Tennessee
TN AgrAbility began 2023 partnering with the Farmer Veteran Coalition of TN to exhibit and network at the TN Cattlemen's Association Winter Meeting, "New Year, New Ideas." Thank you to Dr. Temple Grandin, an animal behaviorist and livestock handling expert, who presented information on providing correct care of cattle and safe animal handling, which is very important for the producers. She also spoke on how autism allows her to understand the behavioral aspects of livestock better.
The STAR Center, TN AgrAbility's non-profit partner, has a commitment to helping people with disabilities, like Alzheimer's, reach their full potential. In January, STAR featured ways to improve a client's quality of life with Alzheimer's through music therapy. Music offers a host of benefits for Alzheimer's patients in varying stages of the disease. Studies show music therapy improves a patient's focus, improves their ability to communicate with those close to them, and may lower their dependence on psychiatric drugs.
TN AgrAbility participated in the informational Farmer Veteran Coalition of TN funding webinar. Past Farmer Veteran Fellowship Fund awardees described how the funding assisted them as beginning farmers and explained useful tips on how to apply for the competitive grant of up to $5,000.[BCF1] The webinar featured Jennifer Anthony-Waller, Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee Farm-to-Families coordinator. Jennifer discussed the agreement with USDA's Ag Marketing Service (AMS) and the Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program (LFPA). Through LFPA, the TN Department of Agriculture seeks to purchase and distribute locally grown, produced, and processed food from underserved producers. Kelly Bumpus, Ag Launch director of product development, explained how hosting field trials on the farm can lead to a passive income stream to build wealth.
TN AgrAbility exhibited at the Tennessee Grain & Soybean Producers Conferences. TNAP's goal in participating in exhibits, field days, and trade shows with its educational exhibit is to help inform producers of any assistive technologies that are available to help them with their physical disability so they can continue farming. TNAP staff promoted TN AgrAbility programs as well as the TN Grain Bin Safety/Rescue Awareness Trainings coordinated by TN AgrAbility, TN Association of Rescue Squads, and UT/TSU Extension. Each day featured breakout educational sessions with excellent speakers.
UT Gardens, FrontLine Gardens, and TN AgrAbility held their first monthly lunch and learn session in January. Participants learned a variety of garden topics from Master Gardeners and UT Gardens staff, shared their successes, and learned from other gardeners during this informational session. Sessions are held every third Thursday at noon Eastern Time and are free for veterans and Master Gardeners. One can register at: https://utgardens.wildapricot.org/event-5107327.
Additional information about Frontline Gardens can be found at: https://frontlinegardens.org/.
TN AgrAbility presented at the first session of the 2023 Master Farm Family and Health Wellness Program during January. This is an educational outreach program to provide farm families with the tools to cope and thrive with the unique challenges facing farm families. Brian Robinson with the TN Association of Rescue Squads talked about safety around farm equipment, moving farm equipment, and handling livestock safely. Future webinar topics include grain bin safety, healthy habits to maximize mental health, medical warning signs, talking about tough topics, vision and hearing, safe livestock handling, farmland legacy, and crossing the communication gap. The series will also feature program resources that are available to support farmers. This eight-week program will help producers and farm families gain knowledge while also giving them a new area of participation as they continue to find ways to include the Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program (TAEP) cost share on their farms.
Submitted by Tennessee AgrAbility Project