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The latest information about agriculture in Tennessee and the U.S.

Statement by Tennessee Farm Bureau President Jeff Aiken on Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey Not...

  ↵ Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey has announced he will not seek re election after a 24 year career in the legislature.  His agriculture roots and...

Oklahoma Farm Bureau Reaches Out To Storm Victims

Throughout much of the history of this great state, the family members of Oklahoma Farm Bureau have worked together, sharing the joys, and the...

New Student Leadership for Tennessee FFA and 4-H

Believe was the theme of the 84th Tennessee State FFA Convention held recently in Gatlinburg, and students from across the state took that theme...

Libby Rushton Named TFBF Regional Field Director

Libby Rushton has been named Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation regional field director for counties in the western portion of Tennessee announced TFBF Executive Vice President Bryan Wright.

2011 Crop Season Comes to a Close

Tennessee farmers took advantage of October's open weather pattern and kicked  harvest into high gear.  Corn harvest is now virtually finished for the...

UT Institute of Agriculture Celebrates Ag Day Before the Tennessee-Florida Kickoff

The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture is excited to host the return of Ag Day on September 24. Last year, Ag Day celebrated all things ag virtually, but this year attendees can celebrate agriculture, which includes Extension, AgResearch, the UT College of Veterinary Medicine and the UT Herbert College of Agriculture, in person.

Statement by Bob Stallman, President, American Farm Bureau Federation, Regarding Fiscal Cliff Package And...

"While much work remains on addressing the spending side of the ledger, the fiscal cliff package that was just approved injected a good dose...

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. 

Supreme Court Victory: Farmers May Sue to Stop Clean Water Regulation of Ordinary Farmland

A unanimous Supreme Court ruled landowners may challenge the federal government whenever the Army Corps of Engineers tries improperly to regulate land with regulations designed to protect water.

2022 Ag Safety Awareness Program Week: ‘Prepare. Prevent. Protect.’

Farm Bureaus across the nation are preparing for Agricultural Safety Awareness Program (ASAP) Week, March 7-11. U.S. Agricultural Safety and Health Centers will join Farm Bureau in promoting ag safety this week with the theme “Prepare. Prevent. Protect.”

Agricultural Enhancement Program Application Window Announced

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) announces the application dates for this year’s Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program (TAEP) cost share program are Oct. 1-7, 2023.

USDA Announces Loan Maturity for Marketing Assistance Loans Now Extended to 12 Months

Provides Producers with Marketing Flexibilities Amid COVID-19 Uncertainties Agricultural producers now have more time to repay Marketing Assistance Loans (MAL) as part of...

Katie Martin of Putnam County Wins Excellence in Agriculture

Katie Martin of Putnam County is this year’s Excellence in Agriculture winner for Tennessee Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers. The results were announced during the banquet of the YF&R Fall Educational Tour in Henry County at Paris Landing State Park.

TN Farm Bureau News – September 2014 issue

Flip through the pages of the latest issue of Farm Bureau News, a bi-monthly newspaper focusing on agricultural issues "“ from what's happening around...

American Farm Bureau President Stallman Announces Departure in January

American Farm Bureau Federation President Bob Stallman announced today that he will not seek reelection in January 2016 following 16 years at the helm...

Farm Bureau Responds on the Behalf of Dairy Farmers 

Farm Bureau is standing-up for dairy farmers being targeted by predatory lawyers representing the estate of Dean Foods, which is currently undergoing bankruptcy...

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.

UT Announces Plans for Beef and Forage Field Day

Event is June 9; plan now to attend ALCOA, Tenn. "” With both production costs and consumer prices on the rise, there will be plenty...

New Cattle Disease Detected in Tennessee

A new, potentially dangerous, disease of cattle has been reported in Tennessee. Theileria orientalis Ikedia, which is a protozoon known to be carried by the Asian Longhorned tick (ALT), has been diagnosed in a herd in Middle Tennessee.

Upchurch Re-Elected State Farm Bureau President

Tennessee Farm Bureau delegates attending their 90th Annual Convention at Franklin's Cool Springs Marriott, today re-elected Cumberland County beef farmer Lacy Upchurch as their...

