Maine
Maine AgrAbility had a great time hosting the AgrAbility Virtual Fair on October 20th. Thanks to the National AgrAbility team for coordinating this event! That day's schedule and content has been on Maine's website. During the Virtual state fair, staff premiered a new video: Managing Stress on the Farm. With farmer suicide rates two to three times higher than the national average, staff are trying to help reverse this trend by sharing educational resources.
Staff were also asked to conduct a virtual presentation of 'AgrAbility 101' for the department of Labor and Department Health & Human Services on October 22. This was one part of a month-long celebration and educational events slated for Disability Awareness month. In addition, Maine AgrAbility's collection of videos were highlighted as additional resources.
As part of the preparation for Boots to Bushels programming for 2021, staff planted garlic in raised beds at Kennebec Valley Community College (KVCC). There is a total of four super-raised beds, and staff are excited to make these demonstration beds and learning spaces as part of the hands-on course for veterans and people with limitations in 2021.
Maine AgrAbility routinely shares news posts and articles.
- Small Bites are short informational articles with practical ideas. This month they are about problem solving, staying healthy on the farm and recognizing patterns to increase efficiency. This month's post is about time management tools like the Eisenhower box. These shared articles are written by coaches from UMaine Extension's farm coaching team.
- 'Gotta Lotta Living to Do' is a blog series that deals with issues surrounding aging, farming, and quality of life. Two recent blog posts feature Disability Awareness Month by re-visiting former clients and their success stories.
Submitted by Lani Carlson