April 2018: AgrAbility PA Project Highlights

Annual Advisory Board Meeting, Webinar on Communicating with Farmers Under Stress, and presentation to Women in Ag rounds out some of AgrAbility PA activity in April.

AgrAbility PA held their annual Advisory Board meeting in State College, Pa. It was a day full of information, brainstorming, and planning for the year ahead. AgrAbility PA staff provided project updates, client service highlights, and updates on marketing and outreach. Discussions included emerging issues in agriculture, increased outreach to veterans, and educational opportunities with local FFA chapters.

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AgrAbility PA staff participated in “Communicating with Farmers Under Stress,” a mental health training. The training was led by Suzanne Pish, an Extension Educator from Michigan State. Mental health is a rising concern in agriculture and has hit the Pennsylvania dairy industry especially hard this spring. This training is the first step AgrAbility PA staff is taking to learn about the resources available for clients who might need mental health support.

AgrAbility Project Assistant Abbie Spackman participated in a Women in Ag event hosted by the National Resources Conservation Service. During the event Abbie provided information to attendees about AgrAbility services, networked with local farmers and agribusinesses, and provided educational information to individuals in local government.