Agricultural Enterprise Fund Accepting New Applications

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) is accepting applications from agricultural, food, and forestry businesses to receive cost-share funding through its Agricultural Enterprise Fund (AEF) program.

New Report Recommends Improvements to NASS

A new report released by the American Farm Bureau Federation provides an in-depth examination into the USDA-National Agricultural Statistics Service’s (NASS) survey collection and data reporting issues.

Outstanding Young Farmer Named

Lincoln County young farm couple Josh and Julieanna Ogle were named Tennessee Farm Bureau's Outstanding Young Farmer and Achievement Award winners during special ceremonies...

USDA Announces Conservation Reserve Program Signup for 2023

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that agricultural producers and private landowners can begin applying for the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) General signup starting February 27 through April 7, 2023. 

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.

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Cases Increase in Tennessee

The Tennessee State Veterinarian is reporting a third detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in the state. The latest occurrence affects a commercial chicken facility in Bledsoe County.

UT Extension Names Madison County Farmer as Tennessee Farmer of the Year

A third-generation farmer from Jackson who manages more than 5,000 acres of row crops has been named the Tennessee Farmer of the Year by...

Tennessee FFA’s Nick Baker elected National FFA Secretary

Students from Arkansas, Tennessee, Ohio, Iowa, Georgia and Utah have been elected by delegates from throughout the United States to serve on the 2015-16...

Mild Dry Autumn Weather Pushes Harvest Forward

Tennessee farmers made significant harvest progress during last week's dry fall weather. Corn and tobacco harvests at week's end were winding down while soybean...

No Avian Influenza in Tennessee, but We are Prepared

The ongoing highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5 outbreak has been devastating to the U.S. poultry industry and is one of the most costly...

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.

USDA Invests $1.4 Million to Expand Broadband Service to the People of Rural Tennessee

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development announced that USDA is investing $1.4 million to provide broadband service to the people of rural Franklin County Tennessee where service does not exist.

AFBF Signs Right to Repair MOU with Case IH and New Holland

The American Farm Bureau Federation and CNH Industrial brands, Case IH and New Holland, signed a memorandum of understanding today that provides farmers and ranchers the right to repair their own farm equipment. The MOU follows a similar agreement AFBF entered into with John Deere earlier this year.

UT AgResearch Announces Plans to Upgrade and Refocus Two Facilities

University of Tennessee AgResearch is realigning the capabilities at two of its ten AgResearch and Education Centers to better support the state’s dairy, beef and poultry industries.

Holt to Join Tennessee Department of Agriculture

Tennessee Agriculture Commissioner Charlie Hatcher, D.V.M. has announced the addition of Andy Holt to the Business Development Division of the Tennessee Department of Agriculture...

UTIA to Launch UT Center of Farm Management

The Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics at the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture is launching the UT Center of Farm Management, with a dedicated purpose of enhancing the long-term profitability and sustainability of agricultural enterprises in the state and across the Southeast.

USDA Announces Additional Farm Service Agency and Rural Development State Directors

President Joe Biden announced his intent to appoint four U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) regional positions, including four Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Executive Directors and five Rural Development (RD) State Directors. Arlisa Armstrong was named the RD State Director for Tennessee.

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.

USDA Assists Farmers and Communities Affected by Recent Tornadoes

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that assistance is available for communities and agricultural producers affected by the tornadoes that tore through Kentucky and five other states over the weekend.

University of Tennessee Appoints Carrie Castille to Lead Institute of Agriculture

University of Tennessee System President Randy Boyd and UT Knoxville Chancellor Donde Plowman announced today that Carrie Castille, current director of USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture, will be recommended to the UT Board of Trustees to serve as the next senior vice chancellor and senior vice president for the UT Institute of Agriculture.
Lincoln County, TN

Second Case of HPAI Detected in Lincoln County

The state veterinarian confirms that a strain of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has sickened a second commercial chicken breeder flock within the existing controlled quarantined zone in Lincoln County, Tenn.

Robertson County’s Lee and Halie Bagwell Win State Young Farmer Honors

Robertson County’s Lee and Halie Bagwell are this year’s Tennessee Farm Bureau’s Young Farmer and Rancher Achievement Award winners. The results were announced during the Tennessee Young Farmers Summer Conference held at the headquarters of the Tennessee Farm Bureau in Columbia, Tenn.

