2026 Honorary Member

Jimmy Robertson, Livingston County

Jimmy Robertson was a charter member of the Livingston County Young Farmers in the 1970s. He was instrumental in getting the group started by approaching the high school agriculture teacher, Joe Knoth, about starting classes for farmers. Jimmy once stated that the teacher was apprehensive about the interest in a class but agreed to try it. Jimmy stated that the classroom was nearly full on the first night of class and it continued. Jimmy continued to attend classes and maintained his YFA membership until he was in his late 80s.

Jimmy & his wife Nellie operated a farm in the Iuka community of Livingston County near the Cumberland River. They had 2 sons, Jerry & Barry both of which continue to work in agriculture today. Jimmy and his sons raised hogs, cattle and row crops at various times. Jimmy also worked as a heavy equipment operator in the coal mines of West Kentucky until his retirement. Jimmy & Nellie loved to travel, highlighted by a road trip to Alaska some years ago.

Jimmy passed away in May of 2024 just short of his 90th birthday. His wife Nellie preceded him in death in 2022. In honor of Jimmy the Livingston County Young Farmers decided to pay Jimmy’s lifetime membership this year, and the YFA Board voted to honor Jimmy at the 68th Annual Convention.