Oklahoma AgrAbility Newsletter
Fall 2009 • Volume 8 • Issue 4
NOTE: Mention or display of a trademark, proprietary product or firm in text or figures does not constitute an endorsement by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Oklahoma State University, Langston University or the National AgrAbility Project and does not imply approval to the exclusion of other suitable products or firms.
Inside this issue
Partner updates: Millee Jorge, Ed.D., PT, Dean of Physical Therapy, Langston University
Welcome new staff member Shianne Megel
Oklahoma Equipment Connection: Agriculture Update
Focus on access: Can agriculture equipment automation be used as assistive technology?
On the horizon: AgrAbility events
In the news: Spotlight on Oklahoma AgrAbility
Farmer SUCCESS spotlight: Bill Bennett, Historic family tradition continues because of innovative technology
Bill Bennett farms 500 acres of wheat and grass hay near Hydro, Okla. Bennett experienced four hand injuries during the last 22 years. His accidents decreased strength, endurance and sensation in his hands. Bennett found it difficult to continue farming as his family had done for more than 90 years.
Farming has been a passion of Bennett’s since he was 15-years-old working with his dad in the fields. After graduating from college, he returned to the farm full-time to continue his family’s legacy. Following his accidents, he experienced difficulty working with tools and machinery. Bennett learned about the Oklahoma AgrAbility Project in 2007.“I would probably be trying to quit farming if it weren’t for the help I received from Oklahoma AgrAbility,” Bennett said.
Bennett discovered that AgrAbility could help him continue farming safely and provide for his family. AgrAbility conducted a farm visit and determined the barriers he faced with daily operations. Bennett’s goal was to continue farming without the risk of injury and further disability.
After he was determined eligible for services, the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) worked closely with Bennett to determine what he would need to successfully clarify his business plans and complete his goals. AgrAbility and DRS determined appropriate assistive technology to help him operate his tractor and continue working with minimal stress to his hands.
DRS funded and obtained a field computer kit and accessories to control liquid fertilizer flow and application, and a boom control system which uses GPS technology to monitor fertilizer application and avoid waste.
“It’s great because it decreases the amount I have to use my hands in terms of grabbing the steering wheel and setting the controls,” Bennett said. “It drives from one end and I turn it around and then let it drive to the other end.”
DRS bought the front wheel suspension for a Big Country Wagon that Bennett financed through the Oklahoma ABLE Tech – Access to Telework Fund Program. The suspension reduces bounce and body impact. An ergonomic seat and automatic steering kit allow for hands-free tractor operation, these were also obtained by DRS.
“Modifications to existing equipment and new devices, which we call assistive technology, are the answer to literally keeping them in the tractor seat. Farming is more than just a job or a paycheck. It is a deeper commitment and way of life that has been going on for 90 years in Bill Bennett’s family,” said Letha Wilson, Bennett’s vocational rehabilitation counselor from Ft. Cobb, who recently retired from (DRS).
Bennett’s sons, William and Payton, are very glad that he chose to find a way to continue farming. With assistive technology, Bennett is able to more safely and efficiently provide for his family. He can increase profits on the land he already owns and expand his business. Bennett provides custom fertilizer application services, prepares seed beds and top dresses wheat for other farmers.
“My new technology won’t be sitting idle much at all,” Bennett said.
Bennett utilized Intensive Financial Management and Planning Support (IFMAPS), a service of the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service. IFMAPS provides farm and ranch families with tools, information and strategies to create sound financial business plans. Bennett is excited about his viable business venture and his contribution to the economic growth in rural Oklahoma.
Bennett’s success story celebrates the coordination of efforts from the Oklahoma AgrAbility Project, DRS, Oklahoma ABLE Tech and the Oklahoma Assistive Technology Foundation.
“There are people out there that can guide you to opportunities for help,” Bennett said. “Don’t give up, and don’t make a hasty decision. It takes time but there are people out there that can help you.”
Bennett asked a special thank you be given to Oklahoma AgrAbility, Oklahoma ABLE Tech, Oklahoma Assistive Technology Foundation, DRS, and WAKO Inc. of Enid, Okla.
Picture above: Bill Bennett proudly demonstrates the assistive technology installed in the cab of his tractor as it pulls his Big Country Wagon.
Partner updates
Millee Jorge, Ed.D., PT, Dean of Physical Therapy, Langston University
Oklahoma AgrAbility will host a continuing education course for rehabilitation professionals entitled, “Rehabilitating Oklahoma Farmers and Ranchers” Oct. 23-24 at the Seretean Wellness Center in Stillwater, Okla. The course speakers will include Rep. John Enns, Oklahoma House District 41; Dr. Michael O’Brien, director for the Department of Rehabilitation Services (DRS); DRS cadre members; Langston University School of Physical Therapy faculty; and Oklahoma AgrAbility Project staff. Registration for the workshop closed September 18, 2009.
Doctor of physical therapy students at Langston University 
completed a clinical education seminar on rehabilitating farmers and ranchers in July 2009. Students learned about assistive technology available to assist farmers, ranchers and agriculture workers continue working after they sustain an injury or disability.
Students visited the Kika de la Garza Goat Institute on the Langston campus and learned about agricultural equipment and farm tasks. Students learned about safety and prevention of on-farm injuries as well as how to modify agricultural equipment for persons with long-term disability to enable them to access farm equipment and farm life in a safe and productive manner.
Dr. Millee Jorge and Dr. Aliya Chaudry, Professors at Langston University, presented the seminar with the support of Dr. Terry Gipson, Professor and research scientist at the Kika de la Garza Institute. Sandra Stevenson, project manager for the Oklahoma AgrAbility Project, attended the conference.
Picture above: Physical therapy student learns about the physical requirements needed to safely access farm equipment.
Welcome new staff member Shianne Megel
Shianne Megel is the new Oklahoma AgrAbility communications and outreach assistant with the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service. She completed her bachelor’s degree in agricultural education at West Texas A&M University. Megel served as Colorado state FFA secretary and a state 4-H officer. She grew up on a small ranch in eastern Colorado raising horses and cattle.
Megel previously lived in La Vernia, Texas and worked with the Texas Beef Council as a marketing specialist. She is excited to work with the Oklahoma AgrAbility Project and continue to empower farmers and ranchers.
Oklahoma Equipment Connection: Agriculture update
Items needed:
Large tiller for garden
Front-end loader with bucket (2)
Pasture drill with iron wheels
Portable corrals with or without panels
The Oklahoma Equipment Connection (OEC) is listing items in the Ag Equipment Exchange category. It is just one of our efforts to support Oklahoma farmers, ranchers, their families and agricultural operations connect with adapted farm equipment and assistive technology.
If you are interested in posting equipment contact the Oklahoma AgrAbility Project at 888-885-5588 or visit the OEC Web site at: http://oec.okstate.edu.
Check out our new site!
The Oklahoma AgrAbility Web site, www.agrability.okstate.edu, is up and running with a new look. We hope to provide you with more resources and information that will meet your needs. Please let us know if you have comments or suggestions about the site by contacting Amanda Erichsen, extension assistant, at ability@okstate.edu or 405-744-2398.
Focus on access: Can agriculture equipment automation be used as assistive technology?
Agriculture equipment has evolved many ways since the first self-propelled tractor was introduced more than 100 years ago. The latest wave in this evolution is equipment automation. But where does equipment automation fit in the realm of assistive technology? The answer lies in making accommodations for repetitive, tedious tasks.
Generally, steering a vehicle is not the most challenging aspect of operating a piece of machinery. However, if you find it difficult to grasp a steering wheel for the long hours that farmers work, it could not only reduce productivity but cause damaging effects to your health.
A Global Positioning System (GPS) aided automatic steering unit could reduce operator fatigue and allow someone with limited dexterity to work longer hours and be more productive in the field. These systems are available for most agriculture machinery and come with various levels of accuracy. The most expensive ($30,000 - $40,000) systems can reduce implement overlap to less than two inches whereas less expensive ($6,000 - $8,000) systems have precision closer to one foot.
Automation is not limited to GPS steering. Tractors can be ordered with features capable of making turns at the end of the field and raising and lowering attached equipment without direct assistance from the farmer.
Although hands-free turning and implement steering may not be in as high a demand as automatic steering, there are other accommodations that can be made to farm equipment that could be beneficial.
Automatic header height control is one such item. On most combines and swathers, header height is controlled with the right thumb. In fact, the control stick on newer equipment often looks like a video game controller. For someone with limited dexterity in their right hand, a header height control system would be a great benefit.
This is just a glimpse of current agricultural technologies available in today’s market. There are many other control systems for agriculture equipment that serve as assistive technology. Most of these were designed to improve productivity and reduce operator fatigue, but they could be used to accommodate an injury or disability and keep farmers in business.
This article was written by Randy Taylor, principal investigator and co-director of the Oklahoma AgrAbility Project and professor for the Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering. For more information about agricultural equipment automation call 405-744-5425.
Left picture: Screen view of what Bill Bennett sees on his tractor’s computer screen. This type of computer application can help make farming tasks easier and less straining.
Picture above: Inside view of a cab equipped with technology to make farming less fatiguing and challenging.
