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

New UT Equine Extension and Research Center to host open house

The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture is opening a new facility devoted to horse farm management.  The Equine Extension and Research Center...

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...

Farm Bureau Launches Farm State of Mind Resource Directory to Support Mental Health Month

In recognition of May as Mental Health Month, the American Farm Bureau Federation launched a comprehensive, easy-to-use online directory of resources for farmers, ranchers...
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.

FARM Cost Share Second Round Recipients Announced

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) is announcing the second round of recipients for the Tennessee Forestry, Agriculture, and Rural Markets (FARM) cost share program.

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.

New Rule Improves Partner Flexibility in Regional Conservation Partnership Program

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) released the final rule for its Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). The rule updates USDA’s partner-driven program as directed by the 2018 Farm Bill and integrates feedback from agricultural producers and others.

USDA Assists Farmers and Communities Affected by Recent Flooding in Tennessee

To help residents and farmers affected by the recent flooding in Tennessee, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is aiding recovery efforts. USDA staff in the regional, state, and county offices are responding and providing a variety of program flexibilities and other assistance to residents, agricultural producers and impacted communities.

Tennessee Milk Logo Design Winner Announced

After collecting 5,230 total votes among four milk logo finalists, the Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) announces the winning Tennessee milk logo design.

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.

New Dietary Guidelines Reaffirm Dairy’s Critical Role in a Healthy Diet

On Dec. 29, 2020, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025 edition was released and reaffirmed dairy’s critical role in a healthy diet.

Support Local Dairies, Look for New Tennessee Milk Logo

Consumers now have a way to know that their milk comes from Tennessee dairy farms with the new official Tennessee Milk logo. Milk labeled as...

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...

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.

Casey’s and Tennessee Corn Announce Expansion of E15 Fuel

Casey’s General Stores and the Tennessee Corn Promotion Board have announced the addition of E15 fuel at three Casey’s locations in northwest Tennessee, providing Tennessee drivers with a lower-priced, cleaner fuel option.

Scientists Say Agriculture Is Good for Honey Bees

While recent media reports have condemned a commonly used agricultural pesticide as detrimental to honey bee health, scientists with the University of Tennessee...

New Water Rule Will Create More Confusion for Farmers

AFBF is extremely disappointed in the EPA and Army Corps of Engineers’ new Waters of the United States Rule. Farmers and ranchers share the goal of protecting the nation’s waterways, but they deserve rules that don’t require a team of attorneys and consultants to identify ‘navigable waters’ on their land.

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.

2018 National Ag Day Celebration

The Agriculture Council of America (ACA) will host National Agriculture Day on March 20, 2018. This will mark the 45th anniversary of National Ag...

Tennessee’s First Chronic Wasting Disease Testing Facility Open

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture’s (TDA) Kord Animal Health Diagnostic Laboratory has the state’s first Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) testing facility. The CWD testing unit is operational and fully accredited by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), the organization that develops and publishes international standards.

AFBF Urges President Biden to Repeal 2023 WOTUS Rule

The American Farm Bureau Federation today called on President Biden to accept the will of Congress and repeal the 2023 Waters of the U.S. Rule. The House and Senate, in a rare bipartisan vote, passed a Congressional Review Act resolution of disapproval of the EPA and Army Corps of Engineers’ 2023 WOTUS Rule.

Tennessee Livestock Producers in 51 Counties May Be Eligible for 2023 Drought Disaster Assistance

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.

USDA Reminds Producers to File Crop Acreage Reports by July 17, Use New Online...

Agricultural producers who have not yet completed their crop acreage reports after planting should make an appointment with their local U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) office before the applicable deadline, which for many places and crops is July 17.

Preventing the Spread of COVID-19: Farmers Markets Focus on Safety

As Tennessee responds to the COVID-19 outbreak, farmers markets are doing their part to supply customers with fresh, local foods. Markets across the state...

Passing of Rep. Mike Carter

We are saddened by the passing of Representative Mike Carter who served the 29th district in Hamilton County. He was a true statesman and friend to Tennessee Farm Bureau and Tennessee agriculture.

County Farm Bureaus talk issues with Congressman Scott DesJarlais

County Farm Bureau leaders from all corners of the 4th Congressional District met to show appreciation to Congressman Scott DesJarlais for his dedicated service...

USDA Provides $6 Million in Disaster Recovery Aid to 10 States

  WASHINGTON, April 29, 2011 "“ Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has made immediately available...

Tennessee 4-H’ers Can Now Receive College Credit at UT Knoxville

In a unique agreement between the University of Tennessee Herbert College of Agriculture and UT Extension, which oversees the statewide Tennessee 4-H Program, senior level 4-H students can now apply for college credit in 10 project areas.

Obama & Romney Outline Positions on Farm Issues

President Barack Obama and Republican nominee Mitt Romney recently spelled out their positions on agriculture issues for the American Farm Bureau Federation. In a...

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.

UT College of Veterinary Medicine Dean Announces Plans to Retire

Jim Thompson, dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, will retire at the end of the calendar year.

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...

Tennessee’s own Mitch Baker chosen as one of six new National FFA Officers

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Saturday, Nov. 2, 2013/National FFA Organization) "“ Students from Virginia, Tennessee, Alabama, Iowa, West Virginia and Oregon have been elected by delegates...

Farm Service Agency Now Accepting Nominations for Farmers and Ranchers to Serve on Local...

The USDA Farm Service Agency is now accepting nominations for county committee members. County committee members make important decisions about how Federal farm programs are administered locally. All nomination forms for the 2022 election must be postmarked or received in the local FSA office by Aug. 1, 2022.

EPA Provides Update on Over-the-Top Uses of Dicamba

On February 14th, EPA issued an Existing Stocks Order for dicamba products previously registered for over-the-top (OTT) use on dicamba-tolerant cotton and soybean.

Samantha Beard Named Assistant Director of Special Programs

Samantha Beard has been named Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation assistant director for special programs.

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...

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...

Neumann Named Forestry Business Consultant

Tennessee Agriculture Commissioner Charlie Hatcher, D.V.M. announces the addition of David Neumann to the Business Development Division of the Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA).
wildfire

Wildfire Relief Efforts: How You Can Help

Find out how you can help wildfire relief efforts in the Western states of Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas.

Cooperatives provide billion-dollar boost to state’s economy

October is Cooperative Month in Tennessee, and proclamation signed by Gov. Bill Haslam deeming it as such heaps high praise on the approximately 200...

Farm Bureau Establishes 2021 Policies

Farmer and rancher delegates to the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 102nd Annual Convention today adopted policies to guide the organization’s work in 2021.

Deadline to Update Safety-Net Program Crop Yields is September 30

USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) reminds farm owners they have a one-time opportunity to update Price Loss Coverage (PLC) program yields for covered commodities on the farm. The deadline is September 30, 2020 to update yields.

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.

Trump Administration Invests Nearly $10 Million in High-Speed Broadband in Rural Tennessee

ReConnect Funding to Connect 1,658 Rural Households to High-Speed Broadband The Trump Administration today announced that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)...

Farm Bureau: A Victory for Clean Water and Clear Rules

The following may be attributed to American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall: “Farmers and ranchers share the goal of ensuring clean water, but the...

Forest Legacy Program Aids Landowners and Conservation Efforts

Forest landowners can ensure conservation benefits for generations to come with funding through the Forest Legacy Program (FLP). Proposals to apply for funding may be submitted until June 9, 2023 at 4:30 p.m. CST.

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.

Gun Hunting Season for Deer Opens November 20

Tennessee’s 2021-22 statewide gun hunting season for deer opens Saturday, Nov. 20. During gun season, sportsmen may also use muzzleloader or archery equipment. The season will continue through Jan. 2, 2022.  

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.

Whitt Picked for American Farm Bureau’s 7th Leader Class

The American Farm Bureau Federation has chosen a group of 10 young agricultural leaders to participate in the seventh class of the Partners in...

Tennessee Young Farmers Win National Honors

During the 98th Annual Meeting of the American Farm Bureau Federation in Phoenix, Arizona the Tennessee Young Farmers & Ranchers took home honors in...

Registration Open for Virtual Milan No-Till Field Day

MILAN, Tenn. – COVID-19 has changed how the world is doing business and presenting education, and the Milan No-Till Crop Production Field Day is...

2024 Grain Conference Set for February 1 in West Tennessee

University of Tennessee Extension is hosting the 2024 West Tennessee Grain and Soybean Producers Conference on February 1 from 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at the Dyer County Fairgrounds.

Ribbon Cutting at UT AgResearch Facility Ushers in New Era of Dairy Research

Some very special dignitaries ushered in a new era of dairy research at the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture on May 2 at a ribbon cutting and demonstration of UT AgResearch’s new robotic milking technology.

UT AgResearch Announces 2020 Field Day Schedule

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – University of Tennessee AgResearch is planning a full calendar of field days for 2020. A total of 17 field days will...

