AgrAbility PA

02/19/2026

FORBES ROAD, Pa. — Veterans who farm or operate food businesses in the Commonwealth are invited to the PA Veteran Farming Network’s seventh annual, full-day...

02/09/2026

Are you a veteran who is curious about more resources for farming and ranching? Sign up for this virtual training for information on entrepreneurship, homesteading, business planning, and more.

The VBOCNewEngland is hosting a Boots to Business Reboot class for veteran and military spouse farmers and ranchers from February 11-12.

This class will teach participants how to acquire start-up capital, technical assistance, contracting opportunities, and more.

This virtual event is open to veterans nationwide.

Register here: bit.ly/4j6pOro

02/06/2026

Join us for Day 2 of the 2026 Pasa Sustainable Agriculture Conference at the Lancaster County Convention Center from 8am-3pm.

We spoke to so many of you yesterday about your accessibilty needs... Urban farmers, crop farmers, dairy farmers and bee keepers - thanks for checking us out!

Let's keep the conversations going! Stop by our table at for education on the latest low and high tech assistive items to empower you on your agriculture journey.

01/08/2026

Come visit us today at the AgrAbility table at the Keystone Farm Show if you are looking for ways to make farm work easier for individuals with disabilities.

12/18/2025

The nomination deadline for the 2026 PA Veteran Ag Entrepreneurship Award is fast approaching!
The 2026 PA Veteran Ag Entrepreneurship Award serves to recognize an exceptional active-duty service member, veteran, or military family member who has demonstrated outstanding leadership, innovation, and entrepreneurship in Pennsylvania’s agriculture sector and it is supported by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Business Development Center.

Nomination Deadline: December 19, 2025.

Award Ceremony will be held at the 2026 PA Farm Show - Thursday, January 15, 2026.
For information on how to nominate, scan the QR Code or visit: https://bit.ly/PAVetAgEntrepreneurshipAward
Questions can be directed to ABDC Director, Stephanie Shirk at steshirk@pa.gov

12/09/2025

Here's a follow up from yesterday's post! If you're looking for ergonomic snow shovels, check out the ones listed here! https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-snow-shovels/

12/08/2025

With all the snow in the coming months, it's important to remember to maintain safe shoveling technique! Overexertion and improper shoveling technique can increase your risk for a heart attack. "Cold temperatures may increase blood pressure while simultaneously constricting the coronary arteries. Those factors, combined with the higher heart rate from the extra physical effort, may increase the risk for acute cardiac events." American Heart Association volunteer Barry Franklin, Ph.D., FAHA.

Tips for Safe Shoveling:
BE SHOVEL SMART
- Go small, lightweight and ergonomically designed. Stick with a shovel that is under three pounds and with a handle long enough to allow for a good grip without crouching down. Try to shovel snow shortly after it falls, when it is still lighter. A full wet shovel load can weigh as much as 25 pounds.
PACE YOURSELF
When shoveling, go very, very slowly. Head inside often and give yourself a chance to warm up. Limit shoveling to 15-minute clips or just 10 minutes if you are not used to exercise. Most important, listen to your body. Stop if you feel tired.
SAVE YOUR BACK
Try pushing the snow rather than lifting it. If you do lift, bend your knees and use your legs, not your back. Don’t remove deep snow all at once. Limit yourself to just an inch or two at a time, aiming for smaller, lighter loads rather than fewer, heavier ones.
WATCH FOR WARNING SIGNS
Call 911 right away for any unusual signs and symptoms, such as chest pain, dizziness or shortness of breath that may suggest a heart condition. Never pick up a snow shovel without a doctor’s okay if you have a history of heart trouble.
( Source: https://www.stonybrookmedicine.edu/patientcare/askexpert/safeshoveling )
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Image description: A photo of a variety of different types of snow shovels laying in the snow.

12/03/2025

12/02/2025

11/25/2025

Since it's getting chilly around here, here's a re-share of a previous post about cold temperatures from AgSafety!

Winter Scene (Source: Wyoming AgrAbility) Use the following format to cite this article: Cold-related conditions and agriculture....

11/25/2025