Farm Bureau Survey: Thanksgiving Dinner Cost Down 4%

Thanksgiving celebrations will look different for many Americans this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Gatherings are likely to be fewer and farther between,...

UT Institute of Agriculture Invests in Premier Poultry Research Facility

SPRING HILL, Tenn. – Poultry production and processing is a $10 billion industry in Tennessee, with more investment expected. To support the future of the industry, the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture is investing in the construction of a state-of-the-art, next generation poultry research and education facility at its Middle Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center in Spring Hill.

Milan No-Till Field Day Set for July 28

The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture will host the Milan No-Till Crop Production Field Day on Thursday, July 28, 2016 at the AgResearch and Education Center at Milan.

West Nile Virus Detected in Middle Tennessee Horse

The state veterinarian confirms that a horse in Smith County has tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV). The 22-year-old horse has been euthanized.

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...

Ag Leaders Develop Strategic Plan to Grow Tennessee Agriculture and Forestry Over Next Decade

Tennessee's top agricultural leaders today announced a 10-year strategic plan to increase agriculture and forestry in the state by building production capacity and incentivizing...

24th Annual Mid-South Ag Finance Conference Aug. 10

The 24th-Annual Mid-South Agricultural Finance Conference will be held from 8:30 a.m.- 2 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 10, in the Boling University Center’s Watkins Auditorium at the University of Tennessee at Martin.

2019 Presidents Conference

If you missed Tennessee Farm Bureau's Presidents Conference, check out the photo gallery to catch all of the action! From speakers like Tennessee Governor...

Governor Lee Announces Fewest Distressed Counties in Tennessee Since 2007

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced that Tennessee has the fewest distressed counties statewide since 2007, down from 15 in 2019 to...

Summer Picnic Still Costs Less Than $6 per Person

An all-American Fourth of July picnic of the nation's favorite foods including hot dogs, cheeseburgers, pork spare ribs, potato salad, baked beans, lemonade and...

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Detected in Tennessee

A strain of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has sickened a poultry flock in West Tennessee. To protect the health of other domesticated birds, the State Veterinarian is leading the emergency response and ordering an immediate halt to poultry shows, exhibitions, and sales statewide.

2018 Presidents Conference Agenda

The 2018 Tennessee Farm Bureau Presidents Conference will be held August 9-10 in Franklin, Tennessee at the Cool Springs Marriott. The agenda is packed...

Tennessee Names Kleppers Young Farmer of the Year

Greene County young farm couple Mark and Cindy Klepper were named Tennessee Farm Bureau's Outstanding Young Farmer and Achievement Award winners during special ceremonies...

USDA Orders Testing Of Dairy Cattle Before Interstate Transport

The USDA has issued a mandate that requires dairy cattle receive a negative test for Influenza A virus at an approved National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN) laboratory prior to interstate movement.

Fruits of the Backyard Field Day Scheduled for June 13

Homegrown blackberries and blueberries pair perfectly for summertime in Tennessee, and the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture would like to help bring them to your backyard. This year marks the 16th annual Fruits of the Backyard Field Day where attendees can receive valuable information, products and techniques that will help backyard fruits and other plants flourish.

Holt Appointed Assistant Commissioner for Business Development at Tennessee Department of Agriculture

With a strong background in and commitment to the agriculture industry, Andy Holt has been appointed Assistant Commissioner for the Business Development Division at the Tennessee Department of Agriculture and special advisor to the Commissioner.

Announcing the UTIA Smith International Center

The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture Smith Center for International Sustainable Agriculture was officially launched Friday, November 16, on the UTIA campus. Established...

Gov. Lee Introduces Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Budget Amendment

Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced his amendment to the proposed Fiscal Year 2021-2022 budget. This amendment reflects the Governor’s priorities and includes record investments in broadband, economic development, safety and law enforcement, increasing reserves, and education.

University of Tennessee Extension Names Justin Rhinehart as Assistant Dean

University of Tennessee Extension has named Justin Rhinehart as Assistant Dean for Agriculture and Natural Resources and Community Economic Development. Rhinehart currently serves as a professor and beef cattle specialist in the UT Department of Animal Science.

