FCFI Volunteers Serve Michigan Farmer Through AgrAbility/Enabling Disabilities Partnership – by Ned Stoller

For 25 years, Ned Stoller has worked with USDA AgrAbility, helping farmers overcome challenges caused by injuries, illnesses, and disabilities. Recently, he began connecting with Fellowship of Christian Farmers International (FCFI) and quickly recognized the potential for the two organizations to work together in meaningful ways.

A few days ago, a team of FCFI volunteers traveled to a Michigan farm owned by an AgrAbility client who has been working hard to maintain her poultry breeding operation. Living with severe arthritis and grieving the loss of her husband, who passed away last May after a two-year illness, she has been determined to continue farming independently.

Earlier this year, Ned completed a farm accessibility assessment through AgrAbility and identified several improvements that could help make daily chores safer and easier. Those recommendations became the focus of a volunteer workday organized through FCFI.

The volunteers brought their own tools and put their farming skills to work throughout the day. They modified poultry breeding pens to improve accessibility and make entering and exiting easier, repaired livestock fencing to prevent animals from getting loose, and organized the farm shop so tools could be located more efficiently. The shop had become difficult to manage during the farmer’s husband’s illness, making organization an important part of the project.

The result was a productive day that not only improved the farm’s functionality but also encouraged a farmer facing significant personal and physical challenges.

According to Ned, this project could serve as a model for future collaboration between AgrAbility and FCFI.

“There are likely AgrAbility client farmers all around the nation who could benefit from having FCFI volunteers help them too,” Ned shared. “I look forward to developing networks of FCFI farmers in each state who could do volunteer projects such as this for farmers who have been injured, have a disease or medical condition, or disability.”

This partnership demonstrates how practical service can make a lasting impact. By combining AgrAbility’s expertise in accessibility and FCFI’s network of caring volunteers, farmers facing difficult circumstances can receive both practical assistance and encouragement.

Please pray for this Michigan farmer and for future opportunities to serve agricultural families through partnerships like this one.