For many farmers, their land is more than a livelihood. It’s a way of life, an identity, and often, a family legacy passed from one generation to the next.
When an injury, chronic illness or disability makes the physical demands of farming more difficult, it doesn't have to mean stepping away from agriculture.
At this year’s Ohio State Fair, The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) will showcase how Ohio AgrAbility helps farmers, farm workers and gardeners continue doing the work they love through adaptive tools, assistive technology and practical solutions that promote safety, independence and opportunity.
A partnership between Ohio State University Extension — CFAES’ outreach arm — and Easterseals Redwood, Ohio AgrAbility has been helping Ohioans remain active in agriculture since 2009. Part of the National AgrAbility Project, a U.S. Department of Agriculture-supported initiative, the program connects people with education, on-farm assessments, assistive technology and practical modifications tailored to their individual needs.
In 2024 alone, Ohio AgrAbility reached more than 5,000 Ohioans through educational programs and outreach while providing direct assistance such as on-farm assessments, consultations and referrals to 156 individuals.
Source : osu.edu