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Armed to Farm: Hidden disabilities can be overcome

Veterans getting into farming are helped to overcome more than just physical injuries in the National AgrAbility program.

Karen Funkenbusch, the head of Missouri AgrAbility tells Brownfield Ag News, “Most of our farmers that we’re working with have those hidden disabilities. So, we’re talking about some PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), we’re talking about some mental health, depression, anxiety. We’re talking about bad back, carpal tunnel syndrome, maybe some vision, maybe some hearing issues.”

AgrAbility goes on the farm to see just what’s needed. She tells Brownfield, “We ask the operator where they are having difficulties and then as we’re walking through the farm and doing that on-the-farm assessment, they are identifying what they believe to be their barriers or their limitations based on their disability. And, then, we’re trying to help match them up with simple solutions.”

A solution may be an automated watering system in a hydroponic growing system, for example. In addition, Funkenbusch says veterans are referred by AgrAbility to local counseling or other services if needed.

AUDIO:  Interview with Karen Funkenbusch (15:30 mp3)

National AgrAbility Project