At the National Farm Machinery Show, the Raising Hope Safety, Health, and Rescue Program will represent the Kentucky Department of Agriculture (KDA), emphasizing all aspects of the program’s focus on farmers’ gratitude. The National Farm Machinery Show features state-of-the-art agricultural goods, machinery, and services every year.
Commissioner of Agriculture Jonathan Shell noted that Raising Hope is collaborating with multiple agencies to provide a range of health and safety services and information to assist farmers and agricultural producers in maintaining their physical best, in addition to farm safety and rescue exhibitions.
The Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville will host the performance from February 12–15.
Although farming has hazards, Commissioner Shell asserted that farms with healthy farmers are healthier overall. KDA has provided top-notch safety and rescue demonstrations for many years. We have started concentrating on the health of our agricultural producers through our Raising Hope initiative. Our goal of promoting healthy agricultural communities is made possible by the addition of health checks during the National Farm Machinery Show.
KDA staff will be showcasing safety surrounding farm equipment, such as tractors, Power Take Off (PTO), Rollover Protective Structures (ROPS), and more, during this year’s show. Along with information regarding Share the Road safety and signage, there will also be demonstrations of grain bin rescue techniques and accident avoidance.
Health checks for blood pressure, blood sugar, and hearing will be available. Resources for general health education and mental health will also be accessible. The health screenings will be offered daily from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
This year’s event will feature health screenings, ag-related rescue demonstrations, and farm safety demonstrations thanks to partnerships with the Raising Hope Safety, Health, and Rescue Program. The University of Louisville Health, Appalachian Regional Healthcare, the University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food, and Environment, the Southeast Center for Agricultural Health and Injury Prevention, the Dixie Firefighters Association, the Kentucky Governor’s Challenge for Suicide Prevention, and KY Hears/Heuser Hearing are among the partnerships.
The Raising Hope Safety, Health, and Rescue Program, which was established to support the physical and mental well-being and safety of Kentucky’s farmers and their families, includes the health screenings and health education. The Kentucky Department of Agriculture and other agricultural, educational, and medical organizations came together to form Raising Hope, an initiative aimed at enhancing the mental and physical well-being of farmers. Raising Hope was fully integrated into the Department’s Farm Safety program and placed under the KDA’s purview in July 2024. Appropriations from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Kentucky General Assembly fund the campaign.
With over 900 vendors, the National Farm Machinery Show is the largest indoor farm show in the nation and is currently in its 59th year. There are thousands of people who come to see the widest range of state-of-the-art farming products, machinery, and services. Over the course of the four-day event, professionals from all over the world learn about and get firsthand experience with a variety of technological innovations that are essential for the forthcoming farming season.
Department of Agriculture in Kentucky
