Progress 09/01/21 to 08/31/22
Outputs
Target Audience:The Target Audiences of the Tennessee AgrAbility Project include: • Extension and other agricultural professionals • Health, Occupational Therapist Students and Professionals • Farmers, farm workers and family members with disabilities/physical challenges • General Public Audiences receiving special emphasis from the AgrAbility Project include: • Military veterans and current military personnel with disabilities/physical challenges that indicate an interest in agriculture/farming as an occupation and/or career • Economically disadvantaged farmers • Small and Beginning farmers Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? In-service Trainings for Extension Agents via ZOOM Farm and Health Safety and Prevention of Secondary Injuries - Farmers, Extension Agents and Rescue Personnel Educational Sessions conducted at New Farmer Academy and Small Farm Expo and Pick TN Conference How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Marketing is incorporated in all TNAP activities. Reporting results of programs can prove to be a needed element of marketing a program. Results from this year will be used by TNAP Staff in end-of-year reporting to supervisors and upper administration; successes will be written for the quarterly newsletter published by the Center for Profitable Agriculture(CPA); e-notes; in CPA Information sheets (not reviewed); in-service trainings with agents; with program partners; other information will be disseminated through the development of new brochures, exhibits and other marketing materials that provide a spotlight for TNAP. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?AgrAbility staff and partners plan to continue to develop and deliver training through workshops, presentations, exhibits, demonstrations, distance learning and other appropriate ways to deliver information and accomplish goals described in the project proposal. TNAP staff plans to conduct three in-service trainings with university Extension agents across the state to promote and make agents more aware of the program. New marketing materails will be developed to include brochures, pull-up exhibit, continue to work on the website - all in an effort to increase the visibility of the AgrAbility project.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
The following information is entered as this grant was extended one-year on a no-cost extension. The funding was only a small percentage of a fully funded year. Priority Area 1 - Education Tennessee AgrAbility Project education activities increase awareness and understanding of disabilities and options for those affected to increase their independence and productivity. TNAP accomplishes education through meetings, workshops, farm field days, media and other opportunities to interact with farmers, agricultural professionals and health/rehabilitation professionals. Education 1.a: Increase awareness of disabilities and assistive technologies to help farmers with disabilities continue to farm, and increase awareness by agribusinesses, commodity organizations, Farm Bureau, machinery dealers, Extension Agents and the general public. TNAP joined the montly Family Consumer Sciences CONNECT trainings. These monthly trainings (6) increased knowledge and awareness of community organizations and programs that would benefit Family and Consumer Sciences Extension clientele and their family members. TNAP presented in one training to overview AgrAbility and to present assistive technology products that are easily accessible for youth and adults needing these devices. Approximately 40 FCS Extension Agents attended these monthly trainings. TNAP Staff assists in the Tennessee New Farmer Academy Program to bring information as to where new farmers and veteran farmers can find assistance/loans/cost-share programs that can be used in their operations. TNAP Staff contacted 50 producers participating in the New Farmer Academy in 2021. Some numbers were still limited due to COVID concerns. Participants are introduced to Extension, USDA - NRCS, FSA, TN Department of Agriculture and others that can provide educational or financial assistance to their farms. Focusing on Farm and Health Safety and Prevention of Secondary Injuries, agrain bin safety and rescue training was conducted in March,2022. TNAPuses this trainingto call attention to the TN AgrAbility Program and how it can benefit farmers with disabilities; while teaching safety measures to prevent accidents on the farm. Training is taught by members of the Tennessee Association of Rescue Squads (TARS),to train farmers and rescue personnelhow to work together if a grain bin rescue is needed. Training was held in the counties of Bedford, Franklin, Lincoln, Marion, Marshall and Moore. Trained were 44 rescue personnel and 7 Extension Agents. Education 1.b.2: Deliver agricultural disabilities awarenes and solutions training at universities and colleges in Tennessee with Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy and OT/PT Assistant Programs. TSU Occupational Therapy students work with TNAP on summer research projects to enhance TNAP. An example of a project was the new TN AgrAbility Intake form for TNAP farmers created by TSU Students. The plan is to encourage team design projects that can improve safety and effectiveness of farmers with disabilities. TNAP Staff Members worked with The STAR Center to educate 24 TSU Occupational Therapy students about farmers who deal with physical disabilities, what they need and how they cope; plus, these students are provided information on services available by The STAR Center,. Education 1.d.2: UT Horticultural Therapy workshops for Tennessee military personnel and veterans. These events are designed for current military personnel and veterans. Hands-on gardening and horticulture activities are covered in these workshops along with providing opportunities to network with other veterans with similar interests. The Tennessee AgrAbility Project Master Gardener Training for Front-Line Gardens was held in March of 2022, with 12 participants. The Front-Line Gardens Workshop was held in May of 2022, with 15 participants, consisting of 7 veterans, 2 TNAP Staff, 1 Frontline garden staff and 5 Master Gardeners. Priority Area 2 - Networking Networking increases reach and effectiveness of AgrAbility by leveraging expertise and resources of other individuals, agencies and organizations. More than 4300 networking contacts have been made through various AgrAbility meetings, workshops and conferences during this entire grant period. Networking 2.a: TNAP will build and strengthen relations with agricultural and health organizations, disability service providers, peer network volunteers and other organizations to support and provide the most comprehensive services to AgrAbility and their families. In addition to forming an FVC Tennessee Chapter, another resource for farmer veterans wanting to start a career in agriculture, is the Tennessee Farm Link. This not-for-profit initiative from the Appalchain RC&D Council and the TN Department of Agriculture helps farm seekers and landowners find each other. The website, will serve as a directory for landowners who wish to see their land kept in agriculture, and for farmers looking for land to lease, purchase or sell. TNAP is part of the Southern-Farm Ranch and Safety Assistance Network (S-FRSAN). Efforts are being made to help farmers deal with farm stress with six AgrAbility programs located within the Southern Region (Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia). ZOOM meetings are held along with an upcoming meeting of the various teams as each state looks to share resources they have available to assist in combating farm stress. Priority Area 3 - Assistance Direct assistance to farmers includes a variety of things to help the producer on the farm such as developing recommendations on farm operation planning, accessibility and ergonomic issues, life activities, assistive technology guidance and advocacy of obtaining needed technical and financial aid. Assistance 3.a: Provide direct, on-site assistance to farmers, farm workers and their family members with disabilities and returning veterans with disabilities to help them attain independence and economic security. TNAP staff members provide assistance to TNAP clients through a variety of methods that assist them on their farm to know of resources that will help lead them toward profitability. Referrals are made to the University of Tennessee MANAGE program to offer financial assistance in recordkeeping, enterprise budgeting and farm plans. Many clients that are new to farming or are veteran farmers are referred to the Tennessee New Farmer Academy tolearn many basic principles of farming in this 7-month course; scholarships are made available to TNAP Clients/Veterans with disabilities. Clients also learn about loans and cost-share opportunities that will assist them in their operation and will be contacted about assistive technologies that can help them in farming practies if desired. This information would be availabe through The STAR Center, our non-profit AT partner or VR. TNAP Staff hosted a TN Farmer Veteran Picnic in conjunction with the Milan No-Till Field Day in the summer of 2022. TN Farmer Veterans learned about agriculture programs through information presented by, University of Tennessee Extension, Tennessee State University Cooperative Extension, Tennessee Department of Agriculture, USDA - Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Farm Service Agency (FSA), Center for Profitable Agriculture - University of Tennessee, FVC of Tennessee, and The STAR Center (AT). More than 60 guests attended the picnic. Priority Area 4- Marketing Marketing informs the public, farmers, and agricultural and health professionals about TNAP. Methods include exhibits at field days and meetings, presentations, on-line with TNAP and NAP websites, social media, electronic communications and word-of-mouth. Feature stories were done by Tennessee Farm Bureau and University of Tennessee Marketing and Communications on clients of TNAP. Virtual Fairs held in the fall help us to target particular partners to assist in promoting TNAP and provide stories of interest of clients using the serivces of TNAP.
