OSU to discuss assistive tech for farmers with physical limitations
Published 2:30 pm Monday, October 19, 2026
Tools can keep producers working their acreage
Oregon State University Extension Service and the nonprofit Access Technologies will host a webinar to discuss assistive technology for producers with physical limitations or disabilities.
The free event starts at noon Oct. 26.
Assistive technologies are tools that can reduce pain, address physical limitations and support long-term farm and ranch viability.
The session will highlight tools and strategies for producers.
The webinar also will help farmers and ranchers — whether sole proprietors or businesses with employees — better understand how to access Oregon Vocational Rehabilitation Services, a government agency that can help ag producers secure equipment.
From simple solutions to high tech
Teagan Moran, an OSU extension economist, said assistive technology ranges from basic tools to high-tech devices.
“It can be something as simple as adding an extra step on a tractor. Those first steps can be incredibly high,” she added.
Moran said many farmers and ranchers are aging into physical limitations, which can include ailments as back, knee or shoulder problems
The average age of Oregon producers was 58.6, slightly higher than the national figure of 58.1, according to the USDA 2022 Census of Agriculture.
Arthritis is a huge barrier, so grip assistance — perhaps some extra handles or motorized pruning shears — is a common solution.
Strategically mounted cameras on large equipment also can help farmers check for problems without exiting tractor or combine cabs.
Pull-out shelving in pickup beds is another example of assistive technology.
For more information about assistive technology tools, go to https://www.agraility.org/toolbox.
Oregon AgrAbility to boost support
Nearly every producer at some point will encounter an injury, physical limitation or operate in pain, Moran said.
“The reality is that farmers aren’t aware that there is support and there also are some cultural barriers to why they aren’t using it,” Moran added.
Producers are tough and often will figure out how to struggle along physically, she said.
“We know that 35% of our farmers and ranchers are operating with a disability, a certified disability, and are likely not getting support,” she said.
Compensating for one physical limitation, however, can lead to a greater injury.
OSU, Assistive Technologies, and Oregon Vocational Rehabilitation Services are partnering to develop Oregon AgrAbility and connect more producers with available resources and support.
Current efforts are focused regionally, but the long-term goal is to expand help statewide.
Nationally, AgrAbility is supported through a USDA-funded partnership between land grant universities and disability services organizations.
Assistive Technologies conducts site visits in Oregon so solutions can be tailored for individual producers and their farms and ranches.
To RSVP for the seminar, go to https://extension.oregonstate.edu/program/all/smallfarms/events or contact Moran at teagan.moran@oregonstate.edu or 541-713-5011.
To fill out an Oregon AgrAbility interest form, go to https://beav.es/Y98. Forms are confidential, identify needs and priorities across Oregon, and help connect producers to assistance.