By Blake Jackson
The Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s Raising Hope program is dedicated to improving farm safety, farmer health, and emergency preparedness.
The initiative raises awareness about the everyday risks associated with farm work, including physical hazards and mental health challenges, while also promoting proper training for farm-related rescue situations.
Its mission is to encourage farmers to take proactive steps to protect themselves, their workers, and their families.
In collaboration with the Kentucky FFA Foundation, the program administers the annual Raising Hope Grant initiative. These grants support local FFA chapters in developing and carrying out projects aimed at enhancing the mental and physical well-being of agricultural producers.
The program is a joint effort involving the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, state universities, and the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, with funding provided by the General Assembly.
For 2026, a total of $128,000 in Raising Hope Grants was distributed to FFA chapters across the state. Recipients include:
- Adair County High School - $2,000
- Boyle County High School - $3,000
- Butler County High School - $5,000
- Caldwell County High School - $5,000
- Calloway County High School - $5,000
- Campbell County High School - $3,000
- Casey County High School - $4,000
- Christian County High School - $5,000
- Crittenden County High School - $5,000
- Danville Christian Academy - $4,000
- Daviess County High School - $2,000
- Elliott County High School - $5,000
- Franklin-Simpson High School - $5,000
- Graves County High School - $5,000
- Grayson County High School - $5,000
- Green County High School - $1,000
- John Hardin, Central Hardin, LaRue FFA Chapters - $5,000
- LaRue County High School - $5,000
- Lawrence County High School - $5,000
- Livingston Central High School - $5,000
- Meade County High School - $1,000
- Menifee County High School - $4,000
- Metcalfe County High School - $5,000
- Owen County High School - $5,000
- Southwestern High School - $5,000
- Spencer County High School - $4,000
- Todd Central High School - $5,000
- Trigg County Career and Technical Center - $5,000
- Warren Central High School - $5,000
- Western Hills High School - $5,000
Photo Credit: gettyimages-stockseller_ukr
Categories: Kentucky, Business, Rural Lifestyle, Farm Safety