Reaching Local Farms in Southern Middle Tennessee

University of Tennessee Southern and UT Extension are teaming up in December to offer four educational workshops for farmers and farm families. The workshops will feature UT Extension specialists addressing topics including specialty crop production, meat marketing, modern technology on the farm and an overview of carbon markets.

Former Congressman Ed Jones Inducted into Tennessee Ag Hall of Fame

Former 8th district congressman Ed Jones, who helped craft landmark federal legislation establishing modern farm policy and conservation programs, has been inducted into the...

Tennessee start-up Grow Bioplastics finalist in Farm Bureau Rural Entrepreneurship Challenge

The American Farm Bureau Federation today announced the top 10 teams – four finalists and six semi-finalists – in the 2017 Farm Bureau Rural...

Tennessee Christmas Tree Growers and Ag Department Help Haslam “App”ly His Commitment to Local...

  The eight local Christmas trees Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam and First Lady Crissy Haslam will display at the State Capitol and the Tennessee...

Apply Now for USDA Cover Crop Subsidy

Farmers who plant cover crops and have coverage under most crop insurance policies are eligible for a premium benefit from USDA called the Pandemic Cover Crop Program, (PCCP). All cover crops reportable to the Farm Service Agency (FSA) are eligible. The premium support is $5 per acre, but no more than the full premium amount owed.

Will Elliott Elected 2023 Tennessee State YF&R Chair

During the 101st annual meeting of the Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation, the Tennessee Young Farmers and Ranchers’ delegates elected Will Elliott of Robertson County as their new chair to serve the upcoming year.

Updates on the H-2A Program and COVID-19

March 25, 2020 - You may have read headlines from various media outlets such as: “U.S. to pause visas from Mexico during coronavirus pandemic”;...

Tennessee Department of Agriculture FFA Leaders Named

Tennessee’s FFA program is among the top five largest in the nation and new state leaders are in place at the Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) to ensure the program remains strong.

White County’s Terra Davis Named Excellence in Agriculture Winner

During the Young Farmers and Ranchers Fall Tour, White County’s Terra Davis was named the state winner of the Excellence in Agriculture Award.

Doddridge Joins Tennessee Department of Agriculture

NASHVILLE —Agriculture Commissioner Charlie Hatcher, D.V.M. is announcing the appointment of Kim Doddridge as public information officer for the Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA). Doddridge...

2022 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.

President Boyd Donates $200,000 to UT Extension

UT President Randy Boyd made it one of his goals to visit every UT Extension office in the state. Now his is extending that support by committing $200,000 from The Boyd Foundation to support program enhancements and facility or equipment needs.

New Assistant Director for TFBF Public Policy

Shelby Vannoy has been named assistant director for Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation's Public Policy Division announced TFBF Executive Vice President Rhedona Rose.
2016 Farm Safety Week

National Farm Safety and Health Week

Farming has an occupational fatality rate 700 percent higher than other U.S. industries, including mining. During the harvest season, farmers are at very high...

National Farmers’ Market Week

NASHVILLE—Some Tennesseans are ready to say goodbye to summer and hello to school. Tennessee farmers however, want everyone to know that summer is far...

Financial Assistance Available to Tennessee Streamside Landowners

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) and the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) today announced the Tennessee Riparian Incentive Program. This program is a ten-year agreement between TDA and TVA, and it will provide incentive payments to streamside landowners to help restore and protect Tennessee waters.

United Producers, Inc. Announces Appointment of New Tennessee Board Member

United Producers, Inc. (UPI), the Midwest’s largest livestock marketing cooperative, is pleased to announce the hiring of John West. West will serve on its board of directors representing Tennessee. He was appointed to serve a one-year term by the board Directors to fill an at-large seat.

2021 Agricultural Safety Awareness Program Week is Driving Safety Home

Farm Bureaus across the nation are preparing for Agricultural Safety Awareness Program Week, Feb. 28 – March 6. U.S. Agricultural Safety and Health Centers will join Farm Bureau in promoting ag safety this week with the theme “Driving Safety Home.”

