Tennessee

Assistive technology (AT) made farming tasks easier and safer for a Giles County feeder calf producer with mobility issues. With the assistance of TN AgrAbility, STAR Center, UT TSU Extension Giles County, and TN Vocational Rehabilitation Services, he now has the following AT equipment: concrete feed bunks, outdoor mobility device (OMD), OMD gravity flow feed box, and feed bin with auger. He is able to feed and observe his calves without having to get in the pasture with them, eliminating secondary injuries.

TN State University Extension's acclaimed program, hailed by TN Commissioner of Agriculture Charlie Hatcher as "the best beginning farmer series in the country," kicked off the seven once-a-month, hands-on classes across Tennessee in April. TSU TN AgrAbility Project Director Finis Stribling in his 11th year, has led efforts to educate hundreds of new beginning farmers. TN AgrAbility has funded scholarships for 30 veterans with disabilities annually, plus the new AgVOLs program offered veteran scholarships in April. https://www.tnstate.edu/extension/nfa.aspx

The STAR Center, TN AgrAbility nonprofit disability partner, honored World Autism Awareness Day by championing the theme "Different, not less," emphasizing inclusion and empowerment for individuals with autism. TN AgrAbility celebrates Sydney Maitland, a TN AgrAbility farmer, who participated in the NTW and shared his story: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Scz85YbR7AY. "There's no place Sydney feels more like himself than when he's on his farm! Sydney has always loved being around animals and knows just about all there is to know about unique chickens and hatching eggs. After trying out a few jobs that didn't fit, he's currently working with Vocational Rehabilitation and TN AgrAbility on assistive technology equipment to make his poultry farming tasks easier. His message for people with autism? Go out there and reach for your dreams!"

Thank you to ATAP (Association of Assistive Technology Act Programs) and the AT3 Center (Assistive Technology Act Technical Assistance and Training Center) for promoting National Assistive Technology Awareness Day! This day is established each year to bring awareness to the life-changing benefits of assistive technology. "Assistive technology isn't just a modified truck-it's FREEDOM ON WHEELS! Having independent transportation transforms lives. Vehicle modifications make everyday necessities and life's joys possible-from medical appointments and grocery runs to restaurant outings and those long-awaited vacations. It's not simply about getting somewhere; it's about getting there on your terms!" TN AgrAbility partners with the TN Technology Access Program (TTAP) to promote life-changing tools. Explore TTAP's programs here.

Thank you to Charley Jordan, AgVOLS mentorship coordinator and TN AgrAbility farmer (Jordan Farms TN), for advocating for agricultural opportunities for veterans during the Vets in Ag Podcast episode #71. "One of the biggest things I've learned in both the military and agriculture is that success isn't just about what you know-it's about who you surround yourself with. If you build the right team and focus on the mission, you can accomplish just about anything." https://open.spotify.com/episode/7tHVj8vqJj0eToH8IVZLD4

TN AgrAbility, Sigma Alpha Sorority @ University of Tennessee @ Martin (UTM), and Gibson County Farm Bureau Women's Leadership organized the Grow What You Know Women in Ag Conference. Thirty-five women in ag spent the day at UTM learning about beef reproduction, farm finances, soil health, women in leadership, sex in the garden, and assistive technology tools/equipment. It was a beautiful day for a picnic lunch and ended with a flower bar. Thank you to sponsors Farm Credit Mid-America, Tennessee Pork Producers, and Pork Checkoff for making the day a success.

A Henry County Farm Bureau Women's Leadership chairwoman and dairy farmer said "This was such a wonderful event!! All breakout sessions were engaging and thought-provoking. The sisters of Sigma Alpha were professional and so much fun to be around. 10 out of 10 will attend again!"

Submitted by Tennessee AgrAbility