The Kentucky Department of Agriculture (KDA) is emphasizing farmers’ health and safety at the upcoming National Farm Machinery Show. The event, scheduled for February 11-14 at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, is the largest indoor farm show in the United States, featuring over 900 vendors showcasing agricultural products and services.
KDA’s Raising Hope program, which addresses farm safety, health, and rescue, aims to leverage the show’s popularity to reach farmers and their families. “Healthy farmers, both physically and mentally, means healthier farms,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Jonathan Shell. He emphasized that KDA has a long history of providing safety and rescue demonstrations but is now also focusing on health through its Raising Hope initiative.
In collaboration with several agencies including the MASH Team, 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, Raising Hope will offer various health screenings. These include checks for blood sugar, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, hearing ability, and carotid artery health. Resources for mental well-being and general health education will also be available.
The event will feature KDA employees demonstrating farm equipment safety practices such as tractor operation and grain bin rescue methods. Additionally, information on accident prevention and “Share the Road” safety will be provided.
Raising Hope joined forces with KDA’s Farm Safety program in 2025 and receives support from both the Kentucky General Assembly and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The newly formed Division of Farm Safety & Rural Health underpins these efforts by promoting physical and mental well-being among Kentucky’s farming communities.
