Tennessee

TN AgrAbility was highlighted during the third full week of October on National AgrAbility social media sites. The social media event hosted by the National AgrAbility Project began in February 2025 to highlight state AgrAbility projects around the country. This event gave TN AgrAbility the opportunity to highlight a few of its NIFA/USDA impacts with assistive technology (AT) helping farmers overcome challenges to continue farming.

• Jerry Hill: Standing Combine Lift
  https://www.facebook.com/share/v/16U2mngdkZ/
• Mark Bowen: Portable Bulk Feed Bin
  https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1BpDtdyAx7/

By reducing back and muscle strain and making the process safer, tools like a portable bulk feed bin or a standing lift help farmers with disabilities continue doing the work they love. A piece of equipment gives new freedom to keep farming and feeding the community and to prove that physical limitations will not stop farmers.

TN AgrAbility, along with KY friends Dr. Cheryl Witt and Dale Dobson from KY Raising Hope, recently attended the "Answering the Call" Tennessee First Responder Conference in Murfreesboro, TN. During the event, Dale Dobson delivered an inspiring message about the importance of reminding farmers that they are valued and appreciated. Dale shared a special challenge coin as a symbol of hope and a reminder that help is always just a call away. TN AgrAbility is deeply grateful to Dale for his heartfelt reminder that both farmers and first responders face unique challenges-and that mental health support and suicide awareness are critical. His message, "You are the most valuable resource on your farm," resonated with everyone in the room. Dale emphasized the power of collaboration-bringing together farmers, first responders, and agricultural partners like AgrAbility-to build stronger, more resilient rural communities.

TN AgrAbility is thrilled to celebrate Teresa Wininger of Surgoinsville, TN, as recipient of a new outdoor wheelchair to support her daily farming activities. Teresa and her husband, Mike, manage a 200-acre sheep farm, where she continues her lifelong passion for raising and showing sheep. After a 2013 car accident left her paraplegic, mobility challenges made farm access difficult. Thanks to collaboration between TN AgrAbility and the Tennessee Department of Vocational Rehabilitation, Teresa received an MM V6 Multi Power Seat Wheelchair-built for rugged terrain and farm work-restoring her independence and enabling her to keep caring for her flock. She now looks forward to expanding into Dorper sheep. Congratulations to Teresa and Mike-true examples of perseverance and dedication in Tennessee agriculture!

TN AgrAbility partnered with TN State University Cooperative Extension, TN New Farmer Academy, and AgVols Opportunities on FarmLand to host the 2025 3rd TN State University Veteran Ag Boot Camp. This outreach and education three-day opportunity prepared 15 veterans with the tools, training, and connections to thrive in agriculture. The event offered hands-on learning about assistive technology and farm tours with powerful mentorship from farmers who have walked this path before. The experience was as inspiring as it was practical. Special thanks to all ag partners and host farms helping beginning farmers grow strong and committed to supporting the transition from military service to farming! Thank you to the all the educational speakers from Extension, Appalachian Resource Conservation and Development Council, UT Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Agricenter International, AgVOLs mentorships plus the veteran farmers who opened their gates and shared their wisdom: Meadowdale Farm, RiverView Family Farm, Matheny family farm, Valley Dream Farm and Seven Springs Farm. This community is the real deal!

TN AgrAbility exhibited at the annual TN Association of Rescue Squads (TARS) Convention & training event. There were 438 in attendance from across the state of Tennessee for hands-on classes to improve rescue skills and knowledge. TN AgrAbility partners with TARS on the TN Grain Bin Safety & Rescue Awareness workshops for rescue personnel and farmers.

Submitted by Tennessee AgrAbility Project