09/18/2025
The Third Annual Farmer Appreciation/Raising Hope Day was held at the Cherry Expo Center on September 17, 2025. Commissioner Jonathan Shell spoke to the FFA students, local Farmers and attendees. He presented several awards to deserving individuals. Miss Kentucky, Ariana Rodriguez's speech was such an inspiration to those in attendance. Dale Dobson, KY Farm Safety Director, was on hand to promote farm safety and Raising Hope to the audience. Raising Hope is a program that focuses on farm safety, farmer's health, and farm rescue. The program seeks to raise awareness of dangers on the farm, health risks on the farm, and the needed training for farm specific rescues. The goal is to encourage farmers to take extra steps to keep themselves, their workers, and their families safe.