Yearly Archives: 2023
A Look Back At Agriculture In 2023
As 2023 comes to an end Tennessee Commissioner of Agriculture, Charlie Hatcher is taking a look at how agriculture fared in 2023, and looking...
Artificial Intelligence In Agriculture
Dr. Lynne Parker is leading a new initiative at the University of Tennessee focusing on artificial intelligence. Parker believes AI can play a major...
State Comptroller Jason Comptroller
Tennessee Comptroller, Jason Comptroller, recently addressed farmers at the Tennessee Farm Bureau Convention. He says he wants to make sure farmers know they are...
UT Farm Management Helping Producers
UT's Farm Management program is helping farming operations grow and succeed for generations to come. Amy Beckham has more.
Amy Beckham
UT farm management helping producers....
Christmas Time in Tennessee
It's Christmas time in Tennessee, and folks across the volunteer state are celebrating with family and friends. Merry Christmas from all of us here...
Time to Renew Ag Exemption Cards
The Tennessee Department of Revenue is reminding all agricultural professionals, producers and any others who are agricultural exemption holders that they must verify their exemption with the department by December 31 of this year to keep buying certain agricultural items tax-free.
TFBF Board Changes During the 102nd Annual Meeting
During the business session of the 102nd annual meet of Tennessee Farm Bureau, 255 delegates from across the state elected a state board of directors to lead to the organization.
Getting Ag In The Classroom Books In Kids Hands
Cumberland County High School Senior Leilah Crawford raised $14 thousand to purchase ag in the classroom books for every pre-K through third grader in...
Policy Post: Jan. 2024
2024 Tennessee Farm Bureau Policies
Policies which will guide the Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation advocacy efforts in 2024 were adopted and finalized by...
Groves Elected To Farm Bureau Women’s Committee
Dawn Groves is the newest member of the Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation State Women's Committee. Groves replaces Faye Coble who has served on the...
Rural Votes Matter
Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett is reminding rural Tennesseans that their vote matters and that they should practice their right to vote.
All in the Family
The U.S. Department of Agriculture issued its 2023 Farms and Ranches at a Glance Report. Chad Smith has more on what it says about American...
Vilsack Participates In Tennessee Town Hall
US Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack, was recently in Tennessee participating in a town hall hosted by RFD TV. Vilsack laid out the Biden...
Last Push To Bring Broadband To All Of Tennessee
There have been lots of great strides made in bringing broadband to all of Tennessee, but there are still around 135,000 homes that still...
McClanahan Prepares For National Discussion Meet
Matthew McClanahan recently won the Tennessee Young Farmers and Ranchers State Discussion Meet. McClanahan says it's an honor to win the state competition and...
Ag Exports Down for 2023, USDA Says
The latest trade outlook from the Department of Agriculture forecasts less exports and more imports in 2024. Micheal Clements shares more.
Clements: The Department of...
Icey Tech CEO Focused On Agriculture & Gold Star Families
Patrick Mudge has lived a life of service and tragedy. After serving in the military he lost a friend in the line of duty....
2023 Distinguished Leaders
Five individuals were recognized for going above and beyond in their volunteer spirit to the Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation with the Distinguished Service Award.
Robert Hill Elected YF&R State Chair
Lauderdale County farmer Robert Hill is the new Tennessee Young Farmers and Ranchers State Committee Chair. Hill was elected to the position at the...
Littleton Voted To Farm Bureau State Board
Gibson County native todd Littleton has been elected to one of the three Director at Large positions on the Tennessee Farm Bureau State Board...
Seven County Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Committee Honored with Top Award
During the Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation’s 102nd annual convention at Franklin’s Cool Springs Marriott, seven county Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership programs were recognized for their outstanding accomplishments throughout the year in the County Awards of Excellence program.
28 County Farm Bureaus Honored with President Award
During the 102nd annual meeting of the Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation, 28 county Farm Bureaus from across the state were recognized for their accomplishments and successes from the past year.
Seventeen County Farm Bureaus Honored with Pinnacle Partnership Award
During the 102nd annual convention of the Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation at Franklin’s Cool Springs Marriott, seventeen county Farm Bureaus from across the state were recognized for reaching the most prestigious standards possible in membership, programs and teamwork.
Robert Hill elected to serve as 2024 Tennessee State YF&R Chair
During the 102nd annual meeting of the Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation, the Tennessee Young Farmers and Ranchers’ delegates elected Robert Hill of Lauderdale County as their new chair to serve the upcoming year.
