New funding aims to improve accessibility issues on Virginia farms
DOSWELL, VA—Virginia farmers facing physical challenges and accessibility needs now have a new source of financial support designed to help them continue working safely and independently.
The Virginia Foundation for Agriculture, Innovation and Rural Sustainability, or VA FAIRS, launched its Agri-Ability Fund Oct. 3 during the Sale of Champions at the State Fair of Virginia. The organization presented the fund’s inaugural award of $24,480 to longtime livestock show competitor and supporter Chet Boden of Franklin County, who sustained a spinal cord injury in a 2023 motor vehicle crash.
“Agriculture is not just a livelihood, it’s a way of life, and we believe that physical limitations should never stand in the way of someone who wants to continue farming and contributing to our agricultural heritage,” said Whitney Perkins, VA FAIRS director.
The new annual fund will provide direct financial assistance to agricultural producers who need adaptive equipment, technology or other accessibility resources. Such support can help farmers remain active in their operations while reducing safety risks and improving their quality of life.
Boden was selected as the first recipient in recognition of his perseverance, commitment to agriculture, and longstanding participation in State Fair livestock shows. VA FAIRS announced the award to underscore the program’s connection to the people and traditions that sustain Virginia agriculture.
Boden’s connection to the State Fair stretches back to childhood. He began showing livestock there at age nine and continued through his senior year, exhibiting pigs, cattle, sheep and goats.
“The State Fair was always fun—to go down and exhibit animals and see all your buddies that you don’t see from all over the state,” he said. “Then you could compete and try to do your best on the state level.”
Today, Boden’s family raises show pigs with a herd of about 90 sows, works with show cattle and helps with his father’s commercial cattle operation. He is considering using the award for a custom lift that would help him access tractors and combines, or adaptive equipment that could help him stand while operating a tractor.
“I’m super appreciative of the organization for the donation and super pumped to see what it can do for me,” he said.
VA FAIRS is the nonprofit affiliate of Virginia Farm Bureau Federation. Although it is best known for administering disaster relief funds that help farmers recover after unexpected losses, the organization also supports farmers, agribusinesses and rural communities through business development, grant assistance, cooperative development and educational programming.
The fund complements the work of AgrAbility Virginia, which offers free services to Virginia farmers and farmworkers. The organization assists producers with a range of needs, including arthritis, spinal cord injuries, back impairments, amputations, brain injuries, visual or hearing impairments and other conditions that can make farm work more difficult. By pairing services with financial assistance through the new VA FAIRS fund, the effort aims to remove barriers and strengthen the long-term sustainability of farms and rural communities.
Farmers interested in applying may download an application at vafairs.com/agri-ability. Completed forms may be emailed to Perkins at whitney.perkins@vafb.com.
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