Harlan Temple, 57, works on his 230-acre family-owned and operated farm in South Dakota. Corn, soybeans, and alfalfa are the main crops raised. Temple has cerebral palsy, which affects his strength, movement, and dexterity on his left side. With the assistance of a close friend who is a retired farmer, Temple modified his International Hydro Model 70 tractor. A Blue Hitch was added to the tractor to eliminate the need for someone to assist Temple with hitching and unhitching wagons. The hydro lever was repositioned from the left to the right side of the steering column for ease of operation. In addition, toggle switches were added and repositioned to make it easier for Temple to operate the cab-mounted environment controls, the three-point hitch levers and the front-end loader. Finally, because he cannot turn around easily, used bus mirrors were strategically mounted on the tractor to allow Temple to see the hitch area behind the tractor. Temple’s wife, his father, and friends take responsibility for tractor and other machinery maintenance.

In addition to farming, Temple works full time as an independent insurance agent. “I handle all kinds of insurance—life, health, crop, property—and have been in business since 1964. I have also been blessed by God and the support of good friends and family, each of which has made a huge difference in my ability to remain independent,” says Temple. Temple is an active member of the South Dakota AgrAbility peer support network, regularly serving as a spokesperson, and is a member of the Breaking New Ground Barn Builder’s network.