According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), farming is two times as deadly as serving on law enforcement and five times more deadly than serving as a firefighter. In fact, farming is rated the sixth most dangerous occupation, beating out powerline workers and steelworkers.  There is also a high concentration of mental illness among farmers, particularly when it comes to depression. Many of these conditions are stress-induced and can be life-threatening if left untreated.

To address these issues, the Morgan County Cooperative Extension Service agents and leaders successfully pursued a $5,000 “Raising Hope – Supporting Healthy Lives on Kentucky Farms” campaign grant from the Kentucky Department of Agriculture (KDA) and USDA.  The purpose of the grant was to implement a community-based farmer appreciation program to promote the many contributions of farmers and their families and to increase community appreciation of the various challenges farmers face working in agriculture in Morgan County.  A total of 44 applications were received and 16 projects were awarded including Morgan County’s.

The Morgan County Farmer Appreciation Campaign was comprised of two events – a Valentine's Day/Thank You card mass mailing and a fall appreciation dinner.  

With the first event, two hundred Valentine cards were sent to farmers – the “Thank You for Being a Farmer” card noted their hard work, dedication, and contributions to making our county and world a better place.  Comments on Facebook and to Extension Staff demonstrated that farmers were surprised by and appreciative of the cards and recognition.

The second event was a “Farmer Appreciation” Dinner held outdoors on September 8 at the Morgan County Extension Education Center.  There were 110 farmers, family members, guests and Extension volunteers and staff present.  In addition to a free steak dinner, farmers received a “Thank You” bag with ear plugs, safety glasses and gloves reminding them that the community wants to “listen” to their concerns, “see” their hard work and “applaud” them for their efforts – as well as “lend a hand” if needed.  The program for the evening emphasized stress and mental health awareness plus safety.  Each family received a booklet on stress topics specific to farmers as well as a specialty first aid kit focusing on Amputation/Entanglement injuries.  The program closed with a photo opportunity, humorous games, and door prizes to send folks home with a smile after the discussion of difficult topics.

Farmers and their guests expressed how much they enjoyed and learned from the event.  They appreciated the opportunity to be back together in a social setting post Covid.  With perfect weather, participants enjoyed a great atmosphere of caring, support and neighborliness.  Several follow up conversations have indicated that seeds of appreciation and recognition for being a farmer were planted.

One farmer’s wife texted an agent stating, “Thank you so much for doing this – it was very nice.  It helps to know that your hard work matters.”