(LEX NEWS) — The Kentucky Department of Agriculture is mourning the death of longtime farm safety advocate Dale Dobson, whose work over several decades helped reduce farm-related fatalities and expand safety and mental health programs for agricultural communities across the state.
In a Facebook post, Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell called Dobson "a true servant, leader, and friend" who dedicated his career to protecting Kentucky farm families.
According to Shell, Dobson was hired by former Agriculture Commissioner Billy Ray Smith to establish the department's Farm Safety Program and served under four agriculture commissioners before Shell appointed him director of Farm Safety and Rural Health.
"Dale dedicated his life's work to protecting Kentucky's farm families," Shell wrote.
Shell credited Dobson with helping significantly reduce farm-related deaths in Kentucky. When Dobson began his work, the state averaged more than 50 farm-related fatalities annually, according to the commissioner. That number has since fallen to fewer than 12 per year.
Dobson also helped develop Kentucky's grain bin rescue training program, which is now taught throughout the state and in other states, Shell said. He noted that five Kentucky farmers survived grain bin entrapments last year because first responders had received the specialized training.
In addition to promoting physical safety, Dobson advocated for farmers' mental health. Shell said Dobson worked with Dr. Cheryl Witt to establish the Raising Hope initiative, which focuses on farmer mental health awareness and resources. He also created the Challenge Coin Farmer Suicide Prevention Program.
Shell said Dobson was especially passionate about educating young people about farm safety, believing those lessons often influenced the practices of entire farming families.
"Dale Dobson leaves behind a legacy that will continue to protect Kentucky farmers for generations to come," Shell wrote. "His compassion, innovation, and unwavering commitment to agriculture made our Commonwealth a safer and stronger place."
The department extended condolences to Dobson's family, friends and colleagues, saying it would honor his legacy by continuing the work he championed.
The President and CEO of Appalachian Regional Healthcare Hollie Harris released a statement highlighting Dobson's passion for helping farmers and the community:
"Dale Dobson dedicated his life to protecting Kentucky’s farm families, and in doing so, he touched countless lives. I was blessed to know him not only as a partner, but as a dear friend. From the moment we met, Dale’s passion for the health and well-being of Kentucky’s agricultural community was unmistakable. He challenged ARH to think beyond traditional healthcare — to reach farmers where they are and bring care directly to the communities they call home. Because of Dale’s vision, ARH’s Farmer Care Initiative was born, bringing preventive screenings, health education, and mental health resources through our Mobile Health Clinic directly to Kentucky’s farming communities. Together, we have already provided screenings and connected thousands of Kentucky farmers with the healthcare resources they need. That work will continue because of the foundation Dale helped build. Dale was one of the most genuine and compassionate people I have ever known. He loved Kentucky, he loved its farmers, and he devoted his life to making their work and their lives safer. His legacy will live on through every life improved by the work he inspired. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, his colleagues, and everyone who had the privilege of calling him a friend.”
