Nebraska

Nebraska AgrAbility was there when PHARM Dog "Lassie" and a Nebraska AgrAbility client, Kyle Lammers, were united. Lassie is shaping up to be a great asset to his operation, mainly to help him with working cattle. Due to Kyle's upper extremity amputation, he still can become easily unbalanced, and a fall could occur while in the cattle yards. Lassie will be used to help Kyle bring cattle up and into his working corrals. She will also work so that Kyle will not have to be in the enclosed spaces with cattle. In addition, Kyle's dog will be used to watch gates while he feeds in order to eliminate transfers in and out of the tractor.

Husker Harvest Days was the great event this year. While attendance may have been down due to natural disasters in the state, connections were made with potential clients, staff were educated on stress and mental wellness, and everyone enjoyed visiting with people from across Nebraska.

While at Husker Harvest Days, staff got to preview the movie "Silo". What a great reminder on the hazards of grain bins. See more about how you can host a screening of this movie in your area by clicking here.

September 16-20 was National Farm Safety and Health Week, and staff educated kids at a Progressive Ag Safety Day in Franklin. Staff also educated on social media platforms about tractor safety, farmer health, safety & health for youth, confined spaces, and safety & health for women. AgriSafe courses were promoted through social media as well.

Staff set up at the Columbus Health Fair to educate people about AgrAbility, stress management, and other programs available through Nebraska Extension. Several conversations with those who had experienced disaster trauma occurred in this venue. It is still a depressing situation for many Nebraskans.

Submitted by Susan Harris-Broomfield