Kentucky Launches All In for Ag Education Week

By Blake Jackson

Kentucky will mark All In for Ag Education Week from today September 21-25, 2026, with a statewide effort focused on farm safety awareness and agricultural education. The initiative coincides with National Farm Safety Week and is designed to help students better understand agriculture while learning safe practices around farms and farm equipment.

As part of the program, more than 700 public elementary schools across the state will receive Farm Adventures with Willie B., a new educational book featuring Willie B., the mascot of the Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s Raising Hope program.

Schools will also receive a Willie B. stuffed dog and classroom-ready literacy materials for students in kindergarten through fifth grade. The resources use storytelling to teach children about Kentucky agriculture and farm safety.

Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell will officially launch the week today, September 21 alongside more than 600 fifth-grade students in Jessamine County.

Activities scheduled throughout the week include classroom visits, interactive farm safety demonstrations, virtual field trips, agricultural career discussions, and student-led learning events.

“The future of Kentucky agriculture is in classrooms across the Commonwealth today,” Commissioner Shell said. “All In for Ag Education Week is about helping those students see the opportunities in agriculture, understand the role it plays in their lives, and learn the habits that will keep them safe for years to come.”

The week’s highlights include a virtual agribusiness tour at Meade Tractor, Willie B. reading events in schools, farm safety days, Farmer Appreciation Day in Somerset, and recognition programs honoring Kentucky farmers and agricultural leaders. Commissioner Shell will also announce the state’s Farmer of the Year Award during the celebrations.

Additional events will feature FFA members, local farmers, first responders, educators, and community leaders working together to promote agricultural literacy and safe farming practices.

Organizers hope the program will inspire the next generation of agricultural professionals while reinforcing the importance of safety in Kentucky’s farming communities.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-fertnig-e