Tennessee

TN AgrAbility, UT TSU Extension-Fayette County, and STAR Center hosted a lunch and learn field day with 27 farmers, gardeners, vocational rehabilitation counselors, Farm Bureau, UT TSU Extension, and STAR Center staff in attendance. Attendees were introduced to the benefits of stretching & yoga; assistive technology gardening & home equipment; tractor lifts/steps; outdoor mobility devices; PTO links; automatic feeders; hydra-grips for hydraulic hoses and skid steers. Nneka Austin, vocational rehabilitation counselor said, "It was good to see in person the assistive technology equipment that VR has purchased." The attendees were able to get their hands dirty and actually see how the equipment and tools work. Thank you for grilled pork chops by Matt Fennel, regional field director for TN Farm Bureau, sides by The Hut in Somerville, and water donated by Food Rite in Somerville that were enjoyed at lunch.

TN AgrAbility is grateful to the National AgrAbility Project for recognizing Jason "Duck" Barber with a 2026 Breaking New Ground Achievement Award. Although the award is typically presented at the National Training Workshop, Duck was unable to attend due to the snowstorm. Earlier this month, members of the Tennessee AgrAbility team had the privilege of surprising him with the honor at his farm. This award highlights his dedication to advancing AgrAbility's mission and supporting farmers with disabilities. Staff are especially thankful for the meaningful impact Duck continues to make by sharing his experience of farming while living with retinitis pigmentosa. Follow his story on @Farming Blind with Duck.

Middle TN Retirees Association enjoyed a meal at Soda Pop Junction and then toured the farm of a Giles County TN AgrAbility farmer. The farmer raises around 30 head of calves for another local farmer. In order to make working cattle easier with his knee impairment, said farmer was provided an outdoor mobility device, automatic feeder, feed bin, and cattle guards. He is able to access his cattle for feeding and vaccinating plus checking/spraying fences without worry of secondary injuries. Gordon Millsaps, Moore County livestock farmer who attended with his wife, Catherine, said: "This program is not only about helping to cover the financial burden of keeping someone farming, but it covers a variety of things that other programs miss. It keeps individuals active in agriculture that fall through the cracks in traditional farming."

Submitted by Tennessee AgrAbility Project

Staff Changes and Recognition

April 30, 2026, marked a truly bittersweet moment as we celebrate the remarkable career and retirement of Joetta T. White, honoring 38 years of dedicated service. For nine years with UT Extension as a 4-H agent in Gibson County and 29 years with TN AgrAbility, Joetta has quietly and faithfully made a difference in ways that are difficult to fully measure. Her compassion, steady commitment, and passion for educating others about assistive technology, farm health, and safety have touched countless lives across Tennessee. More Joetta has worked with individuals ranging in age from 16 to 90-men and women who farm, garden, show livestock, or simply dream of beginning a life in agriculture. She has always met people where they are, helping farmers of all abilities continue doing what they love. Her work has empowered individuals and strengthened communities, leaving a lasting impact that will continue for years to come. Her influence reaches well beyond her professional role, whether in the fields at her family farm, in the stands cheering her daughter's basketball teams, showing her award-winning show hogs, lending a hand to 4-H and FFA youth, or supporting her church and community through Farm Bureau events. Joetta has truly lived the mission both on and off the clock. As she begins this next chapter, we wish her a retirement filled with the same joy, purpose, and fulfillment she has so generously given to others. Her legacy of service will not be forgotten, and she will be deeply missed.