State Veterinarian Alerts Cattle Owners to Disease Detection

The Tennessee State Veterinarian is confirming a case of atypical bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in a cow with ties to Tennessee.

Businesses and Customers to Benefit from New State Metrology Lab

The Julius T. Johnson State Metrology Laboratory at the Tennessee Department of Agriculture officially opened today with a ribbon cutting ceremony and dedication. Agriculture Commissioner...

Farm Bureau Continues to Advance Farmers’ Right to Repair

The American Farm Bureau Federation signed a memorandum of understanding with CLAAS of America, providing even more farmers and ranchers the right to repair their own farm equipment.

Governor Proclaims March 4 as Arbor Day in Tennessee

Gov. Bill Lee has proclaimed March 4 as Arbor Day in Tennessee to recognize the importance of planting and maintaining trees in our state. This year’s celebration will be held in Germantown in Shelby County.

Water Management to be Covered at Milan No-Till Field Day

Rainfall, or lack thereof, has been the main topic of conversation among Tennessee farmers. As the dry summer continues, the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture is eager to give producers valuable water management information at the 2022 Milan No-Till Field Day to help mitigate the risk of crop loss. 

Cost Share Funding Available for Agricultural and Forestry Businesses

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) announces the third round of funding for the Tennessee Forestry, Agriculture, and Rural Markets (FARM) cost share program. FARM will provide financial assistance to agricultural, food, forestry, and nonprofit agricultural entities in Tennessee.

UTIA Provides Insight in Economic Report to Governor

Despite a year wrought with international trade conflicts, research from the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture indicates overall strength in the state’s...

Unprecedented Ice Storm Hits West and Middle Tennessee

An ice storm many haven’t seen in several years hit folks in west and middle Tennessee hard this week as temperatures dropped and remained in the single digits and freezing rain covered the ground.

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.

Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Delivers Targeted Financial and Technical Assistance to Drought-Stricken Producers and Landowners...

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack recently announced that USDA will target nearly $16 million in financial and technical assistance to help eligible crop and livestock...

TFBF Encourages FDA to Correct Labeling of “Milk”

Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation submitted comments to the Food and Drug Administration urging them to ensure plant-based milk alternatives are appropriately labeled and do not take advantage of milk’s good name.

Tennessee Agriculture Literacy Week is Nov. 13 – 19, 2022

To celebrate the state’s rich agricultural and forestry foundation, Tennessee Agriculture Literacy Week will be observed Nov. 13-19, 2022. 

AFBF Welcomes Nomination of Tom Vilsack for Agriculture Secretary

President-elect Joe Biden is expected to nominate Tom Vilsack to serve as Secretary of Agriculture. The following statement may be attributed to American Farm Bureau...

Cost Share Available to Landowners Near Duck and Elk Rivers

Landowners can increase the value of their land, enhance water quality, and maintain healthy woods with the Duck and Elk Watershed Initiative. The cost share application is open for landowners in the 13-county watershed until Oct. 29, 2021.

Governor Proclaims March 1 as Arbor Day in Tennessee

Gov. Bill Lee has proclaimed March 1 as Arbor Day in Tennessee to recognize the importance of planting and maintaining trees in our state. This year’s celebration will be held at the Ellington Agricultural Center in Nashville, Tenn.

Tennessee Cattlemen’s Association Announces Summer Conference in Sevierville

The Tennessee Cattlemen's Association (TCA) is pleased to announce its upcoming summer conference, “Stockmen in the Smokies,” which will be held on July 21-22, 2023, in Sevierville, Tenn.

Trust Protocol Grower Enrollment Open, New Timing Aligns with Peak Cotton Marketing Dates

The U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol announced that enrollment for the 2023 crop year is open now through September 1, providing growers the opportunity to complete data entry prior to harvest.

Davidson County farm hosts U.S. Secretary of Agriculture

October 8, 2019, Nashville, TN - United States Department of Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue recently held a townhall event on a Tennessee farm to...

Tennessee Farm Bureau Holds 97th Annual Meeting

More than 1,500 farmers from across the state will gather in Cool Springs December 1-4 for the purpose of developing policy for 2019, electing...

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...

AFBF Recognizes First Steps to Address High Food Prices

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented on  President Joe Biden’s plan to address production costs and the affordability of food.

Ag Tag Breaks Record on 25th Birthday

Tennessee’s Ag Tag license plate hit the streets 25 years ago and thanks to citizens who support agriculture in this way, 2021 has been a record-breaking year.

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.

Outstanding Fairs Honored at 100th Annual Convention

Marking the milestone of 100 years of celebration, the Tennessee Association of Fairs is recognizing the state’s outstanding county, regional, and state agricultural fairs.

