U.S. Senators Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) are leading the Ray Gaesser Memorial Farm Safety Week resolution to honor the life and legacy of Ray Gaesser. Gaesser was from Corning, Iowa, and a leading advocate for farmers. He tragically passed away on September 5, 2026, following a farming accident.
The resolution designates the week of September 21, 2026, as “Ray Gaesser Memorial Farm Safety Week” to raise awareness about farm safety and honor Gaesser’s lifelong commitment to Iowa’s agricultural community. In the U.S., approximately 160 agricultural workers are injured every day while nearly 400 agricultural workers die each year as a result of farm-related accidents.
“Ray Gaesser embodied the very best of Iowa agriculture—a hardworking farmer, a strong advocate for our producers, and a friend to so many across our state,” said Sen. Ernst. “His tragic passing is a heartbreaking reminder of the dangers our farmers face every day while working to feed and fuel the world. As we honor Ray’s remarkable life and legacy, I encourage every farmer to look out for one another and make safety a priority.”
“Ray Gaesser was a friend, a family man, a farmer and a proud Iowan. His tireless advocacy for agriculture brought him on trade missions around the world and into high level meetings across the country,” said Sen. Grassley. “By introducing our National Farm Safety and Health Week resolution in his name, we can honor his memory, raise awareness about the dangers family farmers face and promote education to prevent future tragedies.”
The resolution was also introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Congressman Zach Nunn (R-Iowa) and has been cosponsored by the entire Iowa delegation.
“Ray Gaesser spent his life doing what he loved: farming, fighting for agriculture, and helping the next generation of producers continue Iowa’s oldest tradition,” said Rep. Nunn. “Ray was a trusted friend and advisor whose impact reached far beyond his own farm.”
“Ray was a tireless champion for Iowa’s farmers and a devoted steward of the land he loved,” said Rep. Miller-Meeks. “His life was defined by his service to agriculture and his commitment to the farming community. We honor his memory by carrying forward his legacy and renewing our commitment to keeping our farmers and families safe. My thoughts and prayers are with Ray’s family and loved ones.”
“I’m heartbroken that my friend and one of the most amazing Iowans I know, Ray Gaesser, is no longer with us. He put his heart and soul into advocating for Iowa agriculture and family farms. There was no stronger voice for farmers and agriculture,” said Rep. Hinson. “Ray will be missed by so many who loved and knew him, and I’m proud to join the Iowa delegation in introducing this resolution honoring his life and the contributions he made. My prayers continue to be with his wonderful wife, Elaine, and his entire family as we grieve this immense loss for Iowa.”
“Ray Gaesser represented the very best of Iowa agriculture. He was a dedicated farmer, respected leader, and tireless advocate for our producers who devoted his life to strengthening agriculture and leaving the land better for the next generation. His tragic passing is a heartbreaking reminder of the risks that farmers and their families face every day,” said Rep. Feenstra. “During National Farm Safety Week, I am proud to join my colleagues in introducing this resolution to honor Ray’s remarkable life and legacy while reaffirming our commitment to keeping our farmers, families, and rural communities safe. My prayers remain with Elaine, Chris, Jennifer, and the entire Gaesser family.”
Read the resolution here.
