Indiana

Linda Tarr passed away at home on November 9. Linda worked for Hoosier Uplands Economic Development Corporation, an organization that partnered as a subcontractor on the Indiana AgrAbility Project grant for many years. Hoosier Uplands later became the lead organization for USDA’s Indiana AgVets Program, which collaborates closely with AgrAbility, and Linda was the driving force behind that grant project.

Those who came into contact with Linda knew that she was a dedicated and passionate ambassador for AgrAbility and AgVets. One of her favorite projects was organizing the farmer luncheon at the annual AgrAbility National Training Workshop. Linda came from a farm background and always had great respect and appreciation for AgrAbility clients and their families. She spent untold hours gathering giveaways and other tokens of appreciation for the NTW farmer luncheon. In her honor, the NTW planning committee has decided to rename the event “The Linda Tarr Farmer Luncheon.”

Linda was also largely responsible for launching and growing the Indiana AgVets Certification and Internship Program. Its initial workplan called for the project to enroll 60 veterans in the first four years. However, with Linda’s relentless promotion and outreach, approximately 120 have enrolled to date. She was excited that Indiana AgVets had recently been re-funded by USDA and was looking forward to changing the lives of more veterans through that program.

Linda’s commitment and impact will be remembered by all who had the privilege of working with her.

You can read her obituary at https://www.ochstetrick.net/obituaries/Linda-Tarr?obId=33656149.

Submitted by Paul Jones

AgrAbility hosted a Boots to Business Reboot class for farmers and ranchers teaching them how to develop business plans and access the unique resources from USDA and other agencies and nonprofits to become farmers. Boots to Business is available for free in every state for veterans and their spouses. Anyone interested in hosting one can contact Joe Ricker at 262-388-1261 or ricker2@purdue.edu.

Submitted by Joe Ricker and Ed Sheldon