Jerry Ray of Tullahoma Named Tennessee Farmer of the Year

Jerry Ray of Tullahoma, Tennessee, started farming 45 years ago on just 45 acres that once belonged to his grandfather. Over the years he...

New Dean Selected for UT College of Veterinary Medicine

The next dean for the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine (UTCVM) has been announced as Dr. Paul J. Plummer, DVM and Ph.D. Plummer currently serves as the associate dean of research and graduate studies for the College of Veterinary Medicine at Iowa State University as well as a professor and Anderson Endowed Chair in Veterinary Sciences in the Department of Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine.

New iFarmiVote Logo

Tennessee Farm Bureau has released a new iFarmiVote logo in honor of the upcoming election season. This campaign encourages agriculturists from every occupation to practice their right to vote, and it capitalizes on the unique voices of the agriculture industry and the impact they can have on elections.

UT Appoints Schrick Head of Animal Science Department

  The Department of Animal Science at the University of Tennessee has a new leader. Dr. F. Neal Schrick, a full professor in the department,...

Governor Lee Delivers 6th State of the State

On Monday, February 5th, Governor Lee addressed Tennesseans during his 6th State of the State address. Covering conservation and infrastructure investments to tax and education policy, Governor Lee's proposed budget totals $52.6 billion.

TAEP Celebrates 15 Years of Supporting Agriculture in Tennessee

The Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program (TAEP) has supported agricultural production projects for 15 years, and Tennessee producers will continue to receive cost share assistance for farm expansions and improvements.

Center for Profitable Agriculture Commemorating 25 Years

The Center for Profitable Agriculture will commemorate 25 years of service to Tennessee farmers with a fall celebration event in Columbia.

TEMA activated TN Emergency Management Plan in response to drought and wildfire impacts

This evening the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) activated the Tennessee Emergency Management Plan (TEMP) in response to the drought and wildfire impacts, and continued threat, in the State.

Aiken Appointed Deputy Commissioner for Tennessee Department of Agriculture

A farmer known for dedication to and leadership within the agricultural community, Jeff Aiken has been appointed Deputy Commissioner for the Tennessee Department of Agriculture. Agriculture Commissioner Charlie Hatcher, D.V.M. made the announcement.

Happy Birthday Tennessee Farm Bureau!

July 30, 2021 marks exactly 100 years since Tennessee Farm Bureau was formed and the voice of Tennessee agriculture was first heard. Join Tennessee Farm Bureau in celebrating #TFBF100!

Secretary Vilsack Highlights Efforts to Decrease U.S. Dependence on Foreign Oil During Tennessee Visit

 Nashville, Tenn., May 23, 2011 "“Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today highlighted the importance of moving toward a clean energy economy and breaking our...

Plan Proposed to Contain Invasive Forest Pest Affecting East Tennessee

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture and U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service are proposing an aerial application of spongy moth mating pheromone in Johnson County this spring.
TN Farm Bureau News March 2018

March 2018 issue of the TN Farm Bureau News

The March issue of the Tennessee Farm Bureau News will be hitting mailboxes within the week - highlighting the Junior Market Hog Show, agricultural...

Timber Theft Cases Reported Across Tennessee

Rising timber prices and the value of individual species have enticed thieves to steal timber across Tennessee. The Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) urges forest landowners to be aware of timber theft and provides steps owners can take to protect their assets.

Statement by Bob Stallman, President, American Farm Bureau Federation, Regarding Election and Lame Duck...

"The American Farm Bureau Federation congratulates President Barack Obama on his re-election, as well as those candidates elected to serve during the 113th session...

One in 10 Tennessee Families Were Food Insufficient During Early Months of COVID-19

UTIA Research Shows Historic Pandemic Hurting Most-Vulnerable Populations The latest research from the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture indicates that during late...

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,...

Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act Moves to Senate

Senate bill S. 1957, Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, gained two more cosponsors from Ohio and Kansas, totaling 13 sponsors to-date.

ROTM: A Tribute to Melissa

Welcome to Root of the Matter - a brand new podcast where we aim to get to the "root of the matter on issues, events and news defining our most important industry, agriculture. Before we jump into those things though, listen to our first episode as we provide a glimpse on why we’re doing this podcast and where the name came from. HINT: Our good friend and coworker Melissa Bratton has something to do with it.

Tennessee General Assembly Passes Legislation On Dicamba

In response to the recent rule from EPA on dicamba The Tennessee General Assembly passed legislation to ensure farmers can continue using the product.