Wisconsin

AgrAbility of Wisconsin staff members Michelle Bachand, AgrAbility outreach program coordinator, and Jeff Kratochwill, Easterseals FARM Team program director, attended the VA FARMS monthly peer group meeting. They provided an overview of the AAW program and engaged in meaningful discussion with the veteran farmers in attendance. Although the group was small, the event proved impactful, resulting in the enrollment of a new client on the same day.

AgrAbility of Wisconsin (AAW) was honored to be invited to participate in the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) roundtable on farmer mental health, held in honor of National Mental Health Awareness Month.

Michelle Bachand and Jeff Kratochwill represented AAW at the event, which offered updates on DATCP's mental health initiatives and created space for attendees to share insights, experiences, and personal stories. The roundtable fostered open, informal conversation aimed at reducing stigma and identifying ways to better support Wisconsin farmers and their families.

The insights gathered will help inform DATCP's programming and contribute to collaborative efforts through Governor Evers' Interagency Council on Mental Health. The Council is working to develop a statewide action plan focused on building healthier communities and improving access to mental health services across Wisconsin.
https://www.wbay.com/2025/05/20/roundtable-mental-health-farmers-fond-du-lac/

AgrAbility of Wisconsin (AAW) and the Wisconsin Department of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) continue to meet quarterly to strengthen their collaboration and proactively address any challenges. This month, the teams began planning a fall webinar series hosted by AAW featuring UW-Madison Extension agriculture educators. These sessions will provide DVR staff with valuable insights into the agricultural industry and the unique challenges it presents for individuals with disabilities or limitations.

Submitted by AgrAbility of Wisconsin