Tennessee
Thank you to the University of Tennessee Arboretum Society (UTAS) for hosting a brunch honoring veterans and military spouses-the unsung heroes of service. TN AgrAbility staff spoke to 35 guests about the AgrAbility project, then attendees enjoyed making patriotic flower pots to take home. Special recognition goes to Stephanie Trost of Frontline Gardens for sharing her family's story and Janet Hughes of Petals for a Purpose for leading the horticultural therapy session.
Hurricane Helene's flooding in September 2024 severely damaged streambanks, impacting fields, fencing, and infrastructure. Dr. Shelli Rampold, TN AgrAbility project director and assistant professor of issues and crisis communications with the Department of Agricultural Leadership Education and Communications (ALEC), lead the recovery education efforts with the UT Extension and the TN Department of Agriculture. Three Farm Recovery Center Days during May (Carter, Unicoi, and Cocke Counties) connected 95+ farmers with experts on:
- Erosion control & streambank stabilization
- Post-disaster tax implications
- Infrastructure repair and recovery resources (including disability access via TN AgrAbility)
- Emotional well-being as critical in disaster recovery. Stress, grief, and anxiety are common during crises-knowing where to turn for support is essential. If overwhelmed, reach out: Call or text 988 and press 0 for the 24/7 Mental Health Lifeline. Learn more: TN Behavioral Health Services.
TN AgrAbility partnered with the University of Tennessee's Health Integrated Business and Engineering Program (HIBEP). A four-student team of business and engineering students used "design thinking" methodology to address the challenge: "How might Tennessee farmers with disabilities/chronic conditions in remote areas proactively prepare for medical emergencies to enhance safety and independence?"
Through empathy interviews and prototyping, the team developed a preventative guide with best practices for safety and preparedness. TN AgrAbility has plans to promote the resource to its farmers and encourage farm maps for emergency planning and work with counties to share with their farmers.
A coalition of Tennessee organizations launched the TN AgVets Opportunities on FarmLand (AgVOLs) Program, equipping veterans and transitioning service members with agricultural skills and resources. AgVols, TN AgrAbility, UT Center of Farm Management, and UT TSU Extension co-hosted the inaugural two-day workshop in Clarksville, TN, featuring live demonstrations on mobile fencing for livestock, goat health/maintenance, horticulture therapy gardens, and small scale equipment plus presentations related to business plan writing, marketing, financial health and business goal setting, and farm tours. Staff thank all attendees and look forward to future events!
May was Mental Health Awareness Month-a time to prioritize well-being, break stigmas, and support one another. Mental health is health. Learn more: SAMHSA Mental Health Awareness Toolkit. TN AgrAbility promoted Farm Bureau's Farmer State of Mind campaign: "You don't have to face challenges alone. Let's stand against stigma and remind each other that seeking help is a sign of strength." Explore resources: Farm State of Mind.
Submitted by Tennessee AgrAbility