Project Description:
-----------------------------------
FY 7/1/2024 to 6/30/25
The Texas AgrAbility Project focus is on connecting, assisting, and educating agricultural producers, their family members, and employees with disabilities and chronic health conditions to stay engaged in production agriculture.
Agriculture work is considered one of the most dangerous occupations in the United States, with an estimated 50,000 disabled farmers and ranchers in Texas. Disabling conditions such as arthritis, amputation, back injuries, heart conditions, traumatic brain injury, and others impact a producer's ability to perform many of the day-to-day tasks necessary to their operations. These disabilities are often the result of a dangerous work environment where workers often toil in conditions that contribute to or increase the risk of health problems. For example, risks associated with farm equipment operation, handling of livestock, exposure to excessive vibration and motions, potential for increased falls, respiratory hazards, and exposure to extreme temperatures contribute to the overall risk for farmers, ranchers, employees, and family members. There is evidence to suggest that some disabling conditions may increase the risk for secondary injury if preventative steps are not taken. It is estimated that each year, a disabling injury related to work in agriculture occurs on one in every 117 farms. Physical disabilities not related to agriculture increase the rate to one disabling injury for every 24 Texas farms.
Overall Goals and Objectives
The Texas AgrAbility ACE program goal is to connect, assist, and empower agricultural producers, their family members, and employees with disabilities and chronic health conditions to stay engaged in production agriculture. The project does so by:
- Assisting service providers to better understand the unique needs of the agricultural producers as it relates to acquired disabilities and chronic illnesses through training and technical assistance.
- Connecting individuals with a disability to resources specific to their individual needs and to their type of agriculture operation.
- Empowering those who need our services to better navigate the many systems for acquiring disability services and resources, such as assistive technology, to help them in their efforts to remain in production agriculture.
Unusual Features
The Texas AgrAbility Project assists individuals to overcome challenges that might otherwise impair their ability to remain in production agriculture by providing:
- Education to individuals with disabilities and their families engaged in production agriculture, as well as service providers who work with them, to increase knowledge about accommodating disabilities, improving function, and avoiding secondary injuries.
- Consultative assistance such as individualized farm and ranch assessment, home environment assessment, financial business analysis, and technical assistance to farmers and ranchers with disabilities and/or chronic illnesses to increase the likelihood that these agriculture producers will remain in production agriculture
- Networking and marketing of the Texas AgrAbility Project to build the capacity to deliver services to the agricultural production employment field through networking and marketing activities with include the dissemination of information, and the identification of AgrAbility clients. Additionally, project staff will foster linkages to disability and health resources.
Expected Benefits
By adopting AgrAbility's recommendations, persons in the AgrAbility program will increase their ability to:
o Retain/maintain employment in chosen profession
o Manage their farm/ranch
o Complete chores
o Operate machinery
o Fully engage with their worksite
Additional expected benefits include:
o General population awareness of employment options for individuals with disabilities in production agriculture
o Disabilities service providers awareness of employment options for individuals with disabilities in production agriculture
o Positive economic impact at the individual, community, and state levels.
Texas AgrAbility Project (TxAP):
Cost savings Yr. 3 to TxAP Clients and the TxAP project:
In Sept. 2024, our work was featured in an approximate 13-minute news story "Around Texas with Texas A&M Chancellor John Sharp", broadcasted on the public television station (PBS) that reaches over 36 million viewers monthly. While public broadcasters do not sell traditional advertising, the equivalent media value of this type of exposure estimated at $2 to $4 million, based on national advertising standards. More importantly, the feature offered a deeply trusted platform to share our mission with a highly engaged, civically minded audience. The story continues to serve as a powerful tool in outreach, fundraising, and credibility-building, extending far beyond the original broadcast through re-airings, digital platforms, and inclusion in our organizational storytelling. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j28GFfIHGKQ&list=PLn4ueEbqno_zAhEM9xHqDOTgkoJjG9eV_&index=2
AgrAbility had two Certified Occupational Therapy Doctoral interns, they contributed a total of 1,120 hours of service in support of the grant's goals and objectives. Valued at $48.86 per hour, this represents an in-kind contribution of $54,723.20. In addition to their time, the interns generously covered their own travel expenses, including gas, hotel accommodations, and airfare, to ensure the successful implementation and support of grant activities. This level of commitment and personal investment significantly enhanced the overall impact and sustainability of the grant.
