Tennessee

Great job on the part of Tennessee State University Extension and co-host Finis Stribling on conducting the TN Small Farm Expo highlighting the latest research in agriculture. The expo returned after going virtual a couple of years due to the pandemic. Note this link to a local new station covering this educational event.

TN AgrAbility Extension team was part of the expo by having their exhibit in the trade show. This opportunity allowed staff to inform those who visited about what AgrAbility is and how the project helps producers to continue their farming operation with their physical limitations. The attached photo highlights the TN AgrAbility Extension team taking part in the TSU Small Farm Expo.

Congratulations to the first cohort of students that completed University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture's new horticultural therapy program! This new stand-alone certificate program from the University of Tennessee Department of Plant Sciences and UT Gardens Knoxville equips students with the skills to use horticultural therapy as a means of physical rehabilitation, vocational training and improving cognitive abilities. Dr. Derrick Stowell, Education and Horticultural Therapy Program administrator and TN AgrAbility partner, conducted the program. To learn more and see how to get involved, visit Herbert College of Agriculture Celebrates Inaugural Class of Horticultural Therapy Students | Institute News (tennessee.edu).

TNAP helped promote National Farm Health and Safety week and the great AgriSafe educational webinars. These highlighted #NFSHW webinars focused on safe practices in confined spaces, like grain bins. As the size and number of grain bins increases across Tennessee, Tennessee AgrAbility, a UT Extension program that enhances quality of life for agricultural workers with disabilities, is working to help lower the chances of grain bin incidents throughout the state. Tennessee AgrAbility, in partnership with Tennessee Association of Rescue Squads, UT Extension and TSU Extension, has provided the Tennessee Grain Bin Safety and Rescue Awareness Training to nearly 500 Extension agents, producers, and rescue personnel across the state since 2020.

Another TNAP program highlight was on overall farmer health. UTIA is proud of its programs that not only encourage practical farm safety, but also promote the health and wellbeing of Tennessee farmers and their families. UT Extension Family and Consumer Sciences' Tennessee Farmer Family Health & Wellness program provides resources and information on farm safety, stress management, finances, mental health awareness, and more! Learn more about this program HERE.

In celebration of National Service Dog Month, Smokey Mountain Service Dogs shared facts, etiquette tips, and some of the tasks service dogs perform all month long. One example was a dog wearing the Bold Lead Designs balance assistance harness (BAH). When held by the veteran, the handle of the BAH can provide counterbalance support while walking. The device is not usable for weight bearing. Counterbalance for walking is one of the many ways these dogs help disabled veterans live a more independent life. Smokey Mountain Service Dogs works closely with TN AgrAbility and farmer veterans.

TN AgrAbility promoted National Suicide Prevention Month during September. It is important to feel comfortable helping someone who may be experiencing suicidal thoughts or depression. Call or text 988 if you or someone you know needs help now.

This serves as a great reminder from KY Raising Hope partners that for farmers, it can be hard to create work/life boundaries. It's just not possible to be 100% committed to work, friends, and family, and to take care of yourself all at the same time. Rooted Farmers discusses creating effective boundaries and the intersection between mental and physical health with psychologist Evan Bick, PsyD.

TN AgrAbility presented at the Western Region TSU New Farmer Academy (NFA) at Black Seeds Small Farm. Black Seeds Small Farm received the TSU Small Farm award at TSU Small Farm Expo. The highlight of the day was watching the participants "play" with the assistive technology tools that were on hand. TSU New Farmer Academy is a seven-month certificate program designed for those with an interest in becoming agricultural entrepreneurs.

A Weakley County gardener benefited from a donation made by a veteran widow. After a long recovery from COVID, a Weakley County gardener was able to get back in his garden this year. Due to COVID, said gardener has respiratory and mobility issues which kept him from doing what he loves, working in his garden. A veteran widow donated to the TN AgrAbility program several electric wheelchairs her husband used until his passing. It was a blessing to be able to pass it from one veteran to another.

University of Tennessee Ag Day was back to in-person this year. The day consisted of displays and interactive exhibits, and TNAP was a participant. Ag Day was held on the agriculture campus on the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, hours prior to the Tennessee Volunteers and Florida Gators football game, and was free to the public. This annual event brings together alumni, recognizing the 2022 Tennessee Farmer of the Year and letting the general public gain knowledge of many aspects of agriculture.

Submitted by Tennessee AgrAbility Project