Michigan

Bavarian Inn of Frankenmuth Adopts AgrAbility for 2021! The Bavarian Inn of Frankenmuth, MI, announced last month that they chose Michigan AgrAbility as their charity for the entire year! Wow! The Michigan AgrAbility team was completely surprised by the news! They are so excited to be working with Bavarian Inn; their history and reputation in their community and far beyond draws people from beyond Michigan to enjoy the food and hospitality in Michigan's own sample of Bavaria. When you visit the restaurant, look for donation canisters marked for AgrAbility. Stay tuned for Bavarian Inn events throughout the year where Michigan AgrAbility will be involved to promote the organization and their work and raise funds to help more farmers!

The 2021 MI Ag Ideas to Grow With Conference was held virtually on February 15-19. This unique event combined past Michigan State University Extension events such as Ag Action Day, Branch County Farmers Day, and Southwest Michigan Horticulture Days, into one cumulative week-long program encompassing many aspects of the agricultural industry. The program provided outstanding educational information to the public on such topics as agriculture, food safety, and home gardening.

Michigan AgrAbility staff continue their educational outreach efforts by posting assistive technology ideas to make farming jobs easier for our Facebook visitors. Examples include: 1) A Trailing Small-BaleAccumulator for a Conventional Baler (see e-Note main page), 2) Telescoping Gardening Tools, and 3) Wheelchair Handrim Gripping Covers.

Look for a new Michigan AgrAbility publication coming soon that addresses employing workers with limitations. The publication will feature a story of Brian Combs who worked on a crop farm handling field and shop duties for 30 years. Degenerative disc disease and subsequent surgeries eventually led to him losing his job. Surgeries and rehabilitation dragged on for months. But eventually, Brian was physically ready and mentally determined to re-enter the job force. However, finding an employer that could use his skills while accommodating a few lingering physical challenges took time and a lot of patience. Ceres of Coldwater eventually hired Brian because of the skills he brought to the table. They were willing to make a few adjustments in order to bring aboard a skilled and loyal employee. Both employee and employer are happy to have a successful working relationship!

Submitted by Joanna Kica