West Texas A&M Engineering students, under the guidance of their professor, provided vital support to our grant initiative by designing and implementing assistive technology solutions to increase functionality for farmers with disabilities. Their contributions included the design and manufacturing of a scissor lift, enabling a disabled farmer with multiple farm/ranch locations to better interact with and manage his business. They also designed and installed a platform lift for a farmer with a leg amputation to improve on-farm mobility. The estimated value of the equipment alone is $32,000. Adding engineering expertise to this, the donated time and expertise from both the engineering students and their professor represent a significant in-kind contribution, valued at $20,500. Beyond the measurable impact, this collaboration deeply influenced the engineering students' perspective. It opened their eyes to the importance and potential of addressing the unique needs of farmers/ranchers with disabilities. This experience served not only as a technical challenge but also as a meaningful opportunity for service and social impact.
TxAP clients received $65,000 worth of equipment and adaptive devices from Texas Workforce Commission Vocational Rehabilitation (TWC/VR) to further their ability to continue their work with their disabilities.
The total in-kind contributions amounted to nearly $180,000 for direct assistance to TxAP clients, plus an approximate marketing value of $2,000,000 in YR3.
Education Accomplishments YR3:
5 AgrAbility staff members & 1 farmer PAC Advisor (Partner Advisory Council) attended the National AgrAbility Training Workshop to increase education to support farmers and ranchers with disabilities, and to offer peer support. TxAP supported the expenses of Jason Hessbrook to attend; he is a farmer, veteran, and AgrAbility client.
Six online trainings were provided to 116 healthcare students and increased competencies for providing services to farmers and ranchers with disabilities. The on-line training helped educate on worksite assessments, risk assessments, task modification recommendations and assisted technology for agricultural operations.
The TxAP Course "Serving Farmworkers with Disabilities and Health Conditions" educated 9 service providers working with farmworkers with disabilities and health conditions. Those enrolled in the course had an average knowledge gain of 5.2 to 7.8 on a 10-point scale. and they received 6 credit hours through the Texas Occupational Therapy Association
TxAP's Total Farmer Health Coach conducted 3 QPR suicide prevention trainings for agricultural communities. The training provides resources and tools for preventing suicide through agricultural cultural competency. Results show enhanced competencies of individuals working with agriculture populations with 100% of attendees reporting that they would directly raise questions of suicide with an individual showing signs after attending the training.
Two educational videos "What is a Center for Independent Living, & Universal Designs" were developed in collaboration with non-profit partner, Brazos Valley Independent Living Center (BVCIL) - These provide processes and helpful resources for farmers and ranchers with disabilities, utilizing Centers for Independent Living (20 across the state) services for their farm and ranch operations. These videos are shared on social media and uploaded to TxAP You-Tube channel for free viewing and downloads.
Twelve educational fact sheets "Amputation 1 & 2, Blindness & Vision Loss 1 & 2, Carpal Tunnel 1 & 2, Ergonomics for Women, Mental Health 1&2, Occupational Therapy in Agriculture, Farm Task and Spinal Cord Injuries" were developed along with eleven short videos. These were developed into educational modules and are available on YouTube and on social media.
Conducted quarterly meetings with PAC (Partner Advisor Council) a peer and professional group to enhance outreach of TxAP adding two new members: Jason Hessbrook (farmer/rancher) and Floyd Nauls (USDA).
Conducted Quality of Life surveys pre and post-test with AgrAbility clients and submitted to national AgrAbility.
Four in-person presentations to 60 students to educate high school students on ergonomic and adaptive devices for those with disabilities at a student resource fair.
