Maine

Maine AgrAbility staff presented and tabled at the 2024 Maine Fisherman's Forum in Rockport, ME. Staff were able to network with a variety of service providers that serve the fishing community as well as connect with fisherman and aquaculturists directly. Staff presented the "Get Stronger, Fish Longer!" workshop. Participants learned how the ergonomics of their job can impact performance and affect quality of life. Brie Weisman, occupational therapist and farmer, taught simple steps participants can take to reduce risk of injury and have better productivity on the job. Toni Small, an oyster and kelp farmer and certified yoga instructor, provided yoga instruction that can be done anywhere on the clam flats or boats, as well as instruction on how to stay fit in the off season so fishermen are better prepared for fishing.

AgrAbility staff attended and tabled at the Maine Dairy Industry Association's Seminar and Annual Meeting in Waterville. The day was filled with education and dairy industry information for attendees. Attendees had the opportunity to speak with Maine AgrAbility about services. Maine AgrAbility staff were able to network with providers more specific to the dairy industry.

In conjunction with Franklin County Extension ag and hort, Maine AgrAbility co-presented a spring "Apple Tree Pruning 101" workshop. Participants learned general care and strategies for effective tree pruning and learned about adaptive tools and strategies including ergonomics to use on-the-job. Participants also learned and identified safety strategies.

Maine AgrAbility expanded its reach in the month of March to serve youth audiences and hosted a "Safe Movement for 4-H Youth" workshop. Youth participants discussed with staff farm tasks that they do, identified areas of discomfort and pain, and learned how to better prepare themselves physically for manual work. Staff also taught yoga-based stretches to 4-H participants.

The Maine AgrAbility group had a great time at the NTW representing their state efforts. Three staff members attended and were joined by Tim Small on behalf of Maine Vocational Rehab. Staff presented "Pain Management for Farmers" on the pain tool developed with a OTD student as well as "Movement and Self- Massage for Longevity and Productivity on the Farm".

Submitted by Bella Russo