The Kentucky Department of Agriculture mourns the loss of a true servant, leader, and friend, Dale Dobson.
Commissioner Jonathan Shell says Dale dedicated his life's work to protecting Kentucky's farm families. Hired by Commissioner Billy Ray Smith to build the Department's Farm Safety Program from the ground up, he faithfully served under four Commissioners before I had the privilege of appointing him Director of Farm Safety and Rural Health.
His impact on Kentucky agriculture cannot be measured simply by programs created—it is measured in lives saved. When Dale began this mission, Kentucky experienced more than 50 farm-related fatalities each year. Today, that number has fallen to fewer than 12. His vision also led to the development of Kentucky's grain bin rescue training, now taught across our Commonwealth and in other states. Just last year, five Kentucky farmers survived grain bin entrapments because first responders had received the training Dale helped create.
Dale understood that protecting farmers meant caring for both their physical safety and their mental well-being. Alongside Dr. Cheryl Witt, he helped establish Raising Hope, bringing much-needed attention and resources to farmer mental health. He also created the Challenge Coin Farmer Suicide Prevention Program, reminding countless Kentuckians that hope is always within reach.
One of Dale's greatest passions was teaching young people. He knew that when you educate a child about farm safety, you often change the habits of an entire family—parents, grandparents, and future generations alike.
Dale Dobson leaves behind a legacy that will continue to protect Kentucky farmers for generations to come. His compassion, innovation, and unwavering commitment to agriculture made our Commonwealth a safer and stronger place.
On behalf of the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, we extend our deepest condolences to Dale's family, friends, and all who had the privilege of working alongside him. We are forever grateful for his service, and we will honor his memory by continuing the work he loved so dearly. Today, the Kentucky Department of Agriculture mourns the loss of a true servant, leader, and friend, Dale Dobson.
Dale dedicated his life's work to protecting Kentucky's farm families. Hired by Commissioner Billy Ray Smith to build the Department's Farm Safety Program from the ground up, he faithfully served under four Commissioners before I had the privilege of appointing him Director of Farm Safety and Rural Health.
His impact on Kentucky agriculture cannot be measured simply by programs created—it is measured in lives saved. When Dale began this mission, Kentucky experienced more than 50 farm-related fatalities each year. Today, that number has fallen to fewer than 12. His vision also led to the development of Kentucky's grain bin rescue training, now taught across our Commonwealth and in other states. Just last year, five Kentucky farmers survived grain bin entrapments because first responders had received the training Dale helped create.
Dale understood that protecting farmers meant caring for both their physical safety and their mental well-being. Alongside Dr. Cheryl Witt, he helped establish Raising Hope, bringing much-needed attention and resources to farmer mental health. He also created the Challenge Coin Farmer Suicide Prevention Program, reminding countless Kentuckians that hope is always within reach.
One of Dale's greatest passions was teaching young people. He knew that when you educate a child about farm safety, you often change the habits of an entire family—parents, grandparents, and future generations alike.
Dale Dobson leaves behind a legacy that will continue to protect Kentucky farmers for generations to come. His compassion, innovation, and unwavering commitment to agriculture made our Commonwealth a safer and stronger place.
On behalf of the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, we extend our deepest condolences to Dale's family, friends, and all who had the privilege of working alongside him. We are forever grateful for his service, and we will honor his memory by continuing the work he loved so dearly.