Julie Giles of Marshall County Chosen as Outstanding Young Woman
During the 102nd annual meeting of the Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation, Julie Giles of Marshall County received the Tennessee Young Farmers and Ranchers Outstanding Young Woman award.
Matthew McClanahan of Cumberland County Named State Winner in Discussion Meet
During the 102nd annual meeting of the Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation, Matthew McClanahan of Cumberland County was named the state winner in Tennessee Young Farmers and Ranchers State Discussion Meet contest.
Voting Delegates Set 2024 Policy
255 voting delegates representing all 95 Tennessee Counties voted on and adopted Tennessee Farm Bureau Policy for 2024. A few of the voting delegates...
Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation’s 102nd Annual Meeting
More than 1,600 farmers from across the state gathered in Franklin December 2-5 for Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation’s 102nd annual meeting. The group recognized and presented awards to outstanding county Farm Bureaus, honored board and staff retirees and adopted policy resolutions for the upcoming year and elected the state board of directors.
Gov. Bill Lee Addresses Tennessee Farm Bureau Convention
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee addressed all 251 voting delegates at the Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation 102nd annual meeting. He promised to continue fighting for...
Farm Leaders Gather for Farm Bureau Convention
For 102 years, farmers from across Tennessee have been gathering each year to celebrate the Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation.
USDA’s Farm Income Forecast Shows a Drop in 2023 Income
The USDA’s November Farm Income Forecast shows a drop in income from last year. Chad Smith has more on the numbers.
Smith: The USDA’s latest...
102nd Annual Convention
Join us for the 102nd annual meeting of Tennessee Farm Bureau December 2 – 5, 2023 in Franklin, Tennessee! Speakers, policy making, networking and...
Holiday Experiences Start at the Farm
Tennessee’s Christmas tree farms are a winter wonderland that offer more than just real trees. Many farms have a vast selection of wreaths and other holiday décor made from local greenery as well as an experience the whole family can enjoy.
Beef Herd Contraction Continues as Feedlot Placements Increase
Beef Herds continue to shrink across the country, but the number of cattle at feedlots is increasing. Gary Crawford explains why this is happening.
A New USDA Food Price Forecast for 2023
How much more than last year will shoppers end up paying for food this year? Gary Crawford explains why we're seeing some relief at...
Farmers and Ranchers Will Pay More for H-2A Labor in 2024
The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently released its farm labor survey, and the news isn’t good for agriculture. Chad Smith has more on the...
An Uptick In Rural Population
A report from USDA shows that people are fleeing urban areas for a more rural way of life. Rod Bain has more.
Christmas Cheer From The Farm To Your Home
Christmas time is here and that means people are out looking for that perfect Christmas tree. There are more than 60 Christmas tree farms...
Thanksgiving On The Farm
This Thanksgiving farmers across Tennessee are gathering with their families to share a meal and give thanks, just like the first Thanksgiving in the...
Aviagen Inaugurates New Pedigree Farm in Crossville, Tenn.
Aviagen® is proud to announce the grand opening of its new pedigree farm in Crossville, Tenn., which took place on Nov. 16.
Chronic Wasting Disease In Lewis County
The case of Chronic Wasting Disease has been detected in Lewis County. This marks the 17th county in Tennessee to have a positive case...
Farm Bill Extension
Facing a funding deadline on November 17, 2023, and potential government shutdown, Congress passed H.R. 6363 last week, which allows more time to consider individual appropriations bills, prevent an end-of-year omnibus and, most importantly to the agricultural community, grants a one-year extension of the farm bill through September 30, 2024.
Tips On Safely Thawing Your Thanksgiving Turkey
With Thanksgiving quickly approaching you might be starting to think about how and when you should thaw your frozen Turkey. Gary Crawford has more...
The Latest Data on Foreign Investment on U.S. Farmland
Recent data from the Department of Agriculture provides an update on foreign investment in U.S. agricultural lands. Micheal Clements shares more.
A Great Harvest Winding Down
From one end of the state to the other, a pretty good harvest is wrapping up for farmers that raise corn and soybeans.
Cost of Thanksgiving Down Slightly This Year According to AFBF Survey
The American Farm Bureau Federation recently released its 2023 Thanksgiving Dinner cost survey. Chad Smith has more on the price of a Turkey...
Ag Literacy Week
People across the state are going to classrooms and reading ag related books to students. It's all a part of ag literacy week, and...
Tennessee Livestock Producers in 51 Counties May Be Eligible for 2023...
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) announced that ranchers and livestock producers in 51 Tennessee counties can apply for assistance from the Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP) for grazing losses incurred in 2023.
