AgrAbility eNote banner
March 2022

Kansas

Karen Rasmussen standing behind a table & demonstrating assistive technologyKansas AgrAbility Project (KAP) enjoyed interacting with attendees at another Women Managing The Farm Conference in Manhattan, Kansas. Staff provided an interactive exhibit with one-hand gate latches, AT devices and tools, and a riding saddle featuring a back support. The conference was attended by over 200 women from Kansas and surrounding states. Keynote speakers included Courtenay DeHoff, also known as Fancy Lady Cowgirl. Staff also presented during a breakout session featuring the KAP Protect, Preserve and Plan Through Change program by sharing a slide deck and demonstrating items that are helpful on and off the farm to protect the body and avoid secondary injury.


Tawnie Larson, KAP project coordinator, participated in a feature segment with Agriculture Today, the Kansas State University Radio Network, to discuss the recent
KAP fact sheet titled "Managing Stress: Tips and Resources". The interview and fact sheet were both aimed at informing those that work in agriculture that stress is a common occurrence. The tip sheet references Dr. Robert J. Fetch's "Managing Stress During Tough Times" as a resource to identify signs of stress and how to manage stress. The publication also provides local and national resources for readers to utilize for support.


Kansas AgrAbility was invited to present in the state-wide "Risk Management Skills for Kansas Women in Agriculture" series sponsored by K-State Research and Extension (KSRE) and the Department of Agricultural Economics. The program is hosted in-person by Extension agents in 30 sites throughout Kansas. Some programming is presented in-person and others via Zoom. KAP found the format helpful in presenting throughout the state without requiring travel resources. Tawnie Larson modified the KAP "Protect, Preserve and Plan through Change" presentation to focus on how making changes can mitigate risk throughout the farm, including personnel, operations, and equipment.

Submitted by Tawnie Larson