Raising Hope director passed away in July

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Sept. 24, 2026) – Through tears, hugs, and a few smiles, the family of the late Dale Dobson accepted the Kentucky Farmer of the Year award for Dobson Farms at the Farmer’s Appreciation and Awards Day Wednesday at the Center for Rural Development in Somerset.

“Dale saw that there was a gap between our first responders, our farmers and farm families and their safety and he wanted them to be safe on the farm,” said Dr. Cheryl Witt, as she presented the award. “So, he and his brother, Dennis, used their farm as the first safety and rescue demonstration and training. Therefore, this year’s award recipient is Dobson Farms, the farm of the Dennis and the late Dale Dobson.”

Dale Dobson, who farmed with his brother, Dennis, was the director of Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s (KDA) Farm Safety and Rural Health program. Dobson joined KDA in 1998 and was tasked with starting the Department's farm safety program. Throughout his career, he championed initiatives that saved countless lives, including Kentucky's nationally recognized grain bin rescue training program. Last year, five Kentucky farmers survived grain bin entrapments because first responders had received the training Dobson helped create.

Dobson understood that protecting farmers meant caring for both their physical safety and their mental well-being. Alongside Dr. Witt, he helped establish Raising Hope, bringing attention and resources to farmers’ mental health. He also created the Challenge Coin Farmer Suicide Prevention Program, reminding countless Kentuckians that hope is always within reach.

“Dale leaves behind a legacy that will continue to protect Kentucky farmers for generations to come,” Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell said. “His compassion, innovation, and unwavering commitment to agriculture made our Commonwealth a safer and stronger place.”

The awards program was one piece of KDA’s farmer appreciation event hosted during the national Farm and Safety and Health Week, Sept. 21-25. The week is dedicated to encouraging safe practices on the farm, but also addresses the safety measures the public can take to ensure they and their farming neighbors stay safe on the roads. 

“Farming can be a fulfilling profession, but it’s not always easy,” Commissioner Shell said. “Fluctuating crop prices, debt, and the high cost of farming can create significant financial strain. Along with that, the physical nature of farming and the risk of injuries present its own unique challenges. In Kentucky, we have made great strides to mitigate these risks to make farming safer than ever before, but one farm injury is one too many. Whether you are on the farm, on the road, or in the home, please take that extra step to protect yourself and those around you.”

KDA’s fourth annual Farmer's Appreciation and Awards Day combined farm safety education, health services, a blood drive, career exploration, and recognition of Kentucky farmers. A new career fair spotlighted opportunities in agriculture, healthcare, education, small businesses, and nonprofit organizations throughout the region.

Friends of Raising Hope

In addition to the Farmer of the Year award, KDA’s Raising Hope program also presented the Friends of Raising Hope Awards. Award recipients for the Friends of Raising Hope award are key partners in and behind the scenes of Raising Hope.

•  Kim Field, KDA employee in the Forage Marketing and Farm Safety and Rural Health programs - Field demonstrated exceptional commitment and teamwork by willingly stepping in during a critical period of personnel shortages and the serious illness and subsequent death of KDA’s Farm Safety and Rural Health director, Dale Dobson. Her initiative, flexibility, and dependability were instrumental in maintaining Raising Hope operations and exemplified outstanding professionalism and dedication to the Raising Hope mission.

•  Garrett Hamilton, KDA’s PACE Program Coordinator – Hamilton demonstrated exceptional compassion and teamwork by stepping in to provide much-needed physical and moral support during significant personnel shortages and the unexpected passing of Dale Dobson. His assistance and encouragement were invaluable to the Raising Hope team during an exceptionally difficult time.