Atlanta, Ga. January 11, 2022 – During the 103rd annual meeting of the American Farm Bureau Federation, more than 100 Tennessee Farm Bureau members took part in educational sessions, an impressive trade show, competitions, networking events and much more.
Tennessee Young Farmers and Ranchers represented the Volunteer state extremely well in each of the three contests held at the national level – the Achievement Award, Excellence in Agriculture and Discussion Meet. Those representatives were Lee and Halie Bagwell from Robertson County, Josey Miller from Loudon County and Emily Nave from Cannon County. Each competed for awards against farmers from across the country and demonstrated knowledge of and achievement in agriculture, as well as commitment to promoting the agriculture industry.
The Bagwells competed in the Achievement Award contest, which recognizes young farmers who have excelled in their farming operations and exhibited superior leadership abilities. As a fourth-generation farmer, Lee operates Triple J Farms alongside Halie. The family farm is a diversified row crop operation consisting of more than 1,300 acres of corn, wheat, soybeans and tobacco. They also raise tobacco plants for the public and Lee serves as a seed representative for Becks Hybrid.
Josey Miller was named to the top ten in the Excellence in Agriculture contest. This award recognizes young farmers who do not derive the majority of their income from an agricultural operation, but who actively contribute and grow through their involvement in agriculture, their leadership ability and participation in Farm Bureau and other organizations. Josey is an agricultural educator and FFA advisor at Lenoir City High School and farms a cow/calf operation with her husband in the Dixie Lee Junction community of Loudon County.
Emily Nave competed in the Discussion Meet where she made it to the “final four” round after three rounds of tough competition. The Discussion Meet simulates a committee meeting in which active discussion and participation are expected. Participants are evaluated on their ability to exchange ideas and information on a predetermined topic. Emily is the seventh generation on her family’s farm in Woodbury. She is currently a junior at the University of Tennessee at Martin studying animal science with a minor in agricultural business.
Tennessee delegates spent the final day of the annual meeting at the business session discussing and determining policy for the national farm organization. A total of 355 voting delegates, of which Tennessee Farm Bureau has 35, representing every crop and livestock sector in the United States deliberated on policies affecting farmers’ productivity and profitability. The policies approved at the convention will guide the nation’s largest general farm organization throughout 2022.
Also during the business session, Tennessee Farm Bureau President Eric Mayberry was elected by the voting delegates to serve on the American Farm Bureau Board of Directors.
