Tennessee Home & Farm Radio: Recent Episodes
TN Home and Farm Radio
Michelle Miller has taken one of the most unlikely paths to becoming a social media influencer in agriculture. She began her career in the fashion industry in Los Angeles, where she admits she once held a negative perception of farming and agriculture. That perspective changed when she began dating a farmer in Iowa and got a firsthand look at modern agriculture and the people behind the food we eat. Today, Michelle is a passionate advocate for agriculture, using her social media platform to help consumers better understand where their food comes from. Through education, storytelling, and a willingness to tackle tough questions, she works to break down misconceptions and debunk one agriculture myth at a time.
Beef cattle farmers across the United States are voicing their frustration over President Trump’s plan to import roughly 660 million pounds of beef from other countries tariff-free for 90 days. The plan is intended to lower the cost of ground beef for consumers while giving American beef cattle producers time to rebuild their herds. As UT Extension livestock economist Dr. Andrew Griffith explains, however, the plan likely won’t accomplish either of those goals.
New Adverse Effect Wage Rates have been announced for H2-A employees. Chad Smith has details on which states will see increases.
Seventeen members of the state’s innaugural Tennessee Agriculture and Forestry Leadership Program have just graduated from their 18-month long training course.
It’s harvest time in Tennessee as farmers are getting combines out in the field to begin bringing in the 2026 crop. Early on things are looking really good as farmers are seeing above average yields.
This year more around $115,000 was raised at the Tennessee 4-H Picnic at the State Fair. This money goes to help give kids the opportunity to go to camp and participate in other 4-H programs.
The future of agriculture is in good hands no doubt, especially after the showing this week at the Tennessee. FFA State Fair Ham Breakfast.
The farm economy is always going to have its ups and downs, and lately, it’s been more down than up. Dr. David Kohl with Virginia Tech is an agricultural economist who helps farmers navigate those ups and downs while also encouraging them to think about the bigger, global picture.
The U.S.-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement is undergoing serious renegotiations. Chad Smith has more on the talks.
It’s opening night at the Wilson County–Tennessee State Fair! State Fair President Randall Clemons discusses what to expect at this year’s fair.
Through all 50 states and Puerto Rico, Farm Bureau is a voice for our nation’s most important industry, agriculture. And leading that effort as American Farm Bureau president is Georgia farmer Zippy Duvall, now in his 11th year at the helm.
College students are about to head back to school as the fall semester is getting close to getting under way. Senior vice chancellor and senior vice president of the UT Institute of Agriculture, Dr. Keith Carver, talks about the new opportunities students will have at the Herbert College of Agriculture at UT Knoxville this fall.
Beef continues to be a favorite among consumers in the United States and around the world. NCBA CEO Colin Woodall points to the quality of American beef as a major driver of demand, and that demand ultimately reflects the outstanding work of America’s beef cattle producers.
The Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation is launching a new event, the Grassroots Conference. This conference is designed to bring members together to learn about the issues facing agriculture and strengthen their advocacy skills. By gaining knowledge and sharing ideas, attendees will be better equipped to advocate for agriculture in their local communities.
This week, the Tennessee Council of Cooperatives hosted its Cooperative 101 training, which is open to all co-op employees to help them understand the history, structure, and importance of these businesses.
This week, the four 2026 Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation interns are wrapping up their summer spent working towards the grassroots mission.
College students are about to head back to school as the fall semester is getting close to getting under way. Senior vice chancellor and senior vice president of the UT Institute of Agriculture, Dr. Keith Carver, talks about the new opportunities students will have at the Herbert College of Agriculture at UT Knoxville this fall.
As Congress works toward approving a budget, the House has authorized $12 billion in additional farm aid. Stephanie Hoff has the story.
Holly Harper of Smith County is serving in the Tennessee Farm Bureau Women’s Committee as the Outstanding Young Woman of The Year. She and her husband Nick have a small farm where they’re raising their daughter. Holly says she’s proud to be a woman making an impact in our most important industry.
Many farmers across the state can’t remember a better suited growing season for our state’s row crops like corn, soybeans and cotton.
We owe George Washington a great deal for his leadership and role in the founding of our nation. Douglas Dickerson is helping others learn more about our nation’s first president by portraying George Washington in educational programs and presentations.
Tennessee’s 4-H Roundup just recently concluded their week-long celebration on the campus of UT Martin and this was the 103rd year for this exciting tradition, designed to recognize achievement by high school 4-H’ers in various project areas.
The Milan No-Till Field Day is continuing to deliver just as it has since the first one was held in 1981.
Abigail Whicker of MTSU was named the winner of the Tennessee Farm Bureau’s Collegiate Discussion Meet.
For a second year in a row Rob & Leah Holman of Obion County finished second in the Tennessee Young Farmers and Ranchers Achievement Award Competition. They describe what it means to take home the honors for a second year in a row.
Each year, agricultural education teachers gather for the Tennessee Association of Agricultural Education Teachers Conference, where they have the opportunity to learn new ideas, explore innovative teaching practices, and gain resources to take back to their classrooms. The conference is the one time each year that agricultural education teachers from across Tennessee come together to collaborate, share experiences, and learn from one another.
Franklin County’s Kary Robinson has been named the 2026 Tennessee Young Farmer of the Year. He shares what it means to receive this prestigious honor and why he’s excited to represent Tennessee on the national stage.
A study from the American Farm Bureau Federation shows the economic situation in rural America will only get worse. Chad Smith has the story.
This weekend at the Farm Bureau Expo Center in Lebanon, young farmers from across Tennessee will gather for their annual summer conference. Lots of activities, special speakers and the naming of the state’s young farmer of the year will occur.
Since 1927, Camp Clements has been home to the Tennessee FFA Leadership Training Camp. Camp Intern Lucy Beth Jackson recaps an eventful summer camp season.
Farmers are taking significant steps to reduce their impact on the environment. Chad Smith has more on the stats behind regenerative agriculture.
4-H and FFA cattle showmen gathered in Lebanon for the Tennessee Junior Beef Expo. Michael Barnett’s crossbred steer from Montgomery County was named the Grand Champion Market Steer.
Tennessee’s 8th District Congressman David Kustoff is not a farmer, but he sure likes to stay connected to the ag industry every chance he gets.
The recent June acreage report gave a small look into the farm economy but didn’t tell the whole story. Chad Smith has additional insights.
It’s been kind of hard to see it, but there are young folks staying on the farm and hopefully protecting the future of our most important industry.
With Tennessee growing at a rapid rate demand for landscaping plants are growing too. That’s allowing nurseries in McMinnville to sell direct to consumers and grow their business.
July 1 was an important date for the U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade agreement. Chad Smith has more on renewal negotiations underway.
July is Beef Month in Tennessee! Throughout the month, we celebrate one of America’s favorite protein sources while recognizing the hardworking cattle farmers and ranching families who help feed our communities.
As we continue to recognize America’s 250 birthday, its important to remember those farm and rural folks that have been here since our nation was formed.
America’s farmers face a labor crisis. Chad Smith has more on a possible solution emerging in Washington, D.C., this week.
Ag industry partners in Tennessee continue to collaborate and grow the strong bond between commodity groups and Ag organizations in the state. They all recently met at the Tennessee Farm Bureau to discuss the challenges facing the industry.
Educators across Middle Tennessee gathered in Maury County to experience local agriculture with the Tennessee Farm Bureau Ag in the Classroom.
Recent changes to the Clean Fuels Production Tax Credit could benefit farmers and ranchers in the future.
The newly drawn Tennessee congressional districts has shaken up the upcoming August primary. To help rural voters hear straight from the candidates the Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation, Tennessee Chamber of Commerce, and Tennessee Electric CO-OP held candidate forums in the 5th, 6th, and 9th congressional districts.
More than 30 high school students have spent the past few weeks at the University of Tennessee at Martin for Tennessee Governor’s School for the Agricultural Sciences.
Members of the state 4-H council are traveling the Volunteer State this week on 4-H’s annual ambassador tour.
The FIFA World Cup has officially started and the 2026 event is being held in Canada, Mexico and the United States. For the past 5 years, the turfgrass team at the University of Tennessee has been working to ensure optimal playing conditions for each of the 16 stadiums.
Robertson County farmer Willis Jepson was named the Tennessee Farmer of The Year at The Tennessee Farm Bureau’s Harvesting Hope Gala in Franklin. Jepson says it’s an honor to be named to this top honor.
Farmers who participate in safety net programs like ARC and PLC will soon be able increase their base acres, which means a bigger payout in tough times. State FSA Executive Director Mike Mayfield explains what this means for row crop farmers now.
This year’s inaugural class for the Tennessee Agricultural and Forestry Leadership Program (TAFLP) is in the nation’s capitol this week learning about history and the workings of the federal government, but also meeting with elected officials.
With several concerns facing the nation’s cotton industry in recent years, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced a four pillar plan designed to improve U.S. cotton production, consumption, trade and markets.
Additional Cases of New World Screwworm in the U.S. have drawn a reaction from Canada, one of America’s top trading partners. American Farm Bureau’s Chad Smith has more.
This year’s Shooting Hunger events have officially kicked off with the first being held recently in East Tennessee at Kodak’s Iron Mountain Sporting Clays.
Teachers in Middle Tennessee got the chance to tour farms through the Tennessee Farm Bureau Ag In The Classroom workshop. The hope is they take what they learn and incorporate it into their curriculum in the classroom.
A case of new world screworm has been detected in Texas for the first time in decades. USDA Secretary Brokk Rollins says they’ve been preparing for this for a year now and are ready to combat a wide spread of the pest.
Some of the best and brightest high school students across Tennessee are on UT Knoxville campus this week for the Tennessee Leadership Summit. The conference is geared towards students who have an interest in agriculture.
A group of women from Tennessee are at the American Farm Bureau ACE Summit in Washington DC. The Three day event is highlighting the international year of the woman farmer.
Angela Bright-White has been a teacher for more than 30 years and now teaches agriculture at Philadelphia Elementary in Loudon County. As a consultant for the Tennessee Farm Bureau’s Ag in the classroom program, she uses innovative coursework and experiences to teach agriculture to students in 1-8th grade.
Tennessee’s dairy industry has seen a lot of changes over the years. But the Lee family in McMinn County has persevered despite the many challenges they’ve faced year after year.
There’s no doubt the number of dairy farms in Tennessee has declined dramatically in the last two decades, but the importance and the passion of those still producing milk is a vital part of our ag industry.
For many of us our teachers have had a lasting impact. This has definitely been the case for many students of Bill Newsom. After 50 years in the classroom, this long time educator has officially retired from the Munford FFA Chapter.
This Spring hundreds of young adults are entering the workforce after graduating with various degrees from colleges and universities.
Farmers across Tennessee have been looking to harvest their hay crop this spring but unfortunately, it’s been really dry until the past week or so and its causing concerns over the yield and quality.
As most of us are celebrating this Memorial Day holiday with friends and family, its so important that as Americans we never forget those that lost their lives while serving in the armed forces to protect our freedoms.
Enjoying outdoor cookouts in the summer should include food safety considerations for backyard chefs. Rod Bain Has all the tips and tricks to make sure you and your family stay safe.
The state’s poultry industry has been quite an economic impact in Tennessee for many years now, and it just seems to keep getting stronger.
As the summer grilling season kicks off, consumers are finding higher prices at the meat counter. As Chad Smith shares, those prices are not reducing demand.
From trade missions across the globe to meetings with international buyers, the Tennessee Department of Agriculture is working to create new opportunities for Tennessee products. Commissioner of Agriculture Andy Holt and Dr. Andrew Mohammad with UT Extention says the goal is simple — expand markets, increase demand, and help Tennessee farmers strengthen their bottom line.
John Hilemon III and his family have spent the past year and a half recovering after Hurricane Helene devastated their farm in Unicoi County. After months of work reseeding their hay fields, they are finally baling hay again for the first time, thanks in part to seed donations through the Seeds of Hope program from the Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation.
Thanks to votes by Tennessee congressmen John Rose and Matt Van Epps, the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act, has cleared the U.S. House of Representatives and now awaits Senate action. President Trump has signaled his support of the legislation which would allow for year-round sales of fuels blended with 15% ethanol, known as E15.
Always a great field trip when you’re a kid and you get to go to a farm. And that’s what thousands of elementary kids have gotten to do this spring as many counties host farm days.
Everyone is feeling the pressure of higher fuel prices, especially since the start of the conflict in Iran, but along with fuel, you can add the rising cost of fertilizer that our farmers are dealing with. And this week, the U.S. Senate Ag Committee held a full hearing on the issue with several industry representatives including Kentucky Farm Bureau president Eddie Melton testifying with perspectives from his row crop and beef cattle operation.
James “Bubba” Roberson grew up on the farm in Wayne County and after retiring from a structural engineering career, he’s now back on the farm in Fayette County where he and his family are earning a name for themselves called the Fancy Cow.
We all know what this Sunday is, or most of us should know that its Mother’s Day. And Grainger County’s Zalen Williams says he knows all too well what time of year it is because that’s when his business is blooming.
The challenges facing farmers and ranchers can take a toll on mental health and well-being. Chad Smith has more on how to weather the storm.
Communities across Tennessee are facing the challenge of managing rapid growth while also protecting valuable farmland. Josh Suddath, Executive Director of the University of Tennessee Center for Local Government, is working to support these communities by providing guidance and resources to help them plan more effectively for the future.
Local primaries are taking place across the state today, as 52 of Tennessee’s 95 counties are holding local primary elections. Tennessee Farm Bureau’s Shelby Vannoy reminds voters of the importance of taking part in all elections.
Folks around Wilson County have appreciated long-time servant leader Stratton Bone and now thanks to the folks with the Wilson County and Tennessee State Fair, his legacy lives forever with the renaming of the Made in Tennessee Building to the Stratton Bone Made in Tennessee Building.
The Farm Bill passed the United States House of Representatives on Thursday in a 224–200 vote. Tennessee Farm Bureau President Eric Mayberry explains why this is a significant win for farmers and what comes next to get it across the finish line.
Farmers are feeling the pinch from sky-high fertilizer prices amid the conflict in Iran. Dr. Andrew Muhammad with UT Extension breaks down the latest developments in the fertilizer trade and explains why these elevated prices are likely to stick around, at least in the short term.
Farm Bureau is working to push the farm bill across the finish line in the House of Representatives. Chad Smith has more on why the time for passage is now.
Strawberry season is in full swing at Aubie Smith Farms in Ooltewah, TN, where crowds are lining up for fresh-picked buckets of berries. With nearly 17 acres of strawberries, Aubie is bringing the harvest straight from the field to consumers.
The money set aside for the Farmer Bridge Assistance Program has almost been entirely delivered, and Chad Smith has the details on where that money went.
Farmers are feeling the pinch from sky-high fertilizer prices amid the conflict in Iran. Dr. Andrew Muhammad with UT Extension breaks down the latest developments in the fertilizer trade and explains why these elevated prices are likely to stick around, at least in the short term.
he inaugural class of the Tennessee Agriculture & Forestry Leadership Program is set to wrap up later this summer. As the program concludes, several participants are reflecting on their experiences—sharing how it has impacted their personal and professional growth, and why they would strongly recommend it to others in the industry.
The recognition of earth day first started on April 22, 1970. Since then a lot of changes to our world, no doubt. But for farmers, often overlooked on the conversations of our earth, it truly is something they think about almost daily.
The Tennessee General Assembly has passed its massive $58 billion budget, and that usually means one thing—lawmakers are getting close to wrapping up the session. In this episode, we hear from Shelby Vannoy with the Tennessee Farm Bureau, who breaks down what this budget means for farmers and rural communities across the state. From key investments in agriculture to support for rural infrastructure and resources, Shelby highlights some of the big wins that could have a real impact on Tennessee agriculture.
The Tennessee Department of Agriculture is set to open the application process for farmers and foresters seeking relief assistance from the devastating impacts from Hurricane Helene that hit 8 East Tennessee counties in September of 2024.
In June, Dr. David Lockwood will retire as a fruit specialist with UT Extension. Lockwood has spent more than 50 years in the role, researching best practices for growing fruit and helping others learn how to do it in their own backyards.
The ride has been real good for the past couple of years for sure for our beef cattle producers. Prices have been at record highs and that’s good news for one of our state’s largest commodities.
The American Farm Bureau Federation surveyed farmers regarding their long-term concerns about fertilizers. Chad Smith has more on the findings.
FFA and 4-H students had the opportunity to attend Preds Ag Night on Monday. The evening began with a career panel featuring professionals from a variety of agricultural fields and concluded with students attending the Predators game. It was a fun and engaging night that gave students the chance to learn more about potential careers in the agriculture industry.
The American Farm Bureau Federation is urging Congress to continue work on a new farm bill. Chad Smith has more.
As planters roll across fields throughout Tennessee, farmers are putting the 2026 crop in the ground. While most planting seasons are marked by optimism and the promise of a strong harvest, this year carries a heavier sense of uncertainty, with another year of losses forecasted for many producers.
James Haskew, vice president of the Tennessee Farm Bureau, reflects on the many ups and downs he has experienced throughout his farming career. He emphasizes that even in challenging times, strong farm management remains essential to weathering difficult seasons and positioning operations for recovery.
The weather it seems is all clear for folks to get outside and start working in the dirt or the landscape. Whether its bringing in new flowers or shrubs and whether that’s at home or at your business, there’s a lot of interest in nursery and landscaping that actually pays you back.
The Department of Agriculture released its latest estimates for the Food Dollar Series. Chad Smith has more on why farmers are getting a smaller share.
It’s one of the busiest times of the year for our row crop farmers. Now through June they’ll be working to plant this year’s corn, soybeans and cotton crops. And as they manage the logistics in their fields, they have to account for even higher input costs associated with fuel and fertilizer prices.
The renewable fuels industry got some good news about the new Renewable Volume Obligations. Chad Smith has more.
This weekend, Christians across the world are celebrating Easter. Matthew McClanahan of Cumberland County lives on his family’s beef cattle farm and is a full-time attorney. He also serves as an associate pastor in his community. This Easter, McClanahan reminds us of the powerful message and gift that is available to each of us through the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus.
Tractors across Tennessee are already in the fields planting, or soon will be. Warm, dry weather is allowing for an early start to the season, which is projected to be another financially challenging year.
USDA, NASS Prospective Planting Report
The eight newly elected Tennessee State FFA Officers are still riding high after being selected at the 98th Annual State FFA Convention. After going through a competitive process, each officer is excited to step into their new role and get to work. They’re looking forward to meeting members from across the state, building connections, and giving back to the organization that’s given them so much. Most of all, they’re ready to make the most of the year ahead and serve Tennessee FFA in a meaningful way.
Carter Major of Watertown, TN, has been named the 2026 Tennessee FFA Star Farmer. A proud third-generation member of his family’s dairy farm, Carter is continuing a strong agricultural legacy and looks forward to returning to the farm full time after graduating in May.
President Donald Trump and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins welcomed farmers from all across the country to the White House on Friday for what they called “The Great American Ag Celebration.” Eric Mayberry, president of the Tennessee Farm Bureau, was there and said it meant a lot to see the nation’s farmers recognized in such a meaningful way.
The eight new state FFA officers are still riding high after being selected for their roles at the 98th Annual Tennessee FFA Convention. All three regional vice presidents are eager to get to work and serve FFA members across the state.
Eight new Tennessee State Officers were selected at the 98th annual Tennessee FFA Convention on Wednesday. The new officers detail what it means to be selected and what they hope to accomplish in their year of service.
The 98th Annual Tennessee FFA Convention continues in Gatlinburg, where Sapana Das of Greene County was named State Star in Agribusiness on Tuesday.
During the 98th Annual Tennessee FFA Convention in Gatlinburg Wyatt Erwin of the Wilson Central FFA Chapter was honored with the Star Greenhand Award and Bill Newsom of Munford FFA Chapter was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award.
The 98th state FFA Convention is underway in Gatlinburg as more than 4000 members are expected in those iconic blue corduroy jackets.
Farmers from across Tennessee had a strong presence at the State Capitol during the Tennessee Farm Bureau Legislative Visits. They met with their lawmakers to share the challenges and needs facing the agriculture industry.
The proposed merger between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern Railroads is causing concern. Chad Smith tells us analysis from the American Farm Bureau Federation shows the merger could mean higher prices and fewer options for America’s farmers.
Lawmakers and farmers came together at the State Capitol in Nashville for the annual Ag Day on the Hill, where this year’s event featured lively livestock exhibits and even a spirited log-sawing competition between branches of government
National FFA Southern Region Vice President T. Wayne Williams, of Cannon County, was recognized on the floors of both the state House and Senate. During the honor, Williams thanked lawmakers for their continued support of FFA and highlighted the vital role the youth agricultural organization plays in developing the next generation of leaders in agriculture.
You can almost count on it every year. Spring-like temperatures wake us up from a cold winter and then Mother Nature reminds us Ol Man Winter is still around and that’s what peach and strawberry farmers are up against now with this latest cold snap.
For the first time in 36 years, Bill Walker of Fayette County says they will not plant any cotton this year.
Washington County farmer and former president of the Tennessee Farm Bureau Jeff Aiken received the Friend of 4-H Award during the 79th Annual Tennessee 4-H Congress this week in Murfreesboro.
Three new student leaders have been elected by their peers at Tennessee 4-H Congress, an annual event that brings together youth from across the state to learn about leadership and the legislative process. Sadie Holland was elected Speaker of the Senate, Colson Kelley was chosen as Governor, and Ayden Holton will serve as Speaker of the House. Each officer was selected by fellow 4-H members participating in the statewide gathering, where delegates take part in mock legislative sessions, leadership activities, and civic engagement experiences.
More than 300 4-H students from across Tennessee are gathering in Middle Tennessee this week for 4-H Congress, where they’re getting a firsthand look at how state government works. During the event, students step into the role of lawmakers, taking part in mock legislative sessions inside the Tennessee State Capitol. As they debate bills, practice parliamentary procedure, and vote on legislation, the students gain a deeper understanding of the legislative process and the responsibilities of elected officials. The experience gives young leaders the opportunity to build confidence, strengthen their public speaking skills, and learn how they can play a role in shaping their communities and the future of Tennessee.
As its well documented, its been extremely tough for our farmers here in Tennessee and across the country. But they keep trying to respond to the challenges as they always have. And that’s the same for Justin Pope of Gibson County as he heads into another crop season this spring on his family’s century farm that dates back to 1866.
Agriculture is no doubt still the driving force of our state’s economy and despite the loss of farms and farmland, that’s still the case for East Tennessee’s Blount County.
The U.S. House Committee on Agriculture has been discussing, the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026” this week in Washington, otherwise known as the Farm Bill.
For more than 25 years, the West Tennessee AgStar program has been shaping the next generation of agricultural leaders, equipping young adults with the knowledge and confidence to advocate for their industry. This year, 10 dedicated participants are celebrating the completion of the program — ready to put their skills and passion for agriculture into action.
Cotton has been part of life in Tennessee for generations. For many farm families, it’s more than just a crop — it’s a tradition. But lately, growing cotton hasn’t been easy. Farmers are feeling the squeeze from every direction. The cost of seed, fertilizer, fuel, and equipment keeps climbing, while the price they’re getting for cotton hasn’t kept up. For some growers, the math just isn’t working anymore. That’s why more farmers are either stepping away from cotton entirely or looking at other crops that might offer a steadier return. Still, there’s some hope in the industry. Brad Williams, president of the National Cotton Ginners Association and a farmer from Tipton County, believes better days could be ahead. He says new markets and the right kind of support from Congress could help turn things around for American cotton producers. While the challenges are real, many in Tennessee’s cotton community are holding on to the belief that with the right changes, cotton can remain an important part of the state’s agricultural future.
The Tennessee Young Farmers and Ranchers, in partnership with the Tennessee Council of Cooperatives, recently hosted their annual Young Leaders Conference—an inspiring event dedicated to shaping the future of agriculture. Designed to equip the next generation of agricultural professionals, the conference empowers young leaders with the skills, knowledge, and confidence they need to make a lasting impact in their farms, businesses, and communities.
Hardin County’s Alex Forsbach was recognized this week at the Commodity Classic in San Antonio with the American Soybean Association’s 2026 National Conservation Legacy Award.
Downtown Memphis will once again see thousands of farmers at the Renasant Convention Center for the Mid-South Farm and Gin Show.
Its National FFA Week and Tennessee’s state officers are traveling across the state on their Goodwill Tour
The U.S. Supreme Court overturned a broad swath of tariffs implemented by the Trump Administration. Chad Smith has the details.
The Senate Finance Committee hosted a hearing on the importance of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement. Chad Smith has more.
Nearly 300 4-H and FFA students experienced an unforgettable UT Ag Night hosted by the Tennessee Farm Bureau earlier this week. From stepping onto campus and touring iconic Neyland Stadium to cheering on the Vols at a men’s basketball game, students got a true taste of college life. The evening also featured an inspiring career panel, where industry professionals shared insights and opportunities available in the field of agriculture.
Breeding beef bulls with dairy cows to produce calves better suited for beef production has grown in popularity in recent years. Since 2016, the number of beef-on-dairy calves in the United States has increased from about 2.5 million to around 5 million. Dr. Charlie Martinez with UTIA is addressing beef-on-dairy production at the USDA’s 102nd Annual Agricultural Outlook Forum, as well as the need for improved methods to track these cattle for market purposes.
Nick Patterson and his wife, April, farm in Clay County. They have both been heavily involved in agricultural organizations that advocate for the industry and believe it’s vital to get involved and fight for agriculture.
Today’s farmers are constantly looking for ways to improve their operations, whether its new technology or ideas that have proven to help others. And recently at the Top Producer Summit held in Nashville, a company called GRIPP out of Wisconsin was there on behalf of AgLaunch of Tennessee to showcase how a simple idea is helping farmers keep better records.
The U.S. House Agriculture Committee has released its latest attempt to get congressional support for a new farm bill.
Beekeepers in Middle Tennessee are helping veterans rehabilitate by teaching them how to become beekeepers. The program is called Hives for Heroes, and you can support this worthy cause..
Tennessee’s newly-elected 7th District Congressman Matt Van Epps has hit the ground running and this week a small group of his farmer constituents made a whirl-wind visit to his office in our nation’s capitol to share their insights on agricultural issues.
The latest farm bankruptcy data serves as another indicator of a struggling farm economy. Chad Smith has more.
The Tennessee Cattlemen’s Association gathered in Franklin for its annual meeting, where cattlemen discussed the importance of meeting face-to-face and how TCA represents producers across the Volunteer State.
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was in Nashville this week, speaking at both the State Capitol and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association convention. During his remarks, he highlighted the Trump administration’s health care policies and promoted the new food pyramid, which emphasizes a high-protein diet.
Many televisions across America will be tuned into the big game on Sunday. Chad Smith has more on the role farmers and ranchers play in your Super Bowl spread.
This week the nation’s cattle industry has descended upon Middle Tennessee for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association’s Cattle Con in Nashville and now the Tennessee Cattlemen’s Association will hold their annual meeting Friday and Saturday in Franklin.
In his final State of the State address, Governor Bill Lee laid out a nearly $58 billion budget for lawmakers. As in past years, his proposal highlights several priorities, including continued investment in agriculture and rural Tennessee.
A massive winter storm blanketed East Tennessee with heavy snow and bitter cold temperatures this past weekend. Despite the harsh conditions, farmers are braving the elements to care for their livestock.
More than 7,000 are expected to attend the NCBA convention being held in Nashville this week. Russ Uselton of Bedford County has served as NCBA Region II Vice President for three years. He’s excited to have the convention in his own backyard and showcase Tennessee’s beef cattle industry.
It might not feel like time to garden in the middle of winter, with bitter cold temperatures—but as Rod Bain reminds us, it’s never too early to start preparing for those summer tomatoes.
More than 100,000 Tennesseans remain without power as of Wednesday after ice from Winter Storm Fern swept through the state. Beef cattle and poultry farmer Phillip Berry of Wayne County is among those still without electricity. He has been pulling double duty—working to keep his family warm while also ensuring his livestock are fed—while battling bitter cold temperatures.
Lillie White was named the 2026 Grand Champion of the Tennessee Junior Market Hog Show, adding another chapter to her family’s remarkable legacy. With her win, White joins her twin brother and older sister, who have also previously earned top honors in the Market Hog Show.
A tough few days and still more to come for farmers and rural folks hit by winter storm Fern across the Volunteer State.
A new Market Intel illustrates that, despite recent assistance payments, the U.S. farm economy is still in trouble. Chad Smith has the story.
Farmers across Tennessee are preparing to care for their livestock as a winter storm expected to impact the entire state—and more than 40 others—moves in. Kevin Thompson with UT’s Middle Tennessee AgResearch Center shares key tips for keeping livestock safe and warm in harsh conditions.
The American Farm Bureau Federation is sounding the alarm on the economic crisis in rural America. Chad Smith has the details.
USDA Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden continues his passion of protecting and promoting Tennessee and American agriculture.
The Department of Agriculture recently announced payment rates for the Farmer Bridge Assistance Program, but there are still some gaps. Chad Smith has more.
Since 1996, the West Tennessee River Basin Authority has been managing water resources across West Tennessee, focusing on flood control, erosion reduction, and watershed restoration. Now, they’re sharing their strategies and successes with the neighboring state of Arkansas.
More than a thousand people are attending this year’s Pick Tennessee Conference. The three-day event moved from Franklin to Lebanon and is focused on promoting Tennessee-made products while giving attendees the chance to learn how to grow and create new things.
Lawrence County’s Coty Vannoy and Lauderdale County’s Robert Hill are fresh off a big national spotlight after competing in the Young Farmers and Ranchers contests at the American Farm Bureau Convention in Anaheim, California. They describe what it means to have had this chance to compete and represent Tennessee well.
The 107th American Farm Bureau Convention concluded in Anaheim, CA with the voting delegates voting on 2026 policy. AFBF President Zippy Duvall explains why this policy is still so important and why he has hope for 2026.
Alyssa Clements of Clay County finished second in the national American Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers Excellence in Agriculture competition. Competing against contestants from all 50 states, Clements says it was an honor to represent her state and earn a second-place finish at the national level.
Thousands of farmers and industry representatives, including well over a hundred from Tennessee have gathered in Anaheim, California for the 107th American Farm Bureau annual meeting.
If you hadn’t already heard by now, Pick Tennessee Products is a big deal for our state’s agricultural industry. And this next week, January 15-17, you can expect another big Pick Tennessee Conference at the Wilson County/Tennessee State fairgrounds in Lebanon.
For well over a century now, this Tennessee treasure known as Bush Beans has been a staple on family tables across America.
2025 was a tough year for U.S. row-crop farmers, with many facing record losses for yet another consecutive year. Trade has emerged as a key part of the solution to getting the agricultural economy back on track, as new trade deals could open additional markets for U.S. commodities. Ted McKinney, who previously served in the first Trump administration as USDA Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs, now leads the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture. Having traveled the world negotiating trade agreements on behalf of the administration, McKinney says the president has always kept American farmers front of mind when pursuing new trade deals. He details what’s ahead in trade negotiations in 2026.
In this new year, farmers and industry representatives are hopeful for better days in the ag sector. It’s been challenging for many to say the least. And that’s partly why each year the Farm Bureau has been bringing folks together for an agriculture industry partners meeting.
The U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement is up for review in 2026. Chad Smith tells us updating the agreement has the potential to benefit farmers.
Congressman Matt Van Epps is still new on the job. After winning the special election for Tennessee’s 7th congressional district, Van Epps pledges he will fight for Tennessee farmers in Washington.
A new year means the state legislature will soon be back in session. Shelby Vannoy with the Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation’s Public Policy Division offers a preview of what to expect in both chambers, Governor Lee’s vision in his final year in office, and what to expect in the upcoming elections.
As 2025 draws to a close, Chad Smith has a look back on some of the key moments for U.S. agriculture.
Tennessee Commissioner of Agriculture Andy Holt is looking ahead to a full year as commissioner in 2026. He outlines some of his goals for the new year and how he hopes the department will continue to engage with farmers across the state.
Founded in 1932 by Ray Hurt’s great-grandfather and grandfather, Hurt Seed Company is now run by Ray Hurt and his brother. Based in Halls, Tennessee, the company supplies about five percent of the seed used nationwide. Ray says he’s proud to help be a part of feeding the world.
The Department of Agriculture announced new funding focused on regenerative farming practices. Chad Smith has details.
Christmas celebrations ring out across our state today as we hear from farmers enjoying this Christmas day with family and friends.
Coty Vannoy of Lawrence County was the winner of the Tennessee Farm Bureau’s Young Farmers and Ranchers Discussion Meet contest. He bested 16 competitors for the title at the Farm Bureau state convention recently.
Two Tennesseans, Lane Mitchell and Hudson Bolton, recently took part in the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas. Competing on one of rodeo’s biggest stages, both athletes shared what it meant to represent their home state at the national level. They described the experience as unforgettable, saying that simply qualifying for the prestigious event is a major accomplishment and a dream come true in the sport of rodeo.
A key piece of legislation aimed at growing healthier kids in American classrooms took a big step toward becoming law. Chad Smith has details.
John Morton recently retired from a career in home construction and service in the Marine Corps. Now, he and his wife are embarking on a completely new career in farming. Morton believes that with fewer farmers than ever, the need for more people to get involved in agriculture is greater than ever.
State Senator Jack Johnson of Williamson County has been awarded the inaugural Voice of Agriculture Award by the Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation. Johnson said he is honored to receive the recognition and remains proud to support Tennessee farmers through his work in the legislature.
State Representative Rusty Grills of Newburn, Tennessee, has been named the inaugural recipient of the Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation’s Voice of Agriculture Award. Grills says he is honored to receive the recognition for representing an industry that has played a significant role in his life.
Tennessee native Butch Wilmore has dedicated his life to service, spending his entire career in the U.S. Navy and with NASA. He captured worldwide attention when a test mission to the International Space Station unexpectedly extended, leaving him in space for nine months. In this powerful account, Wilmore reflects on the challenges of his prolonged stay in orbit—and shares what sustained his sense of peace, purpose, and contentment throughout the ordeal.
Farmers’ participation in the political process is more important than ever, especially as the farm economy continues to struggle. Political strategist Chip Saltsman emphasizes that even though farmers are not the majority, their voices still carry significant weight in shaping policy and politics.
Colton McClanahan of White County is the new 2026 Tennessee Young Farmers & Ranchers State Chair. McClanahan explains why he ran and what it means to him to be selected for this position.
Sherri Lay of Monroe County is the newest member of the Tennessee Farm Bureau Board of Directors. She was elected as one of the three Directors at Large. Sherri explains what it means to be elected and why she feels called to serve.
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee addressed the voting delegates at the 104th Tennessee Farm Bureau Annual Meeting. Lee reaffirmed his commitment commitment to agriculture in his final year in office.
There are 247 voting delegates this year from all 95 counties setting Tennessee Farm Bureau policy for 2026. Every one of them are farmers. A few of the delegates say being part of this more-than-100-year tradition feels special. It’s a chance to speak up for their communities, make sure farmers’ voices are heard, and help guide the future of agriculture in Tennessee.
Farm Bureau leaders are back together for their annual meeting at the Cool Springs Conference Center in Franklin to hear from industry and political leaders and discuss and decide policy that will guide the organization in the coming year.
Christmas tree farms across Tennessee are in full swing. Jaimie Faircloth, president of the Tennessee Christmas Tree Association, runs Pinewood Christmas Tree Farm in Franklin with his wife and says they’re seeing record interest this season.
Governor Bill Lee’s America 250 tour continues to sweep across Tennessee, uncovering the stories that make our state unforgettable. This week, he stopped at Wes Ashe’s farm in McNairy County, a place where Tennessee tradition and American pride run deep.
American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall recently discussed the challenges facing farm country with the Secretary of Agriculture. Chad Smith has more on the conversation.
Fifteen years ago, wild hogs were a serious problem in Tennessee. That’s why members of the conservation, wildlife, and agriculture communities came together to form the Wild Hog Eradication Team. Most of Tennessee is hog-free now, but a few pockets remain where they are still abundant.
The U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree is now being prepared for its lighting December Second after arriving in Washington DC after its journey from its home state of Nevada.
Farmers across Tennessee are celebrating Thanksgiving in a variety of ways this week. Several shared their special traditions and what they’re thankful for.
Thanksgiving is one of the busiest times of the year for USDA’s Meat and Poultry Hotline with several food questions associated with cooking the holiday turkey. Rod Bain has the details.
As we pause to give thanks this Thanksgiving, farmers across Tennessee are finding their own special ways to celebrate. We caught up with a few to hear about their traditions and what they’re thankful for this year.
The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act recently passed the Senate. Chad Smith has more on the important first step in the process.
Farmers across Tennessee are growing increasingly frustrated as rising deer populations continue to devastate their crops. In an effort to protect their livelihoods, the agricultural industry is joining forces with the TWRA to pursue meaningful, long-term solutions to the deer overpopulation crisis on farmland.
Congressman David Kustoff of Tennessee’s 8th Congressional District is in his 5th term representing a big portion of West Tennessee. And he has continued to listen to and work for the farmers in the district and knows they have had a tough year with row crop production.
The American Farm Bureau Federation’s annual Thanksgiving Cost Survey results show a slight dip in costs this year. Chad Smith tells us how much.
Dale Parker has been named the new Executive Vice President for the Tennessee Cattlemen’s Association, something he says he’s been preparing for his whole life.
Earlier this year, Robert Hill of Lauderdale County was named the state’s winner of the Tennessee Farm Bureau’s Young Farmer Achievement award. And with that honor, the title sponsor of the award presents a year’s free use, or 150 hours, of a new Case IH tractor. And that tractor made its way to the farm this week.
Year-round E15 would be a tremendous boost for rural America. Chad Smith has more on the opportunity.
Outdoors, and in particular, the rural outdoors is something special here in Tennessee and especially the fall of the year. We are blessed to have the resources we have when it comes to wildlife and fishing opportunities.
Regional FFA officers from across Tennessee came together at the Tennessee Farm Bureau headquarters in Columbia for a day of learning, connection, and advocacy. Through hands-on training and conversations with industry leaders, these young agricultural advocates gained new tools to share their passion for farming and rural life. A few participants describe how the experience inspired them to head back home ready to champion the industry they love and make a difference in their own communities.
There is currently a shortage of large-animal veterinarians in rural Tennessee. Dr. Paul Plummer of the UT College of Veterinary Medicine has proposed a plan to encourage some of his students to work in these underserved areas after graduation.
