Farms.com Home   News

Michigan to Host National Conference on Disability in Agriculture

By Samantha Wolfe

The annual AgrAbility National Training Workshop (NTW), the premier conference addressing issues of disability in agriculture, will take place March 16-19, 2026, in Traverse City, Michigan. Hosted at the Park Place Hotel and Conference Center downtown, the four-day event will bring together more than 200 Extension professionals, farmers and ranchers, veterans, rehabilitation specialists, rural health providers and agricultural stakeholders from across the country to share knowledge, build capacity and strengthen support networks for producers with disabilities and functional limitations. Several Michigan State University Extension educators will be among the presenters.

The AgrAbility National Training Workshop aims to empower professionals and agricultural participants through practical education, opportunities for networking and collaboration, and resources that enhance service delivery and independence in agricultural work through two days of breakout sessions, programming, and optional tours visiting client farms and other local agricultural and food production operations.

Source : msu.edu

Trending Video

Genetics Behind Swine Resilience - Dr. Jenelle Dunkelberger

Video: Genetics Behind Swine Resilience - Dr. Jenelle Dunkelberger


In this episode of The Swine it Podcast Show Canada, Dr. Jenelle Dunkelberger, geneticist at Topigs Norsvin, explains how genetics can improve disease resilience in pigs. She explores how resilience differs from resistance, the role of genetic variation, and how breeding strategies can enhance health and performance under disease pressure. Dr. Dunkelberger also covers practical applications and future implications for swine production. Listen now on all major platforms!

"Controlled experimental trials confirm that differences in mortality and performance under disease pressure are linked to genetic background, even when environmental conditions remain consistent."

Meet the guest: Dr. Jenelle Dunkelberger / jenelle-dunkelberger-9200ab86 is a geneticist at Topigs Norsvin, where she leads the Global Health and Behavior Research Platform. She earned her PhD from Iowa State University, focusing on host genetics and disease response in pigs. Her work centers on improving swine health and performance through genetic selection for resilience and behavior traits.