FFA & 4-H Land Judging
4-Hers and FFA members recently competed in the state land judging contest.
Forming Policy From the Grassroots
A small group of farmers from across Tennessee recently met for the annual Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation Resolutions Committee. The committee reads every word...
Last Push To Bring Broadband To All Of Tennessee
There have been lots of great strides made in bringing broadband to all of Tennessee, but there are still around 135,000 homes that still...
UT Extension Report Highlights County-level Contributions of Tennessee Agriculture
University of Tennessee Extension recently released reports outlining the estimated agricultural contributions of all 95 counties in Tennessee.
A National FFA Star from Crockett County
19-year old Lainey Hutchinson of Crockett County was named the Star in Agribusiness during the 96th National FFA Convention and Expo in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Moisture Needed in the Worst Way
From one end of the Volunteer State to the other, its as dry as its been in quite some time and that's not setting...
Samantha Beard Named Assistant Director of Special Programs
Samantha Beard has been named Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation assistant director for special programs.
Agricultural Exemption Holders Must Verify Information to Renew
The Department of Revenue reminds agricultural exemption holders that they must verify their exemption with department by December 31, 2023, to keep buying certain agricultural items tax-free.
Lainey Hutchison Named 2023 FFA American Star in Agribusiness
Lainey Hutchison of Crockett County was named the 2023 American Star in Agribusiness.
Tennessee Livestock Producers in 20 Counties May Be Eligible for 2023...
USDA Farm Service Agency announced that ranchers and livestock producers in 20 Tennessee counties can apply for assistance from the Livestock Forage Disaster Program for grazing losses incurred in 2023.
Tennessee on the National Stage
Congratulations are in order for two leaders of Tennessee FFA who represented the Volunteer state on the national stage this week at the 96th National FFA Convention.
El Nino and Winter Weather Impacts on Ag
With El Nino climatic conditions expected to last all winter long, what does that mean for possible impacts to our nation’s farmers? USDA’s Rod...
TFBF Field Services Administrator Joe McKinnon Announces Retirement
Joe McKinnon, Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation field services administrator, has announced he will retire at the end of the year.
Representing Tennessee in the Blue Jacket
This week thousands of FFA members will flood the streets of Indianapolis for the 96th National FFA Convention, and Tennessee is proud to have Faith Cook of Wilson County representing the Volunteer state as a national officer candidate in the hopes of being selected on Saturday as one of six national officers to represent the more than 800,000 FFA members nationwide.
Supporting Rural Tennessee and Beyond
State Rep. Michael Hale of Smithville is hopeful to make awareness of the importance of our farmers and food insecurity of children across the...
Mitigating Transportation Disruptions from Low Mississippi River
Record low levels on the Mississippi River bring challenges when it comes to moving harvested crops to market. Micheal Clement shares how farmers...
Growing Crops From The Sky
Ryan Gilland takes to the sky a lot during growing season. His small business, Gilland Ag Services, makes use of his airplane to both...
Better Genetics Better Beef
There have been lots of research and advancements in cattle genetics. Recently faculty from The University of Tennessee partnered with the University of Kentucky...
UT Extension Welcomes New Director to Lone Oaks Farm
University of Tennessee Extension has named a new director for Lone Oaks Farm in Middleton, Tennessee. Jeremy Burnett will begin in his new role on November 20, 2023.
Ag in the Classroom Succeeding
It's safe to say Tennessee Ag in the Classroom is succeeding thanks to so many supporters, donors and volunteers across the state. Recently, Tennessee's Ag in the Classroom Advisory Council met to discuss the program.
It’s Pumpkin Time
It appears everywhere we look this time of year there seems to be pumpkins everywhere. So, to get us in the fall spirit and learn more pumpkin facts and figures, here's USDA's Gary Crawford.
TFBF Tells EPA to Rescind its Herbicide Strategy
Tennessee Farm Bureau provided input to EPA’s Office of Pesticide Programs, opposing their proposal to impose increased restrictions on agricultural herbicide.
From Rocket Scientist to Farmer
Dr. Fredric Clark, an established rocket scientist from Alabama, and back in 1988, he decided he wanted to have a farm. Now, many years later, deer valley farm is a quite the staple in the community and beyond.
A Sweet Peach of a Man
From spending his career as a medical doctor to writing a song for Lorretta Lynn, Dr. Joe McClure of Humphreys County has quite the list of accomplishments to be proud of. Now, after 20 years of cross-pollinating peach trees, Dr. McClure can add selecting a new peach variety to his list of accomplishments.