After two decades in uniform, Rodney Fugate has traded combat boots for work boots. The Army veteran now tends to his family farm in Claiborne County, but this Veterans Day, his thoughts turn to the years he spent serving his nation and the pride that service still brings.
Tennessee is leading the way to help students have a healthy choice when it comes to beverages available and thanks to an endowment grant from the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, the Dairy Alliance has been busy getting new milk dispensers installed across the state and that includes these new Udderly Cold portable dispensers.
Farmers from across Tennessee are gathered in Columbia for the annual Resolutions Committee meeting. Every word of the Tennessee Farm Bureau policy book is read aloud and discussed before it goes to the full voting delegates in December. Participating farmers explain why this process is so important and why they made the sacrifice to be here and take part.
Perhaps your view of tree leaves changing color in the fall comes from a scientific perspective, providing a greater appreciation of the natural beauty of this transformation. Rod Bain reports.
There’s been a lot of talk about how potential imports of Argentine beef could affect American cattle prices. Livestock economist Dr. Andrew Griffith with UT Extension explains the possible impacts on both producers and consumers.
Woodbury FFA Chapter member T. Wayne Williams has been announced as one of six national FFA officers.
U.S. farmers and ranchers received some long-awaited positive trade news. Chad Smith has the details.
What a gathering it is for the 98th Annual National FFA convention. And a great delegation attending from the volunteer state.
Recently the University of Tennessee Institute of agriculture held a ribbon cutting ceremony at their West Tennessee Ag Research and Education Center in Jackson. The event highlighted new on-site facilities, precision agriculture equipment and laboratory renovations funded through the American Rescue Plan.
Ryan King has stepped into a new chapter of leadership as Tennessee’s Deputy Commissioner of Agriculture. Appointed by Commissioner Andy Holt, King brings passion and experience to one of the state’s top agricultural roles. He says the appointment is both an honor and a responsibility—an opportunity to help shape the future of Tennessee’s farming and rural communities.
For over 50 years, Apple Valley Orchard has been a cherished fall tradition in Cleveland, TN. What began as a simple hobby for the McSpadden family has blossomed into a vibrant orchard with more than 14,000 apple trees. Today, under the care of Chuck McSpadden, visitors can stroll through the scenic farm, enjoy the crisp autumn air, and explore the charming on-site store filled with fresh apple cider, homemade jams, and other delicious apple treats—all made right on the farm.
Harvest of Tennessee’s main row crops is winding down and what a year its been. From the heavy rains in the Spring to the extreme dry conditions this Summer. And yield results are reflective of the weather.
President Trump has recently suggested importing Argentinian beef to lower consumer costs at the meat case. Chad Smith has details on how that would impact the beef sector.
For the future of American agriculture to be successful, our school-aged children need to better understand the importance of the industry to not just farmers but for all citizens. And that’s one of the many reasons we have the Ag-In-the-Classroom program.
Fall has become a great time for elementary kids to take a field trip to the farm and that’s what about 1000 Maury County 4th graders did this week at the Country Classroom held at the Middle Tennessee Research and Education Center in Spring Hill.
The Crockett County Farm Bureau recognizes two of their own with gift of learning about agriculture to local schools.
One of the last fairs of the season is the West Tennessee State Fair running all this week in Henderson.
Farmers continue to persevere through a tough harvest, as the reality of losing money sets in. Tennessee Farm Bureau President Eric Mayberry describes the pain farmers are feeling and why help is needed.
Farmers and ranchers are facing extreme economic pressures. Chad Smith tells us the American Farm Bureau sent letters to Congress and the Trump administration asking for immediate help and long-term solutions.
This week, a group of German farmers is exploring the heart of Tennessee agriculture, visiting local farms to get a firsthand look at how things are done in the Volunteer State. From rolling pastures to innovative practices, they’re soaking up ideas and inspiration to bring back home and put to use on their own land.
For over 50 years, Apple Valley Orchard has been a cherished fall tradition in Cleveland, TN. What began as a simple hobby for the McSpadden family has blossomed into a vibrant orchard with more than 14,000 apple trees. Today, under the care of Chuck McSpadden, visitors can stroll through the scenic farm, enjoy the crisp autumn air, and explore the charming on-site store filled with fresh apple cider, homemade jams, and other delicious apple treats—all made right on the farm.
To celebrate National Egg Day the Farm & Forrest Families of Tennessee hosted an omelet cook-off at the governor’s mansion in Nashville. News personalities from Nashville TV stations competed to see who could make the best omelet.
At one time, nearly 60 million bison roamed across the United States. By the late 1880s, that number had shrunk to fewer than a thousand. Thanks to conservation and recovery efforts, the bison population in the United States has now grown to around 500,000. Eddie Gaw of Lazy G Ranch in Cookeville is one of many working to help bring bison back; he now raises bison exclusively on his ranch.
As the broader ag economy continues to struggle, row crop farmers face a particularly difficult time. Chad Smith has more on the financial headwinds.
For several years now the Tennessee Farm Bureau’s Young Farmers and Ranchers program has held a fall educational tour where these young people between the ages of 18 and 35 take a weekend to get together in a particular area of the state to visit and learn more about that area’s ag interest.
Alyssa Clements of Clay County has been named this year’s Tennessee Young Farmers & Ranchers Excellence in Agriculture Award winner — a recognition that celebrates her passion, perseverance, and deep roots in farming. She opens up about what the award means to her and the driving force behind her commitment to keeping her family farm thriving for generations to come.
Farmers across Tennessee continue harvest as the reality of the agriculture financial crisis sets in. Row farmers in West Tennessee explain why they need financial assistance sooner rather than later.
As of today, many federal government functions, including those from USDA, are still temporarily suspended. Chad Smith has details on what this means for farmers and ranchers.
Row crop farmers are facing difficult times. As they harvest the 2025 crop, many are grappling with losses ranging from $150 to $250 per acre. According to new projections from the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture (UTIA), Tennessee row crop farmers are expected to collectively lose approximately $430 million this year.
Every day whether its on the farm or at home, the one item, besides food, we’re all dependent on is electricity. And Tennesseans are fortunate right now in that Mike Partin, CEO of the Sequatchie Valley Electric Cooperative, is serving as president of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.
For nearly 90 years, Ducks Unlimited has been dedicated to conserving and protecting wetlands across the United States. Today, that mission lives on through partnerships with farmers, providing them with valuable resources and support to implement effective conservation practices.
Several economic headwinds are combining to create a difficult financial environment for some farmers. Chad Smith has more on how farmers are managing in the midst of harvest.
Gov. Bill Lee has sworn-in Weakley County’s Andy Holt as the Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Agriculture.
Practicing farm safety is often taken for granted. For Kary Robinson of Franklin County, however, it's a deeply personal issue following a close call he experienced while baling straw several years ago. He recalls the terrifying incident and urges others to take farm safety seriously.
Recent data from the US Department of Agriculture demonstrates the important role small farms play in our food system. Mike Davis has more.
This week is National Farm Safety & Health Week. It’s a time when the agriculture industry pauses to focus on practicing safety on the farm and reducing accidents. Shelli Rampold with UT Extension shares some ways to stay mindful of farm safety, along with resources Extension offers to learn more.
Although increased awareness of mental health challenges and resources continue, also still ongoing is efforts in suicide prevention. Rod Bain has more.
For 11 years the agriculture community in Tennessee has come together to help rase money to feed hungry Tennesseans. Shooting Hunger is a clay sporting event that takes place in all three grand divisions. After all the events for the year all the money raised is divided evenly among all 95 counties and given to school backpack programs.
Finding new markets for U.S. farmers to sell commodities is more important than ever before. While China continues to hold out on buying American soybeans, other nations in the European Union have increased their imports. A group of people from various European nations is in Tennessee this week, learning how our farmers grow soybeans using sustainable practices. The hope is that this tour will lead to Europe purchasing even more U.S. soybeans.
Dr. Akumu Clement and his team at Tennessee State University is driving research into Precision agriculture. The technologies coming from this research is helping farmers save money on input costs and be more profitable.
This time of year for our farmers should be one of excitement and payoff for their hard work during the growing season as they harvest their row crops like soybeans and corn. But because of markets, inflation and weather, it could be 'catastrophic.'
As input costs continue to put a strain on farmers’ bottom lines, a concerning trend has emerged for fertilizer prices. Mike Davis takes a look at the numbers.
More than 2,000 pounds of pork was donated to Cul2vate to go towards feeding hungry Tennesseans. The meat was donated by Tosh Farms and the Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation paid to have it processed.
A highly anticipated report from the Make America Healthy Again Commission was finally published. Mike Davis explains how the report recognizes contributions of farmers in making America healthy.
It’s often said that, collectively, we as a generation are disconnected from how our food is grown. Less than two percent of our population farms—but you don’t have to live on a farm to grow food. Dr. Steven Kennedy, with Tennessee State University’s Agriculture Department, is helping people learn how they can grow fresh produce through hydroponic systems at home.
The Tennessee Valley Fair is up and going this week. They're celebrating their 105th year and keeping true to their mission of being centered around agriculture.
The Tennessee Valley Fair in Knoxville is up and running this week. It got started last Friday with a Hamburger grill off between local radio stations in Knoxville and a team of 4-H and FFA students – all to highlight agriculture and the delicious products produced right here in Tennessee.
Mike Taliento spent nearly 30 years serving our nation in the Army, and now he’s dedicating his time and energy to raising beef cattle alongside his wife on their ranch in Montgomery County. He was recently recognized as the Tennessee Small Farmer of The Year at the TSU Small Farm Expo.
Dr. Charlie Hatcher announced Wednesday that he will be retiring as Tennessee Commissioner of Agriculture effective October 1st. After nearly seven years as commissioner, Hatcher says his dairy farm in Williamson County and family is calling him back home. Governor Bill Lee has appointed current Deputy Commissioner of Agriculture Andy Holt to succeed Hatcher as Tennessee Ag Commissioner.
A group of farmers in upper East Tennessee banded together to help solve the shortage of meat processing facilities in Tennessee. Together they formed the Appalachian Producers Cooperative, which is a USDA inspected processing facility that can harvest around 125 head per week.
The University of Tennessee's Herbert College of Agriculture on the ag campus in Knoxville is bustling with students these days, perhaps more so than any other time.
A district court has overturned a burdensome aspect of a 2023 labor rule, which is good news for farmers and ranchers.
No other event quite like the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration which will crown a new world champion under the spotlight tomorrow night in Shelbyville.
Obviously, predicting the weather is harder than it seems. And for our farmers, its one of the most frustrating aspects of the growing season. Just look at what’s happened this year across Tennessee. Thankfully, Eric Snodgrass, a Senior Science Fellow and an Atmospheric Scientist with Nutrien Ag Solutions, studies the weather, basically everyday of the year to help better inform farmers about weather impacts.
Every day whether its on the farm or at home, the one item, besides food, we’re all dependent on is electricity. And Tennesseans are fortunate right now in that Mike Partin, CEO of the Sequatchie Valley Electric Cooperative, is serving as president of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.
Several reports have reinforced that farmers and ranchers are facing economic challenges.
Combines are beginning to hit fields as the 2025 harvest begins. Ricky Chandler is one of the first to get started, shelling white corn on one of their locations in Carroll County. Chandler says dry weather late in the growing season, combined with low commodity prices are making this season tough.
Rob & Leah Holman will soon be riding around in a new Kubota tractor on their farm in Obion County. The Holmans finished second in the Tennessee Young Farmers & Ranchers Achievement Award competition and get to use a brand-new Kubota tractor for up to 250 hours on their farm as their prize.
What a great experience at the Wilson County/Tennessee State Fair the past few days, especially for 4-H'er's across the state as they have been competing in livestock shows and showing off their talents in the 4-H and FFA building. And their 10th annual Picnic at the Fair was one for the record books as they raised more than $93,000 to help assist kids attend 4-H camp.
Consumers are seeing what exactly it takes to get a bacon cheeseburger and fries. The expanded Agventures Barn at the Tennessee State Fair shows how long it takes to grow and produce each ingredient in a bacon cheeseburger. The hope is that consumers will be better educated about where their food comes from and have a new found appreciation for the farmer that grew it.
U.S. Secretary of AGriculture Brook Rollins made a visit to the Volunteer State Monday. She addressed the 10th annual Tennessee FFA Ham Breakfast at the Tennessee State Fair. Rollins was joined by Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Stephen Vaden. Both Rollins and Vaden also took part in a listening session with Tennessee farmers from across the state, listening to their concerns about the current tough farm economy.
With the start of harvest season in Tennessee, a lot of uncertainty for our row crop farmers as markets continue to remain low and other production costs continue to rise. Dr. David Kohl, Professor Emeritus at Virginia Tech shared insights recently at the 27th Annual Mid-South Ag Finance Conference at UT Martin.
The Tennessee State Fair kicked off with the annual media hamburger grill off. TV personalities from nashville media competed against one another to see who could make the best burger using Tennessee products. The contest is a great way to kick off the fair and shine a light on agriculture.
Ag research at UTIA has fulfilled the mission of the land-grant university at the University of Tennessee for decades. UT Knoxville Chancellor Dr. Donde Plowman says that UTIA's ag research is now the model that the rest of the University it trying to follow.
Since 1818, farmers and now many Americans have come to expect and enjoy the Farmers Almanac. And now the 2026 edition is out and available and packed with offbeat wisdom, tips and hacks and of course its pretty accurate long-range weather forecast.
Andy Curliss is the Vice President of Strategic Engagement for the National Pork Producers Council. He’s warning farmers that there are influencers with deep pockets that are trying to change our agriculture system in the United States, and not for the better. Curliss says while they pour millions of dollars into their tactics against agriculture, farmers have the upper hand in the conversation.
U.S. Deputy Secretary of Agriculture, Stephen Vaden, was in Tennessee Friday addressing Tennessee farmers at the Tennessee Farm Bureau County Presidents Conference. Vaden updated on some of the things the Trump administration is doing to boost American agriculture & how he's fighting for them daily at USDA.
It’s often said that farmers need to tell their story to better inform the public about where their food comes from. Dr. Ben West with UT Extension specializes in strategic communication and is spending time with county farm bureau leaders, teaching them new approaches to leading at the grassroots level and being better communicators.
Patrick Jaynes is the new Tennessee State Director for USDA Rural Development. Jaynes describes what it means to him to serve in this role and how he's using his background of growing up in rural Tennessee to help rural Tennesseans.
Shop Springs Creamery has been opened for about about six years now. Owner Jeffrey Turner explains why they opned the creamery and how it's adding value to their family dairy.
Growing up on the farm in Western Kentucky, Darwin Newton has always been close to the land, and throughout his storied professional career that spans over 60 years, its been specifically all about the soil. And this week he was honored as newest member of the Southeast Region Conservation Hall of Fame.
A flurry of recent trade agreements and frameworks have been announced by the Trump administration. Chad Smith has more on what this means for American agriculture.
Tennessee Agriculture & Forestry Program has been in West Tennessee this week touring farming operations in the region. A couple of the participants describe what it's been like seeing different aspects of agriculture and how the program has benefited them greatly.
Farmers from across Tennessee are gathering in their communities for policy development meetings. Put on by the Tennessee Farm Bureau, these meetings give farmers a chance to voice their concern on issues facing them and the entire agriculture industry.
Lance Pekus has the title of both rancher and worldwide ninja warrior competitor. He's been on the NBC TV show American Ninja Warrior for about ten years now and continues to ranch with his wife and kids in Idaho. Pekus shares how his platform through Ninja warrior has allowed him to be a strong voice for agriculture on the world stage.
Emily Ivey of Loudon County is the 2025 Tennessee Young Farmers and Ranchers Environmental Stewardship Award Winner. Ivey explains what environmental practices she is implementing on her farm and how it's helping produce a better end product while also preserving the farm for another generation.
The landscape of potential tariffs continues to shift. Chad Smith has the latest on implementation postponements as well as new threats.
4-H students from across Tennessee were honored at the annual 4-H annual round up for their work in respective projects. A few of the winners talk about winning the award in their project area, and why 4-H means so much to them.
Rob & Leah Holman of Obion County are this year’s second place winner in the Tennessee Young Farmers and ranchers young farmer of the year competition. They explain what it means to be recognized with this high honor.
Robert Hill of Lauderdale County is the 2025 Tennessee Young Farmer of The Year. Hill describes what it means to him to receive this award.
The annual Tennessee Young Farmers and Ranchers Summer Conference took place in Lebanon this past weekend. State Chair Lee Bagwell explains why this conference is so important for young farmers and Farm Bureau overall.
While the One Big Beautiful Bill helped out U.S. agriculture, farmers and ranchers are still waiting on a new farm bill. Chad Smith reports.
It's growing time in Tennessee and if you planted a garden you're probably harvesting some fresh vegetables. Dr. Behnaz Molaei with TSU is telling people how easy it is to grow food in their own backyard with a little knowledge and hard work.
Dr. Jaye Hamby, a Tennessee native, is now leading USADA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture as the director at USDA headquarters in Washington DC.
We continue to share the important story of American and Tennessee agriculture. It’s the biggest driver of our state’s economy and in fact, for many states around the country and there’s no doubt it’s an important aspect of our national security, protecting our farmers and the food they grow.
For decades Beef Expo has brought youth from across the Volunteer State together to show cattle. This year’s event happened in Lebanon at the state fairgrounds, bringing generations together to continue what has become a family tradition.
Kelsey Barnes is joining fellow Obion County native, Steven Vaden, in our nation’s capital at USDA. Vaden was officially sworn is as U.S. Deputy Secretary of Agriculture earlier this week and Barnes is serving as senior advisor to Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins. Barnes describes what it means to her to serve in this roll and how her agriculture roots in Tennessee are helping her.
The One Big Beautiful Bill is on now law, and as Chad Smith tells us it includes many important provisions for America’s farmers and ranchers.
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brook Rollins announced the Trump administration's plan to boost American agriculture called the National Farm Security Action Plan. Rollins announced the seven point plan alongside other cabinet members at USDA headquarters. She says every point is aimed at improving American agriculture for farmers.
From his century farm in Union City to now the second in command at the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Washington DC, Stephen Vaden says its been surreal to be sworn-in as deputy secretary.
Wayne Hughes is the ninth generation on his family's farm of Rocky Field Farm in Greene County. His first ancestors first settled on the farm in 1796 - the same year Tennessee became a state.
With Independence Day cookouts being planned, one way to get your proteins is looking at what retailers are featuring in the way of sales and deals. Rod Bain reports.
Second Harvest Food Bank has been working to help feed hungry Tennesseans in Middle and West Tennessee. They are now getting help from farmers through their Farm to Families program which sources food directly from local farms to stock their food banks.
A day of celebration across the state as Gov. Bill Lee held special bill signing ceremonies for the Farmland Preservation Act that he helped to pass through the Tennessee General Assembly. At the same time he kicked off the year-long celebration of America 250 leading up to next year’s Independence Day.
This past week Tennessee Tech University Leadership Summit was held for rising juniors and seniors to develop leadership strategies and make plans to strengthen their communities. Tennessee Tech University hosts the event each year to empower student voices and create collaborative problem-solving.
The cost of feeding a crowd this July 4th will be about the same as last year, when shoppers saw a record high cost. Chad Smith has the numbers.
TSU recently broke ground on their new $90 million Ag building. University officials explain what will be housed in the new facility, and how it'll change the way they teach agriculture.
The American Farm Bureau Federation’s 2026 Convention will feature a familiar name to college football fans.
Each year, Tennessee Farm Bureau’s Ag in the Classroom program hosts Teacher Tours across the state to show teachers the opportunities of incorporating agriculture into their classrooms. Today we’re featuring the Teacher Tour held in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
The wet weather we've experienced in May and the early part of June has put farmers behind on wheat harvest and planting. With dryer weather forecasted for the rest of this week, farmers are hitting the fields hard to try and get caught up.
Being mindful of folks who are in need of food is no doubt an important calling. That's why for the past decade or more Shooting Hunger has been an effort to fight hunger in Tennessee.
American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall recently spent time meeting with key officials for one of the U.S.’s top potential trading partners.
Around 30 incoming high school seniors are spending their summer at UT Martin as a part of the Tennessee Governor's School for Agriculture Science. Some participants describe what the summer has been like & why studying agriculture is so important to them.
Current Tennessee 4-H council members are wrapping up their final weeks in their positions traveling across the state and visiting with and thanking key sponsors of the 4-H program. They explain what it's meant to serve the organization they have grown up in and that has shaped them into who they are today.
The Southern Association of Departments of Agriculture or, SASDA, is in Tennessee this week for their annual conference. SASDA is made up of 14 different state departments of agriculture including Tennessee. Tennessee Commissioner of Agriculture, Dr. Charlie Hatcher, explains why it's important for SASDA to meet and how proud he is to host it in his home state this year.
Several farmers and ranchers are voicing their concerns about farm labor with their elected officials. Chad Smith has a firsthand account from Capitol Hill.
A small group of Tennessee young farmers joined hundreds of others from across the nation this week in Washington D.C. as part of the American Farm Bureau’s biannual Advocacy Fly-In.
Fruits of the Backyard — a fun field day for anyone wanting to grow berries, whether it’s on your front porch or in a raised garden bed. Middle Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center hosts the event each year to promote agriculture in urban areas and teach people how to grow fruits with limited land and resources.
Stephen Vaden, Tennessee native, former USDA general counsel and judge on the Court of International Trade has been confirmed by the U.S. Senate as the Deputy Secretary of Agriculture at USDA.
Tennessee Farm Bureau is dedicated to connecting people with the story of agriculture, not just on the farm, but in the classroom too. Through its Ag in the Classroom program, the organization equips educators with tools to help students understand where their food, fiber, and fuel come from.
Its hard work but it’s been worth while for John Harrison and his family at Sweetwater Valley Farm in Philadelphia, Tennessee.
In Tennessee, there’s a strong sense of partnership among the agricultural community that helps strengthen our overall ag economy, especially in tough times. And recently the Tennessee Farm Bureau hosted representatives from the various commodity organizations, University of Tennessee, the department of agriculture and others to review the most recent legislative session and other issues facing the ag industry.
There aren't many dairy farms left in Tennessee but one of the more unique ones still around is Cleburn Jersey Farm in Spring Hill, Tennessee. Laura Purtle is the sixth generation on the farm and takes pride in continuing the legacy her ancestors have passed down for decades. They have the oldest continuing milking jersey herd in the Nation. Laura explains what it means to her to carry on the legacy of their dairy farm and how they've expanded to keep it all going.
The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture has announced that Dr. Justin Rhinehart will serve as the new dean of the extension service.
This May will gop down as one of the wettest in recent memory. All the rain has delayed farmers from getting in the hay fields for their first cutting. The first few days of June have been dry and allowed farmers to finally get out and start cutting hay.
June is dairy month and while the number of milk cow dairies is now hovering around only 100, its still an important part of our overall ag economy in Tennessee. And without question, an important part of our diet.
For years now, the University of Tennessee has been offering classes and programs to help and assist our farmers to produce better crops and livestock. And now they are launching their latest, the Tennessee Master Forage Program.
For more than nine decades, the Tennessee Walking Horse has continued to provide an experience as many would say like no other. It was in the Spring of 1935 when a group of owners and admirers of what were known as plantation walking horses, got together and formed what is known today as the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders and Exhibitors Association.
Poultry is Tennessee's top agricultural commodity that employs thousands and supports communities across the state. David Wilds of Morristown, Tennessee, the regional vice president at Koch Foods and president of the Tennessee Poultry Association, shares more about the industry and the importance of associations like the Tennessee Poultry Association.
Pam Stoutt of Knox County was recently awarded the Friend of FACCT award for her many hours spent reading to kids during Ag literacy week. She explains what it meant to receive the award and why she's so passionate about teaching kids about agriculture.
On this Memorial Day we pause to remember and honor those who died defending our freedom. Rory Williams is a retired Army Veteran who now farms in Marshall County. He explains why Memorial Day is so important and how he remembers his fellow servicemen who died in the line of duty.
This weekend is the unofficial start to summer and many of you will probably be firing up the grill over the three-day weekend. Rod Bain has some food safety tips for you and your family as you enjoy grilling some delicious meat.
For more than a decade, the Tennessee Poultry Association has been hosting golf tournaments and a sporting clay shoot to raise money for scholarships to send students to college for the future of the poultry industry. And as executive director Tracy Rafferty said, TPA has raised more than $300,000, giving roughly $45,000 out each year.
USDA issued a series of proposals intended to support small farms. Chad Smith has an overview.
Poultry growers from across the south recently gathered for the southern states poultry policy discussion. The meeting was put on by the American Farm Bureau and intended to help unite poultry growers as one united voce for their industry.
Farmers and ranchers took center stage as the new administration learns more about the labor shortage impacting U.S. agriculture. Chad Smith has more.
For several years now thousands of Tennesseans have been participating in leadership programs offered through our various counties. Its actually estimated that there are now somewhere around 88 of our 95 counties that have various leadership programs and there's always a connection to agriculture.
Lots of concern across the south over the New World Screwworm. While the parasitic fly was eradicated in the united states decades ago, recent detections in Mexico have prompted imports of live cattle, horses or bison suspended along the Mexican border and the Tennessee State Veterinarian has issued an alert for all livestock and pet owners to be aware of the dangers of the serious threat of this invasive pest.
For Randy Massey of East Tennessee, he's always gotten into a business where there's high demand and that's what led him to the Akaushi breed of cattle in 2017.
A waiver from the Environmental Protection Agency is good news for E15 fuel availability. Chad Smith has more what this means for consumers and farmers.
Dr. Paul Plummer came back home to Tennessee last year. The Sevier county native was named the 6th dean of the University of Tennessee's College of Veterinary Medicine last April. He was a graduate of the program in 2000 and he has spent much of his career at Iowa State University. But now he’s back on the family farm and leading the vet college to further improve the school’s nationally recognized program.
This Mother's Day we salute all the moms out there pulling all the long hours and days to raise their children. Valerie Teal of Coffee County is raising her three kids on their family farm alongside her husband. She shares the ups and downs of motherhood and why it's the job she most loves.
Shooting Hunger is celebrating helping feed hungry Tennesseans for 10 years! The first shooting hunger event of 2025 recently took place in Maryville, TN. Participants talk about the fun event & why it's so important that is continues.
Soil Conservation Districts have an important role in agriculture. In large part they help landowners with the installation of conservation practices, to prevent soil erosion, and improve Tennessee's water quality. Janet Dowlen works for the Cumberland County Soil Conservation District, and explains why she's so passionate about what she does.
Giles County’s Mike Mayfield has been named state executive director for the Tennessee Farm Service Agency. The announcement came from USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins as Mayfield had served as the county executive director for 34 years before serving as state director under President Trump's first administration.
The Tennessee Small Businessperson of the year is Ben Neale of Maury County. Ben has a meat processing plant in Lynnville, TN, and a butcher shop in Spring Hill, in addition to running a beef cattle farm. Ben describes what drives him to grow his businesses & the purpose behind them.
Southern Farm Bureau presidents and administrators join together each year for their annual conference and rotate as to which state they meet in. This week the group met in Knoxville and took a day to learn more about Tennessee agriculture as they toured part of the ag campus at the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture and the Vet College as well as other area farming operations.
Mental health is something we all struggle with from time to time, especially if you're a farmer. The stresses of farming can easily get to you if you're not careful. Tennessee YF&R State Chair Lee Bagwell is working to break the stigma on mental health, and make it more common to talk to friends and family when you're struggling.
The dry weather has allowed farmers to get back out in the field and begin planting again. George McDonald with Catesa Farms talks about what this planting season has been like, and the challenges inflation and a slow farm economy has had.
Emmy Armstrong of Greene County recently graduated from the spring session of Women’s Communications Boot Camp hosted by the American Farm Bureau Federation. Armstrong escribes what she learned from the four day training, and why she believes she's a better advocate for agriculture now.
Ariana Mota Carrillo was recently selected to be the 2025-2026 Tennessee State FFA Reporter & Sarah Marshall was selected as the new state Sentinel. Both ladies describe what is means to be selected and what they hope to accomplish in their year of service.
Memphis native and former NFL 1st round pick Michael Oher is now retired from playing professional football and now raising his family in Middle Tennessee and working to help disadvantage kids through his Oher Foundation. He shared part of his story earlier this year to young farmers at the Tennessee Young Leaders Conference in Franklin.
Its no secret prices farmers are getting for their cattle are at all time highs. Josh Woodard is the general manager at the Columbia Livestock Center where the weekly sales are managed by United Producers Incorporated. And this week they held their annual customer appreciation day along with a special Hereford sale.
Tennessee state lawmakers wrapped up business this week on the first half of the 114th Tennessee General Assembly this week. Tennessee Farm Bureau's Shelby Vannoy discusses how Farm Bureau's priority issues faired this session.
Everyday is earth day on the farm. Matt Griggs is a row crop farmer in Madison & Crockett County. He discusses why he's such a proponent of using cover crops, and how he's seen first hand how growing them has benefited his farm.
The newest offering from Feeding Minds Press focuses on growing a summer favorite. Chad Smith has details.
The Tennessee General Assembly has approved the state’s budget for the coming fiscal year which begins July 1st. It totals some $59.8 billion dollars and included in that total is several million dollars earmarked for Tennessee agriculture.
South West Greene High School Senior, Reece Ottinger, recently completed a year long project of building a livestock showing barn for her FFA chapter. Ottinger explains what it was like undertaking such a big project & how happy she is to see it complete.
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is set to expire at the end of this year, eliminating many beneficial provisions for farmers and ranchers. Chad Smith has details.
Clean up from the massive flooding along the Obion River in West Tennessee is still underway. One row crop farmer is working to remove lots of sand that was dumped in about 100 acres of land he intended to plant row crops in this year.
Springtime weather is always unpredictable. Today its one of those postcard days you dream about, but less than two weeks ago, it was a nightmare for many in West Tennessee.
Stacey and Paul Sharp recently added a tulip farm to Stacey's family farm in Putnam County. They share about their hard work in putting this together, and how they hope Little Creek Flowers keeps the family farm alive for another generation.
When it comes to connecting our kids to our most important industry in Tennessee, that comes down a lot on the some 400 agriculture teachers across the state.
Obion County native Stephen Vaden testified Tuesday in front of the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, & Forestry Committee in his first nominating hearing. Vaden is President Trump's pick to be the new U.S. Deputy Secretary of Agriculture. Vaden is expected to be confirmed in May.
West Tennessee experienced massive amounts of rain followed by flooding last week and over the weekend. Some of the folks impacted by the flooding describe what conditions on the ground are like, and how they're dealing with yet another round of flooding after just recovering from flooding in February.
From severe flooding in Middle and West Tennessee, to now the threat of a late freeze, shows the continued power of mother nature.
As expected, President Donald Trump announced reciprocal tariffs on multiple trading partners. Chad Smith has more on how tariffs will impact agriculture.
Folks in West Tennessee are preparing for flooding as some areas are forecasted to get 10 to 15 inches of rain by the end of the week. West Tennessee River Basin Director David Blackwood explains what's being done to prepare for the potential flooding.
Planting season has officially began in the volunteer state, as farmers have begun putting seed in the ground. A report from USDA suggests that farmers across the country will be planting more corn compared to last year. It appears farmers here in Tennessee will follow that trend too.
Casen Austin of the Macon County FFA Chapter was recently selected as the new Tennessee FFA State Vice President & Abigail Whicker of the Middle Tennessee Ag Academy Chapter is the new state Secretary. Each describe what it was like hearing their name be called as new state officers and what they hope to accomplish in their year of service.
Alethea Dunn of the Stewarts Creek FFA Chapter is the 2025 Tennessee FFA State Star in Agriscience. She was announced as the winner at the 97th annual Tennessee FFA Convention. Dunn explains what it means to win this award and describes her SAE on researching hypotonic produce.
During the 97 Tennessee FFA convention, the Woodbury Chapter at Cannon County High School received many awards for competitions the students were involved in. And one of the highest and perhaps most coveted individual award is the Star Farmer and that went to senior Eli Pelham.
The 97th Annual Tennessee FFA Convention wrapped up in Gatlinburg Wednesday by selected eight new state officers. New State President Weston Brown describes what it means to be selected, and what he hopes to accomplish in his year of service.
National FFA President Thaddeus Bergschneider is in Gatlinburg this week for the 97th annual Tennessee FFA Convention. Bergschneider says Tennessee has something special and is doing a lot right in training up the next generation of agriculture.
Emma Grace Meadows of the North Green FFA Chapter is the 2025 State Star Greenhand. She was announced as the State Star Greenhand at the FFA Convention taking place in Gatlinburg this week. Meadows explains what it means to her to win this high honor, and talks about her love for agriculture and FFA.
Around seven thousand Tennessee FFA students are in Gatlinburg this week for the annual Tennessee FFA Convention. Tennessee FFA State President, T. Wayne Williams, explains what we can expect over the next three days.
This week at the state capitol, Greg Whitehead, the Special Agent in charge of Tennessee's Ag Crime Unit, gave a presentation to the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee on the response he and several of his officers provided to the ag community in Northeast Tennessee in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.
The first ever, state-wide Tennessee Ag and Forestry Leadership program has begun for 19 individuals across the state.
In correlation with National Ag Day, the annual Ag Day On The Hill took place at the capitol in Nashville. Lawmakers got to interact with farmers and some of the livestock they brought to celebrate our states number one industry.
It's been about two weeks since USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins announced a plan to combat highly pathogenic avian influenza and bring egg prices down at the grocery store. Already consumers are seeing a little relief, but prices still remain at record highs.
Farmers and ranchers received welcome news from the Environmental Protection Agency this week. Chad Smith has more.
The Farmland Conservation Act passed in the Tennessee State Senate. The next hurdle for the bill will be passing in the State House. Governor Bill Lee and Lawmakers who support the bill discuss why this bill is so important for preserving agriculture as Tennessee's number one industry.
This week farm bureau leaders from across the state have been on capitol hill in Nashville visiting with their lawmakers to make sure their voice is heard when it comes to legislation affecting the agricultural industry.
The 78th Annual Tennessee 4-H Congress wrapped up by electing three new officers. The new officers are Kaylin Osterhouse – Speaker of the Senate, Harrison Crenshaw – Governor, Mehak Patel – Speaker of the House of Representatives. The new officers explain what it means to them to be elected to their positions and what they hope to accomplish in their year of service.
Callie Robinson of Franklin County and a junior at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville has just been named the American Farm Bureau's National Collegiate Discussion Meet winner.
Gov. Bill Lee took time recently to visit with Woolfolk Farms in Madison County to help promote legislation he's proposing with his Farmland Conservation Act.
All eyes remain on trade as President Trump continues to talk about and impose reciprocal tariffs on nations we trade with. Farmers are uneasy with the talk of tariffs, but NASDA CEO, Ted McKinney, is advising everyone to remain patient.
Marlene Eick is the Senior Director of Leadership Development for the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation. She recently spoke at the Tennessee Young Leaders Conference sharing with young people there the importance of making connections and forming new relationships.
A lot of talk among farmers and in Washington on international trade and tariffs. And there’s concern among many in agriculture about the impacts for U.S. farmers, especially those that raise cotton and soybeans.
Row crop farmers attending the 73rd annual Mid-South Farm & Gin Show in Memphis has a bleak outlook on the upcoming growing season. With input costs remaining high and commodity prices low, growers are preparing for a tough year for the second time in a row. There is some hope though, as USDA Secretary brooke Rollins recently announced plans for farmers being able to begin applying for money from the $10 billion passed in relief aid at the end of 2024.
Another year means another class of West Tennessee Ag Star leadership participants - a program for agricultural leaders in West Tennessee who go through this program to better communicate and lead the industry.
USDA recently announced a $1 billion dollar plan to combat bird flu and lower the price of eggs. Tennessee farmers with laying hens explain the steps they're taking to keep bird flu out of their flock & USDA Chief of Staff, Kailee Tkacz Buller, details the billion dollar plan get rid of it.
Tennessee's 7th District Congressman Dr. Mark Green was recently recognized once again as a Friend of Farm Bureau for his voting record during the 118th Congress.
Paul Binkley had a successful 45 year career with the Tennessee Farmers Cooperative. he was recently honored for his years of service to the co-op system at the Tennessee Council of Cooperatives Young Leaders Conference.
Young adults from across Tennessee recently gathered in Franklin for the Tennessee Council of Cooperatives Young Leaders Conference. The conference featured speakers to help inform and educate attendees on how to be vocal leaders in their communities.
Brooke Rollins has officially become the next Secretary of Agriculture, with plenty to do already.
The 44th annual Tennessee FFA Legislative Breakfast was held yesterday at the capitol, as the state officers have been traveling on their Good Will tour as part of National FFA week.
Celebrating National FFA Week across Tennessee as the state officers have been on their annual Goodwill Tour sharing the incredible success of this important youth organization.
The 114th Tennessee General Assembly is off and running at our state’s capitol as lawmakers discuss and debate issues that could become law. And they do that through the committee process and this session finds Shane Reeves of Murfreesboro chairing the Senate’s Energy, Agriculture and Natural Resources committee.
Over the weekend, areas in Obion and Gibson counties and beyond were hit with a lot of rainfall on areas already saturated from previous rains causing the Obion River and tributaries to spill out of their banks and flood a wide area of mostly rural farmland.
Those blue jackets are celebrating this week during National FFA Week. Members of the state officer team will be traveling the state on their Goodwill Tour, visiting with FFA members, supporters and sponsors.
Gov. Bill Lee’s proposed budget for this next year includes $92 million dollars that would help revitalize and equip six youth education camps across the state.
Planting season is just around the corner and cotton growers are already preparing. Many cotton farmers gathered at the West Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center earlier this week for the annual Cotton Focus meeting. Experts gave an outlook on what the upcoming growing season might look like from a price standpoint, and gave an outline of ways to cut down on input expenses.
Gov. Bill Lee in his state of the state address this week reiterated his desire for the Tennessee General Assembly to approve a farmland conservation act to help fight the loss of productive farmland across the state.
More than 250 FFA and 4-H kids recently attended UT Ag Night. The students got to tour Neyland Stadium, listen to a career panel on potential careers in agriculture, and attend the UT men's basketball game against Missouri.
For more than 30 years UT Extension has put on the West Tennessee Grain Conference in Dyersburg. This years meeting was focused on the upcoming growing season and improving farmers financial situations.
4-H and FFA students got the chance to attend Preds Ag night. Students got to tour Bridgestone Arena, listen to a career panel on potential jobs in agriculture, and attend a Preds game.
