Washington State University was recently awarded USDA funds to help injured farmers get back on the job.  Its call the Agrability program.  Don McMoran with WSU-Skagit County said the funds will be used to help farmers address an injury, arthritis, or other physical challenges that make day to day production more difficult.

 

“Getting them some tools through the assist of technology, to be able to make sure they can continue to do what they want to do, and if you know farmers, more than anything all they want to do is farm, so this is going to be an excellent program to make sure they can continue on in their vocation.”

 

McMoran said once WSU is contacted, they’ll come to the farm, and do a free home assessment.  From there, they have a variety of tools at their disposal to try and get that farmer back out in the field.

 

“And then there’s even a program for no-cost loans, or low-cost loans, to be able to provide these assistant technology tools to these individuals.”

 

McMoran said the Agrability program will be run through WSU-Skagit County, but is available for farmers across the state of Washington.  To learn more, to have your questions answered, or to sign up, contact your local WSU Extension office.

 

 

If you have a story idea for the Washington Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail gvaagen@cherrycreekradio.com

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