Progressive Agriculture Foundation® Celebrates 30 Years of Life-Saving Lessons for Youth
[APRIL 1, 2025; Birmingham, Alabama] – The Progressive Agriculture Foundation (PAF) proudly marks its 30th anniversary in 2025, celebrating three decades of dedicated service to rural communities through its flagship program, Progressive Agriculture Safety Days® (PAF Safety Days). Since its inception in 1995, the PAF Safety Day program has educated and empowered over two million children, teens, and adults across North America, fostering a safer future for generations to come.
From humble beginnings in 1995 with a mere 19 PAF Safety Days offered, to achieving a record-breaking 107,179 individuals reached in 2024, PAF has grown into the largest rural safety and health education program in North America. Its mission remains steadfast: to provide education, training, and resources to make farm, ranch, and rural life safer and healthier for children, their families, and their communities. By partnering with schools, community organizations, corporate sponsors, and volunteers, PAF hosts over 300 PAF Safety Days each year, focusing on topics such as animal safety, chemical safety, and fire safety.
A Legacy of Impact
Over Two Million Reached: In 2023, PAF reached a milestone of impacting over two million individuals since its inception in 1995.
Broad Network: Over 400 PAF Safety Day Coordinators and 12,000 volunteers support the program annually. PAF Safety Days are currently being held in 34 U.S. states, six Canadian provinces, and one U.S. territory. Over the last 30 years, PAF Safety Days have been held in 42 U.S. states, nine Canadian provinces, two U.S. territories, and three South American countries.
Innovative Initiatives: PAF has introduced programs addressing emerging issues such as grain bin safety, mental wellness, and ATV/UTV safety and more. PAF has expanded its delivery methods to include Classroom-based instruction and Safety Zones, ensuring broader reach and engagement with new audiences.
Lifetime of Safety: In 2022, PAF announced the creation of the Bernard Geschke Volunteer Service Award, honoring PAF Safety Day Coordinators who have volunteered for 20 or more years as a coordinator. Since instituting this award, 25 coordinators have received this honor.
Commemorating 30 Years
To honor this milestone, PAF will host a year-long celebration, including:
30th Anniversary Testimonial Wall: Sharing inspiring testimonials from participants, volunteers, and partners who have been impacted by PAF.
Recognition of Volunteers: Host an end-of-year celebration for current coordinators and showcasing volunteers and partners who shaped the program.
Gathering Feedback from Parents: All participants will be sent home with a post card asking them to celebrate with PAF and submit a short survey about the program for a chance to win a prize.
Photo Contest to Recognize PAF Safety Days: Each coordinator may submit one photo that represents what it means to be in their “Safety Era” as a culmination of the PAF Safety Days theme over the last two years.
30 Safety Tips Campaign: To celebrate National Safety Month in June, PAF will be releasing one new safety tip each day of June, highlighting key lessons from the PAF Safety Days.
Looking Ahead
As the foundation celebrates this milestone, it also looks forward to expanding its reach and impact. Planned initiatives include enhanced digital resources, expanded training opportunities for volunteers, and new partnerships with corporate and community organizations.
“For three decades, we have worked tirelessly to protect what matters most: the safety and health of our rural communities,” said Brian Kuhl, President and Chief Executive Officer at the Progressive Agriculture Foundation. “As we celebrate our 30th anniversary, we reaffirm our commitment to our mission and look forward to continuing this vital work for years to come.”
Join the Progressive Agriculture Foundation in celebrating 30 years of youth safety education! Share your story, participate in our activities, and help us continue making a difference. Participants and supporters can tag PAF on social media at @PAFSafetyDays and use relevant hashtags like #PAF #PAFSafetyDays #InMySafetyEra or #PAF30 (anniversary-specific). Learn more at progressiveag.org.
About Progressive Agriculture Foundation®
The Progressive Agriculture Foundation® (PAF) is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization with the mission to provide education, training, and resources to make farm, ranch, and rural life safer and healthier for all children, their families, and their communities. PAF builds partnerships to secure resources for the Progressive Agriculture Safety Day® (PAF Safety Day) program, recognized as the largest rural safety and health education program for children in North America.
Since its inception in 1995, the Foundation has touched the lives of millions across North America. For more information about PAF, the PAF Safety Day program, and its staff, visit http://www.progressiveag.org.
Progressive Agriculture Foundation® and Progressive Agriculture Safety Day® are registered trademarks of Progressive Agriculture Foundation®.