Gary Dering of Fayette County is the new President of the Tennessee Cattlemen's Association. Dering talks about what it means to be elected as TCA President and what he hopes to accomplish in their two year term.
U.S. Congressman GT Thompson of Pennsylvania is back leading the U.S. House Agriculture Committee as Chairman. Thompson was recently at the American Farm Bureau Convention in San Antonio, Texas and his message to farmers was that he's committed to passing a Farm Bill soon.
State lawmakers passed legislation during Governor Bill Lee's special called session that will send more than $400 million to upper East Tennessee to help areas impacted by hurricane Helene last fall. State Representative Jeremy Faison explains what the money will specifically go towards and offers a message of hope to his community as they continue to recover from the devastation left behind.
Aaron Loy of Jefferson County competed in the American Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers Discussion Meet. Loy advanced to the sweet 16 round. He discusses what it means to him to represent Tennessee on the National stage, and what he learned competing.
Delegates at the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 2025 Convention set policy priorities for the upcoming year. Chad Smith has more on what was discussed.
Tennessee farmers participated in the American Farm Bureau business session to wrap up the AFBF convention in San Antonio, Texas. A couple of Tennesseans who participated explain what it was like being a voting delegate and why it's so important.
Tracy Robinson of Franklin County finished third nationally in the American Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers Achievement Award. Also, Tennessee Farm Bureau brought home the AFBF pinnacle award, which is the highest honor given to state farm bureau's for excellence in programs and membership.
The American Farm Bureau COnvention is well underway in San Antonio, Texas. Farmers from across the country are there uniting as one voice and to set 2025 policy.
A group of Tennessee Farmers traveled to South Texas to tour the southern border and hear from border patrol agents about the ongoing challenges they face down there.
Tennessee’s multi-million dollar cattle industry has been a bright spot in the ag economy of late, and this weekend the Tennessee Cattlemen’s Association is holding their 40th Annual Convention and Trade Show in Murfreesboro.
Farmers and consumers alike should stay tuned to upcoming cattle reports to see what’s on the horizon in terms of price. Chad Smith has more.
The coldest air of the season is perhaps tougher on you and me than it is on livestock. For some reason, cattle in particular, seem to do ok in these sub-freezing days. But ensuring they have access to feed and water is the job for producers all around the state.
To say the rest is history of Ruth Henderson McQueen would be quite the understatement. From her time as a 5th grader to an almost three-decade career in UT Extension, there is no doubt 4-H and the land-grant system has made a positive impact on McQueen’s life.
Tennessee State lawmakers are working to pass a constitutional amendment that would prohibit the state from enacting a state property tax in the future. State Senator Ferrell Haile details what they're hoping to accomplish towards making the constitutional amendment a reality this legislative session.
The 114th Tennessee General Assembly Gaveled in for the first time Tuesday. Lawmkaers in the house and senate explain what's ahead in this legislative session.
In its recently published annual economic report to the governor from the University of Tennessee, co-author Dr. Andrew Muhammad says Tennessee's ag and forestry industry saw more declining numbers last year and unfortunately, the outlook isn’t bright for 2025.
Most of the state dealt with snow left behind from the massive system that passed through last Friday. While most stayed indoors and off the roads, farmers didn't have that luxury.
Christina Slater is a business consultant for the Tennessee Department of Agriculture. One of her main roles is traveling around the world and marketing Tennessee products in other countries. She explains more about what she does and why it's important for Tennessee farmers.
The new executive director of Tennessee Corn has been announced, Amy Brundige McNeil takes over for their retiring Carol Reed.
Tennessee Ag Industry Partners gathered for their annual meeting in Lebanon. They discussed the latest issues in the ag industry and ways to address them.
A slight uptick in H-2A usage for fiscal year 2024 shows that farmers and ranchers must still rely on seasonal workers. Chad Smith has more on the numbers.
With a tough farm economy, advocating for agriculture is s important as ever. Tennessee Farm Bureau President Eric Mayberry explains how the Farm Bureau policy process is designed to help guide the policy discussion to help farmers have a united voice to move their industry forward.
Tennessee Farm Bureau Field Service Director Eddie Clark is calling it career after 37 years on the job. Clark has served as Field Director first for Middle Tennessee counties and then counties in the upper cumberland. Clark explains what working for Farm Bureau for more than three decades hs meant to him and details the fond memories he'll take with him in retirement.
New leaders on the Congressional Ag Committees and in the White House mean new opportunities for advocacy. Chad Smith has more.
Joseph and Meredith Redman of Washington County were recently named this year’s Tennessee Young Farmers & Ranchers Excellence in Agriculture winners. The results were announced at the annual fall educational tour, and the couple was extremely proud to take home the win.
Weakley County's Linda Fowler has grown up in agriculture and she continues advocating for the industry in her new role on the Tennessee Farm Bureau Women's Leadership Committee.
The year will end on a high note for U.S. corn growers in a trade dispute with Mexico. Chad Smith has the details.
The Tax Cuts And Jobs Act is set to expire at the end of 2025. Farmers have benefited from this tax law and hope they get renewed in the new year.
Christmas is a day of peace, hope, and celebration. Governor Bill Lee reminds us what Christmas is truly all about.
Farmers from across the Volunteer State share how they're preparing for Christmas on the farm.
Weakly County’s Andy Holt has been named to succeed Jeff Aiken as the deputy commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Agriculture.
Washington County’s Jeff Aiken, the deputy commissioner of agriculture for the Tennessee Department of Agriculture has announced he will return to farm full time at the beginning of the new year.
The American Farm Bureau Federation led several of the nation’s farm groups in taking a stand on Congressional spending over the weekend. Chad Smith has the details.
USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service announced a new federal directive on testing raw milk for avian influenza. Chad Smith has more.
State representative Rusty Grills of Dyer County farms full time but also has the privilege of being a state lawmaker part time. He recently spoke at the Tennessee Farm Bureau 103rd annual meeting where he reassured farmers that he’s taking their voice directly to Nashville and even Washington DC.
Ag Organizations play a huge role in financially supporting Tennessee 4-H & FFA. Even with their support the need to help grow the organizations is great. That's why both organizations are asking lawmakers to find some state dollars to help expand their programs and serve more students.
Lee Bagwell of Robertson County is the new Tennessee Young Farmers and Ranchers State Chair. Bagwell was elected as State Chair by fellow young farmers and ranchers from across Tennessee. As State Chair Bagwell will lead the state YF&R Committee and sit on the Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation State Board of Directors as an ex officio member. Bagwell explains what it means to him to be elected to this position and what he hopes to accomplish in his year of service.
Voting delegates from all 95 counties have set Tennessee Farm Bureau Policy for 2025. The delegates, all made up of farmers, explain why it's important to them to take time to participate in this policy process and be a united voice of agriculture.
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee addressed farmers at the 103rd Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation Annual Meeting. Lee vowed to continue his strong support for agriculture and to push for the passage of his farmland preservation bill.
The Tennessee Farm Bureau’s 103rd annual meeting and convention is being held this week in Franklin, as hundreds of farm leaders from across the state are attending.
As the U.S. closes out fiscal year 2024 and looks toward 2025, farmers and ranchers are facing another year with an agricultural trade deficit. Chad Smith has the story.
USDA’s December Farm Income Report showed only a slight change from September’s numbers. Chad Smith has the details.
After retiring from his nearly 40 year career with UT Extension, Kevin Ferguson is the new Executive Director of the Farm Animal Care Coalition of Tennessee. Ferguson explains why he took the job and what he hopes to accomplish.
After serving five years as Tennessee Corn's first ever Executive Director, Corol Reed is retiring at the end of the year. Reed explains what it's meant to her to work for this great organization, and how she believes they're better positioned to advocate for Tennessee's corn growers.
For McMinn County’s Blan Dougherty, the tornado that destroyed his dairy farm on November 30, 2016 is still fresh in his mind, especially after seeing the devastation that was left for so many in northeast Tennessee from Hurricane Helene. That's why he wanted to help.
The holidays are here and there’s a lot of shopping to do for many of us, and hopefully, Tennesseans will take advantage of buying locally, especially for what is known as Small Business Saturday, that of course follows Black Friday.
Some of our Tennessee farmers share what some of their favorite dishes are this Thanksgiving. Some are more traditional while others are a bit different. Whatever you eat this Thanksgiving don't forget to give thanks for the farmer that helped grow and produce it.
On this episode of Tennessee Home and Farm Radio we hear from Tennessee farmers across the Volunteer State who are pausing to give thanks this Thanksgiving.
The Family Resource Center through Sumner County Schools is helping ensure kids in need get turkeys for Thanksgiving through the Mission Possible program. Program Director Cathy Graff explains what it means to be able to provide for their students in need.
Tennessee’s 8th District Congressman David Kustoff has been recognized once again for his voting record in Washington during this last session of congress with the Friend of Farm Bureau award.
As harvest winds down for soybean farmers across Tennessee, its been extremely difficult to find a profit or even break even. Drought in many areas have hurt yields, input costs continue to climb and the prices paid to farmers per bushel is down considerably.
The American Farm Bureau Federation Thanksgiving Cost Survey shows the traditional ingredients in a holiday dinner will cost a little less this year. Chad Smith has the details.
From natural disasters to high input costs and low prices for certain commodities, farmers and ranchers are seeing a lot of red on their financial ledgers. Chad Smith has more on how Congress can help.
For Tennessee farmers, it’s been a tough year, maybe not so bad for beef cattle producers, but for basically everyone else, a lot of challenges with the weather, inflation and the markets.
There are hundreds of kids in our communities that go to bed hungry each night with no food to eat. Carolyn Jarnagin of Hamblen County is trying to change that with her organization called Food on Foot, which sends food bags home with kids in need on the weekend. She explains how Food on Foot got started and why it's her mission to end childhood hunger.
Tennessee State Veterinarian, Samantha Beaty, explains why it's important to have a plan in place in case of a disease outbreak in livestock, and assures there is one in place in Tennessee.
Thankful for a really good turnout for Tracy and Katie Robinson's tractor presentation at their farm in Franklin County in honor of them being named the Young Farmers of the Year earlier this year.
This year Grainger County FFA can finally go to Oklahoma as they will be representing the Volunteer State on the national level in land judging. The state 4-H and FFA contest was held recently at the Clyde M. York 4-H Center in Crossville.
The Herbert College of Agriculture hit record enrollment this fall. UTIA Senior Vice Chancellor Keith Carver explains how the programs success paired with great opportunity for students post graduation is driving the growth.
On this Veterans Day we honor those that have served our country in uniform to protect the freedoms that all Americans enjoy. And there’s no doubt a stronger proportion of our population that join the military came from farm or rural backgrounds.Farmer Veteran Coalition of Tennessee
Congressman John Rose of Tennessee's sixth congressional district won re-election on Tuesday night. Rose says he's ready to work with President Elect Donald Trump & a Republican controlled Senate to enact policy that will help farmers in a tough Ag economy. One of the ways he hopes to do that is by passing a Farm Bill. Rose says the fate of a new Farm Bill is uncertain post election in the lame duck session as the balance of power in the US House Of Representatives is still uncertain.
Rural voters in several key swing states helped propel Donald Trump to victory on election night. Shelby Vannoy with Tennessee Farm Bureau's Public Policy Division explains how rural voters helped shape the outcome of this election, and how this election proves rural votes matter. Plus how the balance of power will shape passage of a new farm bill, and a look at how races in the Volunteer State turned out.
Folks in northeast Tennessee still reeling and trying to recover from the remnants of Hurricane Helene that hit in late September. A team of experts from the University of Tennessee have been looking at imagery and data to come up with the impact to the ag and forestry industry to the nine impacted counties.
Election Day is here and Americans across the country are heading to the polls to cast their vote that will impact the future of our nation.
With basically the entire month of October rain free, farmers across Tennessee have made great progress on harvest of corn, soybeans and cotton.
Congressman Tim Burchett represents the second congressional district in Tennessee. He recently was awarded the Friend Of Farm Bureau Award for his support of pro agriculture legislation in Washington. Burchett explains why he's such a staunch supporter of agriculture and what it means to him to receive this award.
Quite an event for the students and community in Fentress County. The second annual Feather to Fork event was recently held at the Sawbriar hunting preserve near Allardt. This has been a dream of owner Fred Moody, a former graduate of Alvin C. York Agricultural Institute, to involve the ag program at the school and the one day pheasant and quail hunting adventure on the farm.
About a year or two ago, the Lincoln County Farm Bureau Board of Directors created a student advisory board comprised of FFA and 4-H members from across the county.
Justin Hargrove of Benton County is now the proud new owner of a Ford F250. His new truck was made possible in large part by the $35,000 he received from winning the American Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers Excellence In Agriculture Award. Hargrove explains why he picked an F250 and how thankful he is to have this great prize.
It’s been four weeks since the remnants of Hurricane Helene left its forever mark in Northeast Tennessee. Several ag industry partners came together this week to provide a meal and a listening session for those that farm in the area and were impacted.
It's late October which means it's time for the blue FFA jackets to head to Indy for National FFA Convention. This year marks the 97th occasion with more than 70,000 planning to attend.
John Harrison of Loudon County is the owner of Sweetwater Valley Farms, an impressive, large operation in Philadelphia, Tennessee where they are diversified but primarily focus on dairy.
A Newspaper reporter from France is spending some time in Alabama & Southern Tennessee studying and talking to cotton farmers. Cotton is not grown in France, so the french reporter hopes to capture the historical and family aspect of growing cotton in the US to help people back home in France understand how to crop is grown.
Damage assessment and clean up continues in Northeast Tennessee as folks there continue to grapple with the devastation left behind from massive flooding from hurricane Helene. Folks on the ground give an update on conditions in the impacted areas and how people how pulling together to help each other.
Upper North East Tennessee is trying to make sense of the devastation left behind from hurricane Helene. The more than 30 inches of rain that fell in Western North Carolina sent massive amounts of water down the Nolichicky river, flooding many areas in East Tennessee. People lost homes, bridges were knocked out, and many farmers lost a lot of crops. Despite the massive loss people are coming together to help their neighbor in need.
During the Wilson County/Tennessee State Fair two of the grand champion market hogs were purchased by Tosh Farms, they in turn donated the pigs for free processing at Potts Meats and then the meat products were donated to Cul2vate in Nashville that will be distributed to needy families.
We’re less than six weeks away from the election, but already one state house race is over. Unicoi County Farmer, Renae Jones, won the republican primary for the district 4 state house seat in the August primary, and she doesn’t have anyone running against her in the November general election. Jones explains what it means to be elected as a state lawmaker, and what she hopes to accomplish in Nashville.
Advancements in technology, genetics, and cutting-edge practices in the beef industry have allowed farmers to improve the quality of beef they produce and send around the world. All of that require hours of research. The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture held their third annual Beef and Forage Field Day at the Middle Tennessee Research and Education Center in Spring Hill where they showcased their research. Thomas Capps explains why industry leaders hope connecting producers with this research will help drive the beef industry forward.
The Environmental Protection Agency has been murky at best in outlining how farmers, builders and landowners should comply with current Waters of the U.S. regulations. Chad Smith has more on the confusion surrounding implementation.
You might not think about it as a part of agriculture, but forestry products are just as much a part of agriculture as corn, wheat, and soybeans. State Forester, Heather Slayton, reminds us that forestry is a big part of Tennessee’s economy and touches each of us daily.
For decades studying agriculture has not been an option for students at the University of Memphis. That’s about to change though with the new Institute for Agricultural and Conservation Research and Education, or ACRE as it’s being called. On this episode of Tennessee Home and Farm Radio Thomas Capps explains what the ACRE program is, and how people hope it helps bring new cutting edge technology and practices to farms across Tennessee.
This time of year, especially, you have to be on the lookout for deer crossing roadways.
Dry conditions have allowed farmers across Tennessee to get an early start on harvest this year. Those same dry conditions though have taken a toll on corn in certain parts of the state. As Thomas Capps explains, some farmers are seeing poor yields while others are seeing above average.
For more than 40 years, the American Farm Bureau Federation has asked every presidential candidate for their stance on agricultural issues. Chad Smith has more on this year’s responses.
Cover Crops are not a new thing for farmers in Tennessee, but there is still a lot we're learning about them and their benefit to soil. A grant program through Agricenter International called, Farmers For Soil Health, is working to incentivise even more farmers to grow cover crops by paying them to grow them. Katie Miesse with Agricenter International explains how the program works, and how you can learn more about it by visiting the Farmers For Soil Health website.
The Farm and Forest Families of Tennessee and the West Tennessee State Fair hosted a hamburger grill off to kick off the regional fair in Jackson.
The Nashville Sounds baseball team held Ag Night recently at First Horizon Park. Over 50 FFA members from area chapters attended to take in the ballgame but also tour the facilities and learn more about careers in agriculture from a panel of industry leaders.
More than 300 groups signed a letter encouraging Congress to pass a new farm bill this year. Chad Smith has more on the industry-wide effort.
Farmers are encouraged all the time the advocate for the Ag industry. A great way to do that is by talking to media on camera. The Tennessee Farm Bureau recently held a women's communications boot camp to help teach ladies in agriculture the best practices when being interviewed on camera.
USDA’s latest Net Farm Income Report painted a concerning picture for the farm economy. Chad Smith has more on the numbers.
The Tennessee Valley Fair kicked off with the hamburger grill off. Tv station WVLT came out on top as the winners. They describe what it means to take part in such a fun event that highlights agriculture.
Ryan McCaffery of Sevier County is the 2024 Small Farmer Of The Year. The award was given at the Tennessee State University Small Farm Expo. McCaffery runs a livestock operation on 150 acres, but their big passion on their farm is helping kids who come from crisis situations. McCaffery explains more about their farm, and what it means to be named small farmer of the year.
About 30 high school FFA students from over 20 schools are taking part this week in a first-of-its-kind Future Farmer Conference being held at Camp Clements.
Ray Starling knows the US Ag industry well. After serving as a special ag advisor to President Donald Trump, and Chief of Staff to former US Secretary of Agriculture, Sonny Perdue, Starling is now sounding the alarm on responding to critics that say our food system isn't safe. Starling says farmers are the best ones to push back against this misinformation.
Adam Thompson, a sixth generation farmer in northeast Knox county, is being sworn in to office this week as commissioner in Knox County’s 8th district.
As summer winds down, demand for beef typically falls as well. However, lower cattle supply may mean prices will remain elevated for consumers and farmers and ranchers alike.
The month of August gives members of congress the chance to visit directly with Tennesseans at home and at their businesses, including farmers.
The excitement has been building at the home of the national Celebration in Shelbyville, TN as the World Grand Champion Tennessee walking horse will be crowned on Saturday night. Celebration CEO Warren Wells says its been a great event so far, and the next 3 nights of championships promise to not disappoint.
As a Marine veteran and former insurance agent Nick Parker has seen and experienced a lot in his life. Over the last 10 years though he has experienced the most difficult of circumstances. In 2014 he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Thanks to a new product that stimulates the brain Parker is now able to function better with Parkinson’s. Just a few months after receiving the brain stimulator Parker was diagnosed with cancer. After a lot of resilience, faith, and prayer, Parker overcame cancer too, now being cancer free for a year now. He now speaks to audiences sharing his story, and encouraging them to choose faith over fear.
More than 860,000 people attended the Tennessee State Fair this year. Fair President Randall Clemons discusses what he thinks makes the fair such a draw, and why they work to keep agriculture at the heart of it all.
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency was established 75 years ago to preserve, conserve, manage, protect and enhance our fish and wildlife across the state and their habitats.
The loss of farmland is something that many Tennessee farmers are concerned about. We’re not alone, as our neighbors to the north in Kentucky are also worried about the massive amounts of farmland they’re losing. Kentucky Farm Bureau President, Eddie Melton, recently traveled down to the Volunteer State to be on a panel with his Tennessee counterpart, Eric Mayberry, about this issue.
Over the last few years consumers have moved to the idea that food is health. It’s the idea that buying and eating more fresh and healthy food leads to overall better health. Kelsey Barnes with the Farm Journal Foundation explains how this change in consumer preference gives farmers and chance to become more profitable.
The annual 4-H picnic at the State Fair raises money to send 4-H kids to camp. This year Voice Of The Vols, Bob Kesling, served as MC for the event. Kesling explains what it meant to him to serve as MC for this event, and why he says 4-H is so important to our state.
Iconic country music star Trace Adkins and many other supporters helped to raise a record of over $221,000 for Tennessee FFA at the 9th Annual Tennessee State Fair FFA Ham Breakfast.
The Tennessee State Fair kicked off with the annual Celebrity Hamburger Grill Off. TV news personalities from stations in Nashville competed against each other to see who could make the best beef dish. This year WTVF News Channel 5 won best overall for the second year in a row.
The Tennessee State Fair/Wilson County Fair is now into their 4th year together at the Wilson County Fairgrounds in Lebanon and agriculture remains the key focus for the event that runs through August 24th.
Seth Krantz is a veterinarian for Tosh Farms. He was recently selected to be a member of the National Pork Board. He explains what it means to him to be selected for the Pork Board, and what he hopes to accomplish in his three year term.
The 2025 Farmers’ Almanac is out and a lot of useful information as always, including the much-anticipated Winter outlook across the country and here in the Volunteer State.
Tennessee LT. Governor Randy McNally and State House Speaker Cameron Sexton recently attended the Tennessee Farm Bureau Presidents Conference. The two legislative leaders updated farmers on the previous legislative session, and took questions directly from farmers.
American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duval spoke at the Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation Presidents Conference. Duval encouraged the farmers there to get involved with Farm Bureau and stay engaged.
County Farm Bureau Presidents from across Tennessee gathered in Franklin for the Tennessee Farm Bureau Presidents Conference. Several explain why they say this conference is so important, and why they say it’s their favorite Farm Bureau conference.
Join Lily Steed, an 8th generation farmer and agriculture educator to discuss the importance of Agritourism and how it has been beneficial for her family’s operation, Circle S Farms in Lebanon, TN.
Learn more about the newly elected Tennessee Association of Conservation Districts president, Kirk Daniels. Tipton County native has a background in agriculture and has lots of goals for the program that has been around since the 1940s!
Tune in today to learn more about the Tennessee Council of Cooperatives annual training that was hosted by Farm Bureau last week. Rural America would not be the same without these organizations, and we are proud to spread the education and awareness of their importance.
Smith County’s George McDonald has been named the 2024 Tennessee farmer of the year and will represent the volunteer state at the sunbelt ag expo in Moultrie, Georgia in October.
Commercial airlines are moving towards using sustainable aviation fuel or SAF as it's referred to instead of tradition jet fuel. SAF is made from products like used cooking oil, and agriculture products like corn husks and grain hulls. With demand for SAF growing farmers have an opportunity to grow the materials to make it.
Tennessee’s Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti is not someone necessarily you would recognize in the agricultural industry, but recently he and some of his staff visited the Farm Bureau headquarters in Columbia to meet with the president and other leaders to learn more about the state’s most important industry.
Tennessee Young Farmers and Ranchers across the state gathered and donated school supplies to the Maury County school system to help alleviate damage from the tornado in May. Tune in today to hear from Lisa Ventura, Maury County School Superintendent and E.A. Cox Middle School Principal, Christine Potts to learn more.
Lucas and Tara Simcox of Overton County are the 2024 Environmental Stewardship award Winners. They tell what it means to win this award, and why stewardship is a way of life for them.
The Milan No Till Field Day continued for the 33rd time this year. Attendees and people involved with the fied day discuss why this event is so important and why it needs to continue for decades to come.
You might not think about it as a part of agriculture, but forestry products are just as much a part of agriculture as corn, wheat, and soybeans. State Forester, Heather Slayton, reminds us that forestry is a big part of Tennessee’s economy and touches each of us daily.
Callie Robinson of Franklin County is the 2024 Tennessee Young Farmers and Ranchers State Collegiate Discussion Meet winner. Callie tells what it means for her to win this state award.
Aaron and Mackenna Loy of Jefferson County are the second place winners of the Tennessee Young Farmers and Ranchers Achievement Award Competition. The Loy's describe what it means to them to finish second in this competition.
Tracy and Katie Robinson are the 2024 Tennessee Young Farmers of The Year. They were named winners at the Tennessee YF&R Summer Conference in Lebanon this past weekend. The Robinsons explain what it means to them to be named State Young Farmers of The year.
Young farmers from across the state gathered in lebanon over the weekend for the Tennessee Young Farmers and Ranchers Summer Conference. State Committee Chair Robert Hill explains why young farmers see such great benefit in attending this conference each year.
Most Tennessee Counties East of the Tennessee River are experiencing some level of drought. Farmers explain how the dry conditions are impacting their crops.
The 101st edition of Tennessee 4-H Roundup has been taking place this week on the campus of University of Tennessee at Martin where more than 300 of the state’s top 4-H'ers, staff and volunteers have gathered to celebrate the year’s accomplishments.
Gray Crawford takes a look at how crop prices are being impacted by how much was planted this year.
Lawmakers will consider a funding bill that could offer much-needed relief on the labor front. Chad Smith has more on what’s in the bill for farmers and ranchers.
Tune in to today's episode to learn more about the American Farm Bureau Federation's new Veteran Farmer Award of Excellence. Chad Smith explains details of this award, as well as how to apply!
The Tennessee Association of Agriculture Education Convention was recently held in Murfreesboro. Callie Robinson explains how this conference helps unite ag teachers across the state, and helps them prepare for the upcoming school year.
The hot and dry start to Summer is not what Tennessee row crop farmers were hoping for.
After 38 years with UT Extensions Farm Management Program Kevin Ferguson is retiring. Ferguson reflects on his nearly four decade career.
You might not think about it as a part of agriculture, but forestry products are just as much a part of agriculture as corn, wheat, and soybeans. State Forester, Heather Slayton, reminds us that forestry is a big part of Tennessee's economy and touches each of us daily.
July is Beef Month in Tennessee! The Tennessee Cattlemen's Association and Tennessee Beef Industry Council are encouraging everyone to celebrate by eating and promoting beef this month.
A recent Supreme Court decision gave U.S. agriculture a big win. Chad Smith has the details.
This 4th of July grills across America will be fired up for cookouts. Here are some tips to keep cookouts from being sickouts. Gary Crawford has more in hiow to keep you and your family safe.
The American Farm Bureau Federation’s 2024 summer cookout survey revealed record high prices.
Recently 74 students from 41 Tennessee counties traveled to Cookeville for Tennessee Tech’s Leadership Summit.
Hundreds of 4-H and FFA members just took part in their annual Tennessee Jr. Livestock Beef Exposition at the fairgrounds in Lebanon.
American agriculture faces a trade deficit it’s never seen before. Chad Smith has more on the factors behind the numbers.
Teachers in east Tennessee recently took part in an Ag In The Classroom workshop to learn about ways they can incorporate ag education in their classes.
This year marks the 10th year the Tennessee agriculture industry has rallied together to fight hunger with our Shooting Hunger events.
If you’ve driven around Tennessee the past few weeks, you’ve no doubt seen or gotten behind a farmer heading to the hay field.
The bi-annual Milan No-Till Field Day is coming up July 25 at the University of Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center at Milan, and research center director Blake Brown provides insight into what you can expect from this year’s event.
As today marks the first official day of summer and the longest day of the year, row crop farmer Landen Perkins of Madison County shared what he needs when it comes to weather this summer and how his crop season has gone so far.
Tennessee’s 4-H program is the largest and what many of us would say is the best in the nation. There are more than 152,000 members in our 95 counties and this week members of the state honor council are traveling across the state to meet with and thank supporters and share the incredible success story of this important youth organization.
Sumner County Farm Bureau is the latest to host a BARN event. Their event was in support of Senator Ferrell Haile. Sumner County Farm Bureau President Chuck Groves explains why they feel these events are important.
Overreach by the Environmental Protection Agency when it comes to vehicle emissions standards have led a few groups to sue EPA.
As the 2024 Agricultural Science Governors School comes to and end, rising 11th & 12th graders who participated in the moth long program explains how the experience has been life changing for them.
Both sides of Senate Ag Committee leadership have now shared their visions for the next farm bill. Chad Smith has more on the legislation’s progress.
Each year the Beef Improvement Federation Symposium is held to bring beef producers from across the country together to talk about improving cattle genetics. This year the national event is in Knoxville. Troy Rowan with University of Tennessee explains how this meeting has helped improve beef quality, and profitability for farmers.
County Farm Bureau’s across Tennessee continue to hold BARN events to support political candidates that are pro agriculture. In a joint effort Unicoi and Cart County Farm Bureau’s held the first ever BARN event in East Tennessee.
AM Radio plays an important part in the lives of rural Americans. Chad Smith has more on the effort to keep AM radios in U.S. automobiles.
Its no secret that farmers make up less than 2 percent of our population, but they are vitally important to all Tennesseans everyday for the work they do in providing food security. And that’s part of the reason why members of county Farm Bureaus are holding BARN events for lawmakers. The BARN acronym is Backing Agriculturally Responsible Neighbors.
Its June and that means an even more concerted effort to promote the dairy industry and yesterday around 100 supporters gathered for the Tennessee national dairy month kick-off luncheon at Battle Mountain Farm in Williamson County.
It seems Eric Snodgrass has job security as it relates to the weather. That’s what he does everyday as the senior science fellow for Nutrien Ag Solutions. He shares his Summer outlook.
Warm weather means ticks are back in full force. Gary Crawford has some tips to keep you and your family safe from tick borne illnesses as you head outdoors this summer.
June is Dairy month, and all month long we highlight the dairy industry and the impact it has on our state. On this episode, local dairy farmer, Laura Purtle joins us to talk about challenges within the industry and how her family's historic Jersey operation has survived through the years.
For more than 30 years Ag In The Classroom has helped educate kids about where their food comes from. Program Director, Chris Fleming, explains how they are continuing efforts to bring ag education into the classroom.
Most of the state is behind in planting due to large amounts of rain. Farmers explain how tough it's been trying to get a crop in the ground with the wet conditions.
Ag groups in Carter County recently held a dinner for farmers to discuss safety and mental health on the farm. Organizers wanted farmers to leave the night feeling appreciated and for them to know they are not alone.
The House Agriculture Committee held a mark-up session for the farm bill Thursday. Micheal Clements shares more on the future of the legislation.Clements: Lawmakers in the House of Representatives began the first major steps to reaching the finish line for a new farm bill. However, Joe Gilson, American Farm Bureau Federation Government Affairs Director, says the bill needs bipartisan support to move forward.Gilson: With the tight margins in the House--Republicans have a majority of five--we need the bill to be a bipartisan bill, otherwise, this will not make it to the House floor. We know that there are some Republicans who will vote against any new spending. And so, this bill, if it has a chance to make it in this Congress, needs to be done with bipartisanship, and that's what we hope to see.Clements: Gilson says history shows the farm bill has always been a bipartisan effort, bringing broad swaths of food and agriculture together.Gilson: The Farm Bill has always been done in a bipartisan basis with a coalition of nutrition, environmental and farm commodity organizations, and constituents from across the country supporting this. We need to keep that coalition together to get the bill across the finish line, and farmers and ranchers across the country need to see investments made in the farm safety net.Clements: Gilson says Farm Bureau supports the bill presented by House Agriculture Committee Chair Glenn "GT" Thompson.Gilson: His mark has some huge investments made to the farm safety net in Title I, he also has a provision in there to maintain interstate commerce for agricultural products, which deals with what California has done with Proposition 12. Chairman Thompson also has improvements to the dairy program and there's more conservation resources to help farmers protect resources they've been entrusted with.Clements: Learn more at fb.org/farmbill. Micheal Clements, Washington.
On this Memorial Day as we celebrate with family and friend it’s important to always remember those men and women that paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms.Lee Maddox: The Sacrifice for Freedom: Welcome and Hello again everyone for Tennessee Home and Farm Radio. I’m Lee MaddoxJoe Alexander: The fallen soldiers reside in American flagLee Maddox: On this Memorial Day, as we celebrate with family and friends, it’s important to always remember those men and women that paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms. And for Loudon County’s Joe Alexander Memorial Day and every day will always be time for reflection for his brothers he lost in Vietnam in 1968Joe Alexander: I went into the battle with about 40 paratroopers, and of the 40, 8 were killed in action. 13 were wounded in the ones who weren’t wounded, and including those who were, who did survive all survivors were scarred for life.Lee Maddox: Joe Alexander was a platoon leader in the third battalion of the 506 Airborne Infantry Regiment, and he himself was wounded five times. And he’s thankful that he grew up on the farm in Loudoun County and credits the values he learned there for helping him through his time in Vietnam.Joe Alexander: And those kinds of things. Were so critical in not just my life but particularly in the military service as a as a patriot in our country,Lee Maddox: Alexander says Memorial Day should always be remembered by all Americans,Joe Alexander: Beginning of the Revolutionary War that has died on our behalf so we can have a free country. We can be a sovereign country, we can govern ourselves because so many people have sacrificed their lives but I encourage everyone to take just a moment and it wouldn’t take long during Memorial Day to remember those people who gave their lives in sacrifice in service to our country.Lee Maddox: And for Tennessee Home and Farm Radio. I’m Lee Maddox
Memorial Day is often referred to as the unofficial start to summer, and grilling season. Valerie Bass with the Tennessee Beef Industry Council explains why beef is always a great option for grilling, and where you can resources to get the best results.
The new Tennessee Farm Bureau Centennial Pavilion is officially open at the Tennessee FFA's Camp Clements. Thomas Capps has more on the impact the building will have on campers.
Parts of Tennessee are seeing large numbers of cicadas. This type of cicada only comes out every 13 years and let's their presence be known by swarming tree trunks and their loud chatter. As Dr. Midula Gireesh explains though they're harmless.
It was 2018 when congress approved the last farm bill. The legislation that guides our nation’s farm policy is expected to be approved every five years, but currently because of mainly politics, we’re operating off of an extension that congress approved last year.
Lawmakers in both the House and Senate focused on the Biden administration’s trade agenda for 2024. Micheal Clements says farmers and ranchers would like to see a more aggressive approach to opening up markets to American agriculture.Clements: The Senate Finance Committee and House Ways and Means Committee held annual hearings this week regarding the president’s trade agenda. Dave Salmonsen, American Farm Bureau Federation Senior Government Affairs Director, says its an opportunity for the administration and Congress to collaborate.Salmonsen: This is a required report in which the administration lays out what their accomplishments have been and what they plan on doing in the upcoming year. And this year you had the U.S. Trade Representative, Ambassador Katherine Tai came before the committee's and laid out their ideas on trade for the year. So, it provides an opportunity for some real interaction between the administration and the Congress on trade and the trade agenda going forward.Clements: Salmonsen says there was bipartisan concern that the administration isn’t doing enough to improve trade.Salmonsen: A lot of the discussion was about the fact that this administration does not pursue the traditional trade agreements. There was a lot of discussion about the fact that ag exports aren't keeping up with the volume and dollar value of ag imports. And also, the lack of enforcement, especially in bringing trade cases with China. So, there was an awful lot of, let us say, suggestions for improvement.Clements: Salmonson says AFBF seeks more effort from the administration on trade.Salmonsen: We’re not having the growth that we were used to having, going backwards some. We’re not expanding our markets in a way that we want to. We need to diversify. More than half of our ag exports only go to five regions. We would like to sell more to a greater variety of countries, but unless we have an administration that’s really willing to get in there and negotiate trade agreements, and lower barriers that other countries have, we just really can't use that approach to grow our exports.Clements: Learn more at fb.org. Michael Clements, Washington.
Nominations are open for the 2025 Farm Dog of the Year contest. Chad Smith has more on the award that comes with cash prizes and bragging rights.Smith: The American Farm Bureau Federation’s seventh annual Farm Dog of the Year contest, co-sponsored by Nestlé Purina PetCare, celebrates farm dogs and the many ways they support farmers and ranchers. AFBF Vice President of Communications Terri Moore talks about what makes the Farm Dog of the Year contest so important.Moore: It's really that it provides a window into the world of agriculture through a shared love of pets. People who may know nothing about agriculture feel this instant connection through something they love. And let's face it, we've had some pretty amazing farm dogs. This is our seventh year now, and you can go to fb.org and look at those first six videos and I dare you not to cry.Smith: Moore says the contest celebrates the many roles dogs play on farms and ranches across the country.Moore: The best candidates are dogs that are truly useful on the farm, whether that's as a watchdog, a herder, or a helper to its master. We've had some pretty dramatic stories of dogs saving the lives of people and other animals, but it doesn't have to be that dramatic either. And it's more than just being a good work dog. It's a dog that has a special place in the family's heart. It's both a companion and a worker.Smith: Moore says the nomination process is simple.Moore: Any Farm Bureau member can nominate their dog, and if you know another farmer who has a great dog, please encourage them to enter the dog. If you're not a member yet and have a pet you want to enter, that's easy as well. You could join us right at fb.org, and that nomination form is really simple. We're so fortunate to have Purina as a sponsor, and they provide $5,000 in prize money to the winner, plus a year's worth of pet food, and then our People's Choice pup winner will get $2,500.Smith: For more information or to nominate your dog, go to fb.org/farmdog. Chad Smith, Washington.
The US House and Senate put out different versions of proposed Farm Bill's. Rod Bain has more on if either of these dueling proposals has a chance of passing before the end of the year.
Rep. Rusty Grills, Newbern, helps to secure funding for road repair to vital transportation outlet for grain farmers.
Greene County’s Reese Ottinger is on a mission to build a barn at her South Greene High School to help her ag program and achieve a Gold Award in Girl Scouts.
Some folks might not think of turfgrass or sod as part of agriculture, but it’s a really big program at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville.
Those devastating storms that crossed the state on Wednesday have had dramatic impacts to many Tennesseans with the loss of life and property. And for our farms in the path, its now a matter of assessing the damage and trying to build back.
With the Strawberry Festival coming up in Portland children’s author, Shannon Anderson, came to an elementary school and read her book called “I Like Strawberries.” The book is a fun way to introduce kids to agriculture.
Ag groups in Carter County recently held a dinner for farmers to discuss safety and mental health on the farm. Organizers wanted farmers to leave the night feeling appreciated and for them to know they are not alone.
Movement on the farm bill process took place in Washington, D.C. this week. Chad Smith has more on the progress farmers and ranchers have been waiting for.
