AgrAbility of Utah: Building Confidence Through Accessible Agriculture
Introduction
The Confidence Project team recently welcomed AgrAbility of Utah to present their work on supporting Utah’s agricultural community. Led by Rhonda Miller and Randall Bagley, this USDA-funded initiative empowers farmers and ranchers facing health challenges to remain active and successful in agriculture. Their presentation sparked meaningful dialogue about how confidence-building can take many forms across Extension programming.
What Is AgrAbility of Utah?
AgrAbility is part of a national program that started in the 1990’s in response to a decline in number of farmers nationwide. This program was designed to help farmers, ranchers, and their family members remain in agriculture when facing limitations due to aging, disease, injury, illness, or other disability. AgrAbility of Utah is a partnership between Utah State University Extension, and Roads To Independence. The program is led by its director, Rhonda Miller, program coordinator Randall Bagley, and various resource facilitators throughout Utah. AgrAbility aims to assist farmers and ranchers who face limitations due to chronic illness and injuries, disabling conditions, or aging.
How It Builds Confidence and Why it Matters
The AgrAbility of Utah program promotes success in agriculture for people with disabilities and their families. Farming and ranching can be dangerous. It is estimated that in Utah, 8,000-11,000 people that farm have disabling conditions. This program builds confidence, self-efficacy, and resilience for ranchers and farmers by allowing them to continue to do what they love. Participants have said, “AgrAbility gave me hope for the future”, and “Now I can get into the tractor…it’s almost like therapy for me. You get out there, and you feel like, ‘Hey… I’m back home’.”
Upon approval of eligibility, examples of services can include work site assessment, service coordination, technology recommendations, and safety recommendations.
Looking Ahead
AgrAbility in Utah continues to impact the lives of ranchers and farmers around Utah and is always looking to further their reach and help more. The Confidence Project will continue to support and boost the work that AgrAbility does.
Closing Reflection
Confidence isn’t one-size-fits-all. Whether it’s through storytelling, leadership, or adaptive technology for ranchers, every program under The Confidence Project umbrella plays a role in helping Utahns thrive. We’re proud to spotlight AgrAbility of Utah and the powerful work they’re doing.
References
Miller, R., & Bagley, R. (2025, October). AgrAbility of Utah. Confidence Project Monthly Meeting.
Utah State University (n.d.). AgrAbility: USU Extension. USU. https://extension.usu.edu/agrability/
Author
Anna Gilliam, Extension Assistant Professor
Anna Medina-Gilliam
Extension Assistant Professor | Home and Community | Sevier County
Home and Community