Ever have one of those “It’s a small world” moments? I had one recently that is still making me smile.

I was inspecting a field of evergreens and the guy mowing his yard on an adjacent property saw me and came to check out what I was doing. Once he figured out that I was the inspector and I figured out he was the tree farm owner’s brother-in-law, we had a bit of a chat. We talked about the challenges of this year’s weather on the new planting, pests that I saw on the trees, emerald ash borer and spotted lantern fly.

Then he asked about my work territory and where I lived. After I described the farm, that’s when we had the small-world moment.

I told him that there were no more dairy cows at our place or the dairy farm I grew up on either. He said he had a friend who was a former dairy farmer but he was from Geauga County. Smiling, I said that is where I grew up and asked who his friend was. Here it was someone my family knew well.

Then he asked if I had participated in 4-H. I said, “Of course.” It was what farm kids did to fill their summers.

I had sewing projects and dairy cattle projects every year starting when I was 9 years old. I continued to participate until the summer after my freshman year in college. I was one of the lucky ones who was still 18 at the first of the year, the age limit, even though by the time fair came around I had turned 19. I still enjoy going back to my home fair where so many memories were made.

But 4-H is for all kids ages 9 to 18, not just farm kids. There is a project for everyone. Dairy and beef cattle, sheep, horses, goats and poultry are common animal projects, but there are also projects for cats, dogs, rabbits, guinea pigs, gerbils, hamsters and mice. There is a series of projects on Veterinary Science that are designed to help the 4-Her learn about animals and their care.

Animal projects don’t interest you? How about sewing? There are public speaking and demonstration projects that help develop communication. Cake decorating, quilting, scrapbooking, family genealogy, photography, archery and lots of food and nutrition projects. Maybe you are interested in healthy living, money management, gardening and plant science — there are projects available.

I could go on and on, but you can check out project ideas here.

Even better than that, you can attend the seventh annual Fall 4-H Kickoff. It is a countywide 4-H club open house that showcases many of the 26 Trumbull County clubs.

This year’s event will be held 6 to 8 p.m. Monday Nov. 15 at Champion Presbyterian Church, 4997 Mahoning Ave. It is great opportunity to explore club and project options. You will meet 4-Hers, advisers and volunteers who will be glad to help you find a project right for your 4-Her.

Submitted by Mary Smallsreed , a member of the Trumbull County Farm Bureau who grew up on a family dairy farm in northeast Ohio.

 

OFBF Mission:  Working together for Ohio farmers to advance agriculture and strengthen our communities.

New and beginning farmers
My first recommendation in your journey is to start out with a local farming friend or mentor along with joining an organization like Ohio Farm Bureau.
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Greg McGlinch

Darke County Farm Bureau

Growing Tomorrow Grant
We’re just so thankful for the Farm Bureau and the foundation for helping put this together. And of course, the Boyert family for the vision they had with this grant. It’s jumping us forward 10 years. It’s unbelievable.
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Nathan and Jill Parriman

Clermont County Farm Bureau

Bringing the farm back to life
I could not have done it without the resources I have found through Farm Bureau.
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Gretchan Francis

Trumbull County Farm Bureau

Youth pathways in Farm Bureau
It wasn’t until I joined the Wilmington College Collegiate Farm Bureau that I truly saw how my passion could translate into leadership, advocacy and a career.
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Wyatt Morrow

Clinton County Farm Bureau

Giving farmers a voice
The issue of property taxation remains as one of the biggest challenges our members face today. Ensuring agricultural property is valued for its agricultural potential and not development is critical to the continued success of Ohio agriculture.
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Matt Aultman

Darke County Farm Bureau

Select Partner Program
Through the Select Partner program, we became educated in farm insurance and weren't just selling policies. It became more and more clear why farmers need an advocate like Ohio Farm Bureau.
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Chad Ruhl

Farm manager, CSI Insurance

Advocacy
So many of the issues that OFBF and its members are advocating for are important to all Ohioans. I look at OFBF as an agricultural watchdog advocating for farmers and rural communities across Ohio.
Mary Smallsreed's avatar
Mary Smallsreed

Trumbull County Farm Bureau

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