Smith: House Agriculture Committee Chair G.T. Thompson and Senate Ag Chair Debbie Stabenow released overviews of each committee’s version of the new farm bill this week. Joe Gilson, director of government affairs for the American Farm Bureau Federation, talked about each release.Gilson: Chairman Thompson released a five-page outline of his 2024 farm bill, and he also announced a House Agriculture Committee markup date of May 23. Moving to the Senate, Chairwoman Stabenow released a section by section of her farm bill, very substantial, clocking in at 94 pages. She has not indicated a date for a markup, but we’re looking over both overviews that were sent out and trying to read through them and what it means for the farm bill.Smith: He says both documents provide valuable insight into what the next farm bill may include.Gilson: Both overviews make large investments in Title I. We also see from Chairman Thompson’s bill will include provisions to prevent states from regulating animal welfare outside of their borders. In Chairwoman Stabenow’s bill, it does make conservation programs permanent. One thing she also wants to do is impose a $700,000 adjusted gross income limit for commodity program payments.Smith: Gilson says this month will be critical in determining what’s next in the process.Gilson: The May 23 markup from the House Ag Committee, depending on how that goes, will determine what happens in this Congress in terms of the Farm Bill. If we get a solid bipartisan vote out of that committee, I think, it can move to the House floor and really put pressure on the Senate.Smith: Learn more at fb.org/farmbill. Chad Smith, Washington.
USDA’s Animal Health and Plant Inspection Service just released a new rule that could possibly decimate the Tennessee Walking Horse industry.
Groundbreaking on a new poultry research facility happened Thursday at the Middle Tennessee Research Center in Spring Hill. The facility will include four full size broiler houses, and a laboratory. The research effort is a partnership between Tyson and The University of Tennessee.
US House Agriculture Chairman, Representative Glenn Thompson, announced his version of a new Farm Bill on Wednesday, and plans to hold a committee vote on it later in May. Meanwhile in the Senate side Senator Debbie Stabenow of Michigan revealed her own version of a new Farm Bill. Rod Bain has more on how this is leaving people in the ag industry both hopeful and uncertain.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Chad Smith has more on ways to help someone struggling with their mental health in farm country.
Smith: Studies show that farmer suicide rates are several times higher than the national average. Jessica Cabrera, managing director of member engagement with the American Farm Bureau Federation, says mental health among farmers and ranchers is an important topic.Cabrera: There are just so many unpredictable experiences in farming, experiences such as natural disasters, lots of financial uncertainty, fluctuating markets, labor shortages, trade disruptions. There’s so many factors that contribute to extreme stress for farmers and ranchers. And they also often live in a very isolated setting, which can compound the issue. I think it’s really important to break the stigma around mental health challenges.Smith: If you or someone you know is struggling, the Farm State of Mind website has many resources to help.Cabrera: You’ll find a national resource directory that is searchable. You’ll find helpful tips like how to help someone in emotional pain or how to start a conversation with someone. We have videos, including video and radio public service announcements. We have a peer-to-peer support community resource called Togetherall. That resource offers a space for farm family members ages 16 and older a way to express themselves anonymously and to receive and give peer support.Smith: Cabrera says anyone can be an advocate for mental health in rural America.Cabrera: I would say the most impactful way to advocate for mental health wellness among farmers and ranchers is to let everyone know it’s okay not to be okay. Just reducing that stigma alone, encouraging those who are struggling to reach out for help and to let them know that that is a completely acceptable way to move forward. Empowering people to believe that reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not a sign of weakness.Smith: For more information, go to fb.org/farmstateofmind. Chad Smith, Washington.
For 76 years Tennessee Farm Bureau Women have been coming together for their annual Women’s Leadership Conference to strengthen their knowledge and effort in promoting agriculture. This past weekend they gathered in Lebanon and as state Women’s Chair, Brenda Baker, explains there’s a heavy emphasis on bring women of all ages to the table.
Tennessee Farm Bureau President Eric Mayberry recently spoke at the Maury County Farm City Breakfast. He addressed the growing concern of losing farmland across the state, and the reality of learning to grow more food with less land.
Graduation day is quickly approaching, and there are several positions in the ag industry that needs filled. The interim Dean of the Herbert College of Agriculture discusses their efforts to train students to fill those positions.
USDA put out a new order mandating that all dairy cattle be tested for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza before interstate movement. This comes as eight states have reported cases of dairy cattle having Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza. Rod Bain explains more about the new order.
A month after Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza was discovered in dairy cattle, the risk to humans remains low. Chad Smith tells us the impact of the illness has been minimal.
Smith: The last couple of years have seen outbreaks of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in the spring and fall as temperatures change. However, this year has seen an unusual outbreak of the virus among dairy cattle. Bernt Nelson, an economist with the American Farm Bureau Federation, provides an update.Nelson: We’ve seen some positive cases pop up in dairy cattle, and this is a developing situation. This is changing, sometimes it’s day by day, sometimes hour by hour. But what we do know so far is that milk is safe to drink. So, the positive tests in dairy cattle showed up around three weeks ago. Since then, we’re at about 30 different dairy premises showing positive cases in eight different states.Smith: Nelson says the impacts on the cattle have been minimal so far.Nelson: There have been no deaths that are attributed directly to avian influenza. There is some co-morbidity happening where it seems if the symptoms of avian influenza are accompanied by other issues. So, some comorbidity is happening. Overall, we’re seeing a 20 to 30 percent decrease in milk production as a result of a slowdown in food and water intake. Any milk from these animals is thrown out, so it’s not allowed to enter the supply chain, and animals are recovering after a couple of weeks.Smith: He wants consumers to know that milk remains safe to drink.Nelson: Number one, their milk is safe to drink. Sick cows are pulled out of the herd, so their milk is not allowed to enter the supply chain. Further, pasteurization kills both bacteria and viruses. This includes high-path avian influenza, so their milk is safe to drink.*Capps:* It’s important to note there have been no reported cases of this type of influenza in dairy cattle in Tennessee. Tennessee State Veterinarian, Dr. Samantha Beaty, issued an order limiting movement of dairy cattle coming from states where there have been positive cases which include Texas, Kansas, Michigan, and New Mexico.For Tennessee Home and Farm Radio – I’m Thomas Capps.
The University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine has announced its next dean, Dr. Paul Plummer, a graduate of the Vet school in 2000.
Farmers are the original Caretakers of planet earth. On this Earth Day that’s still the case. New data from EPA proves that Farmers work hard everyday to protect and preserve the earth.
With spring comes warmer weather, and berry picking. The first berry ready for picking in Tennessee this time of year are strawberries. As Denton Parkins of Green Acres Farm explains strawberry picking has come a bit early this year in Volunteer State.
Recently the Rutherford County Farm Bureau spearheaded an effort to get the local extension office a new tractor and implements to help provide better educational opportunities for residents.
FFA is vitally important for the future of agriculture. FFA advisors explain what drives them to teach, and why they think it’s life changing for students.
Steve Gass has been a part of FFA for more than 40 years. Last year he retired from his longtime post as Tennessee FFA State Advisor. Gass was honored for his years of service at this years Tennessee FFA Convention in Gatlinburg.
A lot more farmers are planting soybeans earlier this spring than perhaps ever. A couple of reasons include the market outlook and research suggesting stronger yields on earlier planted beans.
After weeks of discussion and lots of support in the State House, the State Senate Energy, Agriculture and Natural Resources committee opened back up the committee this week to consider the Tennessee Farmland Preservation Act.
For Henry County’s Tucker Kail its been a dream the past six years to compete in the Mule Day Auctioneers Championship, and this past week he took home the champion buckle at the 13th Annual Columbia Breakfast Rotary Club contest.
The University of Memphis Institute is a new effort to bring inter-disciplinary studies involving business, engineering and science together for research and education for students to help make significant impacts in food and agriculture innovation and sustainability.
Three months into the new year and still no new Farm Bill and concerns looming over another year extension.
West Tennessee ag leaders gathered last week at the farm shop of the Shoaf family in Gibson County to hear from Tennessee senior Senator Marsha Blackburn.
On this episode of Tennessee Home and Farm Radio, we meet the final two newly selected Tennessee State FFA Officers. They describe what it was like being chosen as officers, and what FFA has meant to them.
The new Tennessee State FFA Officers explain what it was like to be selected, and why they're excited to serve over the next year.
Orders are in place now from Tennessee's state veterinarian's office in response to the recent outbreaks of the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) confirmed in dairy cattle in at least 5 states.
Hear from the 2024 Tennessee FFA state stars in Ag Placement & Ag business on what it means to them to win this award.
No foolin, farmers are set to really get started this week planting their two main crops, corn and soybeans.
Cumberland County’s Matthew McClanahan is still riding high after his January competition at the American Farm Bureau’s Young Farmer and Rancher discussion meet where he was named the national winner and as part of the prize received $35,000 dollars towards the purchase of a new Ford vehicle.
Eight new Tennessee State Officers have been selected. New State President, T. Wayne Williams of the Woodbury FFA Chapter, talks about what it means to be selected and what he hopes to accomplish in his year of service.
Will Kemp of the Chester County FFA Chapter is the 2024 Tennessee FFA Star Farmer. Kemp explains whatbthe award means to him and why farming is so important in his life.
The 96th Annual Tennessee FFA Convention is underway in Gatlinburg. On Monday several State Star Awards were announced. Thomas Capps has the latest from Gatlinburg.
Around 4,000 FFA students from across the state are in Gatlinburg this week for the 96th Tennessee FFA Convention. Current FFA state officers explain what they're looking forward to this week, and why it means so much to them.
We’re closing out the week-long celebration of National Agriculture week, and Tennessee's 7th District congressman Mark Green says we should always be mindful of the service that our farmers and the ag industry provide for all Tennesseans and all Americans.
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission have recently proposed greenhouse gas reporting rules for farms across the country. Fortunately that rule has been paused for now, but still remains a threat for family farms. Members of the U.S. House Financial Services Committee recently came to Tennessee to hear from Tennesseans on how this rule would impact them.
To Celebrate National Ag Day farmers and lawmakers gathered at the capitol in Nashville for Ag Day on The Hill. The annual event featured live farm animals on the hill, and a friendly straw bale tossing competition between all three branches of state government.
Today is National Ag Day. People across the US are pausing to celebrate the industry that feeds us. Tennessee Farm Bureau President Eric Mayberry explains why it's important to take a day to celebrate agriculture.
It's National Ag Week. In Tennessee lawmakers understand the importance of agriculture and why it's important to protect it.
Farmers from across Tennessee advocated for pro agriculture policy at the Tennessee State Capitol in Nashville this week. They say it's well worth their time to spend a day in Nashville meeting face to face with their lawmakers.
New 4-H officers were elected at the Tennessee 4-H Congress. Jadian Keith was elected as Governor, Cali Alonso Speaker of The House, and Speaker of The Senate Summer-Grace Kelly Speaker of The Senate. All three are from Franklin County. It's the first time all three officers are from the same county.
Farmers from across Tennessee are in nashville visiting with their lawmakers. They're sharing their needs and issues that they are facing on their farms.
Clay County Native, Ella McLerran, is the 2024 AFBF Collegiate Discussion Meet winner. She won the competition at the AFBF Young Farmers and Ranchers Young Leaders Conference in Omaha, Nebraska.
Dale Woods is the new Warren County Farm Bureau President. He and his wife raise angus beef cattle on their family farm. He says he's determined to be active in his community and better tell the Ag story.
The Securities and Exchange Commission recently released its final emissions reporting rule without Scope 3 requirements. Chad Smith has more on the good news for U.S. agriculture.Smith: The SEC’s final climate disclosure rule doesn’t contain Scope 3, which would have seriously burdened U.S. farmers and ranchers. Travis Cushman, Deputy General Counsel for Litigation and Public Policy with the American Farm Bureau, says the final rule is notable for what it doesn’t include.Cushman: What it does not look like is the way the proposal was two years ago, which would have included Scope 3. Scope 3 would have required public companies to report on the greenhouse gas emission of their supply chain, meaning that farmers would potentially have to be tracking all their emissions constantly. Anytime you sell a bushel of corn, we'd have to say these are how much of seven different types of greenhouse gases were emitted for every bushel I'm selling.Smith: The final rule means Scope 3 is off the table, for now, everywhere except California.Cushman: This is a final rule. Two years ago, the Securities and Exchange Commission put out their proposal which included Scope 3, and this final rule has fully eliminated it, which we are incredibly excited and thankful for. In terms of what comes next, California recently passed a rule that would also require disclosure of Scope 3 for anyone to do business in California. We have sued California over this as well.Smith: The Scope 3 victory is a result of hard work done by both the Farm Bureau and its grassroots members across the country.Cushman: This is an example of how well Farm Bureau works when it works together. It’s advocacy. It’s grassroots. We had our members send 20,000 messages to SEC and Capitol Hill, explaining to them how this could really hurt them. All those things together helped create this result.Smith: For more information, go to fb.org. Chad Smith, Washington.
Farming is no doubt one of if not the most dangerous occupation. And safety should be on the minds of every farmer every day of the year, but especially we bring attention to it this week, during Ag Safety Awareness Program week.
After more than 38 years as a livestock grader with TDA, Mack Moss is retiring. He reflects on his more than three decades career serving producers across the state.
The weather sure has been mild for the past several weeks and there’s no doubt getting into their fields has been on the minds of row crop farmers here in Tennessee and across the midsouth.
A successful international trade mission recently to India is drawing a lot of interest in one of the Volunteer State’s most important renewable resources, timber and the products produced from our abundant forests.
A little more than 100 FFA students participated in Preds Ag night. The students who participated got listen to a panel of people with different careers in agriculture to learn about the different opportunities in the industry. After the panel they got to attend the Preds game.
Hard to believe that the 72nd annual Mid-South Farm and Gin show is upon us once again, but as the calendar turns to March, thousands will converge for the 2-day show in downtown Memphis to take in the exhibits and educational sessions.https://www.farmandginshow.com/
Bill Johnson has a rich history in Tennessee agriculture. He previously served at President and CEO of Farm Credit Mid-America, and now is a professor at the Herbert College of Agriculture at the University of Tennessee. Johnson was recently recognized by the Tennessee Council of Cooperatives for his support for co-ops and training for the next generation.Thomas CappsRecognition for dedication to cooperatives and rural Tennessee. Hello, and welcome to Tennessee Home and Farm Radio, I'm Thomas Capps.Bill JohnsonIf you want things to be better, you have to be involved. Bill JohnsonThomas CappsBill Johnson's roots in Tennessee agriculture runs deep. He recently served as president and CEO of Farm Credit Mid-America, and now he's a professor at the Herbert College of Agriculture at the University of Tennessee. He teaches business strategy there. Johnson was recently recognized by the Tennessee Council of Cooperatives at the Young Leaders Conference for his years of support of cooperatives, and to the ag industry.Bill JohnsonWhen you're recognized for something that you really love to do, and that's to help young people become leaders. It's very humbling. But if much as anything, it just draws light to what this program really means, and the support it has across all phases of the industry. And I think that's something that you know, the people they meet the experiences they have the perspective they gain from very diverse speakers is something that will make them again, better farmers and ranchers but also better citizens of Tennessee.Thomas CappsJohnson now working with young people at UT sees how critical it is to train up the next generation of agriculturalists. He sees great value in programs like the Young Leaders Conference and the Tennessee Farm Bureau, Young Farmers and Ranchers.Bill JohnsonWe think about the future of agriculture, and the future of agri businesses. Learning how to lead, understanding our role in the communities and this program not only teaches important skills for their farming operation, but it teaches them to be even better citizens. And one of the things I think Tennessee really has going for it with this program, and they make lifelong friends will be at conferences, and they'll reminisce about when they were in the Young Farmer program, and how much it meant to them and their family. And what it's done for them really in their career.Thomas CappsFor Tennessee Home and Farm Radio. I'm Thomas Capps. Thanks for listening and have a great day.
Agriculture is vulnerable to crimes everyday. The Tennessee Agriculture Crime Unit works to protect the industry from these crimes. Tennessee Ag Crime Unit, Special Agent Greg Whitehead, explains how they protect agriculture, and why it's so important.Thomas CappsAgriculture's protection against crime. Hello and welcome to Tennessee Home and Farm Radio, I'm Thomas Capps.Greg WhiteheadI believe our job is very important because like I said their industry of agriculture. It's very important one of the number one industries in the state of Tennessee.Thomas CappsIt's not something that a lot of people think about but ag related crimes happen every day. In fact, just this month alone, there have been 95 crime cases related to agriculture in Tennessee, including things like theft, livestock related and wildfires. That's where the Tennessee Ag Crime Unit comes in where agents like Greg Whitehead work every day to help protect our state's most important industry.Greg WhiteheadIt is preyed on by criminals because of the the millions of dollars involved in this industry. And there's 1000s and 1000s upon dollars there it can it happened in livestock thefts and with the price of livestock going up now and the cost of everything going up and livestock is also very expensive now and we can see as livestock prices rise. We do see more theft going on and people still in livestock there are units dedicated on tracking these things down.Thomas CappsAgriculture has an $89 billion economic impact in Tennessee, which explains why it's such a large target for crime. The Tennessee Ag crime unit has presence in all 95 counties in Tennessee and worked with neighboring states as needed. While theft and livestock related cases make up a large chunk of their response.Greg WhiteheadWhitehead says their biggest calls are for and spring and fall we have a we have a lot of wildfires. So we investigate all the wildfires in the state of Tennessee and we have we're very busy during that time of year we have also a lot of the animal calls. So we'll go out on from theft from abuse to a lot of sister running a large.Thomas CappsWorking hard to protect a billion dollar industry that every Tennessean relies on daily.Greg WhiteheadI'm glad and proud of our unit all they do to protect protect this state TennesseeThomas CappsFor Tennessee Home and Farm Radio. I'm Thomas Capps. Thanks for listening and have a great day!
Dr. Hongwei Xin recently addressed participants at the Tennessee Young Leaders Conference on the importance of Ag Research.
Tennessee FFA students wrapped up National FFA Week by meeting their lawmakers at the FFA Legislative Breakfast. Students who participated got the unique opportunity to meet their lawmaker in person and tell them what the blue jacket means to them.Thomas CappsBlue Jackets at the Capitol. Hello and welcome to Tennessee Home and Farm Radio. I'm Thomas Capps.Chloe CrumIt means a lot for us to be able to get this big opportunity and come and meet everybody that really supports us.Thomas CappsTennessee FFA students are wrapping up National FFA week by getting to know their lawmakers. The annual Tennessee FFA legislative breakfast was on Thursday, and for students like Ben Green of the Christian Community White House FFA chapter, meeting lawmakers in person is an experience I'll never forget.Ben GreenIt's been really special to be here with lawmakers and congressmen and just to hear them make their speeches and just inspire the next generation of agricultural leaders. And yeah, it's been an amazing experience.Thomas CappsChloe Crum is the president of the Clarksburg FFA chapter. She's glad to have the opportunity to share with legislators what the blue jacket means to her.Chloe CrumThe blue jacket to me means leadership is the big one and loyalty and citizenship. And it just means a lot to be able to put it on and represent everybody and take a role in society.Thomas CappsMostly state lawmakers come to the FFA breakfast, but both Congressman John rose and US Senator Bill Hagerty, were there this year. Hagerty, a former FFA member himself, sees such value and what FFA teaches our youth.Senator Bill HagertyIt really is a rewarding organization, and as I looked across the audience today, all I saw was promise serving the United States Senate right now, I can tell you, we need strong leadership coming up through the pipeline, and again, I feel so optimistic to see these young people here today.Ben GreenI just think it's really, you know, exciting to be here and just hear about just how God's working in Tennessee through the FFA, and how so many people have such good career opportunities in the future by just being in the FFA and doing this education is just going to take us really far in our lives and it's just really great to have this education as an opportunity.Chloe CrumIt's not every day you get to speak to him. So when you speak to him, you know you want to make an impact.Thomas CappsFFA students today taking their place in the ag industry where tomorrow for Tennessee Home and Farm Radio I'm Thomas Capps. Thanks for listening and have a great day.
Phillip Berry of Wayne County received his Kubota Tractor for finishing second in the Tennessee YF&R Achievement Competition. Berry gets to use the tractor for up to 250 hours. He explains what he plans on using the tractor for and what it means to him finish second in this competition.
Around 700 farmers of all kinds recently came to Franklin for the annual Pick TN Conference. The Pick Tn Conference features growers that grow agriculture products in Tennessee, and also has sessions on new trends and practices in growing food.Thomas CappsPick Tennessee product growers coming together. Hello and welcome to Tennessee Home and Farm Radio. I'm Thomas Capps.Amy TavalinIf you're a small time farmer or large farmer, there's something here at this conference for you.Thomas CappsIn it's eighth year the Pick Tennessee Conference brought 700 farmers of all kinds together in Franklin. The conference highlights pick Tennessee products which are products grown in Tennessee. It also has several sessions covering topics to help people start, grow, and evolve, growing and producing agriculture products. That's what conference Executive Director Amy Tavalin says it's all about.Amy TavalinAs agriculture and homesteading gets more popular, our mission is just to provide sustainable agriculture for Tennessee. We're trying to get young farmers in who are interested in becoming farmers. So the classes that we offer span young and old, small and large businesses.Richard BrownMelissa and Buddy Hand live in Bedford County and are just now getting into homesteading, but they hope to grow into something bigger.Melissa HandWe want to take that to the next level and become you know, for profit farmers. We love being here because we are exposed to so many different ideas. We know what we love, but we also are looking at these new things now, because we've now been exposed to those things and learn more about them here at this conference. And it's been amazing.Buddy HandFor new farmers, it's fantastic because you really don't know what you don't know. And you can take a large variety of classes from experts, you know, governmental people that are there to help you learn your county extension agents and what not, the Farm Bureau I mean just a lot of things that are assets that we never knew we had.Thomas CappsThe Pick Tennessee conference is driven to bring new people into agriculture and teach them to grow their own food, keeping that industry alive even with more urban sprawl in our state. For Tennessee Home and Farm Radio. I'm Thomas Capps.
Each year the Tennessee Farmer Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers along with the Tennessee Council of Cooperatives put on the Young Leaders Conference. The conference is focused on giving young leaders a place to come together to learn about the latest issues in agriculture to network with each other.
Its national FFA week and here in Tennessee that means for the 8-member state officer team, they’ll be traveling on their Goodwill Tour from one end of the state to the other thanking their supporters, making tours of the ag industry and visiting with fellow FFA members.
USDA’s annual Ag Outlook Forum presented the Department’s first take on major crop commodities for the coming year. Rod Bain has more on what the report says and what it means for farmers.
The Tennessee Cattlemen's Association recently held their annual meeting. Producers discussed current cattle markets & about policy that is needed to represent them at the legislature.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service released the results of the 2022 Census of Agriculture yesterday. This much-anticipated data comes only every five years.
USDA’s latest Farm Income Forecast shows lower farm income compared to last year. Chad Smith has more on the numbers.Smith: The Economic Research Service forecasts that farm income will decrease by 25 percent in 2024. Danny Munch, an economist with the American Farm Bureau Federation, discusses what the report says about the farm economy.Munch: It measures net farm income, a broad measure of farm profitability, and the latest report anticipates a decrease from 2023 numbers of $155 billion to $116 billion in 2024. That's a 40 billion [dollar] - or 25 percent drop year-over-year, and the largest recorded year-to-year dollar decrease in net farm income on record.Smith: He says there are two main drivers behind the income drop.Munch: A $21 billion expected decline in cash receipts, so what farmers are receiving price-wise for their crops and livestock, and a $17 billion increase in production expenses, reaching a record level of $455 billion spent on production expenses expected for 2024.Smith: This report emphasizes the need for the new farm bill to be finished this year.Munch: Farmers utilize many programs within the farm bill, including ARC, PLC, and Dairy Margin Coverage, as well as the risk management options to help buffer against cost increases or volatile markets and increases in production expenses. So, when we see a decrease or an expected decrease in farm income of this magnitude, it's really important that these safety nets are available to farmers to make sure that we have a secure domestic food supply.Smith: Learn more at fb.org. Chad Smith, Washington.
Tennessee 4-H and FFA students recently attended UT Ag night. The night included a career panel where students got to hear from a variety of people with different types of jobs in the ag industry. They also got to watch the UT men's basketball team take on LSU.
Super Sunday is just two days away and whether you are pulling for Kansas City or San Francisco in the big game, everyone will agree on enjoying a lot of good food. Besides thanksgiving, it’s the biggest day of the year for food consumption.
The smallest cattle herd in decades means record beef prices may be on the way to the grocery store soon. Micheal Clements shares more on what this means for farmers and ranchers.Clements: USDA’s biannual Cattle Inventory report shows the nation’s cattle herd at 87.2 million head, down roughly two percent from last year and the lowest herd size in 73 years. American Farm Bureau Federation Economist Bernt Nelson says it’s all because of recent droughts.Nelson: The combination of higher input prices and drought drove farmers and ranchers to market more cattle, and not just more cattle but more female cattle that are responsible for replacing the beef herd. Now, we're looking at a beef herd of about 28.2 million head. Amongst that we have a calf crop that is 33.6 million. Now this is down two percent, but it's the smallest calf crop since 1948. That's in 76 years.Clements: Despite the low inventory numbers, Nelson says there is still a high level of cattle on feed.Nelson: So, right now, cattle on feed supplies are strong. That means what we have in the pipeline for beef supplies is strong. And so, that should keep prices for our consumers at the grocery stores kind of stable for the time being. But as that supply begins to dry up, that's when we are going to see beef supplies start to get tighter and tighter, and this could lead to the record prices that I think are going to occur in 2024 and 2025.Clements: Nelson says that while some cattle producers will benefit from higher prices, tighter inventory doesn’t mean good news all around.Nelson: But not all farmers are going to be seeing that. When we look at guys that are trying to expand for example, they're going to have to pay higher dollars to get their hands on cattle to expand their operation. So, a little bit of a black swan event that can occur with these higher prices.Clements: Read more on the Market Intel page at fb.org. Micheal Clements, Washington.
The West Tennessee Ag Star program has been in place since 2001, helping to develop leadership skills for young agriculturist in the area.
A tax relief package passed by the House of Representatives this week now heads to the Senate for consideration. Micheal Clements shares more on what’s included for farmers and ranchers.Clements: The Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act restores tax provisions left out of the 2017 tax reform efforts. American Farm Bureau Federation Government Affairs Director Dustin Sherer says the legislation includes provisions that benefit farmers and ranchers.Sherer: The biggest of which is 100 percent expensing, or bonus depreciation, which allows you to immediately write off investments in your business when you purchase equipment or build infrastructure. It's probably one of the most pro-growth policies that we can put in the tax code and farmers lost the ability to buy new equipment under 1031 Like Kind Exchanges in the 2017 tax reform.Clements: Sherer says it’s important lawmakers make the fix now ahead of the 2025 tax cliff.Sherer: These provisions were only extended for a couple of years from 2017 when they changed, others like bonus depreciation started to phase down. And so, getting this done now, generally, you can make tax policy retroactive for a year before you get too deep in the following year's filing season. And that's what this bill does, that provision and a couple others including deductibility, and R&D expensing, retroactive to the beginning of 2023 before we get deep into this particular filing season.Clements: Sherer encourages farmers and ranchers to reach out to their Senators and urge them to pass this legislation.Sherer: Those things affect farmers’ and ranchers’ bottom lines, especially in times of high costs and thin margins. Tell them your story, and let them know that it is vital that they get this done.Clements: Learn more at fb.org. Micheal Clements, Washington.
Grain and soybean farmers in four states took advantage of the opportunity to improve their operations by attending the West Tennessee Grain and Soybean Producers Conference yesterday in Dyersburg.
John Neely of Cannon County has been involved in agriculture for most of his life. He started showing livestock when he was five, and most recently was named the 2023 National Proficiency Winner in Swine Production. Now the 20 year old Neely is venturing into the livestock business joining his father in continuing Neely Livestock.Thomas CappsA national champion turned young entrepreneur. Hello and welcome to Tennessee Home and Farmer Radio, I'm Thomas Capps.John NeelyIt's definitely gonna be tough at times, but I have a lot of fun.Thomas CappsJohn Neely of Cannon County has been around agriculture his whole life. He's shown livestock since he was five and most recently was named the FFA, 2023 National proficiency winner in swine production.John NeelyIt was pretty big honor, I never thought I would win the swine production, I mean, United States is definitely a big honor. And it was a lot I've done a lot of work over the years helping my dad.Thomas CappsNow the 20 year old is venturing into the business side of agriculture partnering with his father to continue Neely Livestock.John NeelyI ship sheep and goats and hogs and everything pretty much. I'm just now kind of starting out. I'm only moving about 600 a week or something nothing like my dad he does a lot more numbers than I do but I'm what I'm getting there.Thomas CappsNeely purchased his own sell barn in Woodbury last year. He says he's learned a lot in his first year of business.John NeelyIt's been a tough year starting now and I mean I'll be honest. I won't say it's been easy. It has been tough, you know, breakdowns, stuff, you know, stuff getting sick from the weather, the weather has been pretty weird this fall. Definitely just trying to keep up with everything and keeping everything in line and trying to get the sale barn that I purchased back in August back together that's been a sort of a huge challenge, just trying to manage all that.Thomas CappsFrom showing livestock and as you've been winning national awards in FFA, and now going into the livestock business nearly is firmly rooted in the agriculture industry.John NeelyI mean, I'm trying to be the next generation in swine production and buying and selling and keeping packers happy and supplied because there's not a lot of people in it anymore there's not many small packing houses anymore, and it's kind of sad to see but I mean, you know, if you can keep pushing it, you know, maybe other people will get involved.Don't be afraid to take a chance because it can pay off and it may not pay off but I'm working on it. I kind of stepped off in it and took a chance and it's been alright so far.Thomas CappsFor Tennessee Home and Farm Radio, I'm Thomas Capps. Thanks for listening, and have a great day.
Protecting US agriculture from foreign diseases and products is very important. A group of about 120 beagles across the country is the first line of defense from these types of dangers to agriculture. Thomas Capps has more.Thomas CappsMan's best friend protecting US agriculture. Hello and welcome to Tennessee Home and Farm Radio, I'm Thomas Capps.Officer TorresSafeguarding America's agriculture is a top priority for us.Thomas CappsWe say it often but food security truly is national security. That's why protecting our nation's agriculture industry from foreign diseases and certain products is so important. That's where some four legged friends come in, bagels to be exact.Officer TorresWe constantly are searching for prohibited items, usually pork, you know, meat, plant vegetables, seeds that come from foreign countries.Thomas CappsThat's Officer Torres who's an ag specialist canine handler with US Customs and Border Protection. She's assigned to a beagle named Mocks. Officer Torres and Mocks greet people as they enter the US through airports and Mocks goes to work.Officer TorresThey're trained for five different odors. That's the basics that they know which is Apple, citrus, mango, beef and pork and then the rest of the odors, the handler has to teach them.Thomas CappsThey're called the Beagle Brigade and each dog is considered a federal agent. Officer Bateman is also a canine handler. His partner is a beagle named biscuit.Officer BatemanWe find something everyday or half the time people just forget or they don't realize the importance but sometimes people will literally try to smuggle in food. They feel like they have to bring it to family or the family member requested it and they'll try to get it in any way they can.Thomas CappsSome might think bringing these things into the country is no big deal. But as Officer Bateman explains, it's a huge deal.Officer BatemanAs far as animal products like pork, beef, poultry, depending on the country they're coming from it could have diseases, viral bacterial diseases, fruits and vegetables. It can have either plant diseases or pest or whatever like Mediterranean fruit, fly, Caprivi, Ling grains, whatever. And if that came into our country, it could wreck our agricultural systemThomas CappsProtecting our nation's most important industry, one sniff and tail wag at a time.Officer BatemanThey can smell things we can't smell or see. Our job is made a lot easier with the dog.Thomas CappsFor Tennessee home and Farm Radio. I'm Thomas Capps.
Policy for the American Farm Bureau is now set for 2024. Out of the 346 voting delegates that participated, 35 of them were from Tennessee. A few of the voting delegates from Tennessee explain why participating in this means so much to them.Thomas CappsHaving a voice on the national stage. Hello and Welcome to Tennessee Home and Farm Radio. I'm Thomas Capps.Eric MayberryWe're in the work of the Farm Bureau now setting policy for the coming year.Thomas CappsAmerican Farm Bureau policy for 2024 is now set. 346 voting delegates discussed and voted to adopt the policy that AFBF will now take to Washington to represent farmers in all 50 states and Puerto Rico. 35 of those voting delegates are from Tennessee. As the largest State Farm Bureau in the nation, Tennessee Farm Bureau President Eric Mayberry says it's important Tennessee participates in this process.Eric MayberryThere are always several issues that we need to talk about. We fine tune the National Farm Policy, nothing huge there. But we always want to take the opportunity to look at that policy over and make sure it is up to date and ready to go for the coming year.Thomas CappsIt's Tracy Hendrix of Decatur county's first time as a voting delegate.Tracy HendrixThis is mind blowing to me the the number of people that come together to do this. The things that we're voting on is what the AFBF is going to Washington to to play our case. And this Farm Bureau is the true voice of agriculture. David RichardsonThomas CappsDavid Richardson of Loudoun County has participated multiple times but still is amazed to see the process work. It's extremelyDavid RichesinIt's extremely special to me I care about Farm Bureau care about agriculture, it's my life's passion in this isn't an avenue at the voting delegate meeting that we have the opportunity to speak up and help set policy for the future for agriculture and for Farm Bureau.Mike ScudderIt's the meat and potatoes part of the convention. This is where the resolutions get passed, set our policy for our national organization, you know and and it trickles down to the States because we we our policy has to match theirs and sometimes there's heated discussions. But the great thing about farm bureau is even though we disagree sometimes we always walk out as friends and always on the same page.Thomas CappsFor Tennessee home and Farm Radio, I'm Thomas Capps.
Valerie Teal of Coffee County was recently elected by her peers to serve as the district III representative on the Tennessee Farm Bureau Women's Leadership Committee.
For awhile now, it seems all eyes in agriculture have been focused on the new farm bill, and although American Farm Bureau Chief Economist Roger Cryan says the extension Congress passed in December was a relief, it still needs to happen soon.
During the 105th American Farm Bureau Convention, a group of agriculture organizations announced Togetherall, an online peer support community for agriculture.
The 2024 American Farm Bureau Convention has come to an end in Salt Lake City Utah. Voting delegates representing all 50 states and Puerto Rico voted to adopt AFBF policy for 2024 on Tuesday. AFBF President Zippy Duvak explains why forming policy is so important.
Two young farmers from Tennessee are bringing home national titles from the American Farm Bureau Convention in Salt Lake City Utah. Matthew McClanahan of Cumberland County finished first in the AFBF YF&R Discussion Meet. Justin Hargrove of Benton County finished first in the Excellence in Agriculture competition. Both share what it means to them to win these competitions and represent Tennessee on the national stage.
More than 4,500 farmers and ranchers from across the country are gathered in Salt Lake City, Utah this week for the 105th Annual American Farm Bureau Convention.
James & Bev Flatt have been selected to be on the American Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers National Committee.Lee MaddoxNew Frontiers for Wilson County farmers Hello and welcome everyone for Tennessee Home and Farm Radio. I’m Lee Maddox.Bev FlattIt’s just a tremendous opportunity to contribute to the future of agriculture.Lee MaddoxJames and Bev Flatt of Wilson County have been selected to serve on the American Farm Bureau Federation’s Young Farmers and Ranchers National Committee.Bev FlattWe’re looking forward to the responsibility and the role and the adventures that are ahead of us and collaborating with our fellow committee members to really address the challenges and the opportunities that young farmers face today.Lee MaddoxThe Flatts have for many years worked to share the story of the importance of agriculture and this new two year opportunity will help expand their goals.James FlattJust those opportunities to get out there and spread the message of what agriculture is doing, especially when we’ve got people who are so far removed away from the farm. Now we need to be sharing those positive messages about what agriculture is doing for not only the people in this state or this country, but also around the world.Lee MaddoxThe flats in their early 30s are essentially first generation farmers but both have been heavily involved in the industry for a number of years. James served as State FFA, president and National Vice President. Bev works for Bayer Crop Science, and they operate a small beef cattle hay and egg farm in Wilson County. And their hope is to spread and share the voice of agriculture.Bev FlattI hope we are able to do at a national level and continue to build a stronger and more resilient agriculture community for young people to be engaged in.James FlattI feel like this is both Bev and I’s goal is just to bring that one more story of two young people who are going into farming or have been into farming for the last few years and continuing on a family farming operation.Lee MaddoxThe Flatts will begin their two year term on the National Committee in March at the National Young Farmers Leadership Conference in Omaha. For Tennessee Home and Farm Radio. I’m Lee Maddox.
After 33 years with the Tennessee Division of Forestry, David Arnold officially retires as the 9th State Forester.
Bitter cold temperatures continue across Tennessee. With the cold brings long days for farmers with livestock as they work to make sure their animals are well cared for.Thomas CappsBitter cold continues Hello and welcome to Tennessee home and Farm Radio. I'm Thomas Capps. There's no farms orCharles Hord There's no farms closed today so you do have to do a little extra work when it's like this outside.Thomas CappsThe snow has stop falling across the Volunteer State leaving behind large accumulation and bitterly cold temperatures. Most places are seeing highs only reaching the teens and lows in the single digits. That means farmers with livestock are working a bit harder, braving the dangerous temperatures to ensure their animals are well cared for. Tennessee Cattlemen Association Executive Vice President Charles Hord and his daughter Teddy Ann are out constantly checking on their sheep.Charles Hord You gotta make sure they've got their bellies full so, you know that helps regulate their warmth so every farmer in the state I know is putting out extra hay the next couple of days in knowing how cold it's gonna be. There's a lot of time spent watching water lines breaking up water tanks hoping your water lines don't freeze.Thomas CappsKeeping water broke can perhaps be the biggest challenge in weather like this. Kevin Ferguson with UT Extension has trough warmers and a geothermal system for his cattle but for those relying on breaking water, safety for both the animal and the farmer is important.Kevin FergusonYou will have stories during this time of year about farmers being out and trying to bust ice on ponds and for the cattle have access to water and out checking animals that are calving or having babies at this time. There's a lot of people that are right in the middle of calving and lambing and kidding now and you know they want to be out there taking care of those animals but they've got also figured out and make sure to protect themselves go in occasionally warm up, bundle up.Thomas CappsFerguson also says now's the time to feed the best quality hay that you have as livestock rely on getting key nutrients to stay warm. It's days like these though we can all give thanks for the 2% that work to feed the other 98% of us.Kevin FergusonThey love this is a way of life. Yes, it's a business but it's also a way of life.Charles Hord This is the hard part of the job. Most of the year is a lot of fun having livestock. This is the time where you got to do a little work.Thomas CappsFor Tennessee Home and Farm Radio, I'm Thomas Capps.
