Oklahoma AgrAbility Project • Newsletter • Winter 2005

Oklahoma AgrAbility Newsletter

Winter 2005 • Volume 4 • Issue 1

Don't Fence Me In

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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.

In This Issue

Don't Fence Me In

Assistive Technology Grant Received from the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation

Vendors and Resources

Don't Fence Me In

“Give me land, lots of land under starry skies above” that must be fenced in ... the first line of a famous song written by Cole Porter, Don’t Fence Me In. Most farmers and ranchers know keeping the fences up and tight can be difficult. Labor and work will always be involved with keeping fences maintained, but there are products on the market that can reduce time and physical demands required for certain tasks. This issue of the newsletter will describe types of assistive technology that can be used to mend, build, or remove fences. Farmers with mobility limitations often are challenged to enter and exit gates to check livestock or fields so technologies to improve access at gates are also included.

We hope everyone is wintering well and enjoying the New Year!

Rachael Kircher, AgrAbility Project Coordinator

Carla Wilhite, OT/L, AgrAbility Program Specialist

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Assistive Technology Grant Received from the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation

The Oklahoma AgrAbility Project and Oklahoma Assistive Technology Foundation 501 (c)3 nonprofit have been awarded a $10,000 Quality of Life Grant from the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation. The grant will be used to establish an ongoing fund to provide low-cost assistive technology to Oklahoma farmers, ranchers, and their family members who are impacted by disability issues and who lack the services and resources needed to obtain adaptive or assistive devices.

Since 1999, the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation has provided funding for 617 Quality of Life Grants for a grand total of $5.6 million to nonprofit organizations nationwide, that help improve access and day-to-day quality of life for individuals with disabilities. In addition, the Foundation has provided over $48 million in research grants since 1982 to develop treatment and cures for paralysis caused by spinal cord injury and other central nervous system disorders.

“Most families on small farms have considerable expenses operating the farm and don’t have enough funding to purchase adaptive equipment to help improve the quality of life and participation in farming by a family member with a disability” according to Linda Jaco, Project Director for Oklahoma AgrAbility.

Examples of assistive devices include extra steps or hand-holds for the tractor, grab bars or a bench for bathing, gate opening devices, or aids for activities of daily living. Individuals or families who are living and working on small farms, who are interested in the program or receiving an application can contact Carla Wilhite, AgrAbility Program Specialist at: 1-888-885-5588 (toll-free). Farmers, ranchers, farm workers, or their family members with disability issues are eligible to apply. Funding based on set criteria and available funds.

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Mending Fences

A pneumatic fence post driver sitting on a t-post

Driving wooden posts and t-posts into Oklahoma soil is no easy job. For a farmer or rancher with arthritis, fibromyalgia, or other health issues, driving posts with a heavy hammer can be quite painful and require several days of recovery. Pneumatic post drivers are available and are powered by an air compressor small enough to be carried in the back of the pickup or utility vehicle. Pulling posts can be accomplished with different types of post jacks that rely on mechanical leverage instead of brute strength to do the job.

A wire spool made to attach to a three point hitch

High tensile and barb wire can be transported, unrolled, rewound, and tightened using a quick mount spool on a tractor three-point hitch.

Some wire reel products can be used from a pickup hitch or mounted on an ATV. For square fencing, a fence caddy can be used to carry, unwind, and tighten the fencing.

Just about every farm pickup has a set of fence pliers lying behind the seat, and it is a versatile tool for fence repairs and attaching wire to posts. Depending on the task at hand, pliers require static power gripping or awkward wrist postures. A device called a Clip Key can be used to attach or remove t-post clips without the need for repetitive pinching, gripping, or awkward wrist positions when used correctly.

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Fence Tips

Make sure of the exact location of property lines.
Use quality materials: fences should last at least 25 years.
Avoid running fences down-slope across terraces (go along terrace crests whenever possible).
Whenever possible, locate gates and passageways for livestock and equipment in the corner of each field closest to farm buildings.
If using wire, consider Class 3 galvanized because it can add over 5 years of life to fence in humid areas like S.E. Oklahoma.
Wood posts should be pressure treated.
For soft posts; staples should be at least 1 ¾ inches, hot dipped galvanized with cut points and barbs. For hard posts, use at least 1 ¼ inch.

Source: Worley, J.W. (2000). Circular 774: Fences for the Farm. University of Georgia-Cooperative Extension Service.

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Gates and Latches

Farmers and ranchers with mobility limitations or balance issues may find it difficult to safely open and close older gates made of a few strands of barb wire on a post that stretches to the gate post, as well as panel gates that have to be dragged open or shut. Winch, wheel, and latch improvements on gates can often allow an individual to independently check fields and pastures with minimal assistance. Most producers prefer to see their property personally rather than rely on someone else’s report.

A small gate wheel attached to a pipe gate

Adding a small wheel to a sagging gate can help avoid having to drag the gate. This reduces the physical force and balance required to open and close the gate.

Two-way latch attached to a pipe gate and wooden post

Wire strand gates can be winched together or attached with a gate latch instead of fighting to place a loop of wire on or off a post. Two-way livestock gate latches like the Sure Latch work well on round tube gates. This type of latch can be opened using one hand, allowing the gate to swing in both directions, and keeping the gate end from sagging.

An electric motor and remote control are used to open a gate

Depending on location and terrain, some gates can be converted to automatic opening gates powered by electricity or solar power. This technology allows the operator to stay in or on the vehicle and press a button to open the gate. Other technologies include drive through electric gates that are connected to an electric fence charger.

A rancher with quadriplegia from a spinal cord injury worked with AgrAbility and vocational rehabilitation to convert from barb wire gates to pitless cattle guards. The pitless cattle guards enable him to drive his pickup through the various pastures to check his cattle. If he spots an animal that needs assistance or other care, he can phone for his hired help. This allows him to more effectively manage the time and tasks of hired labor, as well as keep him outdoors and involved in the day-to-day operations.

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Considerations

When choosing gates and gate latches, remember that livestock, especially cattle, are curious creatures that often investigate fence oddities and use stationary structures to rub against. Be careful that gate latches are not too easily operated so that when a cow rubs against them the gate will not accidentally open.

Source: National AgrAbility Project, http://www.agrabilityproject.org/assistivetech/resource/gates.cfm

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