The most recent Christian County community needs assessment revealed a gap in agricultural and natural resources literacy, particularly among youth. With agriculture playing a vital role in the local economy and lifestyle, residents identified a growing concern for the safety and preparedness of young individuals exposed to agricultural work and rural environments. Youth were often unaware of the potential hazards associated with farming activities and lacked training in proper safety practices.

To address this need, Christian County Extension organized the Progressive Agriculture Safety Day, a hands-on educational event focused on promoting safety awareness among youth. The program was delivered in partnership with several local agencies and organizations, which supported and facilitated various safety education stations.

Youth participants rotated through interactive learning stations that covered:

• Electrical Safety
• ATV Safety
• Grain Safety
• Tractor Safety
• Fire Safety
• Water Safety
• Sun Safety
• Basic First Aid

These stations provided experiential learning opportunities, allowing youth to engage directly with safety protocols, practice emergency responses, and ask questions in a supportive environment.

A total of 736 youth participated in the Christian County Progressive Agriculture Safety Day. The target audience included elementary school students from across Christian County, representing both rural and suburban communities. Many participants had direct or family ties to agricultural work, making the training especially relevant to their daily lives and future responsibilities.

Post-event evaluations indicated that 90% of participants reported an increase in their knowledge of agricultural safety practices, and 85% stated they felt more confident in how to respond in potentially hazardous situations. Teachers and chaperones also reported observing greater engagement and awareness among students during and after the program.

As a result of the Progressive Agriculture Safety Day, youth are better equipped to recognize and respond to risks associated with farming and outdoor activities. This program not only helped to close the agricultural literacy gap but also contributed to creating a safer, more informed future generation of agricultural workers and community members in Christian County.