By Jamie Martin
The collaboration between Michigan State University’s AgrAbility project and its agricultural workers is a beacon of innovation and inclusion.
Focused on enhancing life quality for farmers with disabilities, AgrAbility’s work at MSU’s research center stands out as a pioneering approach to adaptive agriculture.
Here, workers like Cade Krieger, who maneuver through farming tasks in a wheelchair, find new horizons of possibility.
With assistance from Ned Stoller, an expert in agricultural engineering and assistive technology, Krieger has seamlessly adapted to various farming duties.
From operating mowers and tractors adapted for ease of use to obtaining his pesticide applicator certification, Krieger’s journey is a testament to what can be achieved with the right support. His ability to apply herbicides using a weed wick from his wheelchair exemplifies the practical application of these technologies.
The project's success is largely due to the forward-thinking and flexible attitudes at MSU’s research center, which readily embraces innovative solutions to empower its workers. "The people at SWMREC were also game for anything.
Even toward the end of the summer, Ben reached out to me saying they got a workstation set up for Cade to sort vegetables," said Stoller.
AgrAbility’s initiative is transforming agricultural practice, proving that with the right tools and a supportive environment, disabilities do not limit professional achievements in farming.
This story not only highlights the technological adaptations made but also underscores the essential human element of understanding and cooperation that drives the success of such programs.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-shotbydave
Categories: National