January 2018: AgrAbility PA Project Highlights

Project Assistant Abbie Spackman

Staff represented AgrAbility PA at the 2018 Keystone Farm Show, the largest commercial farm equipment and service provider trade show in Pennsylvania. The show targets full-time production farmers in the Mid-Atlantic area. AgrAbility PA provided information to attendees about assistive technology, farm equipment modifications, financial resources, and secondary injury prevention. AgrAbility PA Project Assistant Abbie Spackman talked with many farmers over the three-day event.   

Kendra Martin with PA Dept. of Agriculture Sec. Russell Redding

AgrAbility PA staff had a great opportunity to take part in the 102nd Pennsylvania Farm Show, which is the largest indoor agricultural exposition in the country. The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture hosted AgrAbility PA and several other governmental and non-profit organizations. AgrAbility PA was in attendance on the day veterans, active military, and their families were honored and recognized for their service.  

PA Dept of Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding was on hand to talk about the opportunities for all Pennsylvanians in the agricultural industry, but especially highlighted those with military experience. Kendra Martin, outreach coordinator for AgrAbility PA, met with Sec. Russell. Also, an FFA chapter put on a display highlighting AgrAbility PA -- placing third in the state display competition. They made a small ATV wheelchair, an adaptive prosthetic wrench, and the chair lift of the tractor went up and down. AgrAbility PA is very proud of this group!

AgrAbility Exhibit by Line Mountain-Mahantango FFA

AgrAbility PA staff has continued to battle extremely cold temperatures this Pennsylvania winter weather with our clients to conduct farm assessments, which have been many. Staff is also attending Penn State Extension Crop and Dairy Day events and other agricultural conferences throughout the state. The Extension conferences are hosted by the county Extension offices and draw in farmers who are looking to hear the latest agricultural news and gain pesticide application credits. AgrAbility PA staff provides information on services and visits with past and potential clients.