Two Occupational Therapy (OT) Capstone students were mentored thru TxAP internships for a total of 1,120 hours to expand services to TxAP clients and educate therapists and health practitioners on TxAP services and working with farmers and ranchers with disabilities.
Conducted bi-monthly meetings with the Texas Workforce Commission Vocational Rehabilitation (TWCVR) to manage case files of farmers and ranchers served. Developed and implemented a formal process for TWC/VR staff to work case management in conjunction with TxAP staff.
The TxAP Assessment Tool and Protocol was utilized for (8- Kara Smallegan + 6 from Sarah Pierce) farm assessments with Occupational Therapy students and independent contractors.
Networking Accomplishments YR3
AgrAbility has newly partnered with Texas A&M Engineering and Technology with Robots with Adaptive Robotics and Technology to advocate for the use of robotic farming devices that promote the continued productivity of farmers with disabilities. This collaboration brings firsthand farming experience directly to the engineers in the robotics department, helping ensure the technology is practical, user-friendly, and designed with the real-world needs of disabled farmers in mind.
TxAP in collaboration with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension mental health agents conducted quarterly peer group calls. The group also includes a peer group map to facilitate engagement among members. There are currently 13 individuals participating in the peer group map and 19 members of the peer group.
A Women in Agriculture interactive community of interest was maintained and currently has 14 members. There are 49 posts in the group sharing resources and networking among members.
AgriSafe Network and the Southwest Center for Agriculture Safety and Health provided TxAP with educational and marketing materials for the AgriStress Helpline and safety for forestry workers. This mental health resource is available to farmers and ranchers in Texas and was promoted through suicide prevention training for agriculture service providers. More than 2,000 marketing and educational awareness materials were handed out.
The TxAP Advisory committee expanded to include Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Disaster Assessment and Recovery agent, Miquela Smith, and Associate Professor of Environmental and Occupational Health for the Texas A&M School of Public Health, Dr. David Douphrate.
Partnered with West Texas A&M Engineering Capstone Students to work with disabled farmers in North Texas to design and build a portable scissor ramp; the client has 5 business locations. They also built a platform lift for Mr. Hill, a farmer with disabilities in Central Texas. AgrAbility staff and occupational therapists worked with students and professors to educate and raise awareness of the needs of the clients.
TxAP promoted programs at five events, 2 for veterans, 2 for Agriculture Extension agents, & 1 for City and County employees reaching 1150 individuals.
A video feature was produced by Texas A&M University System's "Around Texas with Chancellor Sharp" program showcasing AgrAbility and Battleground to Breaking Ground. https://stories.tamu.edu/stories/from-battleground-to-breaking-ground-how-texas-am-is-helping-veterans-find-a-new-mission-in-agriculture/
Direct Assistance Accomplishments YR3
TxAP assisted 58 farmers/ranchers and veterans with disabilities in person and virtually. With 19 on-site farm assessments being conducted in Y3, 11 of those assessments being veterans. Work-site assessments (in-person and virtually) included assistive technology recommendations, ergonomics and task modification, and farm safety considerations. TxAP also has a reciprocal partnership with 10 of those clients shared with TWCVR.
Additionally, individual ongoing consultative services were provided to 40 TxAP clients. Services included referral to disability services resources and agriculture assistance programs. These services were also provided to 11 military veteran farmer participants through the BattleGround to Breaking Ground program.
A client testimonial was filmed and launched on TxAP's YouTube channel to highlight the work of TxAP in collaboration with engineering capstone students through a farm or ranch assessment and assistive technology recommendations. The testimonial includes partnerships with BattleGround to Breaking Ground and supported services for farmers and ranchers with disabilities. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EV1VkVG7JP0
Collaborated with Michigan AgrAbility and mentored Kara Smallegan (OT Capstone intern) to support client assessments through her internship in both Texas and Michigan supporting 30+ combined clients. This partnership provided Michigan with the tools to launch/develop their own program of support for OT interns in Michigan.