Farm Bureau Member Records 50 Years of Rainfall
On December 31, 2023, Farm Bureau member Tommy Davis will reach an impressive milestone – 50 years of keeping rainfall records at his residence in Lawrence County.
TFBF Provides Input on Horse Protection Act
Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation recently submitted comments to USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service opposing their efforts to ban action devices and pads on horses and shift regulatory authority of the Horse Protection Act to APHIS.
Representing at the Sunbelt Ag Expo
Smith County's Kyle Owen was named Tennessee's Farmer of the Year by the UT Extension Service and represented the state well for the Sunbelt...
Policy Post: November 2023
Meet the Chairs of the Senate and House Agriculture Committees
Sen. Steve Southerland (R – Greeneville)
Chairman of Senate Energy, Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee
District 9...
Policy Post: September 2023
On June 26, 2023, with collaboration from Tennessee Department of Agriculture and the offices of Congressmen John Rose and Congressman Scott DesJarlais, Tennessee Farm Bureau had the privilege of hosting the state’s first Farm Bill Listening Session.
Mississippi River Still Falling
For the second year in a row, the Mississippi River water levels are down to record lows. But this year, we’re not seeing as...
Cotton Harvest In Full Swing
Cotton harvest is well underway across Tennessee. The USDA reports that 25 percent of cotton in Tennessee has been harvested as of this week....
AFBF in Salt Lake
The 105th American Farm Bureau Convention is scheduled to be in Salt Lake City, Utah to kick off the new year.
Sweet Potato Harvest In Lincoln County
West Farms has been growing sweet potatoes for many generations in Lincoln County. Matt West is keeping the family tradition alive. He's busy harvesting...
The Best Time of the Year on the Farm
No doubt a fun time to go visit a local farm as agritourism adventures are located all across the Volunteer State this Fall.
Pushing Broadband Further into Rural America
For the past couple of days members of the Tennessee and Kentucky Broadband Associations have been meeting for their Fall conference in Franklin. A...
Get to Know Chairman Chris Todd
On this episode, Shelby Vannoy sits down with Chairman of the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee Chris Todd.
Fire Prevention Critical During Tennessee’s Fire Season
Due to the drier conditions and leaf litter that accompany autumn in our state, a debris burn permit is required for leaf and brush pile fires beginning October 15 and residents are urged to take appropriate fire safety measures.
TWRA to Host Deer and Turkey Management Public Meetings
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency will host a series of four public meetings across the state in late October to discuss new deer and turkey management plans.
Young Farmers Tour Lincoln County Agriculture
Each year the Tennessee Young Farmers and Ranchers tour agriculture in different parts of the state. This year the fall tour took them to...
Hargrove Takes Home State Excellence Honors
During the Tennessee Young Farmers & Ranchers Fall Educational Tour in Lincoln County, the state Excellence in Agriculture winner was announced as Justin Hargrove of Benton County.
Justin Hargrove of Benton County Wins Excellence in Agriculture
Justin Hargrove of Benton County is this year’s Excellence in Agriculture winner for Tennessee Young Farmers & Ranchers.
Costs of Thanksgiving Turkey Eases
Purchasing the centerpiece of Thanksgiving dinner could cost less than last year. Micheal Clements tells us the price of turkeys is falling in advance...
Lawmakers Exploring Issue of Foreign Ownership of U.S. Farmland
Lawmakers have held a hearing on foreign purchases/ownership of U.S. farmland and other farm-related businesses. Gary Crawford has more.
Thomas Capps
Foreign ownership of American farmland....
As Turkey Production Rises, Prices Drop, Just in Time for Thanksgiving
With economic concerns still looming, consumers are wondering if Thanksgiving dinner will cost as much as last year. As many trees lose their leaves and we head toward the holidays, this Market Intel evaluates how the H5N1 avian influenza virus might affect prices this year.
Katie Collins Wins National 4-H Award
Dickson County native Katie Collins recently won the national 4-H Youth in Action Award. The award goes to four outstanding 4-Hers who have projects...
Tell EPA to Withdraw Herbicide Strategy
EPA is seeking public comment on its proposed herbicide strategy until October 22, 2023.
UT Extension and GAP Connections to Help Tennessee Farmers Navigate Labor...
Tennessee agricultural producers and agribusinesses are invited to register for labor management workshops to be held in each region of the state in November.
Nashville Sounds Ag Night
It's more important now than ever that youth get involved in agriculture. With the average age of a farmer increasing each year people in...
56 Years On The Job And Still Going Strong
Velma McKee has been the Washington County Farm Bureau County Secretary for 56 years. At 78 years old she's still going strong and has...