Farming is one of the most stressful and potentially hazardous occupations in the United States.  There are many inherent physical risks involving potentially hazardous chemicals, navigating rural roadways with large equipment, grain bin hazards, equipment accidents and malfunctions, and the list goes on and on.  Extreme pressure and fluctuating markets can also place excessive amounts of mental pressure and anguish on farmers leading to a reduction in mental health.  Currently, the Extension Service along with partnering agencies such as Franklin-Simpson FFA, the Simpson County Agriculture Foundation and Farm Bureau Federation are emphasizing health and wellness for our agricultural producers.   This involves providing information about mental well-being as well as essential foundational resources and tools to mitigate risk when potentially hazardous physical conditions are encountered.   

Fire & Electrical Safety for Farmers was held in January of 2025 with 101 people in attendance.  Our partnerships with FFA and grant funding secured through the Kentucky Department of Agriculture Raising Hope Project was essential to the success of this program.  Farms represented had the opportunity to receive a free fire extinguisher valued at $200 apiece.   25 total fire extinguisher were award to different farms for a total value of $5,000.  Multiple farmers reported fires during grain harvest over the last three years and acknowledged that they would have benefited from a fire extinguisher of that capacity and quality at the time of the incident.    

Warren Rural Electric Cooperative Corporation presented information about electrical safety focusing on power lines utilizing their educational trailer.  70% of farmers present reported that they had encountered potentially hazardous situations involving power lines while in the field.  This demonstration instructed farmers on how to respond properly when dealing with various situations involving high voltage electricity and power lines.   Additionally, other recent programs offered by the Simpson County Extension Service and partnering agencies focused on health and wellness for farmers include free CPR classes, free health screenings and administering 16 free tetanus shots from the Franklin Health Department on-site at a recent beef program.  Donut Forget About Ag Safety was a drive-thru opportunity for farmers to receive a free first aid kit from the National Education Center for Agricultural Safety and information on mental health along with a donut and coffee.