All across the state, cattle and livestock farmers have been under the gun to work through the frigid conditions to take care of their investments. Its their livelihood. Of course the state has been blanketed with snow, but the sub-zero temperatures have been the biggest concerns.
The annual Taste of Elegance Event put on by the Tennessee Pork Producers Association shines light on the Pork industry. Thomas Capps explains what the event is and why it's important to the industry.
Since it began over 50 years ago, the University of Tennessee Bull Development and Evaluation program at the Middle Tennessee Research and Education Center in Spring Hill has been invaluable to helping improve one of the most important sectors of Tennessee's ag industry, beef cattle.
Dr. Ben West with UT Extension is heading up an initiative called Farmers For Soil Health. the goal of the initiative is to help make climate smart practices profitable for farmers.Thomas CappsPracticing sustainability and finding new ways to be profitable. Hello and welcome to Tennessee Home and Farm Radio. I'm Thomas Capps.Ben WestSustainability, while the term may be new, farmers have worried about sustainability since the Dust Bowl.Thomas CappsSustainability continues to be at the forefront of minds in the ag industry. Farmers in large part have and continue to implement climate friendly practices on their operations. Dr. Ben West with UT Extension has spent years studying climate smart practices farmers are using. Now he's focusing on ways those practices can be profitable for farmers by heading up an initiative called Farmers For Soil Health.Ben WestIts sustainability and Agriculture Initiative run by the three three of the biggest commodity organizations in the country, the United Soybean Board, the National Corn Growers Association, and the National Pork Board. They decided about three years ago, to collaborate together and really try and be aggressive with some sustainability initiatives and put farmers in the driver's seat of driving the conversation and the thought and action around sustainability. Farmers have always taken the leadership role and sustainability. But sometimes in the past, it's been tough to pay for it because some of these practices do cost money. And at the end of the day, farmers are running a business enterprise.Thomas CappsWest says it just makes sense for our farmers to get paid to plant cover crops and other practices they're already doing.Ben WestBy being able to combine federal money that's been coming down the pike but now also, the growing influx of private money from food companies and biofuel companies and feed companies interested in helping farmers be more and more aggressive with their sustainability practices. I mean, the next 10 years in agriculture is a really exciting time to see what's going to come of all this collective collaboration and conservation in agriculture.Thomas CappsSustaining the planet and farming for the next generation. For Tennessee Home and Farm Radio. I'm Thomas Capps.
Artificial Intelligence is the hot topic now days. The advancement in technology is beginning to impact almost all facets of society, including agriculture. Steven Dyer with the Central Secure Association says it can be a huge benefit for farmers moving forward.Thomas CappsArtificial Intelligence here to stay. Hello and welcome to Tennessee Home and Farm Radio. I'm Thomas Capps.Steven DyerArtificial Intelligence definitely is one of the hottest topics on the technology side of things.Thomas CappsArtificial intelligence or AI as it's widely referred to, is something you hear about almost daily. Now, the new advancements being made in the technology is poised to impact almost all facets of life, including agriculture. Steven Dyer, with the Central Service Association, has been studying in depth about AI and telling industries, how it can benefit them. He says, for agriculture, it's already here and only going to become more relied upon.Steven DyerIt's been in play for about about 24 months from what I'm looking at everything from automated drones to autonomous vehicles so that they can actually go out reducing labor costs, being able to pinpoint very, very specific plants and bugs and, and soil and anything that give the farmers an advantage I think is the biggest side and I'm seeing a whole industry being being created in the ag sub sector to be able to serve that. Colleges, universities are putting a lot of effort toward making sure they have all the different parts and pieces in place.Thomas CappsSome have reservations about AI but Dyer assures there's nothing to worry about.Steven DyerMaking sure that you're taking very basic steps. And the fun way to do that is just go out and ask AI what's the safest way I can interact with you and it'll give you a step by step way to keep you safe, keep you secure. It has no harmful intent.Thomas CappsJust another tool farmers can use to enhance an already solid food and fiber system.Steven DyerIt's just like a tractor. It's just like a sprayer, utilize it to be able to be more efficient. That's the key to the whole thing is learn the pieces that you need, and then, you know, expand and keep learning to be an AI operator.Thomas CappsFor Tennessee home and Farm Radio. I'm Thomas Capps.
Congress is back from the holiday break, and has a lot to do. Congressman John Rose details a few of the big items that congress needs to get done, including the Farm Bill.
Each year people from all across the ag industry in Tennessee come together for the Ag Industry Partners Meeting. The meeting allows everyone to talk about the issues agriculture in Tennessee is facing.
The 113th Tennessee General Assembly is set to begin their second legislative session next week. Tennessee Farm Bureau Public Policy Division Director gives us preview of what to expect.
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 is now preparing for the national competition in January.Thomas CappsState Discussion Meet winner prepares for Utah. Hello and welcome to Tennessee Home and Farm Radio. I’m Thomas Capps.Matthew McClanahanIt’s such an honor and a privilege to be able to represent the state of Tennessee in Salt Lake City and I think back on my years of prior experiences and it really makes you appreciate this victory so much more.Thomas CappsCumberland County native Matthew McClanahan is the 2023 Tennessee young farmers and ranchers state discussion meet winner. He finished first in the state competition earlier this month and is now preparing to compete on the national level at the American Farm Bureau Convention in January.Matthew McClanahanWe’ve had a lot of success in the past and got big shoes to fill, and I look forward to carrying on Tennessee’s tradition of excellence and all the competitions and doing my part in the discussion meet. Hunter grills has been very helpful to me through this process and all the past winners and everyone has been so encouraging and I really look forward to leaning into their wisdom and knowledge and understanding and hopefully able to bring home some hardware for Tennessee.Thomas CappsMcClanahan is a practicing attorney and serves as the Executive Director for the Tennessee Association of Conservation Districts. He says talking about the Ag issues and discussion meet competitions over the years has been critical in his professional development.Matthew McClanahanBeing able to participate in the discussion meet and take that training and utilize that in our county board meetings. It has been crucial and something that I really am appreciative of that Farm Bureau is able to have programs like this.Thomas CappsDiscussing ag issues is important to McClanahan not just as a lawyer, but also because production agriculture is also a big part of his life.Matthew McClanahanMy wife and I we live in the house that my grandparents purchased right after the second world war on a beef cattle farm in Cumberland County, Tennessee where we still raise Herford beef cattle same way we’ve been doing since the 1940s. Really the best thing is just the people I’ve been able to meet and the contacts and the friendships I’ve been able to develop over the years. So it’s a wonderful culmination of my young farmer and rancher career.Thomas CappsMcClanahan competes on the national stage in January in Salt Lake City, Utah, at the AFBF convention. For Tennessee Home and Farm Radio, I’m Thomas Capps.
2024 will be an important year for America’s farmers and ranchers. Micheal Clements tells us the American Farm Bureau Federation is focused on the passage of a new farm bill.Clements: The American Farm Bureau Federation has a myriad of policy priorities for the new year. AFBF President Zippy Duvall says the top priority is getting a Farm Bill passed in 2024.Duvall: Well, it's critical that Congress pass a bipartisan farm bill early this year. We can't afford any further delays in getting an updated farm bill that would address our modern challenges facing our farmers and ranchers across America. The Farm Bill matters well beyond the farm. It addresses food security, sustainability to nutrition programs, and all of these programs benefit the nation as a whole.Clements: AFBF will host the American Farm Bureau Convention January 19-24 in Salt Lake City, where other 2024 priorities will be established.Duvall: The priorities will be determined by our voting delegates later this month at our annual convention in Salt Lake City, but we will continue to work with Congress to address the labor challenges facing our farmers. We have a labor shortage and unsustainable wage rate hikes that really are the biggest limiting factor to the growth of American agriculture. We also need to create new and expand the current trade agreements, and we have resolved to keep defending farms and ranches from the burdensome overreach of regulations from our federal government.Clements: Duvall says there’s still time to plan your trip to attend Farm Bureau’s annual convention.Duvall: At this convention, it'll give them a great opportunity to hear from inspirational speakers, fellowship with other Farm Bureau members, and even become a new member of our organization. We have a great story to share about agriculture and that story will be on full display at Salt Lake City.Clements: To learn more and to register for the American Farm Bureau Convention, go to fb.org. Micheal Clements, Washington.
James & Bev Flatt have been selected to be on the American Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers National Committee.Lee MaddoxNew Frontiers for Wilson County farmers Hello and welcome everyone for Tennessee Home and Farm Radio. I'm Lee Maddox.Bev FlattIt's just a tremendous opportunity to contribute to the future of agriculture.Lee MaddoxJames and Bev Flatt of Wilson County have been selected to serve on the American Farm Bureau Federation's Young Farmers and Ranchers National Committee.Bev FlattWe're looking forward to the responsibility and the role and the adventures that are ahead of us and collaborating with our fellow committee members to really address the challenges and the opportunities that young farmers face today.Lee MaddoxThe Flatts have for many years worked to share the story of the importance of agriculture and this new two year opportunity will help expand their goals.James FlattJust those opportunities to get out there and spread the message of what agriculture is doing, especially when we've got people who are so far removed away from the farm. Now we need to be sharing those positive messages about what agriculture is doing for not only the people in this state or this country, but also around the world.Lee MaddoxThe flats in their early 30s are essentially first generation farmers but both have been heavily involved in the industry for a number of years. James served as State FFA, president and National Vice President. Bev works for Bayer Crop Science, and they operate a small beef cattle hay and egg farm in Wilson County. And their hope is to spread and share the voice of agriculture.Bev FlattI hope we are able to do at a national level and continue to build a stronger and more resilient agriculture community for young people to be engaged in.James FlattI feel like this is both Bev and I's goal is just to bring that one more story of two young people who are going into farming or have been into farming for the last few years and continuing on a family farming operation.Lee MaddoxThe Flatts will begin their two year term on the National Committee in March at the National Young Farmers Leadership Conference in Omaha. For Tennessee Home and Farm Radio. I'm Lee Maddox.
For the first time in many years we saw a decline in ag exports to foreign countries in 2023. Dr. Andrew Muhammad with UTIA expects a further decline in ag exports for 2024.Thomas CappsDecline in ag exports. Hello and welcome to Tennessee Home and Farm Radio. I'm Thomas Capps.Dr. Andrew MuhammadThe decline is so severe that we may experience the largest agricultural trade deficit we've seen.Thomas CappsIt's a new year with a new slate for trade of ag commodities. In 2023 we saw for the first time in many years a decline in ag exports to foreign countries. Dr. Andrew Muhammad with the University of Tennessee believes we'll see more of that in 2024. USDADr. Andrew MuhammadUSDA is forecasting an even greater decline in 2024, and in fact, the decline is so severe that we may experience the largest agricultural trade deficit we've seen throughout the history of the USDA tracking agricultural trade in mind you why this is important is because we've been a net exporting country. for just decades.Thomas CappsThe reasons for the decline in exports are layered, but the big culprit is China and a growing competitor.Dr. Andrew MuhammadWe negotiated a phase one trade deal with China that committed China to certain purchases for a two year period, and that's ended. As a result, China did a lot of investing in South America, Brazil in particular, Brazil has emerged as a major competitor, all of our major exports, Brazil has either surpass the United States, or are at least on par with the United States.Thomas CappsThe USDA is looking for customers elsewhere. They wantDr. Andrew Muhammadproducer groups to focused on Southeast Asia. And so there's significant growth, economic growth in that region.Thomas CappsThe impact of this on farmers is still uncertain, it could trigger an adjustment and commodity prices temporarily bring them down or they could remain high due to less yields in other countries.Dr. Andrew MuhammadIt's not so much about total excess supply within our markets domestically, that's an issue. It's much more about, is the world producing too much? As long as there is a global demand somewhere then all commodities will find its market.Thomas CappsFor Tennessee Home and Farm Radio, I'm Thomas Capps.
As 2023 comes to an end Tennessee Commissioner of Agriculture, Charlie Hatcher is taking a look at how agriculture fared in 2023, and looking ahead to 2024.Thomas CappsLook back at agriculture in 2023. Hello, and welcome to Tennessee Home and Farm Radio. I'm Thomas Capps.Dr. Charlie HatcherWe've been really lucky in Tennessee because of the overwhelming support that we've got from our governor, Governor Bill Lee.Thomas CappsIt's hard to believe that 2023 is almost history. Tennessee Commissioner of Agriculture, Charlie Hatcher is reflecting on 2023, and how agriculture in the Volunteer State fared. His assessment?Dr. Charlie HatcherThe yields are going to be pretty good. We've had severe drought in large part of the state, and that's had some impact. But overall, I think, you know, the input costs may be down, some, we know fertilizer is down some., we know interest rates are high, and we've got these inflationary pressures. But input costs are still high, but maybe not as high as last year. But in general, I think you're right, it's going to be a pretty good year overall.Thomas CappsWith 2023 soon to be in the rearview mirror, Hatcher is looking ahead to 2024.Dr. Charlie HatcherOur biggest challenge is farmland loss and the aging of the farming population, so we we've got that to contend with. You know, the governor, one of his big, what he is really interested in is conservation. We don't know for sure what kind of conservation plan the governor is going to come up with, but we know he's got an interest in it. We're hopeful that ag and forestry land is part of that.Thomas CappsBut despite the challenges we face heading into the new year, Hatcher says there's always hope in forming.Dr. Charlie HatcherI think we're always have to be helpful, and even as we face the challenges, I think farmers are so resilient, that hope is just gonna flow like a spring. It's just that's why farmers are I think we're very helpful, especially in Tennessee, because of the progress we've made. And in the alliances and the collaboration and relationships and just the general environment where we find our sales that's reaping some great benefits for the ag and forestry industry.Thomas CappsFor Tennessee Home and Farm Radio. I'm Thomas Capps. And from all of us here, we wish you and your family a very Happy New Year.
Dr. Lynne Parker is leading a new initiative at the University of Tennessee focusing on artificial intelligence. Parker believes AI can play a major role in agriculture.Amy BeckhamArtificial Intelligence in agriculture Hello there and welcome to Tennessee Home and Farm Radio. I'm Amy Beckham.Dr. Lynne ParkerI'm leading a new initiative at UT. It's really for the state as a whole to help us with developing AI across the state. So it's a research and education initiative with the goal of helping make sure that Tennessee becomes a leader in the data intensive knowledge economy.Amy BeckhamDr. Lynn Parker has been with the University of Tennessee at Knoxville for more than 20 years and is an expert on distributed and intelligent robot systems, human robot interaction and AI or artificial intelligence. She explains more how UT is focused on this initiative.Dr. Lynne ParkerKind of embracing our land grant mission of helping the state as a whole. So it's educational institutions across the state, its industry across the state and its community organizations as well on how we can all work together to help each other navigate this new transformation that's coming along because of AI.Amy BeckhamThrough the years technology and agriculture has drastically changed. And Dr. Parker says agriculture can be an industry where AI flourishes and benefits farmers.Dr. Lynne ParkerThere are so many applications of AI in agriculture. And I think what we'll see is that they're going to be able to increase productivity, I think it will reduce cost, it will also help with a lot of the labor shortages that many farmers are experiencing. So there are a lot of different kinds of benefits to AI in agriculture and so many different kinds of use cases.Amy BeckhamIt's also safe to say that many have concerns about this new technology and Dr. Parker provides some insight and positive thinking.Dr. Lynne ParkerAI like any technology has both positive uses and negative uses. And I think we just have to learn how to experience the benefits of these technologies, while at the same time being responsible with them and coming up with the right governance mechanisms that make sure that we don't experience those negative arms. What scares a lot of people is what we don't know. So there's a lot of conversations now in the policy world about how do we approach artificial intelligence and provide the right governance around it to make sure that those negative consequences don't come to fruition.Amy BeckhamFor Tennessee Home and Farm Radio. I'm Amy Beckham.
Tennessee Comptroller, Jason Comptroller, recently addressed farmers at the Tennessee Farm Bureau Convention. He says he wants to make sure farmers know they are working hard on their behalf in state government.Amy BeckhamComptroller addressing farmers. Hello there and welcome to Tennessee Home and Farm Radio. I'm Amy Beckham.Jason MumpowerIt's been 28 years now that I've been involved in State service, I have worked hard to make sure I've been aligned with the Farm Bureau and the rural values of Tennessee.Amy BeckhamWell, Tennessee's comptroller Jason Mumpower recently spoke to farmers at the Tennessee Farm Bureau 102 annual meeting. And during his remarks, he wanted to be sure farmers and rural people understood his department's role and state government.Jason MumpowerOne thing that I know as comptroller is that the key to being a successful farmer is to be able to manage your budget wisely. And I want all of our farmers, all of our rural citizens to know that in Tennessee, we work just as hard to manage our budget in a conservative, meaningful way.Amy BeckhamA major topic discussed was the high value of land and the rapid rate at which folks are moving into the state. Manpower explains a little more.Jason MumpowerOne thing that everybody knows is that Tennessee has been one of the fastest growing states in the nation, the seventh fastest in the country in 2022. We all know that we have people moving into Tennessee from out of state because they want our way of life. But when they come, it can throw our property and our property value market out of whack. And it's done that just a little bit. And I believe that in some cases, longtime Tennessee homeowners longtime Tennessee landowners are unfortunately bearing more than their fair share of the tax burden.Amy BeckhamTo help alleviate the issue. The comptroller's office is exploring some options, and one of those is appraising property more frequently than it's done.Jason MumpowerNow, one way to fix that is the more frequent reappraisals where we can make sure that everybody is paying a fair and equitable share based on the value of their property right now the law is for five or six years to three or four would be better at least.Amy BeckhamThanks for joining us, everyone for Tennessee home and Farm Radio I'm Amy Beckham.
UT's Farm Management program is helping farming operations grow and succeed for generations to come. Amy Beckham has more.Amy BeckhamUT farm management helping producers. Hello there and welcome to Tennessee Home and Farm Radio. I'm Amy Beckham.Kevin FergusonFarm management is important and one of the things we often find out is that the successful farm managers are also successful leaders as well. And I think that's very much embodies what the young farmer and ranchers program here is all about.Amy BeckhamWell, recently, Kevin Ferguson with the University of Tennessee Center of Farm Management spoke to Tennessee Young Farmers about advice the center has on how to better operate their farms, starting with making sure they have a farm succession plan. Ferguson encourages them toKevin FergusonBegin that conversation now. Don't wait until someone's in their 60s or 70s and 80s. Before you plan that conversation about how are we going to transition to the next generation, because there's a lot of tools that are available, that are out there that we can better utilize if we start utilizing those tools earlier. And you know, the whole thing is what we see from the information we have across the state. Only about 15% of our farmers indicate they've got some kind of transition plan, and we really like to change that.Amy BeckhamOne of the many things that the center is doing to try to combat that issue in Tennessee is hosting farmland legacy workshops across the state. Ferguson shares more.Kevin FergusonWe're having farmland legacy meetings across the state where that we come in and talk about the tools we try to bring in a local attorney that sales the people informs them here's how what we can do to work with you anything to encourage that and get them started in that because, you know, it really can help and eliminate some very difficult situations later on if you get everybody and get them on the same page and look at all of our options early.Amy BeckhamFor more information on the center of farm management and to access their many resources visit their website at farm management.tennessee.edu Thanks for joining us everyone and have a great day for Tennessee home and Farm Radio. I'm Amy Beckham.
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 at Tennessee Home and Farm Radio!Thomas CappsFrom Memphis to Mountain City it's Christmas time in Tennessee. Hello and welcome to Tennessee Home and Form Radio I'm Tomas Capps. The anticipation is over Christmas Day is here and people across the world are celebrating with family and friends. Here in Tennessee folks are celebrating in all kinds of ways like Loudoun County dairy farmer, John Harrison.John HarrisonIt's different on the farm than probably most other places. You know, I had to work all my life growing up on Christmas. So Christmas is like a lot of our Sundays, are kind of a mad rush. So you hurry up and get things done. So you can do family things. But they are kind of special. And they're special now for us because we have a grandchild now, we've got a daughter in law and her son in law, probably going to have another one or two so that makes Christmas more special.Thomas CappsBut perhaps this Christmas isn't merry and bright for some due to hardship and challenges. Governor Bill Lee reminds us that the true meaning of Christmas gives us hope, no matter our circumstances.Governor Bill LeeGod uses the hardest circumstances in our lives oftentimes for transformation, and uses them and redeems them in ways that we couldn't even imagine. I think that's true for communities, for cities, for families, for countries. So redemption brings hope for me, this is a very hopeful season. And we're all mindful of that. A tragic, a tragic event in you know, in the life of the one who was born in this season. All of that's redemption. So, when we think about countries, economies, communities, really difficult times that we're walking through, we can walk through those with hope. Because, you know, that's how it works.Thomas CappsChrist born in the most humble of circumstances, all to bring peace and goodwill towards men, and life everlasting. Merry Christmas from all of us here at Tennessee Home and Farm Radio. I'm Thomas Capps.
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.
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 her county. In all she donated 2,500 books with the hopes of inspiring kids to get involved in agriculture, and educate them on where their food comes from.Thomas CappsA mission to take ag education to Elementary School. Hello and welcome to Tennessee Home Farm Radio, I'm Thomas Capps.Leilah CrawfordI think it was just important to me to get the word out there and just tell the kids even if you don't live on a farm you don't have a garden or anything like that. The agriculture industry it's important to you.Thomas CappsCumberland County High School senior Leilah Crawford is making it her mission to make sure kids in her community learn about agriculture. Growing up on her family's agritourism farm Crawford knew the importance of agriculture and to make sure others did too, she decided to raise money to purchase Ag in the Classroom books for all 2500 pre kindergarten through third graders in her County. An idea that was sparked from attending the Washington leaders conference earlier this year.Leilah CrawfordI knew I wanted to be involved in agriculture and education. I've always loved school, and I've grown up in a very agricultural rich background. So I knew that's what I wanted to be involved in.Thomas CappsAs you can imagine giving out 2500 books is a big endeavor, and a costly one too.Leilah CrawfordI raised $14,000 in three months, I met with many local businesses, organizations, I spoke to many Rotary Clubs, many just business meetings. And that's really how I raised most my money. Of course, my family helped a lot too. But really, most of it came from just local businesses and their interest in growing our future.Thomas CappsCrawford sees this as more than just a project. For her, it's essential in the survival of agriculture.Leilah CrawfordIn elementary school to be quite frank, nobody that I knew, knew how important farmers were in our lives. And that's also another reason I did this because I'm honestly concerned about our sustainability in the future because the average age of farmers getting older each year and we've got to change that. We need to turn that around because we're going to honestly run out of them. So I felt like getting these books in the hands of these children is really what's going to grow our future and guarantee us a sustainable agriculture industry and food system for Tennessee.Thomas CappsFor Tennessee Home and Farm Radio, I'm Thomas Capps.
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 committee for many years.Thomas CappsA new face on the Tennessee Farm Bureau State Women's Committee. Hello, and welcome to Tennessee Home and Farm Radio, I'm Thomas Capps.Dawn GrovesIt was just such an honor to even be considered to be nominated by the committee, and then to be selected by my peers.Thomas CappsSumner county's Dawn Groves has been elected to represent District Two on the Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation women's state committee. Groves is replacing Faye Coble, who has served on the committee for many years.Dawn GrovesI'm excited to fill her role. I know I can't fill it adequately at the beginning. But she has given me her support and said she would be there to help in whatever way that she could. The Committee of women is phenomenal. I've made some great friendships through the course of the work that we've done with Farm Bureau and American Farm Bureau conventions and have gotten to know them. So I'm excited to be able to work with them.Thomas CappsGroves, believes fully in the work the women's committee does and says they play a vital role in Farm Bureau and the ag industry as a whole.Dawn GrovesThey're that voice that all women need to be able to have to support the men in everything that they're doing to support the board. Our thing I think that we're able to do, that maybe some men don't feel comfortable with is getting out into the classrooms. We're such a big proponent of the Ag in the Classroom, curriculum and being able to be in those schools and to promote Ag in that way to help educate the future generations of young children and then to advocate for everything that Farm Bureau stands for. We also are able to go into those legislative visits and to represent the women's side in that realm.Thomas CappsNo stranger to Farm Bureau, Groves has been heavily involved with the organization at the county level and is now eager to get to work on the state level too.Dawn GrovesMy father in law actually got us involved with Farm Bureau and so this is kind of our legacy to him is to continue to do what we can to promote Farm Bureau to promote farming and to keep children understanding what it is about.Thomas CappsFor Tennessee Home and Farm Radio, I'm Thomas Capps.
Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett is reminding rural Tennesseans that their vote matters and that they should practice their right to vote.
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 farming.
US Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack, was recently in Tennessee participating in a town hall hosted by RFD TV. Vilsack laid out the Biden Administrations view for moving agriculture forward and took Tennessee farmers questions.Thomas CappsUS Secretary of Agriculture talks with Tennessee farmers. Hello and welcome to Tennessee Home and Farm Radio, I'm Thomas Capps.Tom VilsackAmerican agriculture is one of the great gifts of this country. But I want to make sure that every farm regardless of size, has the ability to do what they love to do. And more importantly, and as importantly, they have the ability to transfer to the next generation.Thomas CappsUS Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack was recently in Tennessee talking with farmers at a town hall hosted by RFD TV. Vilsack laid out the Biden administration's vision for the industry moving forward and answered the Tennessee farmers questions. Vilsack believes expanding opportunities and making farming more profitable will help keep more people in the industry and sustain it for the next generation.Tom VilsackWe need production agriculture, but we also need a companion system that enables that small and mid sized operation to have multiple ways in which they get money from that farming operation so that they can stay viable. Farmers are the best stewards of the land, we just want to make sure that they continue and that have the resources and the ability to do that, and that they get a market advantage. And that is by by virtue of being able to measure, quantify and verify the results. They can participate in other revenue generating opportunities with ecosystem service markets that we create through our rural development programs and through our various economic development programs, more processing capacity so that you can process that agricultural waste into a million different things.Thomas CappsVilsack also believes there are many opportunities for farmers to sell their products directly to consumers.Tom VilsackPeople really are anxious to know where their food comes from. They like the idea when they go to a grocery store that they can buy local. They like the idea that their kids are consuming locally produced items at school. They love the idea of Farm to School, they love the idea of of the local restaurant being able to say you know this chicken wing is from you know, this, farmer and this pork chop is from that farmer. We need to do more of that.Thomas CappsFor Tennessee Home and Farm Radio, I'm Thomas Capps.
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 don’t have access to high speed internet. There are federal dollars on the table to get the remaining areas connected to broadband, but it’s going to take action from the state legislature to make it happen.
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 is now preparing for the national competition in January.Thomas CappsState Discussion Meet winner prepares for Utah. Hello and welcome to Tennessee Home and Farm Radio. I'm Thomas Capps.Matthew McClanahanIt's such an honor and a privilege to be able to represent the state of Tennessee in Salt Lake City and I think back on my years of prior experiences and it really makes you appreciate this victory so much more.Thomas CappsCumberland County native Matthew McClanahan is the 2023 Tennessee young farmers and ranchers state discussion meet winner. He finished first in the state competition earlier this month and is now preparing to compete on the national level at the American Farm Bureau Convention in January.Matthew McClanahanWe've had a lot of success in the past and got big shoes to fill, and I look forward to carrying on Tennessee's tradition of excellence and all the competitions and doing my part in the discussion meet. Hunter grills has been very helpful to me through this process and all the past winners and everyone has been so encouraging and I really look forward to leaning into their wisdom and knowledge and understanding and hopefully able to bring home some hardware for Tennessee.Thomas CappsMcClanahan is a practicing attorney and serves as the Executive Director for the Tennessee Association of Conservation Districts. He says talking about the Ag issues and discussion meet competitions over the years has been critical in his professional development.Matthew McClanahanBeing able to participate in the discussion meet and take that training and utilize that in our county board meetings. It has been crucial and something that I really am appreciative of that Farm Bureau is able to have programs like this.Thomas CappsDiscussing ag issues is important to McClanahan not just as a lawyer, but also because production agriculture is also a big part of his life.Matthew McClanahanMy wife and I we live in the house that my grandparents purchased right after the second world war on a beef cattle farm in Cumberland County, Tennessee where we still raise Herford beef cattle same way we've been doing since the 1940s. Really the best thing is just the people I've been able to meet and the contacts and the friendships I've been able to develop over the years. So it's a wonderful culmination of my young farmer and rancher career.Thomas CappsMcClanahan competes on the national stage in January in Salt Lake City, Utah, at the AFBF convention. For Tennessee Home and Farm Radio, I'm Thomas Capps.
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 Agriculture released its quarterly outlook for U.S. agricultural trade. Dave Salmonsen, AFBF Senior Government Affairs Director, says the data projects a decrease in exports and an increase of agricultural imports in 2024.Salmonsen: For this year, 2023, agricultural exports have come in at about $179 billion and imports at about 195 billion. So, we're seeing an increase in imports, a bit of a decrease in exports from a year ago when we were about 190 billion, and for next year, that will widen a little bit and we'll be down a little bit more on exports and a further increase in imports.Clements: Salmonsen explains how the forecast impacts our major trade partners.Salmonsen: [In] 2023, our agricultural exports to our number one destination, which is China, were right about $34 billion, and their forecast for next year at 29 and a half billion. Mexico and Canada will pretty much stay the same, Mexico with $28 billion, Canada 27 billion. A little bit of a decrease in Japan from 12 billion down to 11 and a half billion. The European Union, roughly the same, right around the $12 billion mark, and the same with South Korea.Clements: AFBF and other agricultural organization recently sent a letter to President Biden supporting measures that will improve agricultural trade.Salmonsen: The administration needs to get back in the business of working on and executing comprehensive trade agreements and let's continue to enforce, aggressively, our existing trade agreements. We need to reform the World Trade Organization, especially the dispute settlement function. We need to continue to support and strengthen our agricultural supply chains. And in sustainability, we need the administration to continue to work and support voluntary, incentive-based efforts.Clements: Micheal Clements, Washington.
Patrick Mudge has lived a life of service and tragedy. After serving in the military he lost a friend in the line of duty. Now Mudge takes the grief from that loss to speak to Gold Star Families, and also his newfound passion for agriculture. He recently spoke at the Tennessee Young Farmers and Ranchers annual meeting.Thomas CappsVeteran turned CEO focusing on agriculture and Gold Star families. Hello and welcome to Tennessee Home and Farm Radio. I'm Thomas Capps.Patrick MudgeWithout farmers, none of us have a future.Thomas CappsPatrick mudge has lived a life of service and tragedy. After joining the military after 911 and Mudge served in the Middle East during the War on Terror. After leaving the military to focus on family one of his close friends he served with died in the line of duty. Mudge eventually took the grief and pain of his loss and used it to speak to Gold Star families to help them through their grief as well.Patrick MudgeIt just happened that I did one time, and it was well received. And I just kept getting called to come do it again. And then I was speaking at Boeing and other organizations and I'm like, okay, is this the route I want to go downThomas CappsNow Mudge is the CEO of cooler company ICE Tech and lives in West Tennessee, where he and his wife have a small farming operation on the side while he still engages and advocates for Goldstar families. Promoting and protecting agriculture is another passion of his. He recently spoke to the Tennessee Young Farmers & RanchersPatrick MudgeAnything when it has to do with farmers or gold stars. That's on me working with state legislatures. We're trying to preserve that land to be farmed here in Tennessee, not just Tennessee, but the whole nation right now land for sale land costs. In Texas, we're dealing with this right now. There's little to no money in cattle anymore. And land has gotten so expensive that it's going to affect beef prices. It's going to affect a lot of things. It's gonna affect what we eat and what's in that beef when it hits the shelf. We have big issues that if we don't address them now there's no going back. Everything comes back to this. So these young leaders, this is it's an honor to be able to give them advice and help them grow to be even more successful.Thomas CappsMudge says it's critical. We have a strong military and strong agriculture industry for national security and seeing the number of young farmers in Tennessee is something that gives Mudge hope.Patrick MudgeI'm really really optimistic that my children have a future because of these guys.Thomas CappsFor Tennessee Home and Farm Radio I'm Thomas Capps.
Lauderdale County farmer Robert Hill is the new Tennessee Young Farmers and Ranchers State Committee Chair. Hill was elected to the position at the 102nd Tennessee Farm Bureau Annual meeting. Hill will serve in the position for one year and serve as an ex-officio member of the Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation Board of Directors.
Gibson County native todd Littleton has been elected to one of the three Director at Large positions on the Tennessee Farm Bureau State Board of Directors. Littleton explains why he ran for the position and what it means to him to be elected.
255 voting delegates representing all 95 Tennessee Counties voted on and adopted Tennessee Farm Bureau Policy for 2024. A few of the voting delegates explain why this is the most important thing Farm Bureau does all year.
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee addressed all 251 voting delegates at the Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation 102nd annual meeting. He promised to continue fighting for and advancing policy that helps rural Tennessee.
For 102 years, farmers from across Tennessee have been gathering each year to celebrate the Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation.
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 Farm Income Forecast Report shows a significant drop between 2022 and 2023. Danny Munch, an economist with the American Farm Bureau, says the picture is a little brighter than the August predictions, but not much.Munch: In the August reports, USDA forecasted that farm income from 2022 would drop 23 percent, a $41 billion drop from 2022. In this new November report, they adjusted that number--$41 billion--to $31.8 billion, which is a 17 percent drop from 2022. In total, that would give you a total net farm income of $151 billion for 2023 compared to the $141 billion estimated previously in August.Smith: He talks about some of the main factors behind the revisions.Munch: The most significant revisions are attributable to lower production expenses compared to what they estimated in August. There's still a $14.9 billion expected increase in what farmers are paying for production expenses, which is about four percent. But that's seven percent lower than what they forecasted in the August release.Smith: Munch says there is some good news about the forecast, though overall it is a mixed bag.Munch: For all categories except fuels and oils, electricity and interest expenses, they adjusted their numbers downward. Things like fertilizer, pesticides, seeds, those all saw decreases from what they estimated that farmers will be paying. Electricity, fuels, oils, interest expenses all saw increases. So those are things farmers saw upward adjustments and are going to pay more for in 2023 than they estimated previously.Smith: For more information, go to fb.org. Chad Smith, Washington.
Beef Herds continue to shrink across the country, but the number of cattle at feedlots is increasing. Gary Crawford explains why this is happening.
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 the grocery store this year.
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 higher wage rates farmers and ranchers will pay in 2024.Smith: The USDA says farmers who hire H-2A laborers next year will be paying higher wages, and in some cases, the increase is large. Veronica Nigh, senior economist with the American Farm Bureau Federation, talks about the increasing costs of farm labor.Nigh: The USDA’s Farm Labor Survey told us that wage rates across the United States, in all states, in all regions, increased in 2023. The Farm Labor Survey tells us that in 2024, farmers in 13 states will pay more than $1 more per hour to their H-2A employees than they did this year. Farmers in 31 states will pay between 50 cents and $1 more. Only in six states is the increase for next year less than 50 cents.Smith: She says this is a very important survey for production agriculture.Nigh: USDA’s Farm Labor Survey is utilized by the Department of Labor to establish the Adverse Effect Wage Rates that growers must pay H-2A workers through the temporary visa program. So, these wage rates are really make or break for farmers as to whether or not the wage rates they pay out through the H-2A program are going to be viable for their business.Smith: Some regions of the country will see a larger increase in H-2A wage rates than others.Nigh: Wage rates went up in every region, the smallest increase was for the Corn Belt, region two, where we saw wage rates rise a quarter, which was 1.4 percent increase. The largest percentage increase was in Hawaii. Hawaiians are going to pay $1.49 per hour more next year for the H-2A program than they did this year.Smith: Chad Smith, Washington.
A report from USDA shows that people are fleeing urban areas for a more rural way of life. Rod Bain has more.
Christmas time is here and that means people are out looking for that perfect Christmas tree. There are more than 60 Christmas tree farms across Tennessee. Buying a local tree means you'll get great quality and you'll be supporting local agriculture.
This Thanksgiving farmers across Tennessee are gathering with their families to share a meal and give thanks, just like the first Thanksgiving in the 1600's. We hear from several farmers on what they're thankful for and how they are celebrating.Thomas CappsThanksgiving on the farm. Hello and welcome to Tennessee Home and Farm Radio, I'm Thomas Capps. This Thanksgiving families across the nation are gathering to share a meal and of course give thanks. It's believed the centuries old tradition dates back to the 1600s when early settlers here in America celebrated their harvests that year. And today, farmers right here in Tennessee continue that tradition as they give things for a bountiful harvest, just like the first Thanksgiving. Farmers like Spencer Stewart of Weakley County.Spencer StewartThis year, I'm thankful, you know, above all, for the health of my family and my own thankful for a good crop, despite a tough growing season. Just thankful to be part of this organization doing things for the greater good of agriculture in the state.Thomas CappsA similar sentiment from Jonathan Mixon in Jefferson CountyJonathan MixonFor me, I mean, you know, just a good year in the field, you know, excellent crops. And you know, just just fortunate to live where we do.Thomas CappsCarolyn Oaks is giving things in Bledsoe County.Carolyn OaksI am so thankful for all my family. I've got two sons, five grandchildren and a precious husband. We try to spend it with our daughter in law, and our youngest son, and he has five children. And it is just, we're just blessed.Thomas CappsIn Smith County Mike Scudder is celebrating big with his family.Mike ScudderGod has blessed me and my family. I mean, we have a big family gathering and get together on Thanksgiving. And, you know, it's almost as big as Christmas Thanksgiving. Because, you know, we are thankful where we've been blessed. This organization has been blessed I think I think Farm Bureau needs to be thankful that they're still as strong as who they are and they're farmer oriented. And so we all have a lot to be thankful for.Thomas CappsIndeed we do have a lot to be thankful for. And we hear at Tennessee Home and Farm Radio are thankful for all of you who listen, we wish you and your family a very happy Thanksgiving. For Tennessee Home and Farm Radio, I'm Thomas Capps.
The case of Chronic Wasting Disease has been detected in Lewis County. This marks the 17th county in Tennessee to have a positive case of the deadly deer disease. The first case was detected in Tennessee back in 2018. The Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency has new guidance for deer hunters in the counties with positive CWD cases.
With Thanksgiving quickly approaching you might be starting to think about how and when you should thaw your frozen Turkey. Gary Crawford has more on the best way to safely thaw your turkey.
Recent data from the Department of Agriculture provides an update on foreign investment in U.S. agricultural lands. Micheal Clements shares more.
From one end of the state to the other, a pretty good harvest is wrapping up for farmers that raise corn and soybeans.
