Building Tomorrow’s Farmers One Table at a Time

In November 2022 the first meeting of the Monroe County Tabletop Farmers was held.  Prior to me becoming the 4-H agent in Monroe County, interest had been expressed.  Once on board, I was very excited about this new club.  Leaders were recruited who had a knowledge and understanding of how farm toy displays were to be adequately built.  The leaders began working with the youth to create farm displays.

 Word of the club spread fast, and by January the club had 11 members.  To build communication skills, each month, members were asked to bring a specific toy to share with the group.  At first many were unwilling to share, but soon the love of the toys helped them escape their shyness.  Youth that were the shyest were presenting.  Also, to enhance their leadership skills, officers were elected, parliamentary procedures were taught, and business meetings were conducted.  It was so exciting to see cloverbud members using correct procedures and presenting to a group of members and parents.  

In June, the city of Tompkinsville asked the Tabletop Farmers Club to be the featured guests at the Farming on Main Celebration.  The club displayed a “town” they had created in the center of Main Street.  The club president spoke to the entire group, and they club members interacted with all individuals attending the event.  

Members of this club are also working on other projects as well.  One of the junior 4-H’ers won photography class champion at the Kentucky State Fair.  He later spoke at the Monroe County 4-H Veteran’s Day breakfast about the photo of his great grandfather.  

The club members were featured during the state fair.  They displayed their “farms” during natural resources day.  During this event, they interacted with visitors at the fair and explained their farms to them.  A highlight was a visit from Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Ryan Quarles. They talked about the equipment, their displays, and the farming practices shown on each display.  

Later in the fall, the Tabletop Farmers Club hosted a Farm Toy Show at the Monroe County Extension Office.   This event was a great success.  Visitors from across the region came to Monroe County for this event.  In preparation for this event, Farm World Magazine ran a story highlighting the club, its members, and it’s mission.  Farm World Magazine is a publication reaching several states in the south-central area.   Also, 4-H agents from across Kentucky, and even outside Kentucky, have reached out to get more information about our club.  To help spread the word, the club president, program assistant and I will be leading a session at the 2024 Kentucky Volunteer Forum.

The Monroe County Tabletop Farmers Club grows each month.  Numbers of members grow, but importantly leadership, communication skills, and opportunities for the youth grow.  They are learning many aspects of a farming operation as well as many other life skills.  Each month I am so anxious to see what is coming up next for this new and fascinating club!!!