Kentucky Distributed Farm Safety Books to Schools

Public elementary schools across Kentucky are using new literacy kits to teach children about agricultural safety.

Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Primary Education

Bold vector editorial illustration of a toy tractor on a school desk, framed by a view of rural farmland through a window. — Public elementary schools across Kentucky are integrating new farm safety literacy kits into their curricula to teach agricultural risk awareness. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Should public elementary schools prioritize teaching students about local agricultural practices and farm safety?

More than 700 public elementary schools in Kentucky are receiving copies of the book 'Farm Adventures with Willie B.' as part of an agricultural education initiative. The program provides classroom materials for students in kindergarten through fifth grade during All in for Ag Education Week.

Why it matters

This initiative helps families and schools integrate critical farm safety lessons into standard literacy instruction. It aims to expand statewide awareness of agricultural risks through accessible, story-based learning.

More than 700 schools are participating in the program, which targets all grade levels from kindergarten through fifth grade. Distribution occurs in conjunction with the state-wide All in for Ag Education Week.

The players

Kentucky Department of Agriculture

The state agency responsible for overseeing agricultural policy, support programs, and the Raising Hope health and safety initiative.

Dale Dobson

A late agricultural advocate whose life and work as a farmer inspired the character Farmer Dale in the educational book.

The details

The program utilizes a book featuring a stuffed mascot dog to engage young readers. Through the story, students follow the character of Farmer Dale, based on the late Dale Dobson, to learn about agricultural practices. Educators are provided with standards-based literacy lessons designed to facilitate critical thinking regarding farm safety decisions.

* The program occurs during All in for Ag Education Week from September 21 to September 25, 2026.
* Dale Dobson, the inspiration for the Farmer Dale character, passed away in July 2026.

The Home Front

This school initiative aligns with the Raising Hope Program, which works to improve safety and mental health resources for farm families across the state. It represents a shift toward incorporating formal agricultural safety curriculum into standard primary education.

Parents with children in Kentucky public elementary schools can ask if their classroom is participating in the Raising Hope agricultural lessons this week. Families living on or near farms should use this timing as a prompt to discuss home safety rules and farm equipment boundaries with their kids.

The takeaway

Agricultural safety education can serve as a vital touchpoint for family discussions about potential risks in rural settings. Families can supplement these school lessons by identifying specific hazardous zones on their own property and establishing clear safety protocols for young children.