Missouri

In March 2026, several MO AgrAbility articles were published in media this month. The one that gained the most media attention was a collaboration with MU News Bureau. The article discussed a research grant for alpha-gal syndrome and included a sidebar where Karen Funkenbusch provided MU Extension and MO AgrAbility resources for individuals with AGS. By March 4, it had reached 69,000 readers. The NewsBoard service indicated there were publications and postings in 52 publications, reaching a total of 143,000. An article on "Health, wellness contribute to farm safety" was published on March 1 and received positive media coverage from newspapers, magazines and on-line platforms including High Plains Journal and Swineweb.

The Missouri AgrAbility program networked with 300 participants at the Show Me Trade Show held in Versailles, MO. Joni Harper, a field specialist in natural resources, collaborated with local rural organizations in a dynamic and interactive learning setting aimed at engaging overall health and well-being in the west central Missouri community. Attendees explored various health and well-being topics and services provided by local and regional vendors and exhibitors. They also had an opportunity to receive free outreach resources covering a wide range of topics, engage with interactive exhibits suitable for the whole family, and so much more!

Karen Funkenbusch, the director of Missouri AgrAbility Project, along with David Middleton, the Level II onsite farmstead assessor for MO AgrAbility, plus volunteer technical consultant Kirk Funkenbusch, all representing Missouri AgrAbility, participated in the 2026 AgrAbility National Training Workshop, held March 16-19, in Traverse City, Michigan. Despite the snowy conditions at the 2026 NTW, the Show-Me State of Missouri was represented by four participants, including a member from the MO Division of Vocational Rehabilitation who successfully made it to Traverse City. They had a great time showcasing technical posters and presenting several conference sessions, interacting with exhibitors, trying out assistive technologies, and taking part in educational sessions, plenaries, keynotes, special events, and tours. A big thank you to Michigan AgrAbility and its partners, National AgrAbility, and the sponsors for organizing such an impactful conference. It was a pleasure to reconnect with colleagues, and staff are looking forward to the next NTW in 2027.

Emily Doosing, a field specialist in 4-H Youth Develop, had a busy month launching Missouri AgrAbility activities. She led 4-H Save Your Brain Ambassadors meetings on March 4 and March 11, that focused on mental health awareness, substance misuse prevention, and peer leadership development. Following that, she shared educational resources and directly engaged with attendees about mental health and MO AgrAbility services at the Shannon County Health Fair. On March 21, she delivered a three-hour program titled "Day in the Life of a Honey", that combined 4-H agricultural safety and disability concepts with mental well-being through hands-on learning about honeybees. Finally, she implemented a multi-day after-school 4-H Clown College program in Eminence, MO, that focused on mental well-being through creative expression, humor, and building social-emotional skills.

Submitted by: Emily Doosing, Joni Harper, and Karen Funkenbusch

Missouri AgrAbility was featured at an exhibit during the Missouri Association of Elementary School Principals. Many of the rural school principals oversee all grade levels of students. The focus of discussions was Missouri AgrAbility and supporting concussed students in return to learn through the Get Schooled on Concussions Teacher Acute Concussion Tool (TACT).

Submitted by: Maureen Cunningham