FFA and HOSA Students Unite to Host LaRue County’s Farmer Appreciation Breakfast
For the past six years, the LaRue County High School Future Farmers of America (FFA) students have come together to host the annual Farmer Appreciation Breakfast, a heartfelt tribute to the hardworking farmers who provide food for the community.
This year’s event continued the tradition, serving a hearty, locally sourced meal to over 100 farmers. It also offered free health screenings thanks to Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA), reinforcing the importance of both physical well-being and agricultural appreciation.
A Tradition of Gratitude
The idea for the breakfast was born at FFA camp in 2019, with the inaugural event taking place on President’s Day in 2020.
“It’s our way to say thank you to those who provide food for us,” said Misty Bivens, LCHS agriculture teacher.
She noted that many farmers initially ask what they owe for the meal, only to be reassured that it is a gesture of appreciation. This simple act of gratitude has since evolved into an annual tradition eagerly anticipated by both students and farmers alike.
Despite challenges such as recent flooding, the students remained committed to their mission.
“The one thing about agriculture is that no matter what is going on with the weather, you still have chores to do,” Bivens said. “We decided that even if farmers had a tough day of work ahead, they could at least get a good hot breakfast to start their day.”
A Collaborative Effort
This year, around 15 to 20 FFA members, including four from Elizabethtown FFA, helped make the event possible, along with six HOSA members and two health science teachers. FFA student Cyrus Bivens has been involved in the breakfast for years, originally attending as a farmer before joining the efforts as an FFA member.
“Our involvement with Raising Hope has been to continue the mission of providing appreciation and giving back to our hard working farmers,” Cyrus said.
Raising Hope, a program started by Dale Dobson and Dr. Cheryl Witt, focuses on farm safety, mental health, and medical support for farmers.
“For the last several years, we have tried to supply our farmers with locally sourced food for breakfast,” Cyrus added, detailing contributions from Legacy Dairy, local pig farms, and handmade biscuits prepared by students.
The morning started early for those involved, with students arriving before 5 a.m. to transport supplies and begin cooking. Cyrus himself assisted with either grilling sausage or preparing eggs, biscuits, and gravy in the kitchen alongside his mother. The breakfast ran until 10 a.m., after which the team cleans up, wrapping up a rewarding and fulfilling event.
A New Addition: Health Screenings
This year, HOSA students played a key role by providing free health screenings, an initiative inspired by Dale Dobson’s desire to involve his granddaughter, Brylee, in his passion for farm safety and health.
“It turned out to be a tremendous partnership,” Bivens said. “I saw several farmers getting the screenings, and these are probably not people who get health screenings on a regular basis.”
The HOSA inclusion spoke to larger issues surrounding the health of farmers and agriculture workers. According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), farmers can suffer from higher rates of hypertension, respiratory diseases, high cholesterol, and skin disorders than other occupations.
The HOSA screenings, which included cholesterol, triglyceride, and blood sugar level tests, were well-received, with over 60 farmers participating.
Brylee Dobson, a HOSA member, reflected on the experience.
“Partnering with the FFA students to provide health screenings was amazing,” Dobson said. “We were not only able to teach people about their health and how important it is, but we also learned a lot from them.”
The HOSA team, which included six officers, was thrilled with the success of the initiative and is eager to expand their outreach in future events.
Making a Lasting Impact
Beyond the breakfast, the Raising Hope program has had a profound influence on those involved. Cyrus Bivens, for instance, has had the opportunity to represent the program at both state and national levels, meeting key figures in the agricultural community, including Kentucky FFA Executive Secretary Matt Chaliff and even the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, Brooke Rollins.
As the Farmer Appreciation Breakfast continues to grow, it remains a shining example of how students can make a meaningful impact in the LaRue County community and beyond. Through collaboration, dedication, and a shared mission, FFA and HOSA students are not only giving back to local farmers but also fostering a culture of appreciation, health awareness, and community support that will last for years to come.