Michigan State University’s Southwest Michigan Research and Extension Center (SWMREC) welcomed Cade Krieger, a wheelchair user with a passion for agriculture, to its team in 2024, thanks to collaboration with AgrAbility and adaptive technologies.
Krieger, who began his agricultural journey through the National FFA Organization, brought prior experience and assistive tools developed by AgrAbility’s Ned Stoller. Funded by the USDA, AgrAbility supports farmers with disabilities to maintain active roles in agriculture.
Stoller and SWMREC staff quickly adapted equipment for Krieger. A lift-equipped truck and custom hand levers allowed him to operate a mower, while a weed wick attached to his wheelchair enabled herbicide application. Farm manager Mike de Schaaf praised Krieger’s ambition and adaptability.
“Cade comes with ambition and wants to do stuff,” Stoller said. “The SWMREC team picked up on that right away.”
In addition to fieldwork, Krieger earned a pesticide applicator certification and plans to return for a second season in 2025. MSU AgrAbility, in partnership with Easterseals MORC, continues to provide resources to farmers statewide, serving over 200 clients in 2023.
Ron Bates, MSU Extension Agriculture and Agribusiness Institute director, said the program tailors solutions to farmers’ specific needs and abilities.
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