Missouri

Staff wrote an article on diabetes and distributed it to newspapers, magazines, and radio stations throughout Missouri and neighboring states. A second article was written about one of Missouri's AgrAbility Heroes to Hives beekeepers describing his operation and abilities to scale up to become more profitable. This article was widely circulated in the popular press and viewed on the MU Extension, Missouri AgrAbility, and Heroes to Hives Facebook and webpages.

Mackenzie Beving, Madison Fowler, Allison Starke, and Will DiStefano, all doctoral occupational therapy students with the MU Department of Occupational Therapy, developed "A Resource Guide for Healthcare Practitioners Working with the Agricultural Community" from the University of Missouri College of Health Sciences. Lea Ann Lowry was the capstone occupational therapy clinical professor while Karen Funkenbusch served as their AgrAbility mentor. The publication will be disseminated January 2024.

Daniela Rodriguez, also a doctoral occupational therapy student, who graduates December 2023 with the rehabilitation and participation science program in occupational therapy from Washington University in St. Louis, developed several diverse AgrAbility resources for client customers and their families. Karen Funkenbusch served as her AgrAbility mentor. Publications will be shared January 2024.

Missouri AgrAbility focused social media efforts around the promotion of National Farm Safety and Health Week and prevention of suicide. Educational materials, dissemination of information, and program presentations also geared toward meeting the diverse needs of Missouri farmers through inclusion, equity, and equality. If you are not already, make sure to like and follow Missouri AgrAbility, @MOAgrAbility, on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Submitted by Linda Geist and Karen Funkenbusch

October 23rd, the LUCE ISFOP team presented to 252 African American farmers from four different regions in Missouri at a train-the-trainer event. Dr. Clement Akotsen-Mensah presented on integrated pest management, Mary Bolling shared information about Missouri's Farm and Ranch Family Stress and Depression Guide and demonstrated the Jessup Wagon, and Jim Shepard discussed the challenges of melon production in Missouri.

Submitted by Mary Bolling-Keeter

Missouri AgrAbility was featured at the Missouri Rural Health Association (MRHA) Conference with an exhibit in partnership with the Brain Injury Association of Missouri (BIA-MO). More than 300 rural health professionals from across Missouri learned about Missouri AgrAbility. This marketing activity was held November 7 and 8 at the Lake of the Ozarks.

An additional 500 Missouri teachers learned about Missouri AgrAbility at the BIA-MO/Missouri AgrAbility exhibit during the Missouri State Teachers Association (MSTA) Annual Conference held in Columbia on November 16 and 17. This marketing activity focused on "Get Schooled on Concussions for Missouri" resources for teachers and other school personnel to support rural youth in their return to learn following a concussion.

Submitted by Maureen Cunningham