Success StoryBoone County Farm Dinner Theater Increases Farm & Home Safety Awareness



Boone County Farm Dinner Theater Increases Farm & Home Safety Awareness

Author: Michelle Simon

Planning Unit: Campbell County CES

Major Program: Farm Management

Plan of Work: Improving Economics & Sustainability of Agriculture & Farm Management

Outcome: Initial Outcome

Farming is known as one of the most dangerous occupations worldwide. In Boone County this statistic is the same, there have been multiple accidents to date in the county involving farm and garden related equipment, chainsaws, chemicals and livestock that have caused serious, and sometimes fatal, injuries. The majority of the agricultural community in Boone County are part- time farmers trying to do “full-time” farm work after working a full-time job off the farm. This leads to increased stress to complete tasks and rushing to get jobs done while the daylight allows. Studies at the University of Kentucky, College of Nursing have shown this situation is common across the commonwealth and is a catalyst for farm- related injuries. In response, the Boone County Extension staff collaborated with Dr. Deborah Reed, the “Ag Nurse”, and Dale Dobson, Kentucky Department of Agriculture Farm Safety Division, to host a Farm Dinner Theater. Extension agents and assistants divided into different work groups and prepared the scripts for the didactic theater plays based on real-life farm accidents and provided a locally sourced meal for the 250 participants. The scripts were followed by discussion with Dr. Reed encouraging participants to take safety precautions like installing roll over protection devices on tractors and lawn mowers, checking cell phone service on farms, using hearing protection, sunscreen, and wearing wide brimmed hats and sunglasses. There has been a resounding positive response from community for the Farm Dinner Theater and requests were made that evening to repeat the program as often as possible to prevent future farm related injuries. One participant had a roll over protection bar installed on his zero-turn lawn mower the next day after the program. All of the participants were given face covers and ear plugs to be worn during their daily tasks in addition to sunscreen. Based on evaluations, 62% of participants reported they have an increased awareness of farm and home safety and potential injuries that can be prevented by strategies learned at the Boone County Farm Dinner Theater.






Stories by Michelle Simon


Northern Kentucky Modern Homesteading Series Teaches Sustainable Living Virtually

about 3 years ago by Michelle Simon

The corona virus pandemic forced many families into disarray when the food supply chain was disrupte... Read More


Boone County Farmers Improve Forage Yield and Quality as a Result of Production Programs

about 3 years ago by Michelle Simon

Forage production is a key component to every livestock and horse farm whether it be in the form of ... Read More


Stories by Campbell County CES


 Keeping Seniors Active and Independent

Keeping Seniors Active and Independent

about 3 years ago by Kate Thompson

Click this link for video:http://campbellmedia.org/video/13828/Regular physical activity is extremel... Read More


Colby Harney Brings It Home to Campbell County:  KY Saves Piggy Bank Project

Colby Harney Brings It Home to Campbell County: KY Saves Piggy Bank Project

about 3 years ago by Ronda Rex

Gov. Andy Beshear has proclaimed Feb. 22-26, 2021 as Kentucky Saves Week, sponsored by the Kentucky ... Read More