On the horizon: AgrAbility events
October
5 – 8, National AgrAbility Workshop, Michigan
13, AgrAbility Advisory Council Meeting, Stillwater
14, DRS Area B AgrAbility Training, Oklahoma City
15, Oklahoma County Master Gardeners meeting, Oklahoma City
23 & 24, Rehabilitating Oklahoma Farmers and Ranchers, Fall AgrAbility Workshop for Rehabilitation Professionals, Stillwater
27, Stillwater Milling Company AgrAbility training, Stillwater
November
6 & 7, Farm Bureau annual conference, Oklahoma City
18, DRS Academy Training, Oklahoma City
In the news: Spotlight on Oklahoma AgrAbility
Oklahoma AgrAbility Project promoted on Oklahoma Network Television
An interview was conducted with Sandra Stevenson, the Program Manager for Oklahoma AgrAbility. Stevenson discussed the Project’s mission, how it is funded and several farmer success stories. The interview aired the week of August 22 – August 28, 2009 on the OETA – The Oklahoma Network.
High Plains Journal, article posted online, September 2009. AgrAbility to host agricultural rehabilitation workshop
Use this link to view the article online
Become a Therapist, Therapist News, link provided to High Plains Journal article posted September 2009
Use this link to view the article online
Oklahoma News Overviews, link provided to High Plains Journal article posted September 2009
Use this link to view the article online
Oklahoma AgrAbility Project is one of 22 states awarded funding for the 2009 fiscal year to continue its project.
Click here to view the USDA press release
Click here to view the article featured in Oklahoma's Farm News Update by Ron Hays
FALL friendly resources
Please read the following articles from the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service for information about fire prevention, tips for a healthy pond, grocery shopping online and keeping your family’s food safe this fall.
Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management - OCES Gardening
008C Agricultural Hall, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078
405-744-5437
Web: http://nrem.okstate.edu/
OSU tips to avoid oxygen deprivation in ponds
OCES Family and Consumer Sciences
135 Human Environmental Sciences Building, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078
405-744-6280
Web: http://www.fcs.okstate.edu/
Food Intake in Later Years PDF
Eating and Keeping Food Safe During Summer and Winter Storms PDF
Planning Food for Summer and Winter Storm Emergencies PDF
Robert M. Kerr Food & Agricultural Products Center
148 FAPC, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078
405-744-6071
E-mail: fapc@okstate.edu
Web: http://www.fapc.okstate.edu/index.html
Ready, Get Set, Click: Grocery Shopping Online PDF
OK-FIRE Oklahoma Mesonet
Web: http://okfire.mesonet.org/
Fire-prevention landscaping key after this summer’s wet weather PDF
Events attended during July, August and September
July
June 18 – July 23, Arthritis Foundation Self Help Class, Stillwater
13, Oklahoma Home and Community Education Conference, Oklahoma City
14, AgrAbility Advisory Council Meeting, Stillwater
28 – 29, 4-H Roundup, Stillwater
August 27 – 29, Logan County 4-H fair, Guthrie
September
10, Drumright Safety Day, Drumright
16 – 18, Rural Heath Association of Oklahoma Fall Conference, Norman
14 – 18, Noble County 4-H fair, Perry
24 – 27, Creek County 4-H fair, Kellyville
Oklahoma AgrAbility Staff
Oklahoma State University
Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service
Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering
Randy Taylor, Principal Investigator & Co-Director
Amanda Erichsen, Extension Assistant
Shianne Megel, Communications and Outreach Assistant
Kylee Willard, Communications and Outreach Student Assistant
Oklahoma ABLE Tech
Linda Jaco, Co-Director
Sandra Stevenson, Program Manager
Stacy Bauter, Assistant Program Manager
Langston University
School of Physical Therapy
Millee Jorge, Dean of Physical Therapy
About Oklahoma AgrAbility
Oklahoma AgrAbility connects farmers and ranchers with disabilities to resources about ways to continue success in their enterprise, operation and daily life activities. Call AgrAbility at 888-885-5588 (voice/tty) or ability@okstate.edu for more information.
About this newsletter
This is a quarterly publication available via mail, e-mail and the Web at www.agrability.okstate.edu. For more information about this newsletter please contact Amanda Erichsen at ability@okstate.edu or 405-744-2398.
This newsletter was supported in part by USDA-CSREES grant award number 2006-41590-03434.
Media contact
Amanda Erichsen, Extension Assistant
Oklahoma AgrAbility
Oklahoma State University
Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering
211 Agricultural Hall
Stillwater, OK 74078-6021
405-744-2398
Fax: 405-744-6059
ability@okstate.edu