FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 25, 2025
CONTACT: Scott Heiberger
heiberger.scott@marshfieldresearch.org
715-207-1604
CONTACT: Melissa Ploeckelman
Ploeckelman.melissa@marshfieldresearch.org
715-240-0900
AgrAbility of Wisconsin Summit, April 15 in Marshfield
Join fellow farmers and military veterans for the 2025 AgrAbility of Wisconsin Summit, April 15, at Marshfield Clinic Research Institute, Marshfield, Wis.
The one-day program, hosted by AgrAbility of Wisconsin and the National Farm Medicine Center, will enable participants to network and learn about resources available through AgrAbility and other Wisconsin programs. “We are excited to host our annual Summit again this year,” said Brian Luck, director, AgrAbility of Wisconsin. “The speakers and presentations will be very informational and helpful to farmers with and without disabilities.”
The Summit will run from 9:45 a.m. to 3:45 p.m., with registration starting at 9:30 a.m. A farmer/veteran networking breakfast will precede the Summit 8:30-9:30 a.m., sponsored by the Farmer Veteran Coalition (FVC).
Veteran service organizations will be exhibiting, including Veteran Service Care Coordinators (VetCoor) from Marshfield Clinic Health System, and members of the FVC of Wisconsin will discuss their program. All farmers and veterans are welcome. “What a great opportunity to honor and assist some of our nation’s finest – farmers and military veterans,” said Bryan Weichelt, Farm Medicine research scientist and lead of the VetCoor program at the health system.
All are welcome to attend the Summit. Lunch will be provided by the Wisconsin Farmer Veteran Coalition to those who register by April 9. Register now at go.wisc.edu/2225kp.
Featured speakers and topics will include:
- Welcome message -- Casper Bendixsen, director, National Farm Medicine Center
- “The Wisconsin Farm Center: Here when farmers need us” -- Dan Bauer, program supervisor, Wisconsin Farm Center at Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection
- “Why you should change your middle initial to S:And other reasons why a farm is not like a convenience store” -- Mark Cournoyer, Auburndale High School agriscience instructor
- “Estate planning for farm families” -- Kelly T. Wilfert, farm law outreach specialist, University of Wisconsin Division of Extension
After the Summit, stay for a networking event from 4-5 p.m., featuring a welcome message from Gaonou Thao, bilingual HMoob/Hmong farmer outreach specialist, University of Wisconsin Division of Extension. Celebrate the community’s contributions to agriculture, enjoy cultural exchanges and unwind with fellow attendees over provided snacks.
Through the expanded partnership between Marshfield Clinic Research Institute’s National Farm Medicine Center, AgrAbility of Wisconsin, and Rural Mutual Insurance Company, registered Summit attendees will receive a Slow-moving Vehicle (SMV) sign.
Register for the Summit at go.wisc.edu/2225kp.
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.
To learn more, contact: agrability@wisc.edu or visit agrability.bse.wisc.edu.
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