Missouri

On April 24, more than 60 donors gathered to learn about Missouri AgrAbility and Heroes to Hives of Missouri. Members of the MU Extension team, including Joni Harper, Travis Harper, Eli Isele, John Fuller, and Karen Funkenbusch, along with volunteer consultant farmer Kirk Funkenbusch, provided insights during two distinct networking events at Jefferson Farm. The aim was to promote the donation of goods and services that directly support AgrAbility customers.

Within the context of production agriculture and rehabilitation technologies necessary to accommodate disabilities, Corrine Benedict, OTA/S, from the occupational therapy department at the College of Health Sciences, University of Missouri, showcased a research poster for her baccalaureate project II titled, "Bridging the Rural Gap: Planting Knowledge, Growing Awareness, AT & OT Education Across Missouri and Beyond | Phase 2 Campus-wide Expansion" at the University of Missouri. Her academic faculty mentors included Assistant Teaching Professor Kristi Peterson and Assistant Extension Professor Karen Funkenbusch.

The ninth annual Butterfly Festival at Jefferson Farm and Garden was a huge success, drawing in over 725 attendees despite having to shut down early due to thunderstorms. This year's festival blended pollinators with vital education on accessible farming, mental health, and innovative beekeeping practices. A significant focus was placed on supporting those who contribute to agricultural communities, with attendees receiving valuable resources like MO AgrAbility's adaptive tools for plant care and materials aimed at assisting farmers with disabilities, veterans, and their families. The event highlighted how ergonomic beekeeping can be simplified through thoughtful design, making it more accessible. Participants explored a Slovenian-style beehouse optimized for honey production and two-level commercial AZ Hives featuring rear-opening doors to reduce heavy lifting. Additionally, MO AgrAbility and Heroes to Hives of Missouri programs showcased ergonomic tools designed to lessen physical strain, hands-on demonstrations of adaptive techniques and discussions of how to safely implement these strategies on your own farm.

Submitted by: Karen Funkenbusch

A webinar "Brain Injury Causes, Effects, and Resources" as part of the UMKC - Institute of Human Development Open Door Series educated 35 online participants of farmers, survivors of brain injury, family members with a loved one with a disability, as well as professionals in fields such as healthcare, agriculture, veterans services, community support, employment, and more. This webinar was recorded for additional awareness and recognition of Missouri AgrAbility and was presented on April 8by Maureen Cunningham, BIA-MO executive director.

Missouri AgrAbility was featured as a program partner for the BIA-MO Survivor and Family Seminars in St. Louis (April 11) and Springfield (April 18). Julie Thompson with Missouri AgrAbility partner Lincoln University Innovative Small Farm Program shared information about Missouri AgrAbility during the community resource session and at the Missouri AgrAbility exhibit for the St. Louis seminar. Tim Landwehr, BIA-MO volunteer, and Maureen Cunningham shared information about Missouri AgrAbility during the community resource session and BIA-MO exhibit at the Springfield seminar. These two seminars were attended by 175 AgrAbility clients.

Submitted by: Maureen Cunningham

The Innovative Small Farmers' Outreach Program (ISFOP) at Lincoln University Cooperative Extension (LUCE) had an eventful month throughout Missouri, focusing on educating, networking, and promoting the Missouri AgrAbility initiative to small farmers. The following highlights showcase the program's impactful activities:

• Extension agents Susan Jaster and Penny Wilson participated in an AgrAbility-sponsored trip to Shipshewana, Indiana, where they gained valuable insights into the history and culture of Mennonite and Amish communities, particularly how these groups adapt their farming practices to accommodate disabilities.
• In Kansas City, MO, Extension agent Izula Maximillen led a training session titled "Precious Peppers and Petals," which addressed the mental health and stressors experienced by farmers. During this session, participants received MO AgrAbility-tailored materials specifically focused on mental health resources and support.
• Extension agent Julia Thompson conducted a farm visit in Hazelwood, MO, where she provided MO AgrAbility brochures to a farmer experiencing age-related physical symptoms, ensuring he had access to resources that could assist him in managing his condition and farming option.
• In Barton County, MO, Extension agent Lesa Queen conducted a farm visit and shared MO AgrAbility brochures that highlighted ergonomic tool selection strategies aimed at reducing back strain, thereby promoting safer farming practices for the local farmer.
• Extension agent Mary Keeter actively distributed MO AgrAbility materials at a garden and nutrition workshop held on May 28 at the St. Louis Urban Impact Center, engaging 18 participants and further extended outreach by providing MO AgrAbility information at a produce giveaway event in St. Louis on June 2, which attracted 60 participants.

Submitted by: Mark Lucas