Georgia

Georgia AgrAbility and the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network are partnering to address farmer stress. One of the pilot projects is called "Meet at the Shed," and it is a unique way of bringing people together to improve mental health through building a sense of community and belonging. It is based on the Men's Shed initiative that has chapters worldwide. Meet at The Shed is a maker space where people can come together to work on woodworking, metal working, mechanical projects and more. Research has shown Men's Shed's participants reported decreased social isolation, improved mental and physical health, and improved overall quality of life. On April 5th, staff hosted a kickoff informational session and had 46 people in attendance.

An agricultural student group from the United Kingdom came to the University of Georgia Tifton Campus and requested to hear about AgrAbility. Staff showcased their Mobile Learning Lab for the students to help them learn more about AgrAbility services and assistive technology. The students were inquisitive and enjoyed getting to try out the assistive technology.

AgrAbility staff have been working on converting an enclosed trailer to a mobile cooling unit for a client. The client sells produce and vegetables directly to consumers at local farmers markets. The client has to lift heavy coolers into the truck bed every time they sell at the market. Converting the trailer to a mobile cooling unit will eliminate the need for the client to pick up heavy coolers. The produce and mushrooms will go into the cooling unit directly after harvest and can be unloaded easily at the market when a consumer purchases. Read more about it and view a video of the work here.

Submitted by AgrAbility in Georgia