Tennessee

The above-mentioned is a reminder of why conversations like Harvest: Weathering the Storm - Proactive Planning for Farm Resilience matter so deeply. Shelli Rampold, TN AgrAbility PI, spoke at the 2026 Pick TN Conference on preparing for the unexpected - sharing practical ways to identify risks, create a disaster plan, and access resources that support recovery when challenges arise. Disasters can strike at any time, but readiness helps build resilience and protect the future of the farm. Farmers - please know you're not alone. TN AgrAbility stands with you, grateful for all you do, and committed to supporting Tennessee farmers through every season.

The annual Pick TN Conference kicked off 2026 with a strong celebration of Tennessee agriculture. The event featured engaging education sessions, packed networking opportunities, and showcased the strength and diversity of the agricultural community. TN AgrAbility served on the Farmer Veteran Coalition of Tennessee (FVC TN) Ag Advisory Committee and helped plan the FVC TN track, which included sessions with TN AgrAbility farmers and veteran panels on technology and grant writing-reinforcing the importance of collaboration to support Tennessee's farmers, producers, and rural communities.

"Farming Allies and Mentors," featured the AgVOLs team presenting on mentorships and educational opportunities. Eileen Legault of TN AgrAbility provided a program overview, followed by Jason Barber, a TN AgrAbility cattle farmer, who demonstrated assistive technology by using ChatGPT on his phone as a legally blind farmer. A new AgrAbility farmer with a vision impairment later shared her gratitude for learning about the Be My Eyes app and recommended Jason's YouTube channel, FarmingBlindwithDuck. Jason reflected, "Moments like that make all the hard work worthwhile. Making a difference, even one person at a time, truly matters."

The FVC-TN Annual Meeting was held Saturday in conjunction with the Pick Tennessee Conference, bringing together farmers, veterans, community partners, and valuable agricultural resources from across the state. The gathering highlighted both the strength of the veteran farming community and the power of collaboration in advancing its mission. The University of Tennessee Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources "Vol Star" Volunteer of the Year Award was awarded to Ron Bridges. FVC TN is a volunteer, non-profit that works with the ag partners to help veterans who want to farm. Ron and all the FVC TN leadership team have given countless volunteer hours and an unwavering commitment in support of FVC-TN's mission. AgrAbility appreciates all the volunteers who give their time and skills to support farmers and veterans -their impact is lasting, and their service matters.

Assistive Technology Equipment Arrives Before Winter Storm:
TN AgrAbility and its partners: UT Extension-Fayette County Extension, The STAR Center, TN Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, and Tennessee Technology Access Program provided Assistive technology equipment to a Fayette County agritourism farm family to ensure they remain productive for years to come. Even though the couple reside and have their agritourism business together, they perform separate, simultaneous tasks in different areas of the property. Because their duties occur in separate locations at the same time, sharing a single Outdoor Mobility Unit (OMU) is not feasible, thus they were both able to receive an OMU to perform their farm tasks. During calls to the couple during the storm, they told TNAP they were thankful for their equipment, making it easier to travel on the snow and ice.

The STAR Center, TN AgrAbility's non-profit disability partner, hosted the "Beyond Peer Vision Group" as a place to connect with others who understand the journey of low vision or blindness. Jason Barber, TN AgrAbility farmer, enjoys being part of a community that shares and cares. It welcomes people together for encouragement, shared experiences, and helpful conversation. It's a relaxed space to learn, connect, and find support from others who truly get it. Whether newly navigating vision loss or having been on this path for years, all are welcome here.

Submitted by Tennessee AgrAbility Project