Nebraska

Nebraska AgrAbility hosted the annual advisory board meeting February 19 in Kearney. As always, the weather was not quite cooperating, but 15 board members participated either by ZOOM or in person. There were great conversations in this meeting about how to continue to grow AgrAbility. Staff are so thankful for their board members and appreciate their time and efforts throughout the year.

Women in Ag in Kearney was a big hit again this year. All the rooms were packed with women eager to learn about new things. Three staff members attended the conference to interact with rural Nebraska women and to teach about the tractor safety courses offered around the state this summer so that attendees might encourage their teenagers to take the course. NE AgrAbility staff presented two sessions: "Stressed?" and "Sleepless in Nebraska."

Emily attended several events in February:

• The monthly veteran's meeting and a Continuum of Care meeting in Norfolk. An opportunity with Asera Care is in the works, as a result of the COC meeting, to help a farmer with an end of life wish. Nebraska AgrAbility staff wants to help this farmer see his farm one last time.
• The Beginning Farmer/Rancher Meeting in Lincoln. Representatives from about 20 different programs that work with beginning farmers/ranchers came to this meeting. There were updates on loan programs, grants, outreach opportunities, and many ideas thrown out on how these various programs can help one another.
• The Assistive Technology Partnerships meeting on the ReUse Program. This program helps to pass around the state AT that is used or in good condition. Right now, there is a possibility of an AgrAbility client being matched with a Bruno Turny seat and a wheelchair lift.
• The Nebraska Occupational Therapy Association Course. This meeting is well-attended by practitioners and students. Nebraska AgrAbility educated on tractor safety courses and invited them all to be a part of the upcoming continuing education day for occupational and physical therapists.

Submitted by Susan Harris-Broomfield