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Luck and Gerbitz work in the BSE Department at UW-Madison

October 28, 2014

2 Min Read

AgrAbility of Wisconsin hired two new staff members including a co-director and a new outreach specialist.

"Brian Luck joined as the co-director, and Hannah Gerbitz became the outreach specialist," said Richard Straub, project director.

Luck and Gerbitz both work in the Biological Systems Engineering Department at University of Wisconsin-Madison, where the AgrAbility project is housed.

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Luck was hired in January. His assistant professor position in BSE involves research and Extension in the area of machinery systems and precision agriculture. Originally from Hanson, Ky., his family farms 800 acres of corn and soybeans and has a small beef cattle operation. He received his bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Kentucky and his Ph. D. from Mississippi State University.

Luck's background in machinery systems and precision agriculture made him a good fit for the AgrAbility co-director position. I am excited to be involved with AgrAbility of Wisconsin," he said. "This program helps disabled farmers and provides assistive technologies to enable them to continue farming. AgrAbility of Wisconsin is a great example of how extension can provide information and assistance to farmers and have a significant positive impact on their operation."

Gerbitz comes to AgrAbility with extensive knowledge of the program, having previously served as the intern for nearly two years.

"As an intern, I learned a lot about the amazing work done by AgrAbility, and was honored to work with the organization," she said. "I am thrilled to be back as the outreach specialist, and look forward to the opportunities that come with serving Wisconsin farmers."

A recent graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Gerbitz holds a bachelor's degree in dairy science and life sciences communication. Having grown up on her family's dairy farm, she is passionate about her work in agriculture.

AgrAbility of Wisconsin is a partnership with Easter Seals Wisconsin and the University of Wisconsin Cooperative Extension. The program addresses issues associated with farmers who are living with an injury, disability, or limitation, by providing recommendations for worksite modifications. This allows clients to continue to work safely and independently.

For more information contact the office at (608) 262-9336 or [email protected].

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