Join farmers and veterans for the 2023 AgrAbility of Wisconsin Summit, to be held April 6 at the Cranberry Country Lodge in Tomah.
This year’s event has a focus on veteran farmers and farmer wellness and will run from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. All are welcome to attend at no cost and meals will be provided. This year’s event is co-sponsored by the Wisconsin Farm Center, part of the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection.
This one-day program gives participants an opportunity to network and learn about resources available for beginning and long-time farmers through AgrAbility and other Wisconsin programs.
The Summit will kick off with a farmer-veteran networking breakfast from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Volunteers from the Farmer Veteran Coalition of Wisconsin will be in attendance to discuss their program. All farmers and veterans are welcome.
At 10 a.m., Jeff Ditzenberger will be the keynote speaker and share his journey with mental health. Jeff served in the military and is the founder of TUGS – Talking, Understanding, Growing, Supporting, a nonprofit community organization founded in 2013 with a singular mission: to address the stigma surrounding mental health challenges and suicide.
“2023 is being called the ‘Year of Mental Health’, and we’re proud to use our platform to share resources and experiences surrounding farmer and veteran mental health,” says Brian Luck, director of AgrAbility of Wisconsin. “Jeff’s story is real and it’s time to start the conversation. We moved to a bigger venue this year and we hope to fill the room.”
Other presentations include:
• Who’s Looking for Healthier Soil? with Chris Clark, Wis. CCA, AgSource Laboratories
• Strategic thinking: Adding Value to the Farm Business with Stephanie Plaster, Farm Management Outreach Specialist, UW-Madison Division of Extension
• Assistive Technology & AgrAbility Update with AgrAbility of Wisconsin Staff
• DATCP Veteran Farmer & Wellness Programs with Kevin Plante and Karen Endres, Wisconsin Farm Center
Registration and event details can be found at: https://agrability.bse.wisc.edu/events/2023-summit/ or by calling our office at (608) 262-9336.
Since 1991, AgrAbility of Wisconsin has been promoting success in agriculture for farmers with disabilities and their families. AgrAbility of Wisconsin is a partnership between the UW-Madison Division of Extension and Easterseals Wisconsin.
Need to talk? The Wisconsin Farm Center’s 24/7 Farmer Wellness Helpline is available to provide free, confidential and immediate support any day, any time. Call (888) 901-2558.
Leave a Reply