Honorary Commissioners of Agriculture and Friends of Raising Hope were among those recognized Wednesday, September 17, during the third annual Farmer Appreciation Day in Murray.

Kentucky Department of Agriculture Safety Director Dale Dobson and Agriculture Commissioner Jonathon Shell named Dr. Brian Hoover, Connie Gray, and Dr. Kristie Guffie Honorary Agriculture Commissioners.

Commissioner Jonathon Shell presented a Friend of Raising Hope award to Kentucky Office of Ag Policy Director Brandon Reed.

And Dr. Cheryl Will presented a Friend of Raising Hope award to Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s Jay Hall.

Witt and Dobson also announced there will be $200,000 worth of Raising Hope grants to help fund safety programs across the state.

Meanwhile, three members of the Kentucky farm community were honored for their work to ensure farm safety on the farm, in their community, and in their education career. Seven Springs Farm owner Joe Nichols presented a farmer appreciation award to John Croft of Caldwell County.

Kentucky Fire Commissioner District 3 Director Jimmy VanCleve honored Mark Luckett of Daviess County.

And Murray State Professor Dr. Brian Hoover the work of retired Murray State Professor Dr. Dwayne Driskill.

The 2025 Raising Hope Farmer Appreciation Day at Murray State included several booths dedicated to farmer health and safety. The event was sponsored by Farm Credit Mid-America.