1. Planting and Harvesting Partnerships
Missouri Vocational Rehabilitation
2019

2. Missouri VR Agricultural Services
Mission
Help eligible people with disabilities obtain, maintain or advance in employment.
Vision
Everyone deserves a great VR experience

3. Missouri VR Values Farmers
MO employs 298,320 workers in farm and agribusiness occupations.
MO ranks second (to Texas) in the nation in the number of farms.
A majority of counties in Missouri have a economy based on agriculture.

4. Dedicated Farm Services Team
Director: Ray Drake
Team Members: Karri Wilson and Rob Zirfas
Purpose of the team: Provide support and guidance to VR counselors, consult on services for farmers, farm visits to provide technical guidance and assistance
Participate in continued education by attending farm related conferences
DEVELOP PRODUCTIVE PARTNERSHIPS

5. Reaching out to our Neighbors
Planting the seed with Mo Farm Bureau Relationship with Farm Bureau Staff Round table discussions about VR services and how MO FB can connect us to farmers and ranchers Participation in major Farm Bureau events

6. Harvested Opportunities
Attendance at Western MO Farm Show
The Western Farm Show is the Midwest's best indoor farm show with hundreds of exhibitors, acres of things to see and do and the latest in farm and ranch technology and more!

7. Harvested Opportunities
Mo Farm Bureau Annual Meeting
MO FB Annual Meeting is an opportunity for MO FB members to gather, learn about the latest trends in agriculture, meet other like-minded individuals and enjoy great food and entertainment.

8. Aligning our Farm Services Team with MO AgrAbility Project
Share Cropping
Aligning our Farm Services Team with MO AgrAbility Project
*Share referral information
*VR Purchase of Agricultural Consultations
*VR staff participate in AgrAbility farm site assessments
*Provide joint training opportunities for AgrAbility program and VR staff

9. Down on the Farm – VR Services Training
Fertilize Staff
Down on the Farm – VR Services Training
Purpose – increase general knowledge of farm culture, farming operations, and importance of agriculture in MO economy. Provide specific guidance for providing VR services to farmers.
Two day event
Held onsite at farm
Open to all Missouri VR staff

10. Presentations by: Mo VR Farm Services Team MO AgrAbility Project
P.H.A.R.M Dog
Vendors of farm products and services
Farmers
And More!!

11. Participants Experience
Weather conditions on the farm (rain, snow, sleet, or heat the training goes on) Drive or ride in ATV Ride in modern combine Visit modern broiler farm Visit horse stable Working dog demonstration Farm-style Lunch And More!!!

12. Yielding A Bumper Crop Experience Farm Culture – up close and personal
Increase understanding of the complexities of farming
Hear directly from men and women who make their living on the farm
Opportunity to ask questions and have conversations with VR farm services team and AgrAbility staff

13. Harvest Statistics proof that partnerships yield high rewards
Examples of services VR provides to farmers: tractor lift, ATV, gate openers, bale bed, cattle panels, truck modification, hand controls for equipment, consultation and guidance and counseling
Number of Missouri Farmers Served by VR in 2018: 40
Dollars Spent: $359,000.00
Number of successful employment outcomes for farmers: 40

14. Contact the Presenters
Ray Drake:
Karri Wilson:
Rob Zirfas: