- Author: Chris M. Webb
AgrAbility is a program sponsored by the USDA. It is designed to provide assistance to farmers, rancher, other ag workers and farm family members impacted by disability. It is a combination of national and state/regional projects. The program is extended to the people by partnerships between land grant universities and an assortment of nonprofit disability services organizations.
The National project is Breaking New Ground Resource Center at Purdue University. They can be reached at 800.825.4264, or by email.
I am happy to share that California is one of the 24 states currently participating in this program. Our statewide project is California AgrAbility Project at UC Davis. They can be reached at 800.477.6129, or calagra@ucdavis.edu.
Our office has recently received a short DVD produced by AgrAbility titled Gaining Ground on Arthritis: Managing Arthritis in the Agricultural Workplace. Arthritis is the leading source of disability in the U.S. and affects people of all ages. The DVD provides practical tips on protecting joints, managing arthritis, and modifying work practices through special tools and other means to help prevent further injury. To view the DVD, please contact our office by email or phone at 805.645.1434.
Agricultural work can include many hazards. In addition to arthritis, some of the other disabilities AgrAbility works to improve include: amputation; back impairment; deafness/hearing impairment; developmental disabilities, such as cerebral palsy or autism; disabling diseases, such as cancer or heart disease; mental/behavioral health problems; respiratory diseases; spinal cord injuries; stroke; traumatic brain injury; visual impairment.
- Author: Chris M. Webb
A unique and wonderful partnership has begun in Oxnard. Last year, in an effort to reduce costs while improving the taste and nutrition of meals and reducing impacts on the environment and economy associated with importing produce, the Senior Nutrition Program Garden grew tomatoes on a quarter acre of land in Oxnard. The land is located behind the Juvenile Justice Center.
County of Ventura Area Agency on Aging, which serves over 200,000 meals annually though senior nutrition programs, collaborated with the Probation Agency Juvenile Justice Facility staff to create this positive program. As word of the project spread many business and organizations have come forward to donate time, expertise and resources; please see the list at end of post.
A year later, the garden has grown to two acres. Fifty fruit tress and a wider assortment of vegetables have been added this year. Ventura County Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners teach youth gardening skills. Senior volunteers work alongside youths, mentoring while tending the garden. All produce grown at the garden is used to feed seniors in our communities through senior meal programs and local food banks.
Getting involved is easy! If interested please contact Meg Horton at Food Share, 983-7100 ext 105; Diane Beeler (Master Gardener) at 652-1456; or Susan White at the Area Agency on Aging at 477-7311.
Local organizations who have generously contributed to the success of this garden include: Rio Mesa Farms, Agromin, S&E Organic Farms, Harry’s Berries, Luna Fertilizer, Coast Water Solutions, Seminis, Green Thumb International, Brokaw Nurseries, Bikers for Christ, City of Santa Paula, Oxnard & Ventura City Corps, Quality Landscape, Vineyard Mutual Water District, The Greek Restaurant, Food SHARE, LBL Equipment, Technical Dynamix LLC, Driscoll Farms, Sierra Cascade Construction, Limoneira, Do Right Nursery.
- Author: Chris M. Webb
Farmers and others who work long hours outside are at increased risk for skin cancer. From the American Academy of Dermatology:
"More than 11,000 Americans die each year from skin cancer," says Dr. David M. Pariser, a dermatologist and president of the American Academy of Dermatology. "But when detected early, skin cancer has a cure rate of 99 percent. Since research shows farmers are among the least likely workers to receive a skin examination by a physician, it's important that farmers perform regular skin self-examinations, which could mean the difference between life and death."
The American Academy of Dermatology’s website is full of information to help you learn more about skin cancer. Once at the site you can download a body mole map, learn how to perform a skin self-exam, and look for free skin cancer screenings.
- Author: Chris M. Webb
The global marketplace increases the likelihood of invasive pest and diseases entering California. Invasive pests and diseases can affect agricultural productivity, public health, natural resource biodiversity, and water quality and quantity.
The threat of invasive pests and disease is real in Ventura County. Please do your part in minimizing the potential impacts by:
- staying informed about local invasive pest and disease threats.
- notifying the CDFA or County Ag Commissioner if a suspected invasive pest is found.
- following guidelines and procedures designed to minimize the spread of pests and disease.
The current top invasive pest and disease threats to Ventura County, and what you can do to help, can be found on our previous blog posts.
Monitoring waterways for invasive quagga and zebra mussels
Invasive species in the Santa Clara River
- Author: Chris M. Webb
At this time of year, many of us consume different foods than we normally do. As the year winds down, we begin to think of what we will do differently when we put up next year’s calendar.
The UC Davis Department of Nutrition is a great place to find science-based nutrition information. In addition to conducting research, they train new nutrition educators, and extend nutrition programs. You can read more about their mission here.
On the department’s nutrition information page, many links to great articles and publications can be found.
Highlighted subjects include:
- School gardens help teach nutrition and promote good eating habits
- Nutrition Info Sheets covering a variety of nutrition information
- Nutrition Perspectives, a publication providing researched-based information on ongoing nutrition subjects
- Maternal and Infant Nutrition Briefs
- Curriculum designed to help children form better food choices. The targeted ages vary depending on the curriculum.
Other great, science based nutrition information can be found using the Nutrition, Family and Consumer Science button on our homepage.
I will be out of the office the rest of this week and will post a new article when I return Monday.