KDA Launches Raising Hope at Farm Machinery Show

By Blake Jackson

Farmer appreciation and improved well-being will take center stage as the Kentucky Department of Agriculture (KDA) brings its Raising Hope, Safety, Health, and Rescue Program to the 60th National Farm Machinery Show.

The event will be held February 11-14 at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville. Recognized as the nation’s largest indoor farm show, it features more than 900 exhibitors and attracts thousands of attendees seeking the latest agricultural equipment, technology, and services.

KDA is using the reach of the show to highlight farm safety, physical health, and mental wellness for farmers and their families. Through Raising Hope, the department will offer safety demonstrations alongside expanded health and rescue-focused education.

The initiative is partnering with several organizations to provide services designed to help agricultural producers stay healthy and safe.

“Healthy farmers, both physically and mentally, means healthier farms,” Commissioner Shell said. “For years, KDA has offered world-class safety and rescue demonstrations. Now, with our Raising Hope program, we can also focus on the health aspect of our agriculture producers. Adding health screenings during the National Farm Machinery Show allows us to fulfill our mission and promise of advocating for healthy farming communities.”

In collaboration with the Mobile Agriculture Safety Health (MASH) Team, the program will offer free health screenings, including blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, hearing, and carotid artery checks. Mental health resources and general wellness education will also be available. Screenings will be offered daily from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. EST.

KDA staff will conduct live demonstrations focused on safe operation of tractors, Power Take Off (PTO) equipment, and Rollover Protective Structures (ROPS). Grain bin rescue techniques, accident prevention strategies, and “Share the Road” safety education will also be featured.

Partners supporting this year’s effort include the Southeast Center for Agricultural Health and Injury Prevention, Appalachian Regional Healthcare, KY Hears/Heuser Hearing, and the University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food, and Environment. The initiative is supported by state and federal funding.

Photo Credit: kentucky-agricultural-board