Farming is tough work — physically demanding, sometimes dangerous — and when a farmer is injured or develops a long‑term condition, the future of the farm can be at risk. In Michigan, the program known as Michigan AgrAbility is stepping in to fill that gap.
“We’ve been to almost every one of the counties of Michigan serving people with disabilities,” says Ned Stoller, Agricultural Engineer for Michigan Agrability. “If you have a medical condition and want to work in agriculture there’s a way to do it.”
Every year in Michigan, the estimated rate of farm‑related injuries is about 1.5 per 100 agricultural workers — this adds up to roughly 2,400 injuries each year statewide, and about 5 % of those may result in permanent impairment.
Michigan AgrAbility works with farmers who are dealing with an injury, a chronic health condition like arthritis or back pain, or aging‑related limitations, helping them stay active in production agriculture rather than having to give it up.
Stoller continues, “We’ll come and learn about your medical conditions and disability. We’ll learn about your farm tasks of what you need to do. What matters to you and to your family. How you’re going to fit into the whole operation with the other workers. Then we try to figure out assistive technology of different tools and equipment so that you can keep working in spite of your medical condition.”
Michigan Agrabilty even works with a state agency called Michigan Rehabilitation Services that help pay for these sometimes costly accommodations.
According to Stoller, “We have relationships with groups around the state that we can help with that. It’s very important to us to be providing practical services to people on their farms.”
The result? Farmers who might otherwise be forced to retire early or sell the farm are instead able to keep working, maintaining income and preserving the livelihood and legacy of their operation.
Programs like Michigan AgrAbility make sure that a disabling injury or chronic condition doesn’t automatically mean the end of the farm. For more information, farmers in Michigan can reach out to the program at MichiganAgrAbility.org.