More than 1,500 farmers from across the state gathered in Franklin December 3-6 for Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation’s 101st annual meeting. The group recognized and presented awards to outstanding county Farm Bureaus, learned about the latest updates in agriculture and adopted policy resolutions for the upcoming year.
“Our annual convention is our biggest event of the year, and it’s a special time of year for our entire statewide leadership to gather in one venue and connect and celebrate with so many in agriculture,” said Tennessee Farm Bureau President Eric Mayberry.
Session speakers included United States Veteran Jay Strobino, Farm Journal Foundation Director of Government Affairs Kelsey Barnes, United States Court of International Trade Judge Stephen Vaden and Tennessee Valley Authority Chief Executive Officer Jeff Lyash. Tennessee Governor Bill Lee also addressed the group and shared his vision for the next four years, his commitment to farmers and rural communities and his appreciation to Tennessee Farm Bureau and the grassroots leaders.
“Thank you for what you do. You’re a part of our most important economy – you are the most important part of the economy,” said Governor Lee. “Your presence here and your work to continue moving that forward is a very special thing to do, and I thank you for it.”
During the annual business session, 240 delegates debated policy proposals and passed resolutions to guide and direct the organization in 2023 at the state and federal level. Some of the topics discussed were farm policy related to the upcoming Farm Bill, animal welfare, private property rights and much more.
State board of directors re-elected by the voting delegates were: vice president – James Haskew of Marion County; directors-at-large – Catherine Via of Crockett County, David Richesin of Loudon County and Charlie Hancock of Stewart County; district directors – John Chester of Weakley County (District I), Josh Ogle of Lincoln County (District II), Travis Tilley of Roane County (District III), Mike Scudder of Smith County (District IV) and Terry Snyder of Johnson County (District V); and state women’s chair Brenda Baker. Will Elliott was also selected as the new state Young Farmer and Rancher chair and will serve as an advisory director on the Tennessee Farm Bureau Board of Directors.
“We speak with a unified voice. We value family, salute our nations flag and truly cherish our way of life. And most importantly, we assert that God is ultimately in control,” said President Mayberry. “I’m grateful for this important organization and I’m proud of the convention we’ve had this week, the policy adopted and the commitment we have to bettering the lives of farmers and rural people across our great state.”
