Nebraska
Nebraska AgrAbility had a strong presence at this year's Nebraska State FFA Conference, where John Davis, Michelle Arens, and Aaron Yoder hosted an interactive booth focused on safety, accessibility, and innovation in agriculture. Students participated in hands-on demonstrations, such as testing grip strength with a dynamometer, driving nails using a one-handed hammer, and experiencing simulated visual impairments with specialized sunglasses. These activities sparked meaningful conversations about assistive technology and how adaptive tools can support farmers and ranchers of all abilities. Over the course of the day, the team connected with more than 2,000 students, significantly expanding awareness of Nebraska AgrAbility and its role in supporting safe and inclusive agricultural careers.
Hosted by the Gothenburg Health Foundation and local community partners, the ag health & safety event "Cultivating Health-Growing Safety" provided a special day dedicated to supporting and empowering Nebraska's agricultural community. This year's theme emphasized the essential importance of protecting the health and safety of agricultural producers and their families. The free event invited men and women across the ag industry to participate in educational sessions and explore resources focused on health, safety, and injury prevention. Attendees engaged with meaningful presentations and informational booths designed to promote safer agricultural practices. Aaron Yoder and Michelle Arens represented Nebraska AgrAbility at the event, connecting with participants and sharing resources that support farmers and ranchers of all abilities.
Aaron Yoder and Michelle Arens, a capstone Occupational Therapy student working with Nebraska AgrAbility, represented Nebraska AgrAbility in collaboration with Nebraska Easterseals at the Nebraska Nurse Practitioners Association Conference - Cultivating Health in Our Communities - 34th Annual Education Conference, Kearney - earlier this year. At the conference, Aaron also presented "Nebraska AgrAbility: A Resource for Farmers and Ranchers with Disabilities Throughout Nebraska."
Nebraska AgrAbility was represented at the 2026 National AgrAbility Training Workshop by occupational therapy capstone student Michelle Arens who participated in a variety of hands-on learning experiences throughout the week. Her highlights included an engaging presentation on assistive technology for cattle producers; an overview of emerging exoskeleton options designed to support individuals performing physically demanding agricultural tasks; and the opportunity to try Action Track Chairs during an accessibility demonstration at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. The workshop provided valuable insights that Michelle will carry forward into her future work with farmers and ranchers as an occupational therapist.
Due to weather impacting the region, Soni Cochran and Aaron Yoder were unable to attend the conference in person. However, Soni presented virtually via Zoom alongside Ed Sheldon (Purdue University), Dr. Cheryl Grenwelge (AgriSafe Network), and Angelo Sorg (Purdue Extension Farm Stress Team). Their session, titled "Collaborating to Strengthen Preparedness and Disaster Recovery for Families Impacted by Disasters," highlighted the importance of cross-organizational partnerships in disaster readiness and recovery efforts.
In February, Aaron Yoder and Soni Cochran presented posters at the Extension Disaster Education Network (EDEN) Spring Training Conference in Tampa, Florida. Soni Cochran partnered with Ed Sheldon (Purdue University) to present a poster titled "EDEN & AgrAbility: Collaborating to Strengthen Preparedness and Disaster Recovery for Families Impacted by Disabilities," highlighting cross-program collaboration to support disaster resilience for individuals with disabilities.
Aaron Yoder presented "Building Resilience Through Preparedness: Empowering Young Farmers and Ranchers to Thrive Amid Natural Disasters," alongside collaborators Ellen Duysen and Kelsey Irvine from the University of Nebraska's Central States Center for Agricultural Safety and Health, and Randy Saner of Nebraska Extension. Together, these posters emphasized the importance of preparedness, partnership, and education in strengthening disaster response and recovery efforts across agricultural communities.
As part of her capstone project, occupational therapy student Michelle Arens developed several practical and educational resources during her time with Nebraska AgrAbility. These resources include "Workload Management and Energy Conservation for Farmers and Ranchers: Strategies for Safer, Sustainable Work"; "Hearing Impairments in Agriculture"; "Mental Health and Wellness for Farmers and Ranchers: Strategies for Stress, Resilience, and Daily Well-Being"; and "Preventing Musculoskeletal Injury for Farmers and Ranchers: Daily Stretching Routine for Safer, Stronger Work."
