Missouri

Kathy Dothage with MU Extension and Susan Jaster with Lincoln University Innovative Small Farmers' Outreach Program were invited to present "Weathering the Storm in Agriculture: How to Cultivate a Productive Mindset" to 45 participants at the Missouri Dairy Expo in Springfield, MO, on February 20th. Informational packets about rural mental programs and behavioral health services, Missouri AgrAbility, Missouri's accessible beekeeping, and Heroes to Hives were sent home with each participant.

Missouri AgrAbility staff members and David Middleton, consultant farmer, exhibited at the annual Western Farm Show, February 23rd - February 25, 2023, in Kansas City, Missouri. The show attracted close to 500 exhibitors that showcased their products or services used in agribusiness, ranging from farm implements and livestock equipment to seed and feed, plus chemicals and computers. There's was a lot to see for full-time, traditional farmers as well as compact tractors and equipment for small, beginning, and part-time lifestyle farmers. Also, the Family Living Center featured a wide assortment of items for use in and around the farm and home while the health & safety area provided hands-on agricultural safety and health displays including the Missouri AgrAbility ergonomic glove display.

Missouri AgrAbility staff assisted with finalizing plans for the Armed to Farm Conference to be hosted in April. The National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) has teamed up with the Columbia Center for Urban Agriculture's Veterans Urban Farm program and University of Missouri Extension to bring NCAT's Armed to Farm training to Missouri for the first time. This sustainable agriculture training will be for veterans in the Midwest, with preference given to those in Missouri. Armed to Farm will take place April 10-14 in Columbia, Missouri. Information found about Armed to Farm is located at https://www.armedtofarm.org/.

Missouri AgrAbility focused its social media efforts on program promotion, opportunities and resources for farmers, and health, safety, and wellness tips. Make sure to like and follow Missouri AgrAbility @MOAgrAbility, on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Submitted by Karen Funkenbusch and Tevin Uthlaut

Missouri AgrAbility was a featured sponsor of the Brain Injury Association of Missouri (BIA-MO) Sports Concussions: Facts, Fallacies, and New Frontiers Seminars during February and early March. In addition, Missouri AgrAbility 4-H Save Your Brain Program was highlighted during the "Awareness for All: Teaching Others about Concussions" session at the four live Seminars. Emily Doosing, field specialist with University of Missouri 4-H Youth Development, and Maureen Cunningham with the Brain Injury Association of Missouri were co-creators and presenters of the "Awareness for All" session.

Submitted by Maureen Cunningham