Your voice matters: How farmers can shape the future of AgrAbility
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EmailThe Quality of Life Survey evaluates the effectiveness of the AgrAbility project nationally, and shows that participants have a higher quality of life than those who do not work with AgrAbility.
Correction December 2024: This article has been updated to accurately reflect the findings of Fetsch and Collins (2018). A previous version misinterpreted the outcome. We regret the error and thank the National AgrAbility Project for pointing it out.
The AgrAbility project, funded by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), operates across 21 states through partnerships between land-grant universities and disability-focused nonprofits. Its mission is to support farmers, ranchers and their families with disabilities, helping them continue working and thriving in rural America. In Michigan alone, AgrAbility served over 200 clients in 2023, improving the quality of life for thousands of farmers and their families over the past 30 years.
Why your participation matters
If you’ve worked with AgrAbility, your input can help shape the future of this important program. By participating in the Quality of Life (QOL) Survey, you’ll be part of a national effort to measure the real impact AgrAbility has on the lives of farmers and ranchers with disabilities. Your experience can directly contribute to improving services and securing funding that will help others like you continue to work in agriculture.
Seventeen of the 21 AgrAbility states contribute to the QOL Survey, a tool that tracks client well-being before and after receiving support. Michigan AgrAbility would like to join this national evaluation effort, and your voice is key in showing how the program can make a difference.
What’s in It for you?
By participating, you’re not just helping improve the program—you’re also contributing to better outcomes for future clients and potentially yourself. Survey results help identify new ways to address challenges, provide better assistive technologies and improve work conditions for farmers. Your feedback could lead to new innovations and funding for services that directly benefit you and your peers.
According to a 2018 study, “The effects of AgrAbility on the mental/behavioral health of farmers and ranchers with functional limitations: A comparison study,” by Fetsch and Collins, 77% of AgrAbility participants improved their overall Quality of Life levels and 79% improved their overall Independent Living and Working levels. AgrAbility clients also reported statistically significant improvements in their physical well-being, psychological well-being, and support levels as compared with no change in a no-treatment comparison group’s Quality of Life Levels.
How to participate
Taking part in the QOL Survey is easy and completely confidential. Your personal information is protected, and results are tracked anonymously. The survey is simple and takes just a short time to complete, yet it can have a lasting impact on the future of AgrAbility and the farmers it serves.
If you or a family member have worked with AgrAbility and are willing to participate in the Quality of Life Survey, please contact Extension Educator Samantha Wolfe at wolfesa4@msu.edu or 231-882-0025. Your contribution is vital to continuing this important work.
Join the national effort
By joining this research effort, you will be part of a movement to improve the lives of farmers across Michigan and the nation. As one Michigan client said, "[AgrAbility was] very helpful in increasing the ease and longevity of our farming operation." By sharing your story, you can help others achieve similar success.
This work is supported by the AgrAbility Competitive Program of the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), grant number 2022-41590-38121.