Nebraska AgrAbility continues to support clients through follow-up visits that help bring cases to a successful close. Emily Jacobson, program manager for Nebraska AgrAbility, recently completed several of these visits, providing an opportunity to assess progress and ensure solutions are meeting client needs.
During these follow-ups, clients shared their appreciation for the program's assistance, particularly in identifying appropriate equipment and accessing funding resources. While long-term outcomes are still developing, the immediate impact on safety, independence, and daily work has been clear.
These visits underscore the importance of maintaining connections with clients beyond the initial intervention. Continued engagement helps confirm that recommended solutions remain effective and allows for any final adjustments before closing a case.
When asked how the operation has changed since receiving modifications or assistive technology, one farmer/rancher reported: "Work is safer, burn less fuel, cover more acres. The technology has been very helpful! Less labor needed, more independent! Definitely a positive change. My self-worth has come back and I am grateful for that. Thank you!"
Ashley Ahrens, Extension educator and member of the Nebraska AgrAbility team, presented at the Western Nebraska Stroke Symposium held May 6 in Scottsbluff. Her breakout session drew approximately 30 attendees, primarily occupational therapists (OTs) and physical therapists (PTs).
The session provided an opportunity to share information about AgrAbility services and resources that support individuals recovering from stroke and other health conditions in returning to agricultural work and maintaining independence. Engagement from participants highlighted the value of connecting rehabilitation professionals with programs that can extend support beyond traditional clinical settings.
Presentations like this help strengthen partnerships with healthcare providers and increase awareness of how AgrAbility can assist individuals in rural communities.
In June, Nebraska AgrAbility hosted the Rehabilitating Farmers and Ranchers with Disabilities course for occupational and physical therapists from across the state. The training was held in West Point, Nebraska, with Christine Hutchinson, PT, DPT, CBIS, director of rehabilitation, Franciscan Healthcare, serving as the lead presenter.
The course welcomed 29 participants and provided a valuable, immersive learning 
experience. Attendees engaged in rich discussions on treatment strategies and perspectives, while also gaining insight into the full scope of the farm environment. The hands-on, context-driven approach helped practitioners connect clinical concepts with real-world agricultural settings, enhancing their ability to support farmers and ranchers with disabilities.
Nebraska AgrAbility supported four clients who were not eligible for services through state vocational rehabilitation by helping them access the AgrAbility Assistive Technology (AT) Fund application. Each client was awarded their requested amount with a minimum 5% match requirement.
In addition to these clients, four individuals were referred to the Nebraska Vocational Rehabilitation system, and two active cases are currently being served through those offices. These coordinated efforts help ensure that farmers and ranchers are connected to the most appropriate resources and funding pathways based on their individual needs.
The current AT Fund funding round closed on June 30, and a new round will open on July 1. Nebraska AgrAbility is grateful to state legislators for their continued support and recognition of the program's impact.
Submitted by Soni Cochran
Other News
Nebraska AgrAbility recently partnered with Boone and Nance County Youth Safety Days to provide important education on ATV and UTV safety. Em
ily Jacobson, program manager for Nebraska AgrAbility, led sessions focused on safe riding practices for youth operating 90cc ATVs.
Key safety messages emphasized during the sessions included "one seat, one rider," the importance of always wearing a helmet, and the need for youth to inform an adult of their destination and expected return time before riding. Participants were especially engaged while learning about safety tools, including an ATV safety bag and an emergency signaling device that can help alert others in case of an accident.
The sessions also addressed the risks associated with youth operating adult-sized ATVs. In addition to being physically too large, these machines require a level of judgment and decision-making that may exceed a young rider's abilities.
An unexpected takeaway from the events was the number of youth who reported already owning and operating small four-wheelers, reinforcing the importance of continued safety education. Through outreach efforts like these, Nebraska AgrAbility remains committed to promoting safe practices and reducing preventable injuries among young riders.