Rodger Harms-Success Update
Fate struck instantly for Rodger Harms on a cold, dark October night in 1994 during corn harvest. As he reached into a combine, without the aid of a flashlight, a pulley crushed his right hand. In searing pain, the Kenesaw farmer, staggered to his grain truck a quarter mile away, wondering if he could save the mangled hand, wondering if he’d ever farm again. Despite efforts by his medical team, Harms’ entire right hand was eventually removed and he was fitted with a prostheses.
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Rowan Ballagh
For the past 20 years, Nebraska AgrAbility, a collaborative effort of UNL Extension and Easter Seals of Nebraska, has supported Nebraska farmers and ranchers facing disabilities or disabling health conditions. Health conditions ranging from stroke to spinal cord injuries, the program provides specific recommendations for farm site and equipment modifications for farmers and ranchers to support them in reaching their full work potential and doing what they love most.
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Jeff Potter
Published in NAP 20-Year Review, 2011
By Rod Peterson
When 37-year-old cattleman Jeff Potter was diagnosed with an arteriovenous malformation and spinal fistula (a growth on the spinal cord) that would require surgery, he was advised to “get his affairs in order.” He came through the surgery but was left with nerve damage in his back and left leg and foot, resulting in impaired mobility.
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Steve Quandt
Yes, Grand Island, Nebraska, area farmer Steve Quandt was Born to Farm. Steve is paralyzed from the waist down as a result of Guillain Barre syndrome.
This picture was taken on the day Steve received his Life Essentials pickup flatbed lift that will give him access to several tractors, a windrower, pickup, combine, and his utility vehicle. The remote control around his neck operates this specialized lift that will allow Steve to return to his implements and farming--his chosen profession.
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A Physical and Financial Boost
Colene Williams, referred to Nebraska AgrAbility by past clients, is a 62 year old rancher that has income from a Nebraska ranching operation. Colene’s husband, Randall, works off the ranch assisting ranchers in the area with cattle and haying operations. Colene and her husband own land for haying and grazing each year with a rotational pattern for their cattle operation. Colene artificially inseminates the cattle, which means around 1,000 catches per year.
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This Program Was a God Send
Craig, a Navy veteran living in Nebraska, was a 57 year old rancher who was ready to give it up when he was referred to the Nebraska AgrAbility program by his children and someone involved with the program.
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It Could Change Your Way of Life
Wendell A. Rohrer was a 63-year-old farmer in Nebraska when he was introduced to Nebraska AgrAbility. Wendell farms corn, alfalfa, soybeans, and prairie hay, and runs cow/calf pairs.
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