded warriors and beginning farmers. It is amazing to see all the changes and growth with the Trost's hard work the last two years. Follow their adventures on Facebook; catch their blog here; or to view their webpage, click here.
TNAP participated in the following AgriSafe webinars:
Farmer Veteran Coalition Fellowship Fund awarded eight TN farmer veterans. Five Tennessee farmer veterans received the Tractor Supply Company $1000 gift cards and three Tennessee farmer veterans were recipients of the Fellowship Fund. The Fellowship funds will be used to help offset costs for a portable chicken coop, fencing supplies, and livestock trailer.
240 6th graders attended the Calloway County Middle School Career Day. They learned about the AgrAbility program. Sample questions they were to ask: Education needed? Job Description? Working conditions inside/outside? Skills needed? Is your job in high demand and if yes, why? How many hours of paperwork do you have to do?
Submitted by Tennessee AgrAbility