The American Farm Bureau Federation recently released its 2023 Thanksgiving Dinner cost survey. Chad Smith has more on the price of a Turkey Day meal.Smith: Farm Bureau’s 2023 Thanksgiving cost Survey is showing a directional change in food prices. Veronica Nigh, senior economist with the American Farm Bureau, says a Thanksgiving Day meal is a little cheaper than in 2022.Nigh: This year, the Thanksgiving dinner is about five percent less than was reported last year. Certainly, inflation continues to be an issue for all of us. And it's certainly worth noting that while we saw a decrease this year, Thanksgiving dinner is still up about 25 percent relative to 2019, the last year where things were relatively normal in U.S. food production. But directionally, things are looking up.Smith: Nigh says the national average cost of this year’s Thanksgiving Day dinner is $61.17. But different regions of the country will see big differences in costs.Nigh: In the Midwest, we have the lowest cost for the Thanksgiving dinner at $58.66. Next in line is the South, followed by the West, and finally the Northeast with the most expensive basket at $64.38, which is almost $6 more than what we saw in the Midwest.Smith: Thanksgiving usually centers around turkey, and Nigh says that’s where the drop in prices begins.Nigh: This year, turkey prices were down almost six percent compared to last year. I'll take you back to 2022, when we had a really nasty outbreak of high path avian influenza, and while that still is lingering out there, the number of impacted turkeys in 2023 compared to 2022 are down more than 95 percent. Certainly, having contained high path avian influenza has led to lower turkey prices in 2023.Smith: For more information on the survey, go to fb.org. Chad Smith, Washington.
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 is an effort to educate students about where their food comes from.
A small group of farmers from across Tennessee recently met for the annual Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation Resolutions Committee. The committee reads every word of the Tennessee Farm Bureau policy book and discuss changes and additions that need to be made for next year.
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 don't have access to high speed internet. There are federal dollars on the table to get the remaining areas connected to broadband, but it's going to take action from the state legislature to make it happen.
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.
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 well with beef cattle farmers.
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.
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 Bain reports.
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.
State Rep. Michael Hale of Smithville is hopeful to make awareness of the importance of our farmers and food insecurity of children across the state.
Record low levels on the Mississippi River bring challenges when it comes to moving harvested crops to market. Micheal Clement shares how farmers can mitigate those challenges.Clements:Low water levels along the Mississippi River are causing transportation disruptions for agriculture, as the river saw record low levels earlier this month. The lower levels mean less product can flow along the river. American Farm Bureau Federation Economist Danny Munch explains how farmers can buffer against transportation disruptions like this one.Munch: One of the big options is looking at grain storage. When farmers have a sufficient storage capacity close to where they're growing, it means they can have a place to offload harvest if downstream transportation options are too expensive or unavailable, as they're in many places right now. On-farm storage allows them to have almost full control over when they want to market those goods. So, they can really track transportation prices and other market factors before making the ultimate decision to sell or ship their product.Clements: USDA data shows the United States has 25.4 billion bushels of grain storage capacity.Munch: When you look at total current stocks as well as expected harvest, that number is 23.12 billion bushels. So, comparing those two numbers we have about a 2.2 billion bushel surplus of grain storage, which means we have a little bit of wiggle room, which is good during these low river conditions. It’s not uniform across all states, though, so depending on the state you're in, some product is going to have to find another way to move.Clements: The decision to store grain for longer periods of time does require some financial considerations.Munch: High interest rates increase the cost of storage at elevators, which means farmers might receive lower bids for their crops. Farmers also have large sums of money tied up in grain inventory based on the capital that they borrowed for the season’s expenses, and that can be paid back when they sell their product. So, if they choose to store the product, those farmers are on the hook for more interest payments, and continue to have all that capital tied up, but obviously weighing the costs and benefits is really important for each individual farmer.Clements: Learn more on the Market Intel page at fb.org. Micheal Clements, Washington.
Ryan Gilland takes to the sky a lot during growing season. His small business, Gilland Ag Services, makes use of his airplane to both spray and plant crops. It's a unique way to help grow crops and is sustainable.Thomas CappsFarming row crops from the sky. Hello and welcome to Tennessee Home and Farm Radio. I'm Thomas Capps.Ryan GillandWe ended up buying our own ag airplane to kind of start our own operation.Thomas CappsIt takes all kinds of machinery to row row crops these days, tractors, planters, sprayers and airplanes. In fact, Ryan Gilland from Giles County has built his own ag based business out of using his personal airplane.Ryan GillandWe're essentially acting as a small ag retailer, an independent ag retailer we're selling agricultural seed corn, soybeans, kind of in North Alabama and southern Middle Tennessee direct to the farmer. And then we small scale farm and then obviously we do the flying as well. So we've kind of tried to make full circle with it.Thomas CappsGillen isn't just spraying crops with his plane, he's planting with it too.Ryan GillandAbout 50% of our work that we do is dry work and it'd be either you know, wheat fertilizer or corn fertilize, but we also do a lot of spraying a lot of wheat seed, as well as cover crops. So you're working on soil health, kind of going into the winter trying to hold solar structure together, prevent erosion, that kind of thing.Thomas CappsNot only is using the airplane for agriculture, cool, it's also a very sustainable way to farm.Ryan GillandThere's been a pretty big push within the last six, eight, 10 years with FSA and NRCS to just kind of help with soil health and mainly erosion. It's helping kind of retain some of the nutrients that we put out in the in the commercial fertilizers and things of that nature to make sure we don't have runoff which obviously we spent a lot of money on these fertilizers that we put out. We don't want those nutrients going into the water source and you know, taking a chance that might be polluting the water source on our stream somewhere. So if we put the cover crops out to kind of draw those nutrients and help hold the soul together, hold them there and then allow it to recycle back into the end of the next growing season. And that's that's what we're really trying to target.Thomas CappsA fun job that Gillen has grown to love, and that comes with a heck of a view.Ryan GillandI really enjoy. It gives you a lot of time to think I know a lot of us. Spotify has really been good to us a player so radio in the sky, at least for my use.Thomas CappsFor Tennessee home and Farm Radio. I'm Thomas Capps.
There have been lots of research and advancements in cattle genetics. Recently faculty from The University of Tennessee partnered with the University of Kentucky to travel through both states talking about the latest in cattle genetics.Thomas CappsA week studying cattle genetics. Hello, and welcome to Tennessee Home and Farm Radio. I'm Thomas Capps. It all startsDr. Troy RowanIt all starts with genetics but eventually ends up on your plate.Thomas CappsWe've come a long way in studying and producing better genetics in cattle. That's thanks in large part to research done at places like the University of Tennessee and other institutions like it in the country. UT Extension recently partnered with our neighbors to the north in Kentucky to travel through both the bluegrass and volunteer states, talking about and learning more about the latest in cattle genetics. Dr. Troy Rowan with the animal science department at UT was a part of the group that started in Lexington, Kentucky and ended in Lewisburg, Tennessee. Dr. Rowan spoke at the seedstock portion of the tour that was in Spring Hill, Tennessee, where he specifically focused on bulls.Dr. Troy RowanI think that bull buying decision is one of the most important things that a commercial herd does. It has a really big impact on their herd in the immediate term. So that bull is going to Sire, you know over 100 calves hopefully over the course of his lifetime. But in addition to that the impact that he has when we keep replacement cows back that Bull has a multi generational impact on a herd.Thomas CappsAt the next and final stop and Lewisburg the focus was on heifer Development. Dr. Lou Strickland with UT gave a presentation on improving genetics and heifers. Dr. Strickland stresses heifer genetics is important for the consumer and farmer raising the beef.Dr. Lou Stricklandthat's extremely important be able to help them reduce her because their bottom line is very, very tight and we want to try to help them the most possible while being able to make their farm profitableThomas CappsThat delicious steak or hamburger you eat tonight for dinner as a quality taste in large part because of the genetics research that has and continues to be a priority for producers.Dr. Troy RowanIt takes years for these genetic selection decisions to reach the meat counter. But ultimately, we're trying to make a product that's more sustainable a product that's more efficient, and a product that's more profitable for our breeders and that consumers are happy withThomas CappsIt's simple, better genetics equals better beef. For Tennessee Home and Farm Radio, I'm Thomas Capps.
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 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.
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.
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 Ag Expo Southeaster Farmer of the Year competition in Moultrie, Georgia this week.
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 many problems as last year. USADA's Gary Crawford explains.
Cotton harvest is well underway across Tennessee. The USDA reports that 25 percent of cotton in Tennessee has been harvested as of this week. The report also says that 75 percent of cotton in Tennessee is in either good or excellent condition.
The 105th American Farm Bureau Convention is scheduled to be in Salt Lake City, Utah to kick off the new year.
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 100 acres of sweet potatoes he grew this year.
No doubt a fun time to go visit a local farm as agritourism adventures are located all across the Volunteer State this Fall.
For the past couple of days members of the Tennessee and Kentucky Broadband Associations have been meeting for their Fall conference in Franklin. A keynote speaker was USDA's Rural Utilities Service Administrator Andy Berke.
Each year the Tennessee Young Farmers and Ranchers tour agriculture in different parts of the state. This year the fall tour took them to Lincoln County.
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.
Purchasing the centerpiece of Thanksgiving dinner could cost less than last year. Micheal Clements tells us the price of turkeys is falling in advance of the holiday.
Lawmakers have held a hearing on foreign purchases/ownership of U.S. farmland and other farm-related businesses. Gary Crawford has more.Thomas CappsForeign ownership of American farmland. Hello and welcome to Tennessee Home and Farm Radio. I'm Thomas Capps Lawmakers recently held a hearing on foreign ownership of us farmland and other farm related businesses. US Department of Agriculture's Gary Crawford has more.Gary CrawfordOpinions on the issue of foreign ownership of us farmland and other ag related businesses vary widely. Some say the amount of US farmland owned by China, for example, is only one half of 1% of all US ag land owned by interest outside the US and so that may not be a threat. Others such as Montana's Senator Jon Tester disagreeSenator Jon TesterWhen we're talking about the Chinese Communist Party, putting up a Corn Milling plant within miles of a sensitive Air Force Base, we need to make sure that this doesn't happen. Because quite honestly, China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, they are not friends of ours. They want to make us less than we are today. So we shouldn't allow these bad actors to be on our soil. The fact is, is that if they're there to have impacts on our food supply, that's bad business. If they're there to spy on us, they shouldn't be allowed to spy on us anywhere in the world and certainly not on our own soil.Gary CrawfordLike USDA Deputy Under Secretary Gloria Montaño Greene told lawmakers that while many people believe the US Department of Agriculture should go ahead, just move in and tightly restrict foreign purchases of us ag land. The fact is,Gloria Montaño GreeneOur authority does not allow us to stop the selling of foreign land. We do not have authority to have a decision in foreign or domestic land purchases and leases.Gary CrawfordUSDA does have the job of tracking and disclosing land deals but the system for doing that is a complex patchwork. I'm Gary Crawford reporting for the US Department of Agriculture in Washington.Thomas CappsHere in Tennessee State lawmakers are taking some action on the issue. Last legislative session the state legislature passed a bill that prevents sanction foreign businesses or governments from buying land in Tennessee. For Tennessee Home and Farm Radio, I'm Thomas Capps.
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 that bring a positive impact to their community. Collins is the first person from Tennessee to win the award.Thomas CappsOutstanding Tennessee collegiate 4-Her recognized nationally. Hello and welcome to Tennessee Home and Farm Radio. I'm Thomas CappsKatie CollinsI was so ecstatic to win this award.Thomas CappsKatie Collins is a sophomore at the University of Tennessee Knoxville studying food and agricultural business. She has been heavily involved in 4-H in high school and now at the college level too. She's one of four to received the National 4-H Youth in Action Award this year.Katie CollinsThe Youth in Action Award is a national 4-H program that recognizes for diverse young leaders who make a positive impact in their community.Thomas CappsEach applicant submits a project that benefits their community, Collins submitted her community project called See Yourself in Agriculture, which helps expose youth agriculture that otherwise would have no contact with the industry.Katie CollinsHow I kind of got started in the project was I read a book to some third graders during ag literacy week, and about half of the kids didn't even know where their food came from. I grew up on a century dairy farm, 20 minutes down the road from these kids. And I was just like, mind boggled at the fact that they thought their food came from a grocery store in the third gradeThomas CappsAs one of the four winners Collins will now travel around to be a spokesperson for the National 4-H Council.Katie CollinsFor the whole year, we will travel to different donor events, alumni, different 4-H events, do telephone interviews like this talk to our state leaders, different state leaders, about 4-H and about how we made a positive impact and sharing our 4-H storyThomas CappsAlso as the winner, Collins receives a $5,000 scholarship, but she says it's just an honor to be recognized for her hard work and an honor to represent Tennessee.Katie CollinsI'm the first Tennesseean to ever win the award, which is super exciting. And so I hope this gained some traction because I know people in Tennessee are doing great things. I'm hoping more people in Tennessee worldwide and they'll win the award in the future.Thomas CappsFor Tennessee home and Farm Radio. I'm Thomas Capps. Thanks for listening and have a great day.
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 the next generation will need to take their place when they retire. To help gain interest in the industry the Nashville Sounds & Tennessee Farm Bureau partnered together to give FFA & 4-H students the chance to hear directly from professionals in the Ag industry.Thomas CappsAmerica's favorite pastime and getting youth interested in America's most important industry. Hello, and welcome to Tennessee Home and Farm Radio, I'm Thomas Capps.Kyle CatoIt's on us as producers and everybody in the ag community to build that interest and make it interesting for everybody to be involved in.Thomas CappsIt's no secret that there's a major need for young people to get involved in agriculture. The average age of a farmer is 58 and somebody in the next generation will need to take their place when they retire. That's why the Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation is partnering with different sports organizations to host ag nights for FFA and 4-H kids recently the Nashville sounds hosted Ag night. Youth attending got to hear from a panel of professionals in the ag industry and got to take in a sounds baseball game. Christian community White House senior case gardener is as FFA chapter president and says it was great hearing about the different opportunities as he definitely wants to pursue a career in agriculture.Case GardnerIt's been a real pleasure to hear this great panel and just gained so much knowledge that I can use for my future. I'm not sure specifically which niche as Mr. Jason said he falls into so that may take some time. But definitely I would love to be in an agriculture career.Thomas CappsCarl Kato works for Catesa Farms in Riddleton Tennessee. He was a member of the panel and shared with the youth how much he enjoys his job and the importance of it.Kyle CatoI think it's great that all the kids are wanting to get involved because agriculture right now is less than 2% of the population and if it's going to continue we got to have more involved.Thomas CappsJason Searles with Coleman Tractor was also a panelist and says he helps the youth understand just how many opportunities are available in the field of agriculture.Jason SearlesThere's so many career opportunities to be involved in agriculture without really being directly involved in production there's sales and service and, and parts and working on as well as producing and marketing and communicating getting to show these young youths that there are so many opportunities that perhaps they've not even thought about yet. I think is so important.Thomas CappsFor Tennessee Home and Farm Radio, I'm Thomas Capps.
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 no plans to retire anytime soon.Thomas Capps56 years on the job and still going strong. Hello and welcome to Tennessee Home and Farm Radio. I'm Thomas CappsVelma McKeeOne year goes into another and you don't think about it.Thomas CappsVelma McKee has been the Washington County Farm Bureau secretary for 56 years now. She started in October of 1967. It's the type of job she says she always wanted.Velma McKeeI always wanted to work in an office, and back when I first started, what experience have you had? Not very many will give you a chance. And Farm Bureau did and I kind of felt loyalty there because they did give me an opportunity to work.Thomas CappsThere has to be a good reason to stay in one place for more than 50 years. There's many reasons for Velma, but the people are at the top of the list.Velma McKeeThe ones you work with, you get acquainted with them their families. It's like one big happy family. I started out I had the teenagers that got married, they had kids, we insured them, their kids, so I mean it's just a family and they respect what Farm Bureau stands for.Thomas CappsOne of the highlights for Velma was going to Hawaii twice for the American Farm Bureau convention.Velma McKeeIt was like a dream. I had as I say I hadn't traveled that much. I guess I had flown one other time me and my sister went to New York and I took my first plane trip and boat ride.Thomas CappsAt 78 Velma still comes to work every day with her warm, friendly smile like she always says, and has no plans to retire anytime soon.Velma McKeeAs long as my health holds up I'm gonna meet the people.Thomas CappsMore than a half a century of hard work and dedication that's still going today. For Tennessee Home and Farm Radio, I'm Thomas Capps.
The Buttrery's live on a small farm in Weakley County where they raise their two children. Sustainability is always at the top of their mind as they farm. Their contributions to practicing regenerative agriculture was recently recognized.
Lawmakers are quickly facing the deadline to fund the federal government and pass a new farm bill. Micheal Clements shares more on what could be ahead if they fail to meet those deadlines.Clements: The end of September marks two important deadlines for Congress: the deadline to pass a new farm bill and the deadline to fund the federal government. American Farm Bureau Federation Executive Vice President Joby Young says farmers and ranchers will immediately notice the impact of a potential government shutdown.Young: When farmers and ranchers look at it, they're going to think about USDA and USDA programs. And so, that could be everything from your farmer facing programs like your FSA offices and NRCS offices, and places where there might be furloughed employees. And then there are certain entire programs that have to cease operations during the course of a government shutdown, loan programs and some other things that can be affected.Clements: Young says consumers will notice a few changes, as well, should a shutdown occur.Young: There are some things that are exempted from a government shutdown, protection of property, protection of human life, some of the food safety inspections and other things might fall into those categories. But USDA programs certainly are one of those areas that can have complications and can be hindered by a government shutdown. Agencies that do nutrition programs and other things are affected during a government shutdown, as well.Clements: While a government shutdown would impact farmers and consumers more quickly, it’s important for Congress to remember that farm bill expiration would have implications as well.Young: That's a very complex picture, of course. The government shutdown clearly is a much more immediate impact. A farm bill expiration, a little bit more flexibility there because the programs that are under the farm bill across many agencies have a variety of expiration dates. But none of this is ideal, and they're all certainly things that you don't want to see. And so, that's why it's important to both resolve the government funding debate because of its immediate effects, but also quickly move on to consideration of a farm bill and avoid any of the negative effects that might come from that.Clements: Micheal Clements, Washington.
Dr. Keith Carver has been Senior Vice Chancellor for The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture for a little more than six month now. Carver hopes to keep moving UTIA in a direction of success.
Farmers across the Volunteer State are, for the most part, seeing good yields of their corn and soybean crops this fall. About half way complete with corn and maybe a quarter of the way on soybeans. Challenges continue with another low water issue on the Mississippi River.
Dr. Joe McClure in Humphreys County has developed a new peach variety, called Sweet Joe. It took Dr. McClure 20 years to develop the variety. The Sweet Jow seed will now be available to the public.
Amber & Mark Saldana served out Nation for many years in the military. Now they're both retired and bringing cut flowers in Lauderdale County.Thomas CappsCut flower business blossoming in Lauderdale County. Hello and welcome to Tennessee Home and Farm Radio. I'm Thomas Capps.Amber SaldanaWe just wanted to be able to provide something for the community something to brighten people's day.Thomas CappsAmber Mark Saldana have spent their whole life serving others. After both serving in the military the couple are retired and now living in Lauderdale County where they started their own cut flower farm called Cold Creek Flower Farm. Amber says the cut flower industry is growing in popularity, but it's still fairly new to their area.Amber SaldanaOur county is on the Mississippi River and so it's mainly row crops and some small vegetable farms and we do cut flowers and we have an aviary so we are the only cut flowers that are in Lauderdale County selling to the public as well as doing our honey and and things associated with our bees. Because we're so new to it, you know, we we grow the easy to grow flowers, things like sunflowers and solutia and Zinnias things that are easy to grow in our climate and stuff sometimes it's just it's as easy as throwing the seeds on the ground and and the ones that are growing are the ones that we cut.Thomas CappsNow two years into growing flowers the Saldana's is are hoping to expand their business and try new things. We're working towards.Amber SaldanaPeonies and some perennials, some kind of some flowers that can that are a little more, I guess the market for it is a little bit bigger than say sunflowers are zinnias. But um, we do mixed bouquets. That's really what we're doing. And we also want to provide a you pick opportunity for folks to come in and just pick their own flowers, take pictures, whatever they want to do, I think everybody can enjoy and appreciate cut flowers. So we need to be able to give that to folks that you know we're not really close to any big cities that you can just easily go and get, you know, all kinds of different flowers that you know at your fingertips. So to be able to at least provide that to some of our residents and even our local flower shops. That means a lot to us.Thomas CappsProtecting our nation, growing and cutting flowers, and living a life of serving others. For Tennessee Home Farm Radio. I'm Thomas Capps.
For nine years people in the Ag community in Tennessee have gathered to raise money to feed hungry Tennesseans through the clay sporting event, Shooting Hunger. The event has raised enough money to provide over two million meals for people in need. The Middle tennessee shooting event was held Thursday.
The USDA released its August Farm Income Forecast for 2023 and shows farm incomes going lower. Chad Smith has more on the numbers.Smith: The USDA says farm incomes are lower than they expected earlier this year. Danny Munch, an economist with the American Farm Bureau Federation talks about what the new farm income forecast says about the farm economy.Munch: U.S. net farm income is currently forecast at $141 billion. That's down almost a quarter, 23 percent, from last year, which was $183 billion. And that's compared to a 16 percent decline that they originally estimated in February. That $41 billion decline that they're estimating erases a lot of the gains between 2021 and 2022, so revenue is expected to be down across the board.Smith: Munch says nearly all sectors of the farm economy are projected to decrease.Munch: The largest decrease in net farm income is tied to a projected fall on cash receipts for livestock, mainly due to lower prices for all commodities except for turkey and cattle. The value of livestock production is expected to decrease about five percent, which is about $12 billion. On the crop side, it's a similar story. They expect crop sales to be down ten percent for corn, $8.4 billion, soybeans to be down 8.6 percent to $5.4 billion. You also have production expenses continue to tick up, feed costs are up three percent, labor up five percent, and marketing costs expected up five percent.Smith: He also said interest expenses, or the cost of capital, are almost 40 percent above last year. Munch says farmers and ranchers should make a plan now for how to weather these lower revenues.Munch: Take advantage of risk management options available to you. This can include things offered through the federal crop insurance program available for lots of crops, as well as any of the farm bill commodity programs like Dairy Margin Coverage. For those who don't currently have risk management options in place because maybe there aren't crop insurance programs for that crop or they don't really fit your operation type, this is time to engage with your Farm Bureau and your elected officials. We're in the middle of farm bill conversations. We want to make sure that the farm bill gets passed, and that it's comprehensive, and that there's ways for farmers to hedge against revenue declines like this, regardless of what type of crops that they grow.Smith: Chad Smith, Washington.
The Center For Profitable Agriculture was formed 25 years ago. Since then, the center has helped farmers grow their operation and become more profitable. CPA is celebrating turning 25 and the success they've had.
Cody and Jessica Grills of Dyer County were presented with a new Case IH tractor in front of family and friends at the Dyer County farmers appreciation breakfast. The Grills received the tractor as an award for winning the Tennessee Young Farmers & Ranchers Achievement Award. They get to use the tractor for one year on their row crop farm.
Thomas Capps Achievement Award winners get a new tractor. Hello and welcome to Tennessee Home and Farm Radio. I'm Thomas Capps.
Cody Grills To be honored with those that were before us. It's just it's a great honor.
Thomas Capps Cody and Jessica Grills of Dyer County are getting ready to use their new Case IH tractor. They get to use the shiny new red tractor for a year as a prize for winning the Tennessee Young Farmers and Ranchers Achievement Award. They were presented with a new tractor over the weekend in front of family and friends at the Dyer County farmers appreciation breakfast.
Cody Grills We're just so thankful you know, we we've had some months to roll over this now and to think about it and we're just so thankful to be honored with the people that have won this award ahead of us to be presented with such a great piece of equipment. We're just extremely grateful for it.
Jessica Grills We've had so many people that have helped us along the way. From everyday operations on the farm to this winning this honor, it's just been truly, truly incredible with the friendships and the leadership that we've had to look up to
Thomas Capps The Grills already have in mind how they'll put their new tractor to use on their row crop farm.
Cody Grills We're gonna utilize every bit of it, I'm sure you know we'll be either planting with it, breaking ground, you know, running a grain cart, we're gonna I mean, it's a it's a multi use tractor so we'll be able to use it for many different things. So we're excited and looking forward to using it.
Thomas Capps Cody and Jessica aren't the first Grills to win the Achievement Award and receive a tractor. Cody's oldest brother Rusty came in second in the contest many years ago. And his older brother Hunter won in 2020 being third in their family to do well with this award is something Cody and Jessica take a lot of pride in.
Cody Grills I'm a ninth generation farmer and now I'm a third generation Achievement Award winner so hopefully that I'll happen with our son be a fourth generation Achievement Award winner in the future. So yeah, it's nice to have that legacy in our family, and we hope to continue on for many years.
Jessica Grills And we'd like to thank Case IH and the sponsorship over the years and the support they've given us and Farm Bureau.
Thomas Capps
A partnership for 35 years that has highlighted the best young farmers in Tennessee. For Tennessee Home and Farm Radio, I'm Thomas Capps.
Danielle Buntyon followed her dream and went from the corporate office in Houston to the farm office in Memphis and now she’s just been named Tennessee's Small Farmer of the Year.
People in the beef industry are working to put steps in place to help prevent and prepare for potential disease outbreaks in cattle. Jennifer Houston with NCBA believes Tennessee can lead the way in putting these practices in place.
Thomas Capps Biosecurity in the beef industry. Hello and welcome to Tennessee Home and Farm Radio. I'm Thomas Capps.
Jennifer Houston Traceability, we're a little bit further along, biosecurity is something we need to start thinking about.
Thomas Capps Protecting our food sources is critical to our Nation's security and well being. That's why people in the beef industry are working towards steps that will keep our beef supply safe from potential diseases that aren't even in the US yet. Tennessee native Jennifer Houston it's on the National Cattlemens Beef Association board and believes Tennessee can lead the way in being proactive and taking steps to prevent the spread of foreign diseases.
Jennifer Houston Tennessee is going to be starting trying to participate in the secure beef supply plan. I just think it's important that we really start thinking about that now to prepare for what could happen with an animal disease outbreak. I think there's no question we're vulnerable. And I think if we can't really realize that after the pandemic that we went through with our human our human folks, that it's there for animals, and it can be just as devastating to us in the agriculture industry, for our livelihood, maybe not our lives, but certainly our livelihoods. So the more we can do to prepare, whether that's by electronically IDing our calves, enrolling in some kind of program, working with our state vet, getting our biosecurity plans in place, the more we can do, the better off we're gonna be. Again, like I said, not if, but when it happens, and hopefully that's a long time from now. But we are vulnerable.
Thomas Capps Houston hopes that taking these steps now will make any potential outbreak a non issue for both beef producers and consumers.
Jennifer Houston Consumers they need to have the trust in our product. That's one thing that traceability system, biosecurity plans, it just they have trust in our product, they trust farmers, but we've got to keep that on and we got to prepare ourselves so their trust is not misplaced. And we can keep supplying them with that healthy secure beef that they love.
Thomas Capps Exploring systems and technology that could help keep our beef supply going, and our food systems secure. For Tennessee home and Farm Radio. I'm Thomas Capps. Thanks for listening and have a great day.
For 30 years now the city of Martin has come together to celebrate one of their communities top cash crops. The Tennessee Soybean Festival celebrates the soybean, farmers, and agriculture as a whole. The three day festival features amusement rides, good food, and live concerts each night. It starts September 7th and goes through September 9th.
Thomas Capps The soybean celebrated in Martin. Hello and welcome to Tennessee Home and Farm Radio. I'm Thomas Capps.
Brad Thompson It's time to celebrate, you know our roots and to recognize agriculture to recognize farmers.
Thomas Capps Each year the city of Martin comes together to recognize one of the top cash crops in their community from live music to amusement rides and good food. The soybean festival has something for everyone. Now in its 30th Year festival Director Brad Thompson says the annual tradition always seeks to keep agriculture at the center.
Brad Thompson Soybeans are a Top Crop in Tennessee and you know the impact of soybeans reaches far beyond the Tennessee farm. And you know, in fact the economic impact of soybeans just on the across the state of Tennessee's over a billion dollars.
Thomas Capps The three day event starts today in the historic downtown of Martin and goes until Saturday. Each night features live concerts Thursday nights performances Cheap Trick, Friday Brothers Osbourne, and Saturday night is Russell Dickerson Thompson just wants everyone to come out and have a good time keeping this three decade old tradition alive.
Brad Thompson
The Tennessee soybean festival has its challenges a little bit with marketing soybeans, but the more we look into it, the more we learned like the soybean is a very diverse agricultural commodity and just like the soybean, our festival offers a lot of diverse activities. We'd like to say that we have a little something for everyone here to come and celebrate from the people the food the activities. You know, everyone is welcome anyone who would like to come you know we have the vending fair. We have over 50 different food trucks we have the carnival food we have a midway amusement ride.
Thomas Capps
General admission into the festival is free. Tickets for the concert start at $20 for Tennessee Holman Farm Radio, I'm Thomas Capps.
A new state law now in effect requires school systems to keep their exterior doors locked at all times, but that has come in to question for some ag programs that have shops and barns located on the school campus.
Robertson County tobacco growers have been busy with this year’s crop and still much work left for growers as they get the crop to the barn and begin the curing process.
The USDA released its August Farm Income Forecast for 2023 and shows farm incomes going lower. Chad Smith has more on the numbers.
For the 85th year, the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration has been a tradition like no other and the ten day celebration concludes tomorrow night with the announcement of the world grand champion.
Farmers across the state continue to gather in their communities to discuss topics and issues facing the agriculture industry. It’s all a part of the Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation’s Policy Development meetings. Recently meetings in Washington and Knox counties were held where Ag education, and concerns over lab grown meat were discussed.
During the recent FFA Ham Breakfast at the state fair Lee Todd of Germantown was presented the Tennessee FFA Lifetime Achievement award for his long-time involvement and support of the organization.
Lazy Branch Farm established in 1879 becomes the 113th Century Farm officially recognized in Wilson County.
Kelsey Barnes with the Farm Journal Foundation believes much of the world is in a food security crisis. She says it's in our interest to help other nations become more food secure for national security reasons, and because it's the right thing to do.
Thomas Capps Food security is national security. Hello and welcome to Tennessee Home and Farm Radio. I'm Thomas Capps
Kelsey Barnes When other countries around the world are food insecure, it actually raises the rest or US national security.
Thomas Capps Kelsey Barnes is the director of government affairs with the Farm Journal Foundation. The Farm Journal Foundation works to promote policy that leads to more food security in nations around the world. Barnes sees trends that suggests that the world is in a food security crisis right now. And while things are stable, for the most part here in the US, from a food standpoint, Barnes believes it's in our interest to help other parts of the world be food secure too.
Kelsey Barnes When other countries around the world are food insecure, but actually raises the rest or US national security. If you look at how the war in Ukraine has impacted agriculture, right, it's even playing a role to Tennessee farmers. Tennessee farmers are now growing more wheat than we have in the last several years. So if we were able to look at this at a global scale and its impact, and how the US government is able to invest or deregulate and allow farmers to do their jobs and to be able to help build trade, then we should be caring about that, but also from the faith humanitarian standpoint. We're very blessed to be born in the US and be able to raise all the crops that we do and unfortunately, there's people in other areas of the world who aren't blessed with the amount of seed and technology and innovations that we have. So it's important that we take care of others too.
Thomas Capps While it might not be obvious to everyone, Barnes says US farmers play a huge role in feeding the world and keeping the world a safer of a place as possible.
Kelsey Barnes A lot of times farmers don't think of themselves as being able to prevent national security risk but food really is security and whenever you're able to view it that way and be able to take part in that it's important.
Thomas Capps As Barnes and others at Farm journal continue to work towards creating good policy to combat food insecurity, farmers will do their part to growing good food and fiber, and be a light to the rest of the world. For Tennessee home and Farm Radio, I'm Thomas Capps.
After being at the helm of the Tennessee Poultry Association for 12 years, Dale Barnett is stepping down as Executive Director. Tracy Rafferty is taking over as Executive Director. Barnett says it's been a great ride with TPA, and is excited to continue working within the industry in his new job.
After being at the helm of the Tennessee Poultry Association for more than a decade, Dale Barnett is stepping down as Executive Director. Tracy Rafferty will be taking over as Executive Director. Barnett says he has loved his time with TPA, and is excited to continue working within the industry with his new job.
Several Tennessee farmers are partnering with Kroger to provide them with produce that they sell in their stores. Kroger says it's a great way to support local farmers and give customers great quality produce.
The annual FFA Ham Breakfast at the Tennessee State Fair raised nearly $40,000 for the Tennessee FFA. H&R Agri-Power and Catesa Farms banded together to purchase the Grand Champion Country Ham for $20,000, and the Tennessee Farm Bureau, TriGreen, and Beck's joined together to purchase the packer style champion ham. It went for $18,500.
Thomas Capps An old tradition raises nearly $40,000 For FFA Hello and welcome to Tennessee Home and Farm Radio I'm Thomas Capps.
Anna Whitt Keeps an old tradition alive like curing country hams.
Thomas Capps The FFA Ham Breakfast at the Tennessee state fairs or tradition that brings people in Tennessee agriculture together and raises a lot of money for Tennessee FFA. The breakfast highlights the youth ag organization and the two winning hams at the State Fair are auctioned off for FFA. H&R agri-power and Catesa Forms banded together to purchase this year's country ham grand champion for $20,000. And the Tennessee Farm Bureau TriGreen, and Beck's joined together to purchase the Packers style ham. It went for $18,500. Together that's a new record. State FFA President Ella Hasty is so grateful for those who put such a large investment into the organization she loves.
Ella Hasty It was a very special day it was so great to see all the people who support Tennessee FFA, and just, we are truly blessed to have so many people who not only just believe in FFA, but also the future of agriculture. And to see this room full of smiling faces and everyone fellowshipping with one another and just supporting this great organization really, truly warms my heart.
Thomas Capps Bobby Parker of Cannon County grew and cured the grand champion country him that went for $20,000. He's done this contest for years and is honored his ham is making such a great impact.
Bobby Parker I'm proud that it brought that and you know, this benefits the FFA, you know, helps them it's a big fundraiser for them. And that's gonna help feed our country for a long time. I mean, we push the FFA.
Thomas Capps Anna a Whitt from Spring Hill Tennessee produced the Packers style ham the wind for more than $18,000. She and her family have been at this craft for a long time now.
Anna Whitt I'm really thankful for drag rain and Farm Credit and h&r and Farm Bureau that really donate to the organization of FFA and just it's kind of a dawn trade that I hope that we can keep going due to events like this.
Thomas Capps Continuing producing and curing hams and continuing to support the future of agriculture for Tennessee home and Farm Radio. I'm Thomas Capps.
Tennessee 4-H is on full display at the State Fair in Wilson County. From the various projects and competitions to the annual 4-H picnic the youth organization is a big part of the fair.
The Tennessee State Fair is off to an exciting start. People from across the state came for opening weekend in Wilson County. Attendance for opening night broke last year's record.
The Tennessee State Fair got started with the celebrity hamburger grill off. TV personalities from three local television stations from Nashville and RFD TV participated. The team from News Channel 5 took home champions of champions with their taco recipe.
Thomas Capps Kicking off the state fair with corn and beef. Hello and welcome to Tennessee home and Farm Radio. I'm Thomas Capps. The Tennessee State Fair got off to a sizzling start Thursday in Wilson County as the celebrity hamburger grill off kicked everything off. News personalities from three local television stations in Nashville and RFD TV participated. It's the Year of corn at the state fair, so bonus points were given if corn was used in some way, it was a close competition but NewsChannel 5's Jennifer Kraus and Levi Ismail took home champion of champions with their special taco recipe.
Jennifer Kraus It was so much fun. It's always so much fun to celebrate the fair to be at the fair to kick off the fair with such a great opportunity to feature Tennessee products and corn.
Levi Ismail When you come to one of these things. You want to have a good time but it helps to win, right? I mean, it's exciting. We had a good time. We got to eat some good food. We hope the judges had a good time, and thank you to all of them for making this possible.
Thomas Capps Three of the four judges are farmers themselves Christina McGee, George MacDonald, and Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation Vice President James Haskew.
James Haskew Well the most enjoyable part was the variety of the different flavors. There was a different flavor to each entry. Some of them was a little bit spicy. Some of them was a little bit more natural, but across the board this is the flavor of each different entree.
Christina McGee We had some unusual entry some very tasty entries was that it was a great morning for agriculture. We featured Wilson County beef from Neil farms, which is a huge plus Neil's paymaster coorn.
George McDonald We enjoy promoting our products. It had beef in it that Tennessee's known for it has corn number two commodity in Tennessee so have better way can we promote our products than eating our products?
Thomas Capps The Tennessee State Fair runs until August 26. It features lots of Tennessee agriculture. It's a great way to celebrate our state and its most important industry. For Tennessee home and Farm Radio, I'm Thomas Capps.
Having good policy on agriculture is essential in ensuring farms can continue growing our food and fiber. That's why each year the Tennessee Farm Bureau holds policy development meetings across the state, so that farmers can voice their concerns and opinions on issues.
Dr. Charlie Martinez and his team at the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture has been working over the last year to collect data to determine how much farmland is being lost in Tennessee. Now the data is becoming clearer, and just as expected Tennessee is losing farmland at a rapid rate.
Thomas Capps Farmland loss in focus. Hello, and welcome to Tennessee Home and Farm Radio. I'm Thomas Capps.
Charley Martinez And now we're starting to really kind of see the light at the end of the tunnel when it comes to the data.
Thomas Capps Dr. Charlie Martinez and his team at the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture has been working over the last year to collect data and determine exactly how much farmland in Tennessee has been lost and developed. Now the numbers are starting to become clear. And just as expected, the Volunteer State is losing farmland at a rapid rate.
Charley Martinez In 2017, Tennessee at 86% of the of the state was covered in ag and forestry land. And then since 2017, we've actually started decreasing down to 84%. And to put that in perspective, if you look at 19, from 1997 to 2017, we lost 1.1 million acres. And then if you take 2017 to 2022, we've lost just shy of a half a million acres. And so the reality is we've had 1 million loss in 20 years. And then we have a five year span where we've lost half a million acres. Then when you start looking at the numbers, we're starting to ramp up in the farmland conversion or farmland loss discussion in terms of half a million and in five years.
Thomas Capps The concern is that farmland is disappearing at a faster rate. And what does that mean for the future of agriculture in Tennessee?
