Universal design tools makes farming safer for everyone

By Laura Akgerman and Dee Jepsen, Ohio State University

Spring is a good time to try new tools and equipment, especially if those tools can boost productivity while making farm work easier and safer. The Ohio AgrAbility Program primarily serves farmers with disabilities, yet many of the tools and technologies we promote are examples of universal design, which is equipment that can benefit people of all abilities.

In March, our Ohio AgrAbility staff attended a conference highlighting equipment and practices that might be of interest to our Ohio farmers, specifically those with livestock. This article shares two ideas for gates and feeding chores.

Gates. One area of focus is opening and closing gates, a task that requires pushing, pulling, sustained grip strength, and awkward bending or stooping. Uneven or muddy footing can increase the risk of slips, trips, and falls, especially during wet or icy conditions. Climbing on and off a tractor multiple times to open and close gates can aggravate arthritis, chronic pain, or mobility limitations. To reduce these risks, farmers may consider alternatives such as drive‑through gates, solar- or battery-powered automatic gate openers that limit the need for repeated manual handling.

Feeding. Feeding livestock is another task where safer, more efficient options might be available for hand-feeding tasks. Some feed bin dispensers have a slide mechanism for dispensing grain and a thumb screw lock to keep pests out. They are capable of holding approximately 270 pounds of feed, which keeps grain dry and dispenses smaller amounts directly into buckets or carts. This minimizes heavy lifting and eliminates the need to pour feed from large bags. Dispenser bins can help reduce feed spillage, cutting down on waste.

Fence-line feeder panels offer additional safety benefits by keeping livestock separated from the farmer during feeding, lowering the risk of being knocked down, stepped on, or trampled. For goat and sheep producers, tilting grain feeder panels allows feed to be poured in without entering the enclosure, then tilted back into place for use—reducing physical strain and improving overall safety.

More information about the tools is available in the Farm Equipment handout at go.osu.edu/farmer_tech.  Ohio AgrAbility does not endorse or promote specific products; pricing and links were accurate as of March 27, 2026.

Farmers looking for additional options can explore the AgrAbility Toolbox, a searchable database of farm equipment, tools, and modifications. The Toolbox can be searched by task, type of work, or physical limitation and includes both farmer-fabricated solutions and commercially manufactured products. The link is: www.agrability.org/toolbox/.

Ohio AgrAbility will feature livestock equipment, along with many other assistive technology tools, at the Ohio AgrAbility and Ag Safety exhibit during the Farm Science Review in London, Ohio, Sept. 22-24, 2026. Visitors can see firsthand how these tools can make livestock management safer and easier for workers and their families.

For more information, contact Laura Akgerman, Ohio AgrAbility and OSU Extension Disability Services Coordinator, at Akgerman.4@osu.edu or 614‑292‑0622. Or Dee Jepsen at jepsen.4@osu.edu.