Farm Field Day in Holland
As Michigan's farming population grows older and the physical demands of agriculture remain high, questions about how producers can safely continue working are more relevant than ever. From managing chronic conditions to adapting after life-changing injuries, many people in agriculture face barriers that threaten their ability continue farming. AgrAbility aims to help farmers remain active through direct assistance and education, primarily focused on assistive technology (AT).
On June 24, 2025, some of these solutions were on full display during a visit to the Allegan County farm of Doug VerHoeven, a longtime client and AgrAbility advocate who has been operating his farm from a wheelchair for nearly five decades. Mr. VerHoeven is a corn and soy farmer who farms 90 acres and operates a fleet of John Deere equipment. He also finds time to run the nonprofit Fulfilling Life Ministries and serves as a mentor for young people who have experienced an injury or illness that has affected their mobility. His meticulously kept fleet of green vehicles and equipment were on display, and together Mr. VerHoeven and Mr. Ned Stoller, AgrAbility agricultural engineer and certified Assistive Technology Professional, showed and demonstrated many of the adapted and adaptive items that allow Mr. VerHoeven to safely use his equipment and successfully farm.
Thirty-six people attended the event, including representatives from the Michigan Center for Rural Health, occupational therapists and supervisors from Michigan Rehabilitation Services, several MSU Extension educators, a county Farm Bureau coordinator, field staff from Representative Huizenga's office in West Michigan. Two families and their sons who use wheelchairs for mobility also joined to learn more because they have worked with and learned from Mr. VerHoeven in the past and both young men continue to have an interest in farming.
In addition to sharing the challenges he has faced, the equipment and various modifications that have been implemented to make it possible for Mr. VerHoeven to successfully farm, Mr. Stoller demonstrated dozens of additional assistive technology items, from smartphone apps for low vision, long handled and ergonomic tools and handles, to exoskeletons that make repetitive motions or carrying heavy loads more bearable. Attendees were later invited to try out the AT items for themselves, with positive feedback from those who did. Participants also left with a packet about farm site assessments and AgrAbility literature.
The Field Day highlighted the work of AgrAbility and the success of one farmer who was willing to open his farm to this group, share his story and provide attendees with a stronger understanding of the range of possibilities that very much still exist for farmers, even with compromised mobility. One participant said that the most important thing they learned was, "Learning about simple accommodations that can make a big difference - Ned's demonstration was very helpful." Another said, "Learned about being creative and innovative with farming equipment. Loved meeting Doug and his transparency and him sharing his story and his passion of life, farming, and faith." Of those who responded to evaluation, 100% said their knowledge in operator health and well-being increased, with 73% reporting a "moderate" or "great deal" of improvement, and 27% reporting only "slightly".