Charley Martinez We know that we have a limited amount of land in Tennessee.Wwe have 26 point 4 million square acres. And as we lose those percentages year after year, then essentially we're losing land that we'll never get back.
Thomas Capps Now knowing this information, the hope is that thoughtful conversation can happen on the state and local county and city level.
Charley Martinez What becomes the next question is what's the optimal blend of ag versus non ag property in a given county. And that's when the discussion really picks up in terms of smart growth discussion, infrastructure type discussion.
Thomas Capps Martinez and his team are finalizing their research and will soon have an interactive map online where people will be able to see how much farmland has been lost county by county. For Tennessee Home and Farm Radio on Thomas Capps.
Issues involving agriculture often times end up in the courts. Deputy General Counsel for the American Farm Bureau Federation, Travis Cushman, reminds farmers why the courts matter and why they're worth paying attention to.
Thomas Capps Agriculture front and center in the courts. Hello and welcome to Tennessee Home and Farm Radio. I'm Thomas Capps
Travis Cushman There's so many legal issues agriculture is front and center on.
Thomas Capps Travis Cushman is the deputy general counsel for the American Farm Bureau Federation. Cushman has recently been busy presenting legal cases before the US Supreme Court involving agriculture. He recently stopped in Tennessee to remind farmers the importance of keeping an eye on legal issues and how they impact their operations.
Travis Cushman People don't always appreciate how important the courts are. To get your public policy across. You have three branches of government, right? You have the executive branch, the legislative branch, the judiciary is one of the most important branches of government. And I'm here to talk about how important the judiciary is, but also how powerful our culture has been over the past several years in the courts, particularly the Supreme Court. In fact, as you alluded to this this past term out of the 58 cases, which is very, very few, only, not many cases at all, but the Supreme Court hears two of them were agriculture cases.
Thomas Capps One of those cases was Sackett VS. EPA, which involved waters of the United States, an issue people in agriculture have been fighting for decades.
Travis Cushman That's been a case that's, we've been fighting this issue for 50 years now, over how far the EPA and the Army Corps jurisdiction goes over our farmlands. They've been the EPA has been constant battled back on this and this was probably the biggest strike we've ever had on this issue with the second case it was 9-0, it was 9-0 against the EPA. That doesn't sound like division to me, but that sounds like the courts looked at this as they should have and said, EPA is overreached again.
Thomas Capps Cushman says the WOTUS case that went in agriculture's favor is a good reminder of having Farm Bureau, and for farmers to stay up to date on the issues.
Travis Cushman We are very very active in the courts. There are so many other cases I could talk about where we've had tremendous success. There are so many areas that we work in for Farm Bureau membership that we cannot do without that. So it's vitally important as you said, we'll continue fighting.
Thomas Capps For Tennessee Home and Farm Radio. I'm Thomas Capps.
As lawmakers work to write the next farm bill, the American Farm Bureau Federation is sharing stories of its importance to agriculture. Chad Smith has more with an example from a Missouri farm.
Smith: As ongoing drought grips much of the west and Midwest, farmers and ranchers are utilizing farm bill programs to ensure they’re acting as stewards of the land. Megan Richner, a farmer in Missouri, which has been one of the driest spots in the country, says the farm bill’s conservation programs have positively impacted her operation and kept them in business. Richner: Really those conservation programs in the farm bill saved our farm during this drought that we're experiencing. If it wasn't for those, we'd be in pretty bad shape on our farm. We have not had to sell any cows. We've had some land, we've had grass, and really our land and grass would be in much worse condition if we would not have started using these conservation programs back in 2014. Smith: Richner says Congress can’t wait until next year to pass a farm bill. Richner: Due to the uncertainty in agriculture, whether it's an uncertainty in markets, whether it's the uncertainty in weather across the United States. Certainly, for us, the Farm Bill has been a safety net. It allows farmers like us to weather the storm and help us continue to grow food for our communities, whether it's crops or, in our case, producing beef, still able to do that because of the farm bill and the programs that it provides. Smith: She encourages farmers and ranchers to reach out to their elected officials and share their agriculture story. Richner: One of the best things a farmer and rancher can do to really get the farm bill across the finish line this year is just pick up the phone and have a conversation with your legislators or their staff. How's the farm bill impacted your farm? They say a picture's worth 1,000 words, show them those pictures. Tell them your story. Capps: Whether it's in Missouri, or right here in Tennessee, it's clear that a new Farm Bill is essential for not just farmers, but all Americans. For Tennessee Home and Farm Radio - I'm Thomas Capps.
Senator Marsha Blackburn spoke at the 83rd annual Tennessee Farm Bureau Presidents Conference. Senator Blackburn assured the farmers that she fully supports them, and that lawmakers are hard at work in Washington crafting the new 2023 Farm Bill.
Thomas Capps: Senator Marsha Blackburn updating Tennessee farmers on happenings in Washington. Hello and welcome to Tennessee Home and Farm Radio. I'm Thomas Capps.
Thomas Capps: Farmers from across Tennessee are in Franklin today for the 83rd annual Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation President's Conference. The two day meeting gives farmers the chance to hear from political leaders and experts on key issues impacting the agriculture industry. On Thursday, US Senator Marsha Blackburn spoke at the conference assuring that she has farmers backs and that they're hard at work crafting the 2023 Farm Bill in Washington.
Senator Marsha Blackburn: I'm in each of our state's 95 counties every year. And as I talk to leaders in our farm and ag sector, they repeatedly talked to me about how difficult regulation taxation litigation makes their life.
Thomas Capps: Senator Blackburn isn't sure a new Farm Bill will be passed by the September deadline, but she is opt that one will be passed by years end.
Senator Marsha Blackburn: It doesn't matter if it's row crops or dairy farms. What they want is to make certain that there is a certainty and a continuation like you said, not something that goes for 12 months that there's something that's going to go for five or 10 years.
Eric Mayberry: To have those type folks like the Senator to come in here and visit with us for a few minutes. It just speaks volumes about the respect they have for our organization as a whole and how we operate. From that grassroots, your way of doing business.
Thomas Capps: Tennessee Farm Bureau President Eric Berry says this meeting is a great venue for conversations and information on key issues to be shared, as Farm Bureau policy for next year begins to be crafted.
Eric Mayberry: That's grassroots and it may us we're talking to one another. We're surfacing ideas and issues that we all need to be behind as a as a as a whole voice of Tennessee agriculture for Tennessee
Thomas Capps: For Tennessee Home and Farm Radio. I'm Thomas Capps.
A group of cotton growers from Brazil are in Tennessee meeting with cotton growers form the volunteer state. They are here to learn from growers in Tennessee and hopefully take some tips back home with them.
Thomas Capps Brazilian cotton growers meeting with Tennessee cotton growers. Hello and welcome to Tennessee Home and Farm Radio. I'm Thomas Capps.
John Sullivan It was really informative learning, learning their process and get the show them our process.
Thomas Capps A group of cotton growers from Brazil are in Tennessee this week meeting with various cotton growers in the Western and Southern part of the volunteer state. The group is here with Syngenta and all together grows around 50% of the overall cotton crop in Brazil. Imar Burdene works for Syngenta and is with the group. Their hope is to learn new practices from growers here
Imar Burdene We have here technical advisors from cotton consultants, researchers, firm Koto and some growers to see the dispersion of the cotton in USA. How how the farmers are producing cotton here.
Thomas Capps Burdene says one of the biggest differences in growing cotton in Brazil compared to here is the extra growing costs they spend to combat pests and weeds.
Imar Burdene The pressure of the insects in Brazil is so high. Then you have here.
Thomas Capps One of the Tennessee farmers they visited with was John Sullivan of Fayette County. Sullivan says it was just as informative for him as he hopes it was for the Brazilian farmers.
John Sullivan You know, they were telling us about their irrigation practices and populations, just the differences in their technologies that they're using to so it was a very informative meeting.
Thomas Capps He says it was an honor to show people from another nation, his operation and how he does things.
John Sullivan But you know, it's a pretty proud moment when you step back and look at the big picture of things and especially getting to talking to the people from other countries to see how much farther our country is as a whole in production. And that really goes to show that our policies and practices have been paying off through the years.
Thomas Capps And the hopes that perhaps their paths will cross again someday.
John Sullivan They invited us down to Brazil, that they'd love to show us around there so well maybe maybe we'll take them up on that offer.
Thomas Capps For Tennessee Home and Farm Radio, I'm Thomas Capps.
The American Farm Bureau Federation is encouraging farmers and ranchers to take advantage of the August recess to advocate for agriculture. Micheal Clements shares more.
Thomas Capps: Things are farley quiet in our nation’s capital – as law makers are back in their home states for the August recess. But as Michael Clements reminds us – now is the perfect time to take of advantage of the recess and advocate for agriculture. Clements: Lawmakers from the House and Senate are on the annual August recess and back in their respective districts and states. Tom Donnelly, American Farm Bureau Federation Director of Grassroots Program Development, says lawmakers will spend that time hearing from voters.
Donnelly: So, it's a great time for farmers and ranchers to meet with and communicate with lawmakers. This year is especially important since Congress is working to reauthorize the Farm Bill. And we've been encouraging our members and all farmers and ranchers to make sure that they take advantage of the August recess and discuss the merits of the Farm Bill, how it has helped them over the last five years and what changes would make it better going forward.
Clements: He says there are several ways to do so.
Donnelly: If you don't know who your lawmaker is, you can easily go to FB.org/lookup, enter your street address and your zip code, and that will show you who your lawmakers are. Make sure you sign up for a lawmaker’s e-newsletter, that way you'll be informed when they're back in town, and you can even sign up for a town hall meeting and visit a county fair when they're there, and you can always schedule a meeting with lawmakers’ staff. Also, don't forget to offer the opportunity to visit your farm or ranch.
Clements: Donnelly says forming a relationship with lawmakers can set farmers or ranchers up to be a resource for those elected officials well into the future.
Donnelly: And when they get active, when they engage on a legislative or regulatory issue, their voices are heard. That's the importance of grassroots advocacy to get out there, meet with your lawmakers, tell them what's going on in your town, in your district, in your county, at your farm, at your ranch, and make sure that they hear the agriculture voice.
Clements: Visit FB.org/advocacy to learn more. Micheal Clements, Washington.
Thomas Capps: A good reminder that your voice is just a powerful as anyone else’s.For Tennessee Home and farm radio, I’m Thomas Capps
Cattle prices are on the rise. After several years of stagnant prices, cattle prices are now nearing record highs.
Richard Brown Cattle prices nearing historic highs. Hello and welcome to Tennessee Home and Farm Radio. I'm Thomas Capps.
Thomas Capps Cattle prices are on the rise. And that's great news for beef producers who have had to suffer through stagnant prices over the last few years while meat prices soared. Richard Brown with Tennessee livestock producers says he's seeing the highest prices of video sales he's ever seen
Richard Brown The last time the cycle was probably at an all time high would have been back in 2014 or 2015. And it's been eight years since that high came and and now we're seeing another all time high in 2023. We're seeing you know steers heavyweight steer calves. So several those heavyweight steer calves last Friday probably would have bring somewhere between 19 to $2,100 a piece.
Thomas Capps The reason for the jump in prices comes down to supply and demand.
Richard Brown The cow numbers are down across the nation. We're probably going to be in a in a rebuilding phase or coming into a rebuilding phase because we have we've sold off a lot of cows and in the last 18 months.
Thomas Capps Hickman County cattle producer John West just recently sold cattle at the Columbia United producers video sell and got 20 cents more per pound compared to a year ago. The bump in profit for West is a big win especially considering the high inflation he's been dealing with.
John West ll of our input costs for have gone through you know interest fuel, feed, everything's gone way up. You know in some cases, almost double, not quite but close. We need more money just to maintain to be where we can hold our own and you know, and little extra to stay in basements.
Thomas Capps What goes up will more than likely come back down eventually. But West is going to enjoy the good times for now.
John West It is cyclic they will in usually 10 years the prices are high and then they get low and then they finally get higher again.
Thomas Capps For Tennessee Home and Farm Radio, I'm Thomas Capps.
Obion County and parts of the counties that surround it are reeling after major flooding that happened last Friday. Many farmers in the area have lost thousands of acres of crops due to the flooding.
Thomas Capps: Crops under water. Hello and welcome to Tennessee Home and Farm Radio. I'm Thomas Capps.
John Wylie: If you'd asked me this time last week I thought we had about as good a crop as you could ask, now to lose his crop at this time year just, it's just pretty sickening.
Thomas Capps: Tennesseans in the northwest part of the state are still trying to recover from massive flooding that happened after nearly 12 inches of rain fell in 24 hours last Friday. Obion County and parts of the surrounding counties there are the most impacted. Homes in Union City are ruined from the high water and farmers like John Wiley are experiencing crops that are waterlogged.
John Wylie: I mean, I think the beans will be a total loss the form is gonna offend a little bit on what stage maturity it's in. But it's major flooding I mean it's bad as, well it's definitely as bad as we've ever had in August.
Thomas Capps: Wylie farms near the river bottoms. So having crops flooded isn't anything new. What is new is this happening this late in the year.
John Wylie: we'll usually experience this in the spring when we have time to replant. This year is going to be just a total loss because in August, there's nothing we can do.
Blake Cheatam: We've been raised around these bottoms and we're kind of used to it. It don't bother me like it used to for sure, but you still hate to lose a crop.
Thomas Capps: It's the same story for Blake Cheatham, who also farms in Obion County. His beans are probably lost, but there's still hope for his corn.
Blake Cheatam: That water can rise up to around three foot to two and a half to three foot before it's gonna get up on the ear. As long as the water don't get over the ear and stay on it long enough to rot the stock of corn possibly be okay. I hate the fact that the people in Union City lost their homes that's a lot more important than our crop. We can raise another crop next year but a lot of folks here in town lost their businesses and homes over this flood which is a lot more important to them than what my crop he has to make.
Thomas Capps: These two farmers hope and pray for a quick recovery for all involved and for better growing conditions next year.
John Wylie: You just have to love it, and keep telling yourself next year is gonna be better.
Thomas Capps: For Tennessee Home and Farm Radio, I'm Thomas Capps.
Kyle Owen of Smith County has been selected as the 2023 Tennessee Farmer of the Year and will compete for Southeastern Farmer of the Year at the Sunbelt Ag Expo in Moultrie, Georgia.
Lee Maddox Smith County farmer named Tennessee's Farmer of the Year. Hello and welcome everyone for Tennessee Home and Farm Radio. I'm Lee Maddox. Kyle Owen I am very proud of what we've been able to accomplish. And by no means has it been just myself. We're very blessed Lee Maddox Kyle Owen has been selected as the 2023, Tennessee Farmer of the Year by the UT Extension Service, and he will be competing for the Sunbelt Ag Expo Southeastern Farmer of the Year in October at the Sunbelt Ag Expo in Moultrie, Georgia Kyle Owen Very honored humbled when each extension office approached me about applying for the Farmer of the Year through Sunbelt. I was sort of leery of doing it. But now that that we did, and we actually won the state competition. I'm very proud Lee Maddox Kyle Owen and his wife Miranda are first generation farmers, meaning that they've built the operation from scratch, which now spreads out over Smith and five surrounding counties. And they're diversified with corn, soybeans, wheat, burley tobacco, watermelons and pumpkins, on about 6,500 acres. And that takes a lot of help and management to tend to everything Kyle Owen We utilize the H-2A program we have 40-50 Hispanic workers come in yearly. They're great guys part of them been coming here for 10-12 years think of them just like family, very appreciative of them and of that program, and we've just got a great group of guys that help us very blessed fortunate to have the group we do everybody's devoted and really cares about the operation and I'm just so thankful for them. Lee Maddox And Owen says he's excited to compete in Moultrie with the nine other state winners and learn more to help further his farming operation. Kyle Owen I'm looking forward to the interaction with other farmers finding out about their operations, what they do, how they do it. It's always good to get around a group of people to do the same thing that you do. There's always opportunities to learn. Just looking forward to the whole experience. I've heard a lot about it. It's really looking forward to it. Lee Maddox And for Tennessee Home and Farm Radio. I'm Lee Maddox.
The Farmers' Almanac has been published since 1818 and the 2024 edition is becoming available with the Winter forecast and much more.
Recent reports from the Department of Agriculture show the U.S. cattle inventory is still declining. Micheal Clements shares what that means moving forward.
Thomas Capps: Hello and welcome to Tennessee Home and farm radio – I’m Thomas Capps. Recent reports from the Department of Agriculture show the U.S. cattle inventory is still declining. Micheal Clements has more on what that means for the cattle industry moving forward. Clements: The July round of cattle-focused reports from USDA shows drought is still impacting the number of cattle available for breeding. Bernt Nelson, American Farm Bureau Federation Economist, says the Cattle Inventory Report showed a larger decline than what analysts expected.
Nelson: In July the report estimated that all cattle and calves in the U.S. totaled 95.9 million head on July 1. This was down three percent compared to last year's report. U.S. beef cattle came in at 29.4 million head. Now this was a 52 year low for beef cattle supplies. That's a significant number when we start talking about beef prices.
Clements: Placements in the Cattle on Feed report remain elevated, a signal that drought is still having an impact on cattle producers.
Nelson: This came in three percent above last year. So, this shows that placements have come up a little bit. This tells us that farmers are still putting cattle on feed. So, while our cow slaughter numbers have come down, right around 12 percent from last year, we are still seeing a relatively high number of heifers being placed on feed. This tells us that we have not yet bottomed out in the cattle cycle.
Clements: Nelson says that when considering demand, consumers should expect prices to rise.
Nelson: As long as we have elevated placements of heifers on feed, this will indicate that contraction of our cattle inventory will continue, for sure through 2024 and it will definitely be through 2025 before we can even consider rebuilding some of this herd. Demand has remained strong on both the global front and the domestic front. But prices have begun to come up, and they may continue to come up as long as our demand stays strong for beef.
Clements: Learn more on the Market Intel page at fb.org. Micheal Clements, Washington.
Thomas Capps: Thanks Micheal. For Tennessee Home and Farm Radio, I'm Thomas Capps. Thanks For listening and have a great day.
Ella McLerran is the 2023 Tennessee Young Farmers & Ranchers Collegiate Discussion Meet winner. McLerran says winning this competition is something she's always dreamed of.
Thomas Capps UT Knoxville Jr wins Young Farmers Collegiate Discussion Meet. Hello and welcome to Tennessee Home and Farm Radio. I'm Thomas Capps.
Ella McLerran Getting to go up there and see all the all the hard work pay off and just come true it was, it was just a great feeling.
Thomas Capps Clay County native Ella McLerran is the 2023 Tennessee Young Farmers and Ranchers collegiate discussion meet winner. The competition has four rounds that ends with four contestants competing in the final round each round as a topic or issue disguised by the contestants as they work to determine a solution to the topic.
Ella McLerran The big topic today was diversity across our state. So our producers and our products, and ultimately how Farm Bureau can help cultivate dynamic leaders. So I really just wanted to point out that our state has 69,500 Farms, I mean, all of those are very different from the people that make them up to the practices they follow to the products they produce, and I think that's crucial. When we look at how we can grow leaders through Farm Bureau is we got to look at what makes up our membership, and a way to support them through our grassroots organization.
Thomas Capps McLerran isn't new to Young Farmers & Ranchers or even discussion meet. Her parents participated in it too, when they were young farmers
Ella McLerran Growing up in YF&R, seeing the contests, watching my parents do it, and now I guess doing it myself. And it didn't seem real. I didn't think I was like, Oh, wow, like that was my name.
Thomas Capps Currently, McLerran is pursuing a degree in animal science with the hopes of continuing on in her education after that all to help benefit agriculture.
Ella McLerran I want to go into law school and hopefully come back to agriculture with that legal perspective working with policy and the legal side of things because we need that representation in agriculture. This contest is a great practice for everything I want to do looking forward with that career so very excited and very excited to represent Tennessee Farm Bureau in March.
Thomas Capps All eyes will be on McLerran in March as she competes in the National Young Farmers and Ranchers collegiate discussion meeting, which takes place in Omaha, Nebraska. For Tennessee Home and Farm Radio, I'm Thomas Capps.
New data from the Department of Agriculture shows consumer food spending habits are changing over time. Micheal Clements shares more.
Thomas Capps: Hello and welcome to Tennessee Home and Farm Radio – I’m Thomas Capps. If you find yourself buying most of your food outside of a grocery store you’re not alone. Michael Clements has more on a new study from the Department of Agriculture shows consumer food spending habits are changing. Clements: USDA’s Economic Research Service’s Food Expenditure Series shows consumer spending preferences are changing. Danny Munch, American Farm Bureau Federation Economist, says most notably, food away from home spending has exceeded food at home spending. Munch: Spending away from home surpassed food at home spending by over 300 million last year, the largest gap ever. The biggest categories there are full-service restaurants at about 34 percent of spending away from home and quick service restaurants at about 34 percent of food away from home. Food sold at merchandise stores and vending machines have gone up with the largest increase for food spending away from home. Clements: Munch says there are many ways consumers are changing how they purchase food. Munch: Traditionally, grocery stores consistently captured the largest market share of what people were purchasing to eat at home. That percentage has gone down significantly. So, for instance, in 1999, grocery stores accounted for 72 percent of all at home expenditures. Last year that had dropped down over the course of 25 years to 50 percent of at home spending. Much of that decline was because of the growth of warehouse clubs and super centers and home delivery. Clements: Munch says there are regional differences in the data as well. Munch: So, for instance, in rural Northeast states like New Hampshire and Maine, food costs on average are already higher than the rest of the country, but because they have such higher rural populations folks eat at home more often, so they spend more money on food at home. Versus places like Hawaii, Nevada, which has Las Vegas and Florida where there's much more tourism happening, and people spend a lot more money away from home. And it's important for farmers to be aware of these changes because it influences how their products are ultimately sold. Clements: Learn more on the Market Intel page at fb.org. Micheal Clements, Washington.
Thomas Capps: Whether you get your food at a grocery store, restaurant, or somewhere else i remember a farmer grew it. For Tennessee Home and farm radio – I’m Thomas Capps.
The Tennessee Young Farmers & Ranchers program is laser focused on preparing the next generation to take their place in agriculture. The program provides opportunities for young people to learn more about new trends and practices in the industry and gives them the platform to network.
Thomas Capps Young Farmers and Ranchers preparing to take their place in the agriculture industry. Hello and welcome to Tennessee homerun Farm Radio. I'm Thomas Capps Abby McCulley Whether I wanted to go be an ag teacher or whether I wanted to do something else in the ag industry, there's just so many connections Thomas Capps The Tennessee Young Farmers and Ranchers program is laser focused on preparing the next generation to take their place in the ag industry. The recent summer conference featured guest speakers and breakout sessions on topics related to the current state of farming and things that they can apply to their operations. White county's Abby McCulley has been a part of young farmers and ranchers and she was 18 Abby McCulley All through high school I was in FFA I was FFA President my senior year I have always loved agriculture grew up in and been around it my whole life. So when I got out of high school I wanted to you know continue with that same family taught feel so I heard about young farmers and ranchers and I joined and now I've been coming since the summer I turned 18 which is last year Thomas Capps McCulley grew up on a commercial cattle farm and now grows cut flowers. She sells to the public. Abby McCulley In high school for my SAE I started growing flower so I have my own cut flower production. It's called Hefier Flowers. So I've been running that ran that all through high school and now I've continued running it on our family farm. I mostly grow xenios I cut and make bouquets. I go to the local farmers market. I sell them on Facebook, people can come out and see the flowers. Thomas Capps McCulley loves how the young farmers and ranchers program helps people like herself, build their ag related businesses and helps connect with others. Abby McCulley I get to work on my leadership skills as well because I have competed in the discussion meet competing outstanding young woman. You know, I really get to put my leadership's out leadership skills out there and learn from people that have been doing this way longer than I have. Thomas Capps Tennessee YF&R state chair Will Elliott says that's exactly what Young Farmers and Ranchers is there for. Will Elliott That's what Young Farmer and Ranchers really provides for those people that are interested in agriculture, that give you that networking ability to come in and get to see people from all over the state that do the same thing and want to do and have that passion of agriculture that everyone else has Thomas Capps For Tennessee Home and Farm Radio, I'm Thomas Capps.
Ethan Foster of Maury County is the 2023 Tennessee Young Farmers & Ranchers Environmental Stewardship Award winner. The award highlights young farmers who incorporate environmentally friendly practices on their farm.
Thomas Capps: Recognition for efforts and environmental stewardship. Hello, welcome to Tennessee Holman Farm Radio. I'm Thomas camps.
Ethan Foster: It's my whole life. It's my full time Monday through Friday job and then it's my job in the afternoons on on the weekends on my farm.
Thomas Capps: Ethan foster of Murray County is this year's winner of the Tennessee Young Farmers and Ranchers Environmental Stewardship Award. The award recognizes young farmers who are making an effort to incorporate environmentally friendly practices on their operations. Foster works full time as a soil conservationist with USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Services and runs a cow calf and stocker operation on the side. Foster constantly tries to take good care of the environment. It's something that's always been a part of his life.
Ethan Foster: My mom was on the soil conservation board for Maury County for many years. So I have kind of grown up with conservation in mind. My grandfather put a lot into conserving his land and making it better when he left it to my brother and I now which we now farm his farm, then when he bought it, and so it's it's meant a lot to me and it's, it's kind of become my life, my livelihood for my wife and I.
Thomas Capps: As a soil conservationist Foster works with farmers every day to get them in environmental programs that involve things like growing cover crops. He says farmers sometimes get a bad rap on how they treat the environment. But in reality, farmers protect the environment better than almost anybody.
Ethan Foster: We as farmers have to take care of what we have. If we destroy our best asset our land, then we have nothing to farm with to raise the next crop with a graze cattle alone because without healthy land, farmers livelihoods are ruined. I think farmers are the exact opposite of probably what many people think I think they probably care more for land their animals than then you could ever imagine.
Thomas Capps: As winner, Foster receives a free trip to the American Farm Bureau Convention, which is in Salt Lake City, Utah in January and a Schlegel quick hoist bumper. For Tennessee Holman Farm Radio, I'm Thomas Capps.
Phillip & Whitney Berry finished second in the Tennessee Young Farmers & Ranchers Achievement Award. As second place winners they will receive cash prizes from Farm Bureau and get to use a new Kubota tractor on their farm for 250 hours.
Thomas Capps: Wayne County farmer finishes his second in achievement award. Hello and welcome to Tennessee Home and Farm Radio. I'm Thomas Capps.
Phillip Berry:I've dreamed of this ever since I've got in the organization.
Thomas Capps: Phillip Barry and his wife Whitney of Wayne County are the 2023 second place finalist in the Tennessee Young Farmers and Ranchers Achievement Award. Barry owns about 500 acres of land but in total farms around 1300 acres. He currently has 125 head of beef cattle and has four chicken houses where he raised his chickens for Aviagen and in total has 40,000 chickens in his aviagen houses. Finishing second in the Achievement Award is something Barry has been working hard for,for many years. He has been heavily involved in Farm Bureau. He's currently the county president in Wayne County, one of the youngest county presidents in the state.
Phillip Berry: It means so much to us and Farm Bureau means so much to us. We're just so grateful for this opportunity. I can't wait to get back to Wayne County and tell everybody on the board and show them what we've, what we've accomplished over I mean It's been a while but not really that long. I mean, I've been President for two years now. And since then we've come a long way and I'm just wanting to share the joy with everybody on the county board and get back and spread the news
Thomas Capps: As second place winner Barry received some cash prizes from Farm Bureau and he gets to use a Kubota Tractor for up to 250 hours on his farm.
Phillip Berry: I've been needing a tractor bad and, It's gonna help a lot. I mean we really needed this. Kabuto has been a big support to Wayne County with the new Ag Center coming in and with Farm Bureau and they're really a big contributor here at Farm Bureau.
Thomas Capps: Berry hopes to keep growing his operation and staying involved with Farm Bureau.
Phillip Berry: We've worked hard for it. I thought it was impossible to get to this point, but I finally made it.
Thomas Capps: All while working in an industry that Barry loves and lives for. For Tennessee Home and Farm Radio. I'm Thomas Capps. Thanks for listening and have a great day.
Over the weekend, Cody and Jessica Grills of Dyer County were named Young Farmers of the Year for the Tennessee Young Farmers and Ranchers program.
Amy Beckham Grills take home Top Young Farmer Honors. Hello there and welcome to Tennessee Home and Farm Radio. I'm Amy Beckham. Cody Grills We feel blessed that we're just blessed beyond measure. You know, there's some great people out there that we're competing in this and I saw their operations I saw their stories and it's been a farmer the years just a wonderful, wonderful privilege. Amy Beckham Well over the weekend, Cody and Jessica Grills of Dyre County were named Young Farmers of the Year for the Tennessee Young Farmers and Ranchers program, the couple farms with Cody's family in Newbern and has been involved in the organization for several years now. Jessica comments more on how she felt being named state winners. Jessica Grills It's a very humbling experience. It's amazing to be named with those who have done this before and win this award and to be up there with those individuals. It's truly an amazing experience Amy Beckham As the ninth generation on his family's farm, Cody farms alongside his two brothers and father, and is also raising the 10th generation with their son Rhys. Cody shares more about the operation Cody Grills We are 3000 acres of diversified row crop we have soybeans and corn that we rotate between we will do some triticale in the summer, every now and then. But corn and soybeans is where we make our money and we want to be profitable there. And so far we have been and we've just been very fortunate very blessed to be a part of it. Amy Beckham No strangers to Farm Bureau or Young Farmers and Ranchers the Grills have a long family legacy and the organization have been heavily involved themselves serving on state committee and holding other various roles on the local level. Both share the benefits of their experience Cody Grills Has developed our communication skills, our leadership abilities. Without Farm Bureau, we probably wouldn't have been able to do that, you know. So we're just very fortunate to be part of such a great organization. Jessica Grills I have always been a very shy, quiet person. It's really given me a way to get into a leadership position and feel comfortable sharing our story. Amy Beckham As state winners the Grills receive a year's free use of a Case IH tractor and a Kubota RTV and will represent Tennessee in Salt Lake City for the American Farm Bureau Federation convention in January 2024. For Tennessee Home and Farm Radio I'm Amy Beckham
Young Farmers from across Tennessee are coming off a successful weekend at the Tennessee Young Farmers & Ranchers Summer Conference that happened in Lebanon. They got the weekend started by touring George McDonald's Catesa Farms in Riddleton, TN.
Thomas Capps Inspiring the next generation of farmers. Hello and welcome to Tennessee Home and Farm Radio, I'm Thomas Capps.
George McDonald They are the future of agriculture. They have so much potential in front of them, so much enthusiasm.
Thomas Capps Young Farmers from across Tennessee are coming off a successful weekend of the Tennessee Young Farmers and Ranchers summer conference that was held in Lebanon. The two day conference gives young people in agriculture the chance to network and get caught up on the latest in the industry. It all started last Friday with a tour of Georgia McDonald's Catesa farm Riddleton Tennessee. McDonald grows thousands of acres of corn, wheat, strawberries and watermelons.
George McDonald I like to show them some of the things that we've done through the years that we've been successful at., some things we haven't been successful at and try to inspire them to be active in Farm Bureau to be active and leadership in their community, in their state, in their country, and supporting and promoting agriculture.
Thomas Capps Blake Morrison of Grundy County is on the Tennessee Young Farmers and Ranchers state committee this year. He says seeing an operation like Catesa Farms and hearing from a successful farmer like George MacDonald is helpful and encouraging.
Blake Morrison It's always exciting to see how somebody else can farm in Tennessee you get to see a lot of different aspects a lot of different views on what they do. Versus maybe what you do on your personal farm.
Thomas Capps A previous member of the Tennessee YF&R group MacDonald knows firsthand how important it is to be with like minded people in the industry and have older farmers to come to for advice and help.
George McDonald Part of our heritage is passing from one generation to the next generation. And what we're doing today is very much a part of agricultural heritage of trying to pass experience and knowledge on from one generation on to the next and it's like I always tell people you know when you go to things like this when you're young you bring back five buckets full of information as you get older you start gathering kernels even at my age, I still gather kernels of information and eventually we get another bucket full.
Thomas Capps A bucket full of knowledge to keep agriculture going for another generation and help feed the world. For Tennessee Home and Farm Radio, I'm Thomas Capps. Thanks for listening and have a great day.
Young Farmers are gathering for the annual Tennessee YF&R Summer Conference in Lebanon.
Thomas Capps Young Farmers meet in Lebanon for Summer Conference. Hello and welcome to Tennessee homerun Farm Radio. I'm Thomas Capps.
Will Elliott I think it's gonna be a really good time here and we've got a great venue here at this expo center. Y
Thomas Capps Young farmers from across Tennessee are gathering in Lebanon today for the start of the Tennessee Young Farmers and Ranchers Summer Conference. The two day event will feature breakout learning sessions and will be where the 2023 environmental stewardship award and achievement award are given out. State YF&R Chair Will Elliott is excited to see all the different operations highlighted from the achievement award applicants. the Achievement Award
Will Elliott The Achievement Awardis one of the biggest awards that we give out and young farmers and ranchers and not overshadow the environmental stewardship award. It's a great award that really showcases what farmers do in the society and how they take care of the land. I'm also looking forward to people learning from our breakout sessions, whether it's low grain marketing, or learning what to do and how you can diversify your farm and do even more with it.
Thomas Capps Dairy farmer Riley Mason of McMinn county says YF&R Summer Conference is a great place to network and learn new things to apply on the farm.
Riley Mason So I went to the first slide of our conference 2021 and I met a guy there. And I've talked to him every single day since and that's something I would have never met. And I've talked to him every day. Since the beginning of that that first friendship
Thomas Capps And the conference is just a lot of fun.
Will Elliott Let's just have a great time together, get away from all the stress of everywhere else out in the world and be here together and sing with karaoke player games. We've got to war that is a tradition that we've kept. I think fun is gonna be one of the things we try to focus on. It gives you that connections where it's not just done after high school, you have something that goes even further and you get to spend more time and grow more with the more like minded people.
Thomas Capps Again, the 2023 Tennessee YF&R Achievement Award winner will be announced tomorrow night. We'll have who the winner is and hear from that person next week on Tennessee Home and Farm Radio. For Tennessee Home and Farm Radio. I'm Thomas Capps.
Since 1924, Tennessee 4-H’ers have gathered annually on a campus of the University of Tennessee for 4-H Roundup. The event serves to recognize 4-H members for their outstanding project work and leadership accomplishments.
Crops across Tennessee are in good shape for the most part. Farmers from different parts of the state share what they seeing in their fields and how it compares to last year.
Thomas Capps Crops across the state in good shape for the most part. Hello and welcome to Tennessee Home and Farm Radio. I'm Thomas Capps
Cody Grills This year has been a little bit milder for us and we're getting some more timely rains.
Thomas Capps From east to west crops across Tennessee are looking good for the most part. The weekly crop report from the US Department of Agriculture says that more than 60% of soybeans and corn are in good condition across Tennessee, and around 15% or in excellent condition. Dyer County corn and soybean producer Cody Grills says compared to last year's drought, this year's crops are in great shape.
Cody Grills Our corn is looking really good. I just talked to our our ag pilot yesterday, and he was he's been flying fertilizer on all of our corn and he said that our corn is looking great. Beans are doing fantastic. We're very fortunate. Prices are on the rise, so I have no complaints whatsoever this year.
Thomas Capps That's not the case for everyone in the western part of the state though. The weekly USDA report says parts of West Tennessee have missed rain and are in need of a good shower. Meanwhile southeast and Marion County it's a bit of a mixed bag for Stanton Gilliam who grows corn, soybeans, and wheat.
Stanton Gilliam Our later planted corn which was planted three weeks ago. It's it looks good but now now we're hitting our drier part of the year and it's starting, it needs more rain than in our older corn to keep it going to get to where the older corns is. Our beans are looking good.
Thomas Capps And in Far East Cocke County, Corbin nice is seeing great conditions for his corn, beans, and wheat
Corbin Neas We've had an abundance of rain we started planting corn on April the 21st and took about a week get all of our corn done, and man I think it really paid off. It looks really good
Thomas Capps As for other crops in the state 46% of tobacco was in good condition and 31% is in excellent condition. And 57% of cotton is in good condition, 15% is in excellent condition. For Tennessee Home and Farm Radio on Thomas Capps.
A new campaign launched this week promotes the importance of the farm bill to all Americans. Micheal Clements shares more on the diverse group of organizations coming together to share the farm bill message.
Clements: The American Farm Bureau Federation led the creation of Farm Bill for America’s Families, a campaign to highlight the broad reach of the farm bill. AFBF President Zippy Duvall says the high-level campaign includes several messages to Congress.
Duvall: We want to see a 2023 Farm Bill before the end of the year and ensure that it [Congress] has enough resources to write a meaningful farm bill, including strong risk management programs. We want to promote food security by ensuring a strong food supply, and also by supporting nutrition programs for those facing hunger. And we want to support job creation. The farm bill is a jobs bill. And we want to invest in ag research and conservation.
Clements: More than 20 diverse farm and agriculture, environmental and conservation organizations are included in the effort.
Duvall: The farm bill impacts every American, yet 70 percent say that they know very little about it. That's why AFBF took the lead to build a diverse coalition of environmental and conservation advocates, food security and anti-hunger advocates, foresters, and ag groups. We are all working together to leverage our diverse membership to help tell the story of the importance of the farm bill.
Clements: Duvall encourages other groups to join the campaign.
Duvall: We welcome and encourage others to join us, from our state Farm Bureaus to other commodity groups, to food banks and environmental groups that recognize the importance of the Farm Bill. Everyone can join us by visiting the website FarmBillForAmericasFamilies.com.
Clements: Again, visit FarmBillForAmericasFamilies.com to learn more. Micheal Clements, Washington.
Anderson Meat Processing was one of the first meat processing plants to open in the state, using the federal COVID dollars. Two years in and Anderson is thriving and looking to expand.
Thomas Capps Local meat processing plant looking to expand. Hello and welcome to Tennessee Home and Farm Radio. I'm Thomas Capps.
Steve Anderson It's been our goal since we opened to help our local cattlemen and pork and sheep producers take their product to the market.
Thomas Capps Smith County native Steve Anderson was one of the first in the state to receive money from federal COVID dollars and opened a meat processing plant with it. They're a little more than two years in and Anderson Meat Processing in Trousdale County is thriving and looking to grow.