2013 TN Farm Bureau Presidents Conference

The 2013 Tennessee Farm Bureau Presidents Conference is a two-day informative and interactive conference where leadership from the county level come from across the...
Tom Womack

Womack Named Deputy Commissioner for the TN Department of Agriculture

With nearly 30 years of experience working for the state, Tom Womack will continue his service in a new role as Deputy Commissioner of...

Logan Browne named TFBF Regional Field Director in Central East Tennessee

Logan Browne has been named Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation regional field director for central East Tennessee announced TFBF Executive Vice President Rhedona...
broiler chicken poultry

State Veterinarian Issues Poultry Health Advisory

"Keep them home to keep them healthy."

UT-TSU Extension Benton County Partners With Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee on...

UT Extension specialists at UT-TSU Extension Benton County have partnered with the Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee’s Ray Smith Family Distribution Center to launch Project Grow, a farming and gardening initiative that provides fresh produce for members of the community experiencing food insecurity.

A Message to Tennessee Dairy Producers and Milk Haulers

In recent weeks, Tennessee dairy producers and milk haulers who previously supplied Dean Foods received letters from ASK, LLP, a law firm representing Southern...

Tennessee’s Outstanding Fairs Honored

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture and Tennessee Association of Fairs recently recognized the outstanding achievements of Tennessee's premier county fairs.

TFBF’s Statement on Special Legislative Session

Tennessee Farm Bureau supports Governor Lee’s special session legislation, which addresses a range of education issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic. We encourage lawmakers to support this legislation and to complete an efficient special session for the benefit of youth and the future of Tennessee.

Virus Deadly to Poultry Detected in Kentucky Flock

Federal and state authorities say a case of avian influenza has been detected in a flock of commercial broiler chickens in Kentucky near the state’s border with Tennessee.

Tennessee Young Farmers and Ranchers Take Home Top Honors

During the 93rd Annual Meeting of the American Farm Bureau Federation, the Tennessee Young Farmers & Ranchers took home top honors in the Achievement...
bee honeycomb, beekeeper

UT Institute of Ag to Host Master Beekeeper Classes

Monsanto Company once again wants to recognize these inspiring women, and today announced it has officially opened up nominations for its 2016 America’s Farmers Mom of the Year contest.

Drought and Extreme Heat Resources

These resources are intended to provide information that can help farmers and families cope with the immediate negative consequences of drought and high temperature...

USDA Announces Additional Assistance for Cattle, Row Crop Producers

USDA announced more than $12 billion for the Pandemic Assistance for Producers, which will help farmers and ranchers who previously did not qualify for COVID-19 aid and expand assistance to farmers who have already received help.

Stay Food Safe this Thanksgiving Holiday

Keep your stomach full of turkey and free from foodborne illness this Thanksgiving holiday. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reminds us all that it’s important to remember the steps to food safety during America’s biggest meal.

Funds Now Available to Support Dairies Seeking to Modernize, Diversify

UTIA and TDA Now Accepting Applications for Tennessee Dairy Business Innovation Grants KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Help is now available for the state’s dairy businesses. As part of...

Dicamba Stewardship Training in Tennessee

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Before Tennessee applicators can apply low-volatile versions of dicamba herbicide in 2019, they must first attend an approved dicamba-specific training. University of...

Tennessee Agricultural Fund Announces Record Support

Governor Bill Lee and Department of Agriculture Commissioner Charlie Hatcher, D.V.M., announced the largest number of Agricultural Enterprise Fund (AEF) recipients and the highest award of grant dollars in the program’s history.

Agricultural Enterprise Fund Accepting New Applications

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) is accepting applications from agricultural, food, and forestry businesses to receive cost-share funding through its Agricultural Enterprise Fund (AEF) program.

Tennessee Dept. of Agriculture Issues New Measures for Dicamba

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) is taking measures to mitigate the risk of drift of herbicides containing dicamba.

USDA Begins Accepting Applications for $1.15 Billion in Loans and Grants to Help People...

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the Department has begun accepting applications for up to $1.15 billion in loans and grants to help people in rural areas get access to high-speed internet.

Tennessee Farm and Forestry Businesses Share in $55 Million CAFB Fund

Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, the Financial Stimulus Accountability Group,and the Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) announced Coronavirus Agricultural and Forestry Business (CAFB) Fund awards to farm and forestry businesses.