Publications
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Progress 09/01/17 to 08/31/22
Outputs
Target Audience:The Target Audiences ofTNAP include: Extension and other agricultural professionals Health, Occupational Therapist and Physical Therapist Students and Professionals Farmers, farm workers and family members with disabilities/physical challenges General Public Audiences receiving special emphasis from the TNAPProject include: Military veterans and current military personnel with disabilities/physical challenges that indicate an interest in agriculture/farming as an occupation and/or career Economically disadvantaged farmers Small and Beginning farmers Changes/Problems:Key Personnel - Project Director Change: Mr. TIm Prather retired in December 2019 serving as the TNPProject Director since 1994. Troy Dugger took over as Project Director in January of 2020. COVID-19 - The issues working with COVID-19 in a university setting proved challenging as well for a 21 to 24 month period. Travel was greatly reduced or not allowed; in-person meetings turned to virtual meetings - challenges were persented here also. Some of the work within the grant was modified to reflect these changes with TNAP. Programs continued forward, but the lack of personal contact with producers/ag professionals and program partnersmade things difficult at times. The NCE of one year was helpful in continuing programs for customers during this time period. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Education 1.a: Increase awareness of disabilities and assistive technologies to help farmers with disabilities continue to farm, and increase awareness by agribusinesses, commodity organizations, Farm Bureau, machinery dealers and general public. National Training Workshops - in-person and virtually with TNAP staff and program partners and farmers attending. Farmer Veteran Training - two workshops held with over 140 participants held at Pick TN Conference TN New Farmer Academy held annually at TN State University with 100 participants annually Agent In-service training to raise awareness of TNAP and disability servicesprograms - 4sessions held in the past two years Grain Bin Safety Training has provided opportunity for TNAP to promoteon farm health safety and prevention of secondary injuries Education 1.d. Provide direct education for farmers, farm workers and their families. Educational information was provided to these clients in the following manner: • Farmer Veteran Coalition Meetings - 12meetings • Small Farm Virtual Expo with Tennessee State University • Virtual NAP State Fair • TN Assistive Technology Virtual Fair • NAP Virtual Webinars attended by TNAP Staff Members • TSU TN New Farmer Academy Participants (Virtual) • OT students at Tennessee State University - Training them about agriculture ATand the role of the TNAP Education 1.e: Enhance outreach using remote/online training. TNAP staff development included 60webinars by National AgrAbility Project and other organizations. Webinar invitations are also extended to UT TSU Extension and TNAP customers. TNAP hosted "Stress on the Farm: Contagious and Deadly" webinar by Dr. Deborah Reed.Staff members were engaged in 8 webinars that focused on AT, veteran programs, OT, farm safety, disability issues and disabilities acros the world. These webinars are extended as an invitation to Extension personnel and TNAP customers. Networking 2.c: TNAP will provide training at universities and colleges in Tennessee offering Engineering Design programs as opportunities to educate the community about AgrAbility. AgrAbility training for University of Tennessee at Martin engineering students encouraged individual and team design projects that improve safety and effectiveness of farmers with disabilities. Networking 2.d. Network with businesses, agencies and organizations that target underserved audiences. TNAP staff members networked with over 850+veterans and organizations to collect resources to assist clients. We continue to work with NRCS through the State Technical Advisory Committee and Civil Rights/Special Emphasis Program Managers Committee and invite USDA personnel to be involved in programs along with Extension to promote cost-share, grant and loan programs to producers. We work with the following (among others) in carrying out our mission of education and promoting of our programs: • University of Tennessee and Tennessee State University Extension Agents and Specialists • Tennessee Department of Agriculture • Department of Vocational Rehabilitation • USDA - NRCS Staff • USDA - FSA Staff • The Field School - Appalachian Region - Northeast Tennessee • Farmer Veteran Coalition of Tennessee • Commodity Associations and Organizations across Tennessee • Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation Assistance 3.b.2: Expand the scope of delivering services to include assisting veterans with disabilities, especially in rural areas, obtain employment. TNAPis many veterans' first contact with USDA resources, Extension network, or the Farmer Veteran Coalition. To expand services, UT Extension applied for and was awarded a USDA NIFA Beginning Farmer Development Program for 2017-2020, with farmers with disabilities and farmer veterans as target audiences. Three TN farmer veterans with disabilities havedevelopedveteran run farms to help other veterans who want to transition into farming. All 3 graduated the TSU TNNew Farmer Academy to expand their farming knowledge and to network. They learn where to find financial resources to help in their work, along with having exposure to developing a business plan and now Tennessee allows those who complete this course to apply for a beginning farmer cost share program through the TNAgriculture Enhancement Program. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Marketing is incorporated in all TNAP activities. Additional marketing methods will include brochures, posters, updated exhibit materials and updated/new logos of our non-profit partner. We will continuethe use of all social media sites, website, any and all NAPmarketing materials available, outreach and news releases through the University of Tennessee, all work with program partners and outreach to their contacts telling them about AgrAbility; othereducational exhibits and trade shows, contact with FVC members, TSU TN New Farmer Academy andTN State University (1890 University), e-mail and other electronic communications means. Outreach to our partners with the TNFarm Bureau Federation and their communications department with use of their Farm Bureau News and other outlets. Success stories from TNAP will be shared and included with Extension Agent trainings we conduct in the future. All news items will be shared in the monthly NAP AgrAbility e-Notes. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Priority Area 1 - Education 1.a: Increase awareness of disabilities and assistive technologies to help farmers with disabilities continue to farm.TNAP reached 1122people at ag events. Plusover 38,178farmers, workers,family members, program partners, and others including youth were reached through other educational activities. TNAP andDr. Deborah Reed,University of Kentucky, College of Nursing teamed for phase 2 of the didactic reading Farm Safety Dinner Theater funded by the Hillman Foundation.Dr. Reed developed toolkits for counties and states to hostFarm Health and Safety theaters. 1.b.1: TNAP will continue collaborations with Tennessee Department of Vocational Rehabilitation and United States Department of Veterans Affairs, Vocational Rehabilitation and Education and incorporate the agencies' needs in TNAPtraining presented to their staff to help counselors understand and meet the needs of farmers and veterans interested in agricultural employment. TN Department of Human Serviceshosts "Resource ABILITY Assistive Technology Fair."It is TNAP's outreach withTN Technology Access Programs and reached all state Vocational Rehabilitation staff and Technology Act programs for Year 4, virtually with TNAP highlighted videos of two farmers' success stories working with VR. 1.b.2 Deliver agricultural disabilities awareness and solutions training at universities and colleges in Tennessee with Occupational Therapy (OT)/Physical Therapy (PT) and OT/PT Assistant programs. 107 TSU Occupational and Physical Therapy students had the opportunity to experience TNAP first-hand. These students were provided information on services available by The STAR Center and TNAP. Students participatein a class project annually. An example of aproject is the new TNAPIntake form for TNAP farmers created by TSU students. 1.c: Present workshops for veteran farmers and refer farmers to appropriate education and assistance resources. These included: TN Beginning Farmer Resources,TSU TN New Farmer Academy (over 100 beginning farmers/veterans with disabilities) participated (TNAP gives30 scholarships annually), training with AgriCenter's Veteran Employed in Technology and Service in Ag (VESTA)program to include AgriCenter's Farm Safe plus AgriSafe NAPprograms. Over 100 have participated in the Farmer Veteran Picnic at Milan No-TIll Field Day learning about ag programs available. 1.d.1: TNAP partners conduct education and awareness activities for the general public, especially in settings frequented by farmers, to deliver information and generate referrals to the TNAP. Hosted with TSU and NAP the 1890 Regional AgrAbility conference with over 60 participants focusingon underserved, beginning farmers. Partnered withTN Association of Rescue Squadseducatingproducers on safety around grain bins. TNAP uses time topresentour services plus information on farm and health safety and prevention of secondary injuries. Ninearea trainings conducted inTennessee involved53 counties and484 participants. Sponsors contributed over $130,000 for the purchase of rescue equipment for117 turtle tubes and 19 great walls. 1.d.2: - Pilot test UT Horticultural Therapy (HT) workshops for Tennessee military personnel and veterans. UT GardensHTcertification programoffered in 2022 with 7 new HT graduates. It provided hands-on gardening and horticulture activities along with providing opportunities to network with other veterans.TNAP and UT Gardens HThosted 3workshops with Master Gardeners who help with Front Line Gardens recipientswith 55total participants. 1.d.3: Introduce AgrAbility in Alaska by adapting the TSU Extension Tennessee New Farmer Academy to Alaska climate, cultural and agricultural conditions to increase the likelihood of success for beginning farmer veterans, especially farmers with disabilities. TNAP partnered with University of Alaska Fairbanks Cooperative Extensionto explore opportunities for AgrAbility in Alaska. A goal for Alaska was to adapt the Tennessee State University Extension TN New Farmer Academy for use by Alaska Extension. Alaska was awarded an AgrAbility Project.TNAPwas consulted again on the 2022grant proposal. 1.e.: Enhance outreach using remote/online training.TNAP Staff members participated in 33 educational trainings,conducted 16 staff and partner trainings and participated in 12 NAP trainings Priority Area 2 - Networking More than 5,300 networking contacts have been made through TNAPmeetings, workshops and conferences. 2.a: TNAP will build and strengthen relations with agricultural and health organizations, disability service providers, peer network volunteers and other organizations to support and provide the most comprehensive services to AgrAbility and their families. TNAP reaches farmers with disabilities statewide with our team of partners and the valuable resources the STAR Center and Extension provides.The STAR Center was awarded the Tennessee State VR Services contract and becamea statewide provider of AT resources. TNAP/Extension staff delivered 3 training sessions to VRplus STAR hosted additional ones introducing new partnerships and one point of contact to cover all VR staff at their regional meetings. TNAP participated in two other meetings and exhibit opportunities reaching over400 people promoting TNAP services. 2.d: Network with business, agencies and organizations that target underserved audiences. TNAP staff networked with 1500 veterans, and several organizations collectingresources to assistour customers. Examples include: VA Claim assistance, vocational rehabilitation, education, employment, mental health housing and legal assistance. Promoted and assisted in the formation of the Farmer Veteran Coalition (FVC) of TN; now has over 1500 members. TNAP partnerswithUSDA (NRCS) through the State Technical Advisory Committee and Civil Rights/Special Emphasis Program Managers Committee. We will continue networking with NRCS Disability Emphasis and Veterans Emphasis Program Managers. 2.e.: Increase funding development to assist in the purchase of assistive technology for TNAP customers. TNAP helped customers receive more than $100,800 in assistance through donations (monetary and equipment), sponsorships and fundraisers to support grants to producers, and Vocational Rehabilitation funding for major projects. Priority Area 3 - Assistance Assistance 3.a: Provide direct, on-site assistance to farmers, farm workers and their family members with disabilities and returning veterans with disabilities to help them attain independence and economic security 61 new TNAP customers plus continuing customers received direct assistance, (1236 have received direct assistance since 1994 through TNAP), including on-farm visits. They made plans to make improvements for increased independence and productivity, and TNAP worked with others to implementplans. Referrals to Extension, USDA and TDA were provided for cost-share programs/grants. Assistance 3.b.1: Collaborate with FVC, Transition Programs - USO Pathfinders (formerly USO/RP-6) and like grassroots programs that assist disabled veterans to increase assistance to veterans with agricultural endeavors. TNAP has referred over 215 farmer veterans to FVC and has been involved in helping to form the TN FVC Chapter. TNAP collaborates with other programs who seek to assist veterans transition to farming.Approximately400 producers/beginning farmers/veterans have completed the TSU TN New Farmer Academy. Priority Area 4 - Marketing Marketing informs the public, farmers, and ag and health professionals about TNAP. Methods include exhibits, presentations at educational meetings, on-line and social media, email and other use of technologies such as virtualmeetings. TNAP is also updating promotional TNAP materials with a new grant partner in 2021.TNAP refocused on new promotional marketing with the STAR Center,disability grant partner and logo. Launched a new website in September 2021 and will continue to update it.
Publications
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Progress 09/01/20 to 08/31/21
Outputs
Target Audience:Target Audience The Target Audiences of the Tennessee AgrAbility Project include: Extension and other agricultural professionals Health, Occupational Therapist Students and Professionals College Students Farmers, farm workers and family members with disabilities/physical challenges General Public Audiences receiving special emphasis from the AgrAbility Project include: Military veterans and current military personnel with disabilities/physical challenges that indicate an interest in agriculture/farming as an occupation and/or career Economically disadvantaged farmers Small and Beginning farmers Changes/Problems:Requested a one-year no cost extension for this grant. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Education 1.a.Educate farmers with disabilities, health professionals, Extension and other agriculture professionals about available technical assistance and health and disability resources. Maintain educational and marketing efforts to agricltural professionals via regional meetings and other trainings. During this COVID-19 pandemic year, large meetings were either canceled or restricted to the number of people in attendance. This played a major role against a part of our educational program - but the ability to adapt and make use of zoom and oterh virtual means of education will be addressed below. A protion of the New Farmer Academys were held in person across the state; mainly those times later in the year and programs that were held outside. AgrAbility was featured in these programs and provided scholarships for many veteran farmers with disabilities to attend on a full scholarship. Education 1.d. Provide direct education for farmers, farm workers and their families. Educational information was provided to these clients in the following manner: Farmer Veteran Coalition Meetings - 7meetings Small Farm Virtual Expo with Tennessee State University Virtual State Fair Assistive Technology Virtual Fair NAP Virtual Workshops attended by TNAP Staff Members Program Educational Training (Virtual) for Extension Agents New Farmer Academy Participants (Virtual) Occupational Therapy with students at Tennessee State University - Training them about agriculture and the role of the TN AgrAbility Project Networking 2.d. Network with businesses, agencies and organizations that target underserved audiences. TNAP staff members use networking opportunities to work with 350+ veterans and organizations to collect resources to assist clients. Staff members work with our non-profit partner to assist producers who can use our resources. We work with the following (among others) in carrying out our mission of education and promoting of our programs: University of Tennessee and Tennessee State University Extension Agents and Specialists Tennessee Department of Agriculture Department of Vocational Rehabilitation USDA - NRCS Staff USDA - FSA Staff The Field School - Appalachian Region - Northeast Tennessee Farmer Veteran Coalition of Tennessee Commodity Associations and Organizations across Tennessee Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation Activity 3.b.2.Expand the scope of delivering services to include assisting veterans with disabilities, especially in rural areas, to obtain employment. The AgrAbility Program is many times the first contact veterans have with many Extension, USDA resources and the Farmer Veteran Coalition. To help in this area, the AgrAbility staff works closely with the New Farmer Academy hosted by Tennessee State University. This school has a focus on beginning farmers, and AgrAbility offers scholarships to veteran farmers with disabilities to participate in this seven month program. COVID-19 hurt participation in this current class, but annually there are 100 producers enrolled in three classes in Tennessee. Many successful small agriculture businesses has gotten its start as these clients participatred in this program. Not only do participants learn about agriculture, but they learn where to find financial resources to help in their work, along with having exposure to developing a business plan and now Tennessee allows those who complete this course to apply for a beginning farmer cost share program through the Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program (TAEP). How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Marketing, Outreach and dissemination of information are in all TNAP Activities. Results of programs have been used in university reports to supervisors as part of each area specialist's program ofwork. We continue to use social media to provide results of programs and keep clientele informed of upcoming educational opportunities. We continue to improve communications using social media and our website. We also share stories/results/information through university marketing and communications, farm bureau news, farm bureau communication department, and make effective use of the montly e-notes to inform other SRAPS of what Tennesse AgrAbility is doing. Sharing successes via the Virtual State Fair and these social media opportunities prove successful. In-service trainings with Extension agents are a good way to point to impacts made by the AgrAbility program. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Continue to improve and become more familiar with social media outlets and our ability to use these Conduct in-service quarterly trainings via zoom to Extension Agents Participate in the Pick TN Conference and be involved in a "Lunch and Learn" seminar to talk about our AgrAbility Program Create new marketing materials for our program to include brochures and other items that will increase the visibility of our program Look for ways to improve our state website Involve our program with other University educational programs
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Priority Area 1 - Education Education 1.a: Increase awareness of disabilities and assistive technologies to help farmers with disabilities continue to farm.AgrAbility educationalefforts reached 434 people though 14 presentations/workshops. The Tennessee Department of Human Services hosted a virtual "Resource Ability Assistive Technology Fair" to introduce educators and employers ot new technology assisiting those with disabilities. Other educational opportunities and events were not held or limited in participation due to COVID-19 epidemic. Education 1.b.2:Deliver agricultural disabilities awareness and solutions training at universities and colleges in Tennessee with Occupational Therapy (OT) Physical Therapy (PT) and OT/PT Assistant Programs.COVID-19 limited participation to on Occupational/Physical Therapy (OT/PT) department with 24 participating. These students learned and increased their knowledge of agriculture as a profession and how they can workto increase their independence/productivity among agriculture producers with disabilities. These students worked to develop an intake form that is currenly being used by out TNAP Staff members, as this served as their class project. Students made farm visits to get a close look at production agriculture and spend time with a farmer who has been assisted greatly by the AgrAbility program. Education 1.c: Present workshops for veteran farmers and refer farmers to appropriate education and assistance resources.AgrAbility outreach to veterans includes providing them with the proper resources as they begin their farming occupation. Referrals are given to the Farmer Veteran Coalition. Many veteran farmers are introduced to these resources at the annual Pick TN Conference - but due to COVID-19, this event was not held in the winter of 2021. Other avenues were sought to relay these materials. More outreach was done through the Farmer Veteran Coalition, especially through their initial annual meeting where 32 members gathered and information wasexchanged in 7 virtual meetings held with the officers and board members. FVC of TN has grown to more than 1000 members and over 100 growers use the "Homegrown by Heroes" marketing label. TN AgrAbilityy provides scholarships for 30 beginning farmers or veterans with disabilities to attend the New Farmer Academy annually. Participation was limited in 2021 due to COVID-19 restrictions. Education 1.d.1: TNAP partners conduct education and awareness activities for the general public, to deliver information and generate referrals to the AgrAbility Project.Field Days, exhibits and conferences were mostly cancelled during this year of our program due to COVID-19 restrictions. Numbers for this education activity is limited in this year. The AgrAbility exhibit was used at the state cattlemen's conference with approximately 200 people visiting the booth/exhibit. Education 1.e.: Enhance outreach using remote/online training.Staff meetings and meetings with partners were switched to the zoom platform during COVID-19. Sharing of information using this platform proved to be easy as most people became more used to using the zoom/virtual setting. TNAP Staff members participated in 7 educational trainings for clients and Extension Agents, conducted 16 staff and partner trainings and participated in 12 NAP training/informational settings all held via zoom/virtually. Priority Area 2 - Networking Networking increases reach and effectiveness of AgrAbility by leveraging expertise and resources of other individuals, agencies and organizations. Networking 2.a. TNAP will build and strengthen relations with agricultural and health organizations, disability service providers, peer network volunteers and other organizations to provide comprehensive services to AgrAbility customers. TNAP presented educational information at the Tennessee Small Farm Expo (virtually) in September 2020 to an audience of 65 small and beginning farmers. TNAP staff memberswork with VR counselors at regional meetings and resource fairs held virtually. TNAP hasworked closely withTennessee Association of Rescue Squads in developing a series of trainings that began in March of 2021, to train rescue personnel and farmers in case of a grain bin accident. One training was held in Spring of 2021 with 29 individuals participating and over $32,000 was raised forequipment (Turtle tubes and Great wall) used in rescue operations. Networking 2.b: TNAP will develop and expand the Peer Support Networks to include veteran support.Tennessee Chapter of the Farmer Veteran Coalition has beenformed;another resource that can be used for beginning farmers and others coming to our state is the Tennessee Farm Link.This link helps farm seekers and property owners to find each other. With the completion of 7 years of the New Farmer Academy many of the TNAP Farmers give back by opening their farms to other TNAP farmers and host tours of their farms; many members of the farmer veteran coaltion do the same. This is a way for these beginning farmers to help and encourage one another. TNAP staff members, UT Extension personnel and TSU Extension personnel are on the advisory board of the TN FVC. Networking 2.e: Increase funding development to assist in the purchase of assistive technology for TNAP customers. TNAP helped customers receive more than $83,780in assistance through donations, sponsorships and fundraisers to support the purchase of,turtle rescue tubes, additional tractor step, bump-n-go gate, UTV, tractor steps with handrail, and air suspension tractor seat, supplies for nine raised-bed gardens, Featherman PRO XL Set-Up with Roto-Dunker; Fencing Supplies from Premier, paper pot transplanter, accessible gardening supplies and beekeeping tools. Priortiy Area 3 - Assistance Direct assistance to farmers is a foundation for the Tennessee AgrAbility Project, that provides to clients on-site worksite and home assessments to identify needs and develop plans of action to increase independence and productivity through modifications to farming practices, worksites, homes and the adoption of assistive technologies. Assistance 3.a: Provide direct, on-site assistance to farmers, farm workers and their family members with disabilities and returning veterans with disabilities to help them attain independence and economic security. Direct and indirect assistance was provided to 25 new AgrAbility clients and included 15 farm visits. Farm visits were limited due to COVID-19 restrictions. This assistance included referrals to Extension, USDA and Tennessee Department of Agriculture for planning, cost share programs and grant possibilities. Assistance 3.b.2: Expand the scope of delivering services to include assisting veterans with disabilities, especially in rural areas, obtain employment. TNAP Staff works closely with the Tennessee State University New Farmer Academy in making referrals to veterans and other wanting to farm to participate in this 7-month program. They not only learn about agriculture, but realize in this course that farming is a business and there are many resources available to them. Priority Area 4 - Marketing Marketing is the life-blood of any program, event or activity. TNAP Staff uses a variety of ways to market programs and educational events to include, exhibits at field days, TNAP Website, emails, Board Members of the TN Farmer Veteran Coalition, Extension Professionals, Facebook, presentations at educatioanl meetings and networking with a variety of other associations and organizations across our state. Field days and other educational events were limited this year due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Publications
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Progress 09/01/19 to 08/31/20
Outputs
Target Audience:Target Audience Target audiences of the Tennessee AgrAbility Project include: Extension and other agricultural professionals Health and rehabilitation professionals College Students Farmers, farm workers and their family members with disabilities/physical challenges General Public Audiences that received special emphasis include: Military veterans and current military personnel with disabilities/physical challenges that indicate an interest in agriculture/farming as a career/occupation Small and economically disadvantaged farmers Changes/Problems:Budget Changes from Original submitted budget: There are some minor budget revisions to reflect salary increases and changes to benefits. Some mileage figures have changed along with a slight adjustment with the subaward funds to Tennessee State University. Key Personnel - Project Director Change: Due to the retirement of Tim Prather on December 31, 2019, from UT Extension, Troy Dugger, UT Extension Program Coordinator, Center for Profitable Agriculture (CPA), took over as project director on January 1, 2020. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Education 1.a. Increase awareness of disabilities and assistive technologies to help farmers with disabilities continue to farm, and increase awareness by agribusinesses, commodity organizations, Farm Bureau, machinery dealers and general public. 5 TN AgrAbility Staff, 1 Farmer planned to attend the 2020 AgrAbility National Training Workshop, but it was canceled due to COVID-19. These still are planning to attend in November 2020. TNAP hosted a Farmer Veteran session attended by 40 at the Pick TN Conference. The Center for Profitable Agriculture (CPA) Director meets monthly with Farm Bureau staff members and informs them of Extension programs including AgrAbility. Education 1.e. Enhance outreach using remote/online training. Staff members were engaged in 8webinars that focused on assistive technology, veteran programs, occupational therapy, farm safety,disability issues and disabilities across the world. These webinars are extended as an invitation to Extension personnel and TNAP clients. TNAP hosted "Farm Stress and Management" webinar led by Dr. Deborah Reed. She talked about simple interventions to help relieve stress on the farm. Networking 2.d. Network with businesses, agencies and organizations that target underserved audiences. TNAP staff members networked with over 500 veterans and organizations to collect resources to assist clients. We continue to work with NRCS through the State Technical Advisory Committee and Civil Rights/Special Emphasis Program Managers Committee to develop a poster for county Extension and NRCS offices promoting the AgrAbility project. Assistance 3.b.2 Expand the scope of delivering services to include assisting veterans with disabilities, especially in rural areas, obtain employment AgrAbility is for the most part the first contact veterans may have with USDA resources, Extension or the Farmer Veteran Coalition. To expand services, UT Extension applied for and was awarded a USDA NIFA Beginning Farmer Development Program Grant for 2017 - 2020, with farmers with disabilities and farmer veterans as target audience. Tennessee State University has made application for this grant for the 2020 - 2023 period and TN AgrAbility plans to continue to work closely with TSU on the beginning farmer project and have AgrAbility as a resource for those participating in the beginning farmer program. Three TN Farmer veterans with disabilities are developing veteran run farms to help other veterans who want to transition into farming/agriculture as an occupation. All three farmers have attended the Tennessee New Farmer Academy to expand their farming knowledge and networking opportunities. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Marketing, Outreach and dissemination of information are in all TNAP activities. Additional marketing and new marketing materials are planned for year 4 of the project. Plans are to develop a new website, create a new brochure, a new pull up marketing exhibit and a new poster to be placed in each county Extension Office and NRCS Office in Tennessee. The TN AgrAbility facebook http://facebook.com/TNAgrAbility and AgNurse Facebook pages https://www.facebook.com/Agriculture.nurse post regular stories and current events that keep clients knowledgeable about programming opportunities. Stories are also shared through university marketing and communications, farm bureau news and other media sources. A feature story was recently published on a client in "breaking ground" a publication of the state of Tennessee's Council of Developmental Disabilities. News items are also shared for inclusion in the National AgrAbility E-Notes. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?AgrAbility staff and partners plan to continue to develop and deliver training through workshops, presentations, exhibits, demonstrations, distance learning and other appropriate ways to deliver information and accomplish project goals as described in the project proposal. AgrAbility staff members plan to conduct three in-service training sessions with university Extension agents across the state to promote the AgrAbility project and let agents know more about staff members and program partners. Plans are to create new marketing materials that will include a poster for Extension offices and USDA offices, brochures, pull-up banner for an exhibit and a new website; all with an effort to increase visibility for the AgrAbility project.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Priority Area 1 - Education Education 1.a: Increase awareness of disabilities and assistive technologies to help farmers with disabilities continue to farm.AgrAbility reached 760 folks with educational activities including 7 presentations/workshops. Youth AgrAbility education reached 272 students. TNAP increased awareness of disabilities and assistive technology to 750 homeschooled children. TNAP partnered with Dr. Deborah Reed, phase 2 of the didactic reading Farm Safety Dinner Theater. TN Department of Human Services hosts "Resource ABILITY Assistive Technology Fair" to introduce educators and employers, to new technology assisting those with disabilities. Education 1.b.2 Deliver agricultural disabilities awareness and solutions training at universities and colleges in Tennessee with Occupational Therapy (OT)/Physical Therapy (PT) and OT/PT Assistant programs. Due to Covid-19, TNAP only presented to one Occupational/Physical Therapy (OT/PT) department with 16 in attendance, other classes were postponed until summer 2020. Those 16 increased their knowledge of agriculture as a profession and how they can increase independence/productivity among agriculture producers with disabilities. Education 1.c: Present workshops for veteran farmers and refer farmers to appropriate education and assistance resources. AgrAbility outreach for veterans includes TN Beginning Farmer Resources and Farmer Veteran Coalition sessions during the Pick Tennessee Conference. The FVC Stakeholders meeting drew 46 in attendance. FVC of TN memberships has grown to Total: 872, plus 104 growers use the "Homegrown by Heroes" marketing label. More than 100 beginning farmers or veterans with disabilities have participated in the TN New Farmer Academy to gain information and assistance. TN AgrAbility provides scholarships for 30 beginning farmers or veterans with disabilities. TNAP presented at "Boots to Agribusiness" workshop sponsored by the Veterans Business Outreach Program. Education 1.d.1: TNAP partners conduct education and awareness activities for the general public, to deliver information and generate referrals to the AgrAbility Project. The general public received AgrAbility education and awareness through exhibits at 43 agriculture field days, conferences, expos, state and national conferences. TNAP spoke with 3841 attendees during these events. Education 1.d.2: - Pilot test UT Horticultural Therapy workshops for Tennessee military personnel and veterans. TNAP partnered with Alpha Omega Veterans Services, Urban Farm planned to host another HT workshop in 2020 but it was postponed until 2021, due to COVID-19. Education 1.e: Enhance outreach using remote/online training. TNAP staff professionals engaged in 8 webinars focusing on assistive technology, veteran programs, occupational therapy, farm safety and disability issues. TNAP hosted "Farm Stress and Management '' one-hour webinar, led by Dr. Deborah Reed. Priority Area 2 - Networking. Networking increases reach and effectiveness of AgrAbility by leveraging expertise and resources of other individuals, agencies and organizations. More than 1000 networking contacts have been made. Networking 2.a: TNAP will build and strengthen relations with agricultural and health organizations, disability service providers, peer network volunteers and other organizations to provide comprehensive services to AgrAbility customers. TNAP presented at the The 9th Annual Women in Agriculture Prosperity Symposium in September 2019. TNAP delivered 3 training sessions to (VR) counselors at their regional meetings and set up at 2 VR resource fairs.TNAP staff members participated in two meetings/exhibit opportunities reaching 400 people. Networking 2.b: TNAP will continue development and expansion of Peer Support Networks to include veterans support and mentorships. In addition to forming a FVC of Tennessee chapter, another resource for beginning farmers or newcomers to TN is the Tennessee Farm Link. This not-for-profit initiative from the Appalachian RC&D Council/TN Department of Agriculture helps farm seekers and landowners find each other. After 6 years of the TN New Farmer Academy several of TNAP farmers give back by opening their farms to other TNAP farmers or host tours of their farms. TNAP, UT Extension and TSU Extension are on the advisory board of FVC of TN. TNAP's main role is helping the growing number of disabled veterans to start or return to careers in agriculture. Networking 2.d: Network with business, agencies and organizations that target underserved audiences. TNAP staff networked with 500 veterans, and several organizations and agencies, and collected a number of resources to help our customers. Examples include: VA Claim assistance, vocational rehabilitation, education, employment, mental health housing and legal assistance. Networking 2.e.: Increase funding development to assist in the purchase of assistive technology for TNAP customers. TNAP helped customers receive more than $45,400 in assistance through donations, sponsorships and fundraisers to support grants to producers, and Vocational Rehabilitation funding major projects. Assistive technology purchases included: knee scooter, turtle rescue tubes, tractor hand controls, additional tractor step, bump-n-go gate, portable feed bin, iPad, OrCam MyEye, digital wand, automatic gates, Action Trackchair, and Life Essentials truck and tractor lifts. Priority Area 3 - Assistance Direct assistance to farmers is a cornerstone of Tennessee AgrAbility Project, providing on-site worksite and home assessments to identify needs and develop plans of action to increase independence and productivity through modifications to farming practices, worksites and homes and the adoption of assistive technologies. Assistance 3.a: Provide direct, on-site assistance to farmers, farm workers and their family members with disabilities and returning veterans with disabilities to help them attain independence and economic security Direct and indirect assistance was given to 48 new AgrAbility customers with 29 farm visits. Assistance 3.b.1: Collaborate with FVC, Transition Programs - USO Pathfinders and like grassroots programs that assist disabled veterans to increase assistance to veterans with agricultural endeavors. TNAP staff continues to encourage all farmers who are veterans to join the FVC. The goal of becoming a state chapter of the FVC of TN chapter was reached this year. TNAP staff have directly referred more than 115 farmer veterans to FVC. Assistance 3.b.2: Expand the scope of delivering services to include assisting veterans with disabilities, especially in rural areas, obtain employment. A large percentage of veterans wanting to farm and/or having disabilities are unaware of Extension and USDA resources. The University of Tennessee Extension was awarded a USDA NIFA Beginning Farmer Development Program for 2017-2020, with farmers with disabilities and farmer veterans as their target audiences. This program provides additional Extension staff and education opportunities and resources for beginning farmers. Priority Area 4 - Marketing Marketing of AgrAbility includes a variety of methods to inform the public, farmers, agricultural and health professionals about TNAP. Marketing methods include exhibits at agricultural field days, presentations to members of agricultural organizations and health professionals and online methods such as the TNAP website, social media, podcast, e-mail and other electronic communications. Tennessee AgrAbility Facebook posts weekly news, and partners with Dr. Deborah Reed on the AgNURSE Facebook page Because of the pandemic, 2020 field days are going virtual. The AgrAbility team plans a virtual session for the Milan No-Till Field Day. This will include videos about the TN AgrAbility Project and features assistive technology solutions, Farmer Veteran Coalition of TN and farm health/safety.
Publications
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Progress 09/01/18 to 08/31/19
Outputs
Target Audience:Target audiences of the Tennessee AgrAbility Project include: Extension and other agricultural professionals Health and rehabilitation professionals College students Farmers, farm workers and their family members with disabilities General public Audiences receiving special emphasis include: Military veterans and current military personnel with disabilities interested in agriculture as an occupation Small and economically disadvantaged farmers Changes/Problems:Key Personnel - Project Director change: UT Extension is developing a transition plan for a new Tennessee AgrAbility Project Director due to the planned retirement of Mr. Tim Prather on December 31, 2019 after more than 36 years as an Extension specialist and Tennessee AgrAbility Project Director since 1994. Non-Profit Partner - organization name change and personnel change: The Tennessee AgrAbility non-profit partner has changed its name from East Tennessee Technology Access Center (ETTAC) to SPARK. Dr. Laura Payne is assuming the AgrAbility point of contact role following the resignation of Ms. Tracy Homer to join a local business venture. Dr. Payne has been a rehabilitation counselor since 1990 and has worked with a variety of community disability organizations in South Carolina and Tennessee, including SPARK since June 2013. Budget changes from original submitted budget: There are minor budget revisions to reflect salary increases that varied from assumptions in the original approved 4-year budget. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Education 1.a: Increase awareness of disabilities and assistive technologies to help farmers with disabilities continue to farm, and increase awareness by agribusinesses, commodity organizations, Farm Bureau, machinery dealers and general public. 3 TN AgrAbility staff, 1 TN farmers and 1 UT Extension ag health consultant attended the annual 2019 AgrAbility National Training Workshop. TNAP hosted a Farmer Veteran session attended by about 100 at the Pick Tennessee Conference. Education 1.e: Enhance outreach using remote/online training. TNAP staff development included 15 webinars by National AgrAbility Project and other organizations. Webinar invitations are also extended to UT TSU Extension and TNAP customers. TNAP hosted "Stress on the Farm: Contagious and Deadly" webinar by Dr. Deborah Reed, outlining physical and psychological outcomes of farm stress using the Total Worker Health socioecological model, and simple interventions with farmers and their families. Participants suggested additional training topics of adressing family stress due to addiction issues; more training to effective as stress counselors; farm safety and health; and resources to help caregivers and family members. Networking 2.c: TNAP will provide training at universities and colleges in Tennessee offering Engineering Design programs as opportunities to educate the community about AgrAbility. AgrAbility training for University of Tennessee at Martin engineering students encouraged individual and team design projects that improve safety and effectiveness of farmers with disabilities. The program will be offered to University of Tennessee, Tennessee State University, Middle Tennessee State University, Tennessee Tech and other schools. Assistance 3.b.2: Expand the scope of delivering services to include assisting veterans with disabilities, especially in rural areas, obtain employment. AgrAbility is many veterans' first contact with USDA resources, Extension network, or the Farmer Veteran Coalition. To expand services, UT Extension applied for and was awarded a USDA NIFA Beginning Farmer Development Program for 2017-2020, with farmers with disabilities and farmer veterans as target audiences. Three TN farmer veterans with disabilities are developing veteran run farms to help other veterans who want to transition into farming. All 3 are attending Tennessee New Farmer Academy to expand their farming knowledge and to network. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Marketing is incorporated in all TNAP activities. Additional marketing includes posters and brochures, TN AgrAbility website, social media, podcast, e-mail and other electronic communications means. Tennessee AgrAbility Facebook http://facebook.com/TNAgrAbility and AgNURSE Facebook pages https://www.facebook.com/Agriculture.nurse post regular updates Stories are also shared through University marketing and communications, Farm Bureau News and other media. A feature story announcing Tennessee Beginning Farmers Development Program and Tennessee AgrAbility Project was released by UTIA Marketing and Communications. News items are shared for inclusion in the National AgrAbility E-Notes. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?AgrAbility staff and partners will continue developing and delivering training through workshops, presentations, exhibits and online distance education that are designed to accomplish project goals as described in the project proposal.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Tennessee AgrAbility Project (TNAP) Year 2 accomplishments in this report represent the period June 1, 2018 to May 31, 2019. Priority Area 1 - Education More than 7,500 people received AgrAbility education in Year 2. Major audiences were farmers, ag professionals and K-12 students. Education 1.a: Increase awareness of disabilities and assistive technologies to help farmers with disabilities continue to farm. TNAP reached 3,252 people at ag events and conferences. More than 1,080 K-12 students received injury prevention, disability awareness and etiquette education. TNAP and Dr. Deborah Reed, University of Kentucky College of Nursing, hosted a didactic reading Farm Safety Dinner Theater for 30 people. Dr. Reed is developing toolkits and training for others to host theaters. Education 1.b: Increase health and rehabilitation providers' understanding of agriculture as a self-employment occupation. 201 rehabilitation professionals, and 113 occupational therapy students in Memphis and Nashville participated in AgrAbility awareness training. Education 1.c: Present workshops for veteran farmers and refer farmers to appropriate education and assistance resources. 92 farmer veterans and others participated in a Farmer Veteran Picnic at Milan No Till Field Day to learn about programs of Extension, USDA and other agencies. About 100 participated in a Farmer Veterans meeting at the Pick Tennessee Conference to learn about AgrAbility, BFRDP, Farmer Veteran Coalition, USDA and Tennessee ag programs. 105 are enrolled in the 2019 Tennessee New Farmer Academy. Many are farmer veterans, and 30 farmers with disabilities received AgrAbility scholarships to the 2019 Academy. Education 1.d.1: TNAP partners conduct education and awareness activities for the general public to deliver information and generate referrals to AgrAbility Project. TNAP spoke with 3,453 attendees at 15 ag field days, expos, state and national conferences. Education 1.d.2: Year 1 - Pilot test UT Horticultural Therapy workshops for Tennessee military personnel and veterans. AgrAbility and UT Gardens hosted 3 Horticultural Therapy Workshops attended by 28 veterans. The 6-hour workshops for current military personnel, veterans and spouses explored: career options for veterans, how AgrAbility can assist; hands-on gardening/horticulture activities that can help veterans starting a career in horticulture/agriculture; networking with other veterans. Participants reported they: • Have a deeper understanding of horticultural therapy and AgrAbility. • Will utilize what they learned in the future. • Will change their practices based on what they learned in the workshop. • Increased knowledge of therapeutic benefits of horticulture, plant propagation, integrated pest management, career options for veterans, Extension and AgrAbility. Education 1.d.3: Introduce AgrAbility in Alaska by adapting the TSU Tennessee New Farmer Academy to Alaska climate, cultural and agricultural conditions to increase the likelihood of success for beginning farmer veterans, especially farmers with disabilities. During Year 1, UT and TSU Extension, UAF (1862 land grant), Ilisagvik College (1994 tribal college), farmers, Farm Bureau, tribal leaders, businesses, ag agencies, government officials and nonprofits identified needs and opportunities for Alaska's unique agricultural situation, native traditions and climate change. The outcome of this effort was a successful 2018-2022 Alaska AgrAbility Project proposal. Priority Area 2 - Networking. Networking 2.a: TNAP will build and strengthen relations with agricultural and health organizations, disability service providers, peer network volunteers and organizations to provide comprehensive services to AgrAbility customers. TNAP met 1,305 attendees that can benefit AgrAbility customers during conferences and workshops, including panel discussions of BFRDP and AgrAbility collaborations at those programs' annual conferences. Networking 2.b: TNAP will continue development and expansion of Peer Support Networks to include veterans support and mentorships. Farmer Veteran Coalition in Tennessee has more than 700 members and is anticipating becoming the 10th chapter this year. Therapeutic Gardening Workshops for veterans fostered a peer network of veterans with agricultural/horticultural interests. AgrAbility, Tennessee Beginning Farmers Outreach Project and Farmer Veteran Coalition participated in TN Vets meetings to increase veterans organizations awareness of farmers needs. TN Vets is a coalition of all veterans organizations to provide a unified lobbying effort on behalf of veterans in the Tennessee Legislature. Networking 2.d: Network with business, agencies and organizations that target underserved audiences. In addition to those reached during ag events, 385 Extension and other ag professionals increased AgrAbility networking through "Stress on the Farm- Contagious and Deadly" training and other meetings and activities. Networking 2.c. Training for Tennessee Engineering Student Design projects AgrAbility training for UT Martin engineering students encouraged individual and team design projects that improve safety and effectiveness of farmers with disabilities, and two AgrAbility design projects are in review. Training and possible engineering projects ideas will also be offered to other Tennessee colleges. Networking 2.e: Increase funding development to assist in the purchase of assistive technology for TNAP customers. TNAP obtained more than $10,000 in through donations, sponsorships and fundraisers for needs-based grants to AgrAbility customers to purchase items such as tractor hand controls, additional tractor step, bump-n-go gate and portable feed bin. TNAP customers received more than $95,000 in assistance from TN Vocational Rehabilitation, Wounded Warrior Project, Smoky Mountain Service Dogs, Independence Fund, FVC and others. Priority Area 3 - Assistance Assistance 3.a: Provide direct, on-site assistance to farmers, farm workers and their family members with disabilities and returning veterans with disabilities to help them attain independence and economic security. 13 new AgrAbility customers plus continuing customers received direct assistance, including on-farm visits. Customers developed plans to make improvements for increased independence and productivity, and AgrAbility worked with individuals and organizations in communities to implement the plans. Other assistance includes referrals to Extension, USDA and TN Dept of Ag programs for planning, cost sharing and grants. Assistance 3.b.1: Collaborate with FVC, Transition Programs - USO Pathfinders (formerly USO/RP-6) and grassroots programs that assist disabled veterans to increase assistance to veterans with agricultural endeavors. TNAP referred more than 100 farmer veterans to FVC this year. TNAP and NAP staff have encouraged formation of a TN FVC Chapter. Priority Area 4 - Marketing Marketing informs the public, farmers, and agricultural and health professionals about the TNAP. Methods include exhibits at ag field days, presentations to gatherings of agricultural and health professionals, and online methods such as TNAP website, social media, e-mail and other electronic communications means. Tennessee AgrAbility posts weekly news, and partners with Dr. Deb Reed on the AgNURSE Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/agriculture.nurse. A feature story announcing Tennessee Beginning Farmers Development Program and Tennessee AgrAbility Project was released by UTIA Marketing and Communications. TNAP partnered with FVC of Tennessee to build a network across TN for beginning farmers and veterans with disabilities who want to farm and promote Tennessee AgrAbility. Charley Jordan, Farmer Veteran Coalition of TN point-of-contact, told his story through a podcast: https://www.beyondtheuniform.io/blog/btu-159-28-years-in-the-army-to-farm-owner-charley-jordan.
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Stowell, D. R., & Burnett, A. 2019 Promoting the Profession of Horticultural Therapy through Partnerships. Journal of Therapeutic Horticulture 29.1 - 2019. American Horticultural Therapy Association, Seattle, WA.
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Progress 09/01/17 to 08/31/18
Outputs
Target Audience:Target audiences of the Tennessee AgrAbility Project include: Extension and other agricultural professionals Health and rehabilitation professionals College students Farmers, farm workers and their family members with disabilities General public Audiences receiving special emphasis include: Military veterans and current military personnel with disabilities interested in agriculture as an occupation Small and economically disadvantaged farmers University of Alaska Fairbanks Cooperative Extension is partnering with Tennessee Agrability Project during Year 1 to introduce AgrAbility into Alaska using the Tennessee State University Tennessee New Farmer Academy as a model program to develop agricultural business skills. Alaska has a unique food insecurity situation, and thus interest in increasing agricultural production. Additionally, Alaska's population has a higher percentage of military veterans than other states, most of whom are not native to Alaska. Program participants will gain agricultural knowledge and skills, farm safety and health planning, and disability awareness. Participants will develop a farm business plan and budget that includes safety and health considerations. Changes/Problems:Key Personnel: There is a personnel change at East Tennessee Technology Access Center (ETTAC). the nonprofit disability services partner of Tennessee AgrAbility Project. Ms. Tracy Homer is assuming the AgrAbility point of contact role at ETTAC following the resignation of Ms. Paula Jones in April 2018. As Creative Director for ETTAC, Ms. Homer assists with development of assistive technology projects on behalf ETTAC's clients and will be an asset to the farmers seeking AgrAbility assistance. Other ETTAC personnel contribute to AgrAbility as needed, but are not listed as AgrAbility staff. Ms. Laura Payne has been a rehabilitation counselor since 1990 and has worked witha variety of community disability organizations in South Carolina and Tennessee, including ETTAC since June 2013. Mr. Joel Simmons holds a Master's degree in Rehabilitation Counseling, and assists with evaluating clients to see how technology can help them be more competitive in a school or work environment. Joel also does community outreach to educate people and organizations about ETTAC's mission. Budget changes from original submitted budget: The proposed budget for Year 2 is reduced from the originally proposed $180,000 to $176,494 as prescribed in the continuation instructions. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Education 1.a: Increase awareness of disabilities and assistive technologies to help farmers with disabilities continue to farm, and increase awareness by agribusinesses, commodity organizations, Farm Bureau, machinery dealers and general public. 5 TN AgrAbility staff, 2 TN farmers and 1 UAF Extension specialist attend the annual 2018 AgrAbility National Training Workshop. Education 1.e: Enhance outreach using remote/online training. TAP staff development included 15 webinars by National AgrAbility Project and other organizations. Webinar invitations are also extended to UT TSU Extension and TAP customers. TAP hosted "Stress on the Farm: Contagious and Deadly" webinar by Dr. Deborah Reed, outlining physical and psychological outcomes of farm stress using the Total Worker Health socioecological model, and simple interventions with farmers and their families. Participants suggested additional training topics of adressing family stress due to addiction issues; more training to effective as stress counselors; farm safety and health; and resources to help caregivers and family members. Networking 2.c: TAP will provide training at universities and colleges in Tennessee offering Engineering Design programs as opportunities to educate the community about AgrAbility. AgrAbility training for University of Tennessee at Martin engineering students encouraged individual and team design projects that improve safety and effectiveness of farmers with disabilities. The program will be offered to University of Tennessee, Tennessee State University, Middle Tennessee State University, Tennessee Tech and other schools. Assistance 3.b.2: Expand the scope of delivering services to include assisting veterans with disabilities, especially in rural areas, obtain employment. AgrAbility is many veterans' first contact with USDA resources, Extension network, or the Farmer Veteran Coalition. To expand services, UT Extension applied for and was awarded a USDA NIFA Beginning Farmer Development Program for 2017-2020, with farmers with disabilities and farmer veterans as target audiences. Three TN farmer veterans with disabilities are developing veteran run farms to help other veterans who want to transition into farming. All 3 are attending Tennessee New Farmer Academy to expand their farming knowledge and to network. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?DISSEMINATION: Priority Area 4 - Marketing Marketing is incorporated in all TAP activities. Additional marketing includes posters and brochures, TN AgrAbility website, social media, podcast, e-mail and other electronic communications means. Tennessee AgrAbility Facebook http://facebook.com/TNAgrAbility and AgNURSE Facebook pages https://www.facebook.com/Agriculture.nurse post regular updates Stories are also shared through University marketing and communications, Farm Bureau News and other media. A feature story announcing Tennessee Beginning Farmers Development Program and Tennessee AgrAbility Project was released by UTIA Marketing and Communications. Charley Jordan, Farmer Veteran Coalition of TN point-of-contact, told his story through a podcast: https://www.beyondtheuniform.io/blog/btu-159-28-years-in-the-army-to-farm-owner-charley-jordan. News items are shared for inclusion in the National AgrAbility E-Notes. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?AgrAbility staff and partners will continue developing and delivering training through workshops, presentations, exhibits and online distance education that are designed to accomplish project goals as described in the project proposal.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Tennessee AgrAbility Project (TAP) accomplishments to date cover the first 9 months of this 4-year project that began September 1, 2017. Priority Area 1 - Education More than 6,400 people received AgrAbility education to date in Year 1. Largest audiences were farmers, ag professionals and K-12 students. Education 1.a: Increase awareness of disabilities and assistive technologies to help farmers with disabilities continue to farm, and increase awareness by agribusinesses, commodity organizations, Farm Bureau, machinery dealers and general public. TAP reached 1,940 people at agricultural events and conferences. More than 3,500 K-12 students received injury prevention, disability awareness and etiquette education. TAP and Dr. Deborah Reed, University of Kentucky College of Nursing, hosted a didactic reading Farm Safety Dinner Theater about farm health, safety and disabilities for 40 people. Dr. Reed is developing toolkits for counties and states to host their own theaters. Education 1.b: Increase health and rehabilitation providers' understanding of agriculture as a self-employment occupation and approaches to increasing independence and productivity among farmers with disabilities. Sessions with medical and occupational therapy students in Memphis and Nashville are scheduled later during Year 1. Education 1.c: Present workshops for veteran farmers and refer farmers to appropriate education and assistance resources. A Beginning Farmer Resources and Farmer Veteran Coalition meeting was attended by 40 during the 2018 Pick Tennessee Products conference to learn about AgrAbility, Extension, TSU Small Farm Veteran Outreach Program, TN Dept. of Agriculture Marketing Division, and Farmer Veteran Coalition (FVC). AgrAbility was presented during a "Deciding What to Grow on your Farm" workshop attended by 23 veterans. Education 1.d.1: TAP partners conduct education and awareness activities for the general public, especially in settings frequented by farmers, to deliver information and generate referrals to the AgrAbility Project. TAP spoke with 1,671 attendees at 6 ag field days, expos, state and national conferences. A "Laugh and Learn" farm safety and health theater was attended by 50 farmers at the 2018 Pick Tennessee Conference. TAP awarded scholarships to 30 beginning farmers/farmer veterans to attend TSU Tennessee New Farmer Academy. Education 1.d.2: Year 1 - Pilot test UT Horticultural Therapy workshops for Tennessee military personnel and veterans. AgrAbility and UT Gardens hosted 3 Horticultural Therapy Workshops. The 6-hour workshops for current military personnel and veterans explored: career options for veterans, how AgrAbility can assist; hands-on gardening/horticulture activities that can help veterans starting a career in horticulture/agriculture; networking with other veterans. Participants reported they: Have a deeper understanding of horticultural therapy and AgrAbility. Will utilize what they learned in the future. Will change their practices based on what they learned in the workshop. Increased knowledge of therapeutic benefits of horticulture, plant propagation, integrated pest management, career options for veterans, Extension and AgrAbility. Education 1.d.3: Introduce AgrAbility in Alaska by adapting the TSU Tennessee New Farmer Academy to Alaska climate, cultural and agricultural conditions to increase the likelihood of success for beginning farmer veterans, especially farmers with disabilities. UT and TSU Extension, UAF (1862 land grant), Ilisagvik College (1994 tribal college), farmers, Farm Bureau, tribal leaders, businesses, ag agencies, government officials and nonprofits identified needs and opportunities for Alaska's unique agricultural situation, native traditions and climate change in order to develop an Alaska AgrAbility Project proposal. AgrAbility, safety and TSU Tennessee New Farmer Academy were included in the 2018 Delta Farm Forum with 75 attendees. UAF participated in the 2018 AgrAbility NTW. Priority Area 2 - Networking. Networking 2.a: TAP will build and strengthen relations with agricultural and health organizations, disability service providers, peer network volunteers and other organizations to support and provide the most comprehensive services to AgrAbility and their families. Met with 2,285 during conferences and workshops from organizations that can benefit AgrAbility customers. Farmer veteran Charley Jordan represented Tennessee and National AgrAbility Project and FVC at the American Farm Bureau Federation Convention in Nashville, attended by more than 1,000. TAP is creating new partnerships with FarmHer, an organization for women in agriculture, and Operation Stand Down TN (OSDTN), an organization focused on helping Veterans and their families. Networking 2.b: TAP will continue development and expansion of Peer Support Networks to include veterans support and mentorships. In addition to forming a FVC Tennessee chapter, Tennessee Farm Link (http://tnfarmlink.org) is an initiative of Appalachian RC&D Council and the TN Dept of Agriculture to help connect farm seekers with landowners and potential mentors. Networking 2.d: Network with business, agencies and organizations that target underserved audiences. TAP networked with 500 veterans and more than 45 organizations and agencies. TAP partners with Tennessee USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) through the State Technical Advisory Committee and Civil Rights/Special Emphasis Program Managers Committee. Partners with NRCS Disability Emphasis and Veterans Emphasis Program Managers on promotional posters in NRCS field offices, annual meetings and referring farmers to USDA services. "Joint Operation" is a statewide one shop stop for veteran resources such as TAP, FVC, VA claim assistance, VR, education, employment, mental health, housing, and legal assistance. TAP participated in 3 events, and 2 more are planned. The new University of Tennessee Veterans Resource Center is a one-stop student service center for veterans. Staff also promoted The Next Mission: Breaking Down Barriers for Veterans in Agriculture to various groups. Networking 2.e: Increase funding development to assist in the purchase of assistive technology for TAP customers. TAP obtained more than $10,000 in assistance for AgrAbility customers through donations (monetary and equipment); sponsorships and fundraisers. Funds provide grants/loans to AgrAbility customers, based upon financial need. Items purchased included tractor hand controls, additional tractor step, bump-n-go gate and portable feed bin. Priority Area 3 - Assistance Assistance 3.a: Provide direct, on-site assistance to farmers, farm workers and their family members with disabilities and returning veterans with disabilities to help them attain independence and economic security 46 new AgrAbility customers received assistance, including visits to 18 farms. Customers developed plans to make improvements for increased independence and productivity, and AgrAbility worked with individuals and organizations in communities to implement the plans. Other assistance includes referrals to other Extension, USDA and TN Dept of Ag programs for planning, cost sharing and grants. Assistance 3.b.1: Collaborate with FVC, USO/RP-6 and like grassroots programs that assist disabled veterans to increase assistance to veterans with agricultural endeavors. TAP staff encourages farmers who are veterans to join FVC to build a network and form a TN state Chapter. TAP referred 58 farmer veterans to FVC this year. Note that USO/RP-6 has changed their name to Transition Programs - USO Pathfinders.
Publications
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