Steve Anderson We're booked solid through this year and got heavy bookings in the ne xt year and got waiting lists, people call in every day, you know trying to get in and we're actually looking at adding another 10,000 foot expansion to our lot here and starting more further processing and doing some extra things to bring added value to some of the products we're already doing.
Thomas Capps Anderson Meats is one of several processing plants that opened following the pandemic, in large part due to the backlog of larger processing plants during that time not only have these local processors like Anderson's help reduce the processing backlog, they've made local agriculture stronger.
Steve Anderson This is firsthand what those grants can do for the far m in public. Everything we can do. As you know, Congress, individuals or whatever to help a farmer make a dollar, we've got to do it and that's our goal here.
Thomas Capps Anderson believes the local meat processors that opened across the state met a need for producers and helped make them more profitable.
Steve Anderson This is not just me, you know, our whole state is covered a little processors like me that that's trying to, you know, make a living and not only for their families, but help other producers bring more value to their product. And in the end we've got to find ways to bring more value to our product. You know, government subsidies are great, but it's sad when the government has to subsidize the industry of hard working people. You should be able to make it on your own without government subsidies.
Thomas Capps For Tennessee Home and Farm Radio I'm Thomas Capps. Thanks for listening and have a great day.
Do you have a special farm dog? This week is the last week to apply your dog for the American Farm Bureau Federation 2024 Farm Dog of the Year Contest.
Grace Powell Hello and welcome to Tennessee Home and Farm Radio. I'm Grace Powell. If you have the best farm dog on your farm then listen up. You only have a few more days to register your dog for the American Farm Bureau Federation's 2024 Farm Dog of the Year contest. Chad Smith has more Chad Smith The nomination period for Farm Bureau’s 2024 Farm Dog of the Year Contest closes Friday. Denny Ashcraft, Kansas Farm Bureau Member and owner of Tough, the 2023 Farm Dog of the Year, says the contest is a great way to honor working dogs. Denny Ashcraft Well, I think farm dogs are an important part of what people do on a farm, and every farm dog out there has different talents, different purposes, and they fill a big void. So, it's a good opportunity to nominate your dog and hopefully show what they do. Chad Smith Sponsored by Nestlé Purina PetCare, the Farm Dog of the Year will win a year’s worth of Purina Pro-Plan dry dog food and $5,000 in prize money. Ashcraft says there are a variety of traits that make a good farm dog. Denny Ashcraft The original purpose for her was working and handling livestock. Then we started trialing her some, which a dog doesn't necessarily have to be a trial dog to be a good farm dog. Besides the work she does there, she's a great companion. She just likes to be with you. There's a lot of roles that they fill. So, I don't think there's any one thing that makes a great farm dog, for each person that's probably going to be different. Chad Smith Ashcraft encourages others to nominate their dog. Denny Ashcraft We had talked about nominating her for a while, and I suppose we're like everybody else, you think there's a lot of other dogs out there that would probably be a better candidate, but then we decided why not, let's go ahead and take a chance. And we were very surprised when we found out that we'd won. And I would say anybody that's even remotely thinking about entering the contest, go ahead and fill it out and send it in. Grace Powell You have until July 14th to enter your farm dog. For more information head to fb.org/farmdog for Tennessee Home and Farm Radio, I'm Grace Powell.
Cattle shows are underway this summer. Lincoln County Farm Bureau was proud to have hosted the very first Elk River Classic show this year.
Grace Powell New cattle show in Lincoln County. Hello Welcome to Tennessee Home and Farm Radio. I'm Grace Powell Clay Owen Really enjoyed getting the show at the county, regional, state, even national level. Grace Powell The Elk River Classic cattle show had its inaugural show this past month at the Lincoln County Fairgrounds. 4-H and FFA students from Southern Middle Tennessee and parts of Alabama participated in the new show. Josh Ogle, President of the Lincoln County Farm Bureau says it's important that kids in this area have the opportunity to participate in cattle shows like this one close to home Josh Ogle We just really want to give back to the to the kids in the community and get them involved and cattle showing is a way and not everybody plays sports not everybody does that kind of thing, so this is another avenue for a child to get involved. My son showed last year for the first year with through 4-H and loved it and Farm Bureau what better way for us to do them to something else farming to get these kids involved and introduce them to agriculture. Grace Powell 4-H member Clay Owen a senior from Lincoln County had a good day in the ring. He was a Senior Level II Champion Showman and showed the Champion Prospect Steer. Clay has learned many life skills by working in the barns and showing his steers Clay Owen Definitely working with us over cattle has really taught me a lot of work work ethic. I mean, takes hours to work to take up two hours working cows and every single day at the barn. Grace Powell For some exhibitors, this was thier first time in the show ring. Show manager in Lincoln County Farm Bureau Board Member Rex Dunn is extremely happy to see this amount of involvement and is hopeful for the future. Rex Dunn I do I've seen a lot of kids show up here today or and they really didn't wasn't starting with their stuff. And I think they leave with a lot of confidence after today also seen kids around the ring and it didn't participate but was involved and probably struck the interest in them participating in the future. Grace Powell Hopefully participating not only in future cattle shows but also in our nation's most important industry. For Tennessee Home and Farm Radio. I'm Grace Powell. Thanks for listening and have a great day.
Farming is something that Hank Delvin has always done and in the early 2000’s he attended a conference in Alabama and heard of a couple that had just started a CSA, or Community Supported Agriculture. He was the first to have CSA's in Tennessee beginning in 2002.
25 year old Jake Slagle of Sullivan County has turned his family's property into a farming operation. Now referred to Mud Hollow Farm, Slagle grows fresh produce there and send it out in CSA boxes to customers front door.
Thomas Capps From farm to your front door. Hello and welcome to Tennessee Home and Farm Radio. I'm Thomas Capps.
Jake Slagle I enjoy people being able to see where their food is coming from.
Thomas Capps 25 year old Jake Slagle has only been out of college for a few years, but already he's turning his family's property in Sullivan county into a successful farming operation. Now known as Mud Hollow Farms, Slagle grows fresh fruits and vegetables there.
Jake Slagle Growing up I got really intrigued with plants, so we started growing plants and then I went off to college and when I came back, I decided to kind of start a business out of it and put some greenhouses out.
Thomas Capps Slagle's main focus is growing hydroponic lettuce. A skill he learned in college in Colorado.
Jake Slagle The hydroponic lettuce, that was what I studied at school the most. I did a bunch of independent studies and researches on NFT systems like this one here behind me. So when I came home, I knew that was something I could do and have success with.
Thomas Capps Lettuce isn't the only thing Slagle grows.
Jake Slagle We have a little strawberry patch that we started this year. We do pumpkins in the fall and sunflowers and tomatoes in the field peppers, we don't designate just a one thing we have a wide variety of things.
Thomas Capps They take their produce to various farmers markets in the area, but the majority of it goes into community supported agriculture boxes that people order the CSA boxes delivered right to people's doorsteps filled with the fresh produce grown at mud hollow farms.
Jake Slagle We do a delivery CSA box every week. Majority of it goes into a lot of the lettuces we take to restaurants in the area with access and then we'll take if we have an excess of anything we usually take it to the admin farmers market or the actual Farmers Market If there's more than what our CSA boxes can hold.
Thomas Capps 60 people subscribe to the CSA boxes every week and another 30 or more order individually. Schlegel says it feels good to feed his community and feed his passion for agriculture.
Jake Slagle That's been something I've always wanted to do from high school on that it's nice people can come by and see what they're getting and delivered to their house
Thomas Capps For Tennessee home and Farm Radio. I'm Thomas Capps. Thanks for listening and have a great day.
On the recent congressional tour of some farms in the midstate, the Tennessee Walking Horse farm of Allan Callaway Stables in Bedford county was an eye opening stop for House Ag Committee chairman GT Thompson of Pennsylvania and Illinois congressman Jonathan Jackson.
You see them growing basically from Mountain City to Memphis, soybeans are planted all across Tennessee and this year while there are fewer beans planted than last year, farmers are still hopeful for a bountiful crop and the oil is now being used in jet fuel.
During the recent Farm Bill listening session held in Lebanon, four congressmen from the U.S. House Agriculture Committee were in attendance, including representatives John Rose and Scott DesJarlais from Tennessee, but also chairman GT Thompson from Pennsylvania and Democratic freshman member, Jonathan Jackson of Chicago.
The overall cost of a Fourth of July cookout is down compared to last year, but as Michael Clements reports food prices are still at a record high.
Capps: Hello and happy Independence Day! Welcome to this episode of Tennessee Home and farm radio – I’m Thomas Capps. That hamburger and hotdog you’re eating today costs little less than it did a year ago. But as Michael Clements reports – food prices are still up.
Clements: The cost of an Independence Day cookout for a family of ten this year is $67.73, according to the 2023 American Farm Bureau Federation marketbasket survey. AFBF Chief Economist Roger Cryan says the latest survey shows inflation is still impacting food prices. Cryan: The prices we collected show that the price of a July Fourth picnic is down three percent this year compared to last year. That’s still 14 percent higher than it was two years ago and this year’s basket is the second highest in the history of the survey. But it’s important to remember that that still means the cost of a July Fourth cookout comes out to less than $7 per person. Clements: Cryan says the price changes largely follow the weather and economics of agriculture and food production. Cryan: This year we saw increases in the price of hamburger buns, beef, and potato salad, while there were drops in the cost of chicken breast, lemonade and cookies. Some of the factors that impacted some of the increases included drought across much of the West and Midwest, which increased the cost of feed for cattle, and it drove up the price of ground beef. Poor weather also led to a smaller potato crop this year and overall inflation is driving up the cost of processed foods like hamburger buns. Clements: In a global perspective, Cryan says the survey is good news for consumers, thanks to U.S. farmers and ranchers. Cryan: Americans spend a smaller percentage of their income on food than people in any other country and that's thanks to a vibrant farm sector, supported by a strong Farm Bill program. And we should understand that when prices go up, it doesn't mean farmers are getting a windfall. When prices go up, it's usually because their costs have gone up, and farmers only get 14 percent of the retail food dollar. Clements: Learn more at fb.org/news. Micheal Clements, Washington.
Hundreds of young cattle producers from all across the state have participated in one of the long-standing agricultural traditions, the 2023 Tennessee Junior Livestock Beef Expo in Lebanon.
Lee Maddox Growing with Expo Hello and welcome everyone for Tennessee home and Farm Radio. I'm Lee Maddox Chris Gosset Look around everywhere you see the families being involved mom dad, everybody helping each other out even helping other families out Lee Maddox Hundreds of young cattle producers from all across the state have participated in one of the long standing agricultural traditions; the Tennessee Junior Livestock Beef Expo in Lebanon. And this is definitely a family tradition. As Chris Gosset of Williamson County was there helping his daughter Jaden show her beef cows Chris Gosset Interesting cows everything and get the opportunity to show in Williamson County. 4-H stuff really enjoyed mix up me and my dad, pretty much our whole family enjoy doing and learning and learning a lot of good good lessons from Jaden Gosset Growing up I always watch my cousins show because they were always older than me. And from there I just fell in love with animals and he got me into 4-H I enjoyed it ever since I made plenty of friends met new people. It's been a great experience. Lee Maddox 18 year old Colin Cook of Robertson County completed his career in the junior livestock events by winning Grand Champion in the steer show. Colin Cook Feels pretty good especially hits a little closer home this one that me and my good buddy Jim Young just had as soon as he came out. I mean, we've seen him from the beginning and now I guess to the end. And it feels a whole lot better too because the past couple years I've gotten close and gotten reserved and it just feels good to finally get a piece of it. Lee Maddox Colin Cook has been showing cattle since the fourth grade and goes out on top with a grand champion banner and for Cumberland County's Greg Upchurch with the UT Extension Service. He knows firsthand how important the junior expo events are for everyone involved Greg Upchurch Ive been coming to this thing since 1973. As a child as exhibitor, as a volunteer as a parent, as an extension agent, many different roles and it's about the family atmosphere and that environment families coming together. Lee Maddox And for Tennessee Home and Farm Radio. I'm Lee Maddox
A group of Tennessee 4-H students recently traveled across the state thanking organizations who have support 4-H.
Thomas Capps Support for 4-H shaping the next generation. Hello and welcome to Tennessee home and Farm Radio. I'm Thomas Capps. Tennessee 4-H has been shaping youth in the Volunteer State for 100 years now.The various agriculture organizations across the state like the Tennessee Farm Bureau, Tennessee farmers cooperative and the Tennessee Department of Agriculture have been there along the way to support 4-H. A group 4-Hers recently traveled across the state visiting those various organizations thanking them for their support. Hadley Brown of Sumner County was one of those for 4-Her. She says because of their support, 4-H has
Hadley Brown Allowed me to find my passions and then be a part of programs and organizations that allow me to utilize those passions to help the world be a better place.
Thomas Capps In fact, Brown has recently been accepted into Harvard and plans to attend there in the fall,
Hadley Brown I received an email about a week after being admitted that said that because of my leadership experiences in 4-H, that they wanted me to be a part of the campus atmosphere and add to it in any way that I could.
Thomas Capps Dickson county 4-H. Your Rachel Ahlheit says she owes a great deal to the organizations that support 4-H
Rachel Ahlheit My overall message to them would be to keep on giving and that what they give, it's put to an amazing use, and given to all these youth across Tennessee. I got back into 4-H in the ninth grade, and it is made my public speaking so great and improved from where I was. And I think it's going to give me a lot of opportunities in life and especially already now I just got back from Alaska, and here soon I'm going to Africa and earlier in January I went to Puerto Rico all with for 4-H which is supported. It's given me a lot of opportunities
Thomas Capps Support that has shaped youth lives for century.
Hadley Brown 4-H invests in youth in a variety of ways to prepare them to be strong and independent individuals that are ready to make an impact on the world around them. So from the support of organizations like Tennessee Farm Bureau, it's truly made possible to keep the 4-H program alive and well.
Thomas Capps For Tennessee Home and Farm Radio, I'm Thomas Capps.
Four lawmakers from the US House Agriculture Committee were recently in Tennessee for a Farm Bill Listening session and tours. The four congressmen hope to take what they heard and learned from farmers in Tennessee back to Washington DC to write a new Farm Bill.
Thomas Capps Tennessee agriculture front and center for lawmakers. Hello and welcome to Tennessee Holman Farm Radio. I'm Thomas Capps
Cogressman Scott DesJarlais Tennessee does it better than anyone else so no better place for him to be and we plan to listen to the stakeholders and farmers and people that have interest in this.
Thomas Capps We continue our coverage of the historic farm bill listening session that was held in Tennessee earlier this week. The first of its kind in the Volunteer State. Four lawmakers listened to Tennessee farmers concerns on the upcoming farm bill. Two from Tennessee, Congressman John rose and Congressman Scott DesJarlais, and House Ag Committee Chairman Glenn Thompson of Pennsylvania and Democratic Junior Congressman Jonathan Jackson from Chicago. Congressman DesJarlais says it just makes sense to have a farm bill listening session in Tennessee with agriculture being the number one industry in the state.
Cogressman Scott DesJarlais There's not many things in Congress that you authorize for five years at a time. Usually it's year to year, so I can't understate the importance of getting it right. And there's no better way than to listen to the stakeholders. And that's what this tour is all about. We're fortunate that Chairman Thompson is willing to come to Tennessee he's been criss crossing the country as we get ready to put this Farm Bill together.
Thomas Capps George McDonald of Smith County grows corn, wheat and strawberries. The four lawmakers toured his farm prior to the listening session, and McDonald was one of the many Tennessee farmers who gave testimony during the listening session.
George McDonald It's a rare opportunity you get the US House Ag Committee to come to a visit on your farm. It's certainly an honor and a privilege for us to be selected to do this. Tennessee agriculture is important to this country. A lot of times people think about the Illinois our Indiana state's. Agriculture is still the number one basis here in Tennessee. And we want them to be sure that that's what they know. That's going on here in Tennessee.
Thomas Capps DesJarlais hopes to bring what he heard from farmers here at home back to DC and pass a farm bill that brings the two parties together and continues to protect our nation's most important industry.
Cogressman Scott DesJarlais We certainly have one thing in common we all have to eat and nobody does it better than the United States farmers.
Thomas Capps For Tennessee Home and Farm Radio. I'm Thomas Capps.
Four congressmen from the US House Ag Committee made history by holding a Farm Bill Listening Session in Tennessee. It was the first ever meeting like that helds in Tennessee. Farmers from across the volunteer state got the opportunity to tell these congressmen their thoughts and concerns on the upcoming Farm Bill.
Thomas Capps Tennessee voices heard on the Farm Bill. Hello and welcome to Tennessee Home And Farm Radio, I'm Thomas Capps.
Congressman Glenn Thompson It's helping us, preparing us, equipping us to write a highly effective farm bill.
Thomas Capps Four Congressmen from the US House Agriculture Committee are in Tennessee this week making history by participating in a farm bill listening session. The first ever in the Volunteer State. The two Congressmen from Tennessee on the US House Ag Committee, Congressman John rose and Scott DesJarlais were joined by Ag Committee Chairman Glenn Thompson of Pennsylvania and democratic freshman member Jonathan Jackson from Chicago. All four congressmen listened to Tennessee farmers concerns about the farm bill for three hours on Monday, which Congressman Thompson says is essential
Congressman Glenn Thompson The voices that we heard from today from here in Tennessee. We're taking those voices back to Washington and incorporating all that great feedback, that input, recommendations, suggestions into our work on this farm bill.
Thomas Capps Soybean farmer Casey Youngerman of Henderson County represented the Soybean Association during the listening session.
Casey Youngerman I wanted them to understand how important trade was keeping the title one protected, if not increase the funding. We really am wanting to make sure that the Checkoff Program was not gutted or was not tampered with in any way.
Thomas Capps Time is of the essence and passing a new farm bill, as many of the programs in the current Farm Bill expire at the end of September. And while Congressman Rose can't promise a farm bill will be passed by then, he assures they'll do everything they can to get one passed by the end of the year.
Congressman John Rose We're gonna put some pressure on the Senate by getting it done on the House side and hopefully that will prod them along to getting the Senate work done. And it wouldn't be a complete disaster if we can't get it done by September 30, but we do need to get it done this year.
Thomas Capps Now, if a farm bill is not passed by September, a temporary extension could be an option. But farmers here in Tennessee have made it clear to congressional leaders that a farm bill is important, not just for them, but for everyone who eats. For Tennessee Home and Farm Radio. I'm Thomas Capps.
Across the Volunteer State farmers are hitting the wheat field hard harvesting more than 400,000 acres of winter wheat, and most are saying it's one of the best wheat crops they've had.
Amy Beckham: Wheat Crop on Top. Hello there and welcome to Tennessee Home and Farm Radio, I'm Amy Beckham. Chris Fowler: We've actually had a very good wheat crop that is one benefit of drought weather. One of the best ones, best ones I can remember. Amy Beckham: Well, across the Volunteer State farmers are hitting the wheat field hard harvesting more than 400,000 acres of winter wheat, and most are saying it's one of the best wheat crops they've had. Chris Fowler from Weakley County says so and shares some of their successful yield. Chris Fowler: Our wheat crop I would say is averaging somewhere around 90 bushels an acre. We've had some really incredible wheat, it's been over 100 bushels and we've had some just not quite as good, but overall very good average for us. Amy Beckham: John Chester also farms with Fowler in Weakley County and agrees about the successful wheat crop and shares why this year's harvest it's looking so good thus far. John Chester: Wheat crop is excellent here in Weakley County. Some farmers are saying best ever, some are saying top three crops. Fortunately, it had a wonderful growing season. The old saying plant in the dust and your bins will bust is definitely true this year for the wheat crop in Weakley County. Amy Beckham: You could say Kevin Bomar of Henry County also agrees with that old saying and thinks his wheat crop might be his top harvest ever, even though he had some concern when the temperatures dropped to zero around Christmas time. Kevin Bomar: That coldsnap had us concerned and when it was within a degree or two of hitting those dangerous levels, but I've seen very few white blanked out heads as it was growing. As far as I know, it's probably the best wheat crop I've ever cut. I can't speak for a lot South of here, but I've been hearing excellent, excellent yield results all around. I am tickled to death with the wheat and look forward to continuing on finishing up. Amy Beckham: According to the Tennessee winter wheat production forecast from USDA, Tennessee farmers expect to harvest 28.4 million bushels of winter wheat this year. So with more than half of that already harvested, we wish our farmers well as they finish up the crop. For Tennessee Home and Farm Radio, I'm Amy Beckham.
This year's Shooting Hunger officially kicked off on Friday in West Tennessee at Carroll County Shooting Sports Park where folks in the agriculture industry and many others gathered to support feeding hungry Tennesseans.
Amy Beckham: Shooting Hunger is Back. Hello there and welcome to Tennessee Home and Farm Radio, I'm Amy Beckham. Miles Beeler: Shooting, having fun and raising money for a great cause. Amy Beckham: Well, this year's Shooting Hunger officially kicked off on Friday in West Tennessee at Carroll County Shooting Sports Park where folks in the agriculture industry and many others gathered to support feeding hungry Tennesseans. That was Miles Beeler of the McKenzie Shooting Team. And just like Miles, Robert Hill of Lauderdale County was proud to shoot and support the cause. Robert Hill: I think it's a great opportunity to teach the local young farmers that we as an organization get involved with local things not just on a state level. And this is a fun event. It's one that's usually easy to find people that we're all kind of caught up hopefully this time of year. Amy Beckham: Hill serves as a member of the young farmers and ranchers state committee and has participated in this event for several years. Shooting Hunger was started back in 2015 and is hosted today by Tennessee Farm Bureau, Tennessee Farmers Cooperative, Farm Credit Mid America and Rural 1st, and the program aims to raise funds for those in need. Tennessee Farm Bureau President Eric Mayberry expands on how the program has grown through the years Andy Dickson: Who knew it was gonna turn out when we started it. Just one of those examples you know you try something for a good cause. And we started this several years ago with one event, and now here just a few years later, we're up to three events and people are asking for more. It just really warms your heart to be able to do a good thing for people that are in need and that's what farmers do. We're just built to feed hungry people and it's just a perfect match. Amy Beckham: And this year, the money raised from all three events will be distributed among all 95 counties to be given to local backpack programs. Carroll County Shooting Sports Park has been hosting our West Tennessee event for some time now and we're grateful for their facility. Carroll County Sheriff Andy Dickson comments on the event in his community. Andy Dickson: I think this is the seventh year y'all have been here with us West Tennessee. It's just an awesome way to be able to put food back in our food pantries to make sure that the folks around here have an opportunity to pick up meals or to do things like that where folks won't go hungry. So thankful for everybody coming out. Amy Beckham: For Tennessee Home and Farm Radio, I'm Amy Beckham.
More than 80 students form across the state have been at Tennessee Tech University this week at the Youth Leadership Summit. The week long event is sponsored by the Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation and Tennessee Tech. The goal is to teach the youth new leadership skills with an emphasis on agriculture.
Thomas Capps Shaping the next generation of leaders in the ag industry. Hello and welcome to Tennessee Home and Farm Radio. I'm Thomas Capps. Holly Bostic I really wanted to come here because I want to learn how to be a better leader so I can serve others my community. Thomas Capps More than 80 11th and 12th graders from across the state are at Tennessee Tech University this week at the Tennessee Leadership Summit. Shea Booster is the summit director and says the youth attending are hungry to learn about leadership. Shea Booster Here in Tennessee are extremely high caliber. They're motivated, they're energized and they're ready to engage with with the learning with the content and with campus. So it's been a unique experience coming in Thomas Capps County Farm Bureau's can select to youth from their county to attend the week long event. It's geared towards teaching attendees different leadership styles and skills with an emphasis on agriculture. Youth like Holly Bostick of Meg's county Holly Bostic I've learned more on myself and the way that I am as a person and how to be a better leader to other as well as learn more about a few tickets. I've been here Thomas Capps 16 year old Smith County native Gabe Harvell, has been very active and both for a Gen FFA. He's using the leadership summit as another opportunity to make himself a better leader for both those organizations, and in the future. Gabe Harville I've gotten to learn about different leadership styles and the basis of what it takes to make a great team and all the qualities that our team members should try to possess. So I've learned quite a lot from this function. Thomas Capps Jay Metcalf, a 17 year old from Franklin County is also attending. He says it's both educational and fun Jay Metcalf If you aren't really interested in agriculture, but you have some sort of hobby or skill set that you think you can hone and focus into some other career paths. I think it'd be great for you. But it will help especially if you're already interested in agriculture. Because a lot of this summit is surrounded by how to help Tennessee further agricultural leadership, Thomas Capps Having fun while becoming better leaders to lead the world's most important industry into the future. For Tennessee almond Farm Radio, I'm Thomas Capps. Thanks for listening and have a great day.
Tennessee Farmers Cooperative continues to develop young associates in their management trainee program to ensure a stronger future for our most important industry.
Today is the first official day of summer, although it may have felt like it for a few weeks now. But this is the Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year and the Farmers Almanac has all kinds of info on the weather and more.
A lot of sightings of black bears the last couple of weeks in the mid-state area, and TWRA officials expect even more as the bears look to reclaim territory.
a group of 12 Tennessee 4-H students has been spending part of their summer in Alaska learning about the states agriculture and 4-H program. two of these students detail what the experience in Alaska has been like and what they've learned.
Thomas Capps Tennessee 4-Hers in Alaska. Hello and welcome to Tennessee Home And Farm Radio. I'm Thomas Capps.
Zac Lewis Oh the Places You'll Go with Tennessee 4-H. I've heard that a multiple times this trip.
Thomas Capps A group of 12 4-Hers from Tennessee have been spending part of their summer in Alaska learning about the state, their agriculture and 4-H programs. Zach Lewis of Overton county is one of the Tennessee students that spent all of last week getting an up close look at the agriculture in Alaska.
Zac Lewis It's really different than Tennessee. And it's really been a good experience to get to learn how something else works other than Tennessee, you know, you see, you know, I've been to multiple states outside of Tennessee, and especially in the South East region here they're all relatively the same. They're all diverse in their own way. But when you come up here to this kind of terrain and the weather and nearly 24 hour sunlight in the summer and the winter is 24 hour darkness, it's gonna you're gonna run into struggles whether you're growing something or you're a you have livestock on your farm.
Thomas Capps Macey Gean of Dyer County also went on the trip. While it's taken some getting used to the almost 24 hours of daylight and the time change Gean says it's a trip she'll never forget. And She's really enjoyed it.
Macey Gean This is my first time really out of the house on a plane and saying just the different ways that you do things and just seeing the background and all the native culture and history about Alaska has been such an eye opener.
Thomas Capps Tennessee State 4-H Director Justin crow says Tennessee 4-H is unique in that it gives four agers the opportunity to go on trips like these and experience new things.
Justin Crowe That's what we do in 4-H We help provide the outlets for these young people to grow and learn. In Tennessee 4-H you know understand the opportunities we have at home to learn and to grow as it relates to agriculture and rural life. But we also realize there's a whole other world out there and even within the United States.
Thomas Capps A whole other world with lots of fun and unique experiences with a road that always leads back home to Tennessee. For Tennessee Home and Farm Radio, I'm Thomas Capps.
Lee Maddox: Finally a World Champion from Tennessee: Hello and Welcome everyone for Tennessee Home and Farm Radio. I'm Lee Maddox.
Jacob Massey: Fortune enough this year, all the stars kind of lined up. I say luck was on my side and pulled out the win this year
Lee Maddox: Jacob Massey from Petersburg, Tennessee was named champion at the 2023 World Livestock Auctioneer Championship. This was the 59th World Championship held this year at Arcadia Stockyard in Arcadia, Florida, and presented by the Livestock Marketing Association.
Jacob Massey: It was so overwhelming to hear it come over the speakers. Something we always dream of since I've been competing was hearing your name for the championship. And when it did, like I said I was blown away by
Lee Maddox: This was a dream come true for the 34 year old Jacob Massey who competed in his first World Championship contest back in 2010. And while today he helps farmers market their livestock through three weekly markets in Fayetteville and Columbia with United Producers Incorporated, and at the Mid South Regional Livestock Center in Unionville. His passion for auctioneering started much earlier
Jacob Massey: But I'm gonna say six, seven, eight years old, you know, I was probably starting to auctioneer a little bit. And I know when I was nine or 10, we'd have a farm sale somewhere on Saturday. And we'd get to get late in the day and around no wouldn't be a whole lot of people left late in the day and dad would put me up there and I would sale oh you know some hand tools out of the shed or something when I was pretty young
Lee Maddox: Jacob Massey is the only Tennesseean and to ever win the World Livestock Auctioneer Championship and he says he's extremely blessed to have cattle of his own and work in the industry and help other producers get top dollar for their product.
Jacob Massey: And a lot of those producers they may sale calves, one time a year and that's their check for the year and I think that very seriously, when I'm up there working for them, they might as well be my cattle when they come to the ring. Im going to work just as hard for them as I work for myself
Lee Maddox: World Livestock Auctioneer Champion Jacob Massey for Tennessee Home and Farm Radio. I'm Lee Maddox.
For the past 16 years, the Middle Tennessee Research and Education Center in Spring Hill has been holding their Fruits of the Backyard field day, where they provide timely information for growers and extension agents to better manage fruit crops in your backyard or an even larger space.
Ag In the Classroom workshops have met all across the state. These teachers are excited to bring what they have learned back to the classroom.
Some folks these days might think that dairy is not a healthy food, but that's not true. Dietitian and MTSU Professor Lisa Sheehan-Smith recently gave a keynote address at the June Dairy Month Lunch that reminds us that dairy is healthy, and an important part of a balanced diet.
Thomas Capps Dairy is still an important part of a healthy balanced diet. Hello and welcome to this episode of Tennessee home and Farm Radio. I'm Thomas Capps.
Lisa Sheehan- Smith Dairy products are a very important part of a person's diet. some circles
Thomas Capps In some circles dairy might be considered an unhealthy food these days, but that's the furthest thing from the truth. In fact, according to a Harvard study, most Americans get most of their calcium from dairy products and online at myplate.gov. they point out that dairy provides several key vitamins and nutrients. That was the main point that dietitian and MTSU Professor Lisa she hem Smith's address at the recent June Dairy Month Luncheon. The main message
Lisa Sheehan- Smith The main message was to honor the dairy farmer and the cow and to realize all their hard work and the contributions they make to a healthy diet and a healthy planet.
Thomas Capps Sheehan-Smith reminds us that dairy products provide many benefits.
Lisa Sheehan- Smith They provide us with essential nutrients. They're a key source of protein for our bodies, carbohydrates, the healthy carbohydrates, a lot of vitamins and minerals. So yes, it's just part of a basic wholesome diet.
Thomas Capps With June being Dairy Month in Tennessee dairy farmers like Steve Lee of McMinn County, take this opportunity to put their products directly into consumers hands.
Steve Lee It is special in a lot of ways code we recognize so many people that does the many hours or dairy work. But we also need to recognize the people that drink milk even out here that has nothing to do with dairy.
Thomas Capps Lee especially hopes that youth can be exposed to good Tennessee dairy foods.
Steve Lee I think kids need milk and they need to drink milk and we need to try to get whole milk back in schools.
Thomas Capps In order to put whole milk and other dairy products in kids hands. There has to be dairy farmers to produce it.
Lisa Sheehan- Smith We got to protect them we got to make sure that they know that we realize how hard they work and the good things that they provide to us good.
Thomas Capps Good things like milk, cheese, and even some good old ice cream on a hot June day. For Tennessee Home and Farm Radio, I'm Thomas Capps.
More than 30 extension agents and ag industry partners recently took part in a specialty crop and farmers market in-service training tour in the Midstate by visiting farms and businesses in Davidson, Maury and Williamson counties.
Lee Maddox: A Summer Tour. Hello and welcome everyone, for Tennessee Home and Farm Radio - I'm Lee Maddox. Rachel Painter: We are helping our agents across the state learn marketing strategies, diversification strategies that they can take back to their county and share with their producers. Lee Maddox: Well more than 30 Extension agents and ag industry partners recently took part in a specialty crop and farmers market inservice training tour in the midstate by visiting farms and businesses in Davidson, Maury and Williamson counties. Helping to organize this tour was Rachel Painter of UT Center for Profitable Agriculture. Rachel Painter: We want our agents to learn ideas and about other operations that they can take these ideas back to their counties, share with their producers about marketing strategies, diversification strategies that they can maybe implement on their farm. Lee Maddox: Well one of the stops was to Blue Honey Farms in Williamson County, where owner Tony Foster shares a lot of information about his blueberries, elderberries, vegetables and much more. Tony Foster: It's one thing to grow it and have it, but to grow it and share it with other people makes it even that much more and sharing my pitfalls and mountains I've been on to help somebody from going through the same things that I did. Lee Maddox: The inservice tour included several other specialty crop farms, and Hamilton County agent Haley Treadway says this was extremely useful for her to share with potential growers near Chattanooga. Haley Treadway: Seeing the farms have been incredible, but also networking with colleagues, other professionals is so special, making those contacts and learning who does what and whose specialty lies where and then being able to walk away and say, oh my gosh, I can I can rely on that person or I can reach out to them for whenever this comes up in my community. Steve Rickman Lee Maddox: Steve Rickman is the county agent in Chester County and he says this tour was invaluable to him as well. the opportunity for extension Steve Rickman: The opportunity for Extension agents like myself to get out and see these farms see different opportunities. Lee Maddox: And for Tennessee Home and Farm Radio, I'm Lee Maddox.
The annual June Dairy Month Kickoff Luncheon was back at the Ellington Agriculture Center in Nashville. The luncheon kicks off June Dairy Month, and recognizes youth who participate as county June Dairy Month chairmen. Also, former dairy producer, Mike Ellis of Knox County, was recognized as Dairy Producer of the Year.
Thomas Capps June Dairy Month kicked off in style. Hello and welcome to Tennessee Holman Farm Radio. I'm Thomas Capps.
Mike Ellis We've got to have dairy it's going to continue someway or another.
Thomas Capps The June Dairy Month kickoff Luncheon was back this year at the Ellington agriculture center and Nashville. Youth from across the state participating as June Dairy Month Chairman were recognized for their work in promoting dairy like Sumner County Chairman, eighth grader, Laila Russell,
Laila Russell We've done things with the newspaper and posting on social media, as well as camps and in person interaction. Everything that we can do we do and we make sure that they are informed with the correct information making sure that our community is a well educated community.
Thomas Capps Russell says Our goal is to help inform the public about the benefits of dairy.
Laila Russell The average person needs about three glasses three cups of milk daily, it helps nutrition wise and it helps with your bones. It's very important and a person's diet for everybody. And I think that everybody needs a good glass of milk every day
Thomas Capps Also, former dairy producer Mike Ellis of Knox County was recognized for his more than 30 years of service to the industry with the dairy producer of the Year award.
Mike Ellis I was honored to have that happen. I've been associated in promotion through the IDA board of Tennessee for 28 years. And then I was on the dairy Alliance board for nine or 10 years and last two years I was honored to serve just as the treasurer, but it's an eight state promotion, saying that and had a lot of travels with it .
Thomas Capps For Ellis working in the dairy industry has been more than just a job.
Mike Ellis It's been my life's work and I've enjoyed it and it's made me a decent living. Something that I wouldn't give up for anything
Thomas Capps For Tennessee home and Farm Radio. I'm Thomas Capps.
Carbon credits have been a hot topic in the ag world over the past few years. Some say they’re a great new source of income for farmers, while others say they’re too risky. Hunter Jones with consulting company Ernst & Young discusses the trend in the carbon credit market and the different types of carbon credits.
USDA’s June Ag Trade Outlook showed a significant drop in U.S. exports from the February report. Micheal Clements has more on the latest numbers.
Clements: U.S. ag exports are forecast at $181 billion for fiscal year 2023, down $3.5 billion from expectations in the February forecast. Veronica Nigh, senior economist with the American Farm Bureau Federation, says the U.S. is facing a significant trade imbalance. Nigh: Relative to last year, USDA is now projecting that U.S. ag exports will be down $15 billion while imports are projected up $4 billion. That means the trade balance is estimated to be at a deficit of $17 billion. When we think about that on a volume versus value basis, exports are expected down 19 percent by volume and 16 percent by value relative to last year. Clements: Nigh says U.S. ag trade is being impacted by global monetary conditions. Nigh: Well, for anyone who's buying anything, it won't be a surprise that inflation remains on a slowing trend, but economic growth challenges are materializing as monetary conditions tighten. World real GDP is projected to increase by only 2.8 percent in 2023. That's down from 3.4 percent last year. Clements: She says the impact of these economic challenges vary by commodity. Nigh: When you look on the corn side, exports are expected down 26 percent by value, 27 percent by volume. Sorghum is down over two-thirds by value, 68 percent, and by volume, 69 percent. Now, it's not all bad news. Beans are expected down on volume by seven percent but only down by three percent on value. And then, when we move to the meat case, beef exports are expected down 14 percent, but pork exports are expected up, as are broiler meat exports. So certainly, a mixed bag. Clements: Micheal Clements, Washington.
Artificial Intelligence is becoming a bigger part of our daily lives at a fast pace. What role does this new AI technology play in agriculture. A local beef producer and UT extension agent discuss how AI might shape agriculture moving forward.
Thomas Capps: Artificial Intelligence and agriculture Hello and welcome to Tennessee Home and Farm Radio. I'm Thomas Capps.
Jessee Millsaps: Agriculture is gonna have to include a lot of autonomy and artificial intelligence.
Thomas Capps: Machines and computer technology doing things and even thinking in ways we thought only humans could. That's the reality we live in now as artificial intelligence or AI, as it's called is becoming smarter and more practical in society. But what role does aI have an agriculture recent college graduate and beef cattle producer Jesse Millsaps of Moore county says AI is here to stay and can play a pivotal role in the ag industry.
Jesse Millsaps: I see a lot of a lot more autonomy and artificial intelligence coming in agriculture, John Deere and Case IH have both played around with autonomous tractors, all of the processing facilities and factories in this area have went to robots
Thomas Capps: Millsaps sees AI helping solve the labor shortage problem that farmers have faced for years,
Jesse Millsaps: Agriculture is going to have to do something in that route. I feel like with the labor shortages that we have, agriculture is going to have to include a lot of autonomy. It's just mind boggling. How much information that some of it has instantly brought back to you and I feel like some of that artificial intelligence can be implemented into agriculture systems through any number of different ways just to help operations continue to be efficient
Thomas Capps: Moore county extension agent and County Farm Bureau President Larry Morehead has seen a lot of change in technology and his more than 45 year career in agriculture. He says AI is just the newest example of that.
Larry Moorehead: Technology, we don't know where it's going. And I can