An online referral tool was used to enhance referrals for farmers and ranchers with disabilities. Client information forms were made available through an easy-to-find tab on the TxAP website. This allows for real-time client intake and referral from partner organizations.
Marketing Accomplishments YR3
"Around Texas with Chancellor Sharp" informative TV story by A&M University's Chancellor John Sharp showcasing the outreach and work of TxAP. TxAP serves all 254 counties in Texas.
The TxAP website was updated to stay current and continues to be a user-friendly platform with easier menu navigation. The event tab with registration links is updated as webinars and/or training were added.
The promotional brochure was updated to stay current and include relevant imaging and services for women farmers and ranchers. 600 brochures and marketing materials were disseminated at promotional events and workshops.
Additional tools and interactive elements were included as part of the project display at events. Elements include a spin-the-wheel interactive educational tool to encourage participation in event booths. As well as ergonomic tools for participants to provide hands-on experience. TxAP booths saw an average of 70% more engagement at in-person events with interactive elements included.
A yearly impact brief was developed to highlight impacts of the project in 2024 and disseminated to stakeholders through the 25-member advisory committee and made available for viewing and download from the website.
TxAP continues to provide a 6-hour accredited continuing education course through Texas Occupational Therapy Association for occupational therapists working with farmers and ranchers with disabilities. Additionally, the course was highlighted as a part of a presentation at the American Occupational Therapy (OT) Association Conference. This conference is the premiere occupational therapy training conference in the nation. The OT course was expanded in FY24 to include videos on common tasks, associated hazards, and ergonomic interventions.
A total of four programs were conducted (2 in person and 2 online) for 153 statewide Texas A&M AgriLife Extension agents to introduce them to services offered by AgrAbility. These 93 agents serve in mostly rural counties.
Results from our project impact are disseminated through quarterly advisory committee meetings and through a yearly impact brief. The brief is shared with stakeholders, advisory committee members, and the public through our website. Marketing materials for the project are distributed to stakeholders and advisory committee members as well as distributed at events attended. Project staff also made connections and collaborations with the Southwest Center for Agriculture Safety and Health, AgriSafe Network
Evaluation Highlight:
2024-2025 Pre/Post Data on the McGill Quality of Life (MQOL) Survey
1) The McGill Quality-of-Life survey question:
Considering all parts of my life-physical, emotional, spiritual, and financial-over the past two (2) days the quality of my life has been:
On a scale of 1 to 10 with 1 being very bad to 10 being excellent: TxAP Clients' reported quality of life increases from an average pre-survey mean score of 4.5 to a post-survey mean score of 7.25.
2) The Quality-of-Life survey question concerning Depression:
Over the past two days, I have been depressed:
On a scale of 1 to 10 with 1 being not at all and 10 being extremely: TxAP Clients reported a significant drop-in depression rate from an average pre-survey mean score of 5.62 to a post-survey mean score of 3.25.
2024-2025 Work Limitation Survey (WLQ)
1) WLQ survey question:
I am able to access my workspaces on my farm/ranch.
On a scale of 1 to 5 with 1 being strongly disagree to 5 being strongly agree: TxAP clients reported a significant increase in access to their farm/ranch business spaces following TxAP provided services with an average mean pre-survey score of 2.6 to an average post-survey score of 4.2.
FY 7/1/2024-6/30/2025
BGBG -GFR Course Participant Numbers
C14: Completed 10
C15: Completed - 13
Cohort 16: Completed - 5
STP
C5: Currently completed - 5
BGBG-GFR: The BattleGround to Breaking Ground (BGBG) program is a four-phase program that is delivered through a hybrid in-person and online model to assist veterans, active-duty military, and other beginning farmers and ranchers to start or expand an agriculture operation. BGBG introduces participants to agriculture business ideas, business planning, and funding resources in Phase 1 then walks them through weekly modules to create an agriculture business plan in Phase 2. In Phase 3, participants gain agriculture production knowledge and skills through online courses and hands-on learning. Phase 1-3 Graduates who are veterans/active duty military are eligible for a $1000 stipend and they can apply to the Phase 4: Mentor Training Program. Certified mentors are paid for conducting hands-on learning hours with Phase 3 participants.
Category: Business & Community
FY24-25 Participants: 222
Outcomes:
$8,250 earned from online courses in FY24-25
Over 3-year period:
Started Farming: Target - 90, Actual – 70
Helped prepare to start farming: Target - 210, Actual – 555
Improved farming success: Target - 160, Actual - 183
64 Agriculture business plans developed
96 participants attended 5-day Introduction to Agriculture Bootcamps
Resulted in donations of $98,000
$99,440 distributed to program graduates through stipends over the 3-year period
Participant Quotes:
"I directly credit this program for increasing the profitability of my operation from a meager $800 when I first started the program in 2018 to a 6,000% increase in profit in 2020 and a $15,000 capital reinvestment to open wholesale and retail nursery operation in addition to expanding the existing produce operation. Needless to say, I owe the Battleground to Breaking Ground Program a life changing debt that I cannot possibly ever repay"
"I found this program during one of the darkest periods of my life. I would have never imagined that being lost while trying to integrate back into my community would be harder than the three combat deployments I endured as an Active-Duty Infantry and Signal Corps Officer in the United States Army. This program continues to serve as my beacon of hope, and I will forever be grateful for the investment that has been made in our Veterans."
"This has been a blessing to our farm that words cannot truly do justice and has helped us grow in ways that seemed to get stifled at every turn.  I am so excited to have chickens again that, in the past, were more for just our family and not for the growth of our farm.  Now that we officially have a new venture on our farm, it seems to be opening so many other doors for us. Now we have grown to accept our first veteran incubator farmer who has himself also started with the poultry and has now grown into cattle as well with the prospects of 2 more veteran incubator farmers in the near future.  These are truly exciting times and it all seemed to start with the BGBG fellowship fund that broke us out of our stagnant rut we were having trouble breaking free from. Thank you all again for the BGBG program and all that you do!!"
Photos & videos: https://photos.app.goo.gl/qNKb6u6UbYoW7bmN9
BGBG-GFR
Source: USDA National Institute of Food & Agriculture Beginning Farmer Rancher Development Program Grant
Name of Grant: BattleGround to Breaking Ground Growing Farmers and Ranchers Project
Total Award: $750,000
Amount for FY2024-25: $250,000
Farm Safety Certificate Program
Brief Summary: The Farm Safety program is designed to increase agriculture producers' awareness of the availability and benefits of farm safety programs and resources. It is a hybrid program that provides online learning as well as in-person training to agriculture producers with or without disabilities to improve their farm safety knowledge and skills to enable them to select, operate, and maintain common agriculture equipment, implements, and tools safely. Upon completion of this course, BattleGround to Breaking Ground graduates will be certified in safe handling and operation practices for equipment in the BattleGround to Breaking Ground Equipment Loan Program.
Category: Business & Community
FY24-25 Participants: 65
Outcomes:
Online courses include 40 hours of education covering Agricultural Work Environment, Laws and Regulations, Agriculture Hazards, Risk Assessment, Risk Mitigation, First Aid, Developing a Farm Safety Plan, Agricultural Health and Wellbeing, Physical Health, Mental Health, Barriers to Care.
Tractor, Machinery, and Equipment modules cover operators' manuals, tractor safety systems and features, pre-operational checks, instrument panels, controls, operating procedures, operational hazards, public road use, and work guidelines for youth.
(2) 4-hour Farm Safety Trainings were conducted in conjunction with our Phase 1 Introduction to Agriculture Bootcamp.
Source: The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler
Name of Grant: Southwest Center for Agricultural Health, Injury Prevention, and Education - Outreach Mini Grant: Farm Safety Certificate Program
Total Award: $10,000
Amount for FY2024-25: $10,000
