In the heart of Wisconsin, just north of Oshkosh and west of Neenah, lies a family farm that has been home to John Michell for his entire life. Born and raised on the land, John and his brother took over the operation from their father in 2015, raising cattle and managing over 500 acres of crops. Farming wasn’t just a job, it was a way of life.
But everything changed on September 7, 2022.
While preparing to chop corn, John experienced a life-altering accident. A misstep near a pull-type chopper led to a devastating injury: his right arm and part of his left foot were amputated. In an instant, the future of his farm, and his identity as a farmer, was thrown into uncertainty.
“You feel like your life is gone. You’re never going to be able to do what you did in the past,” John recalls. “I was laying in the hospital not knowing if I’d ever farm again, or what would even happen to the farm.”
Finding Hope Through AgrAbility
After 12 days in the hospital and the beginning of a long recovery, John returned home to face a new reality. That’s when AgrAbility of Wisconsin and Easterseals stepped in.
A representative visited John’s farm to assess his needs, not just medically, but practically. They observed how he worked, what tasks he needed to perform, and what barriers stood in his way. Then, they got to work.
“He followed me around while I was doing chores,” John says. “He was quick to say, ‘You need help with this. This would really help you.’ It was amazing.”
Through AgrAbility, John received adaptive equipment tailored specifically to his needs. These tools weren’t just off-the-shelf solutions, they were designed to fit his farm, his workflow, and his goals.
“I didn’t realize someone would actually come out, watch you work, and make equipment specifically for you,” he says. “It changed my whole aspect on life.”
More Than Equipment: A Renewed Spirit
The impact of AgrAbility went far beyond physical tools. It gave John something even more powerful: hope.
“You need to somehow, someway, find some hope,” he says. “Because after something like this, you will get better. You just have to level with it. And once you do, you gain your happiness back.”
John’s story is a testament to the resilience of farmers and the life-changing potential of programs like AgrAbility. Today, he’s back on the farm with his wife Candy and their two daughters, Madison and Jade, doing the work he loves, with renewed purpose.
Why AgrAbility Matters
AgrAbility of Wisconsin, in partnership with Easterseals, provides critical support to farmers with disabilities, helping them continue their work safely and independently. From adaptive technology to emotional support, the program is a lifeline for those facing the unthinkable.
“With Easterseals and AgrAbility, what they’re doing, hands down, it’s amazing,” John says. “Don’t give up. Don’t lose hope.”
Learn more about AgrAbility of Wisconsin and how you can support farmers like John: agrability.bse.wisc.edu.
