April 2019: AgrAbility PA Project Highlights
Rodale Institute
In 1947, J.I. Rodale wrote on a chalkboard: "Healthy Soil = Healthy Food = Healthy People."
AgrAbility PA staffers Abbie Spackman and Kendra Martin presented to the Rodale Institute staff about how the project works with farmers and ag workers -- including information on assistive technology, services available to all farmers, and resources specific to new or beginning farmers and veterans interested in agriculture.
AgrAbility PA staff toured Rodale’s farm and learned more about organic farming, including raising pork! The visit ended with a view of their farming system trails that have been studying conventional vs. organic methods since the early 1980s. Rodale is often referred to as "pioneers of the organic movement." Rodale also has an excellent Veteran Farmer Training Program.
Safe Logging
AgrAbility PA provided information and resources at the Kane Area Logging Safety spring meeting in Elk County, PA. This event brought together over 100 individuals and businesses in the logging industry. AgrAbility staff provided a wide range of information but focused on back health, hand safety, and health and assistive technology for the logging industry.
Latino Health Summit
AgrAbility PA staffer Jackie Wardle represented the project at Pennsylvania’s 2nd Statewide Latino Health Summit, April 17 & 18. During the event, Jackie connected with a number of agencies that work with the Latino community and farming. Jackie also spoke with individuals who were attending the health summit to gain information. Information was shared in English and Spanish, including several pieces of content translated by AgrAbility PA’s graduate assistant Carolyn Henzi and a daily stretching video created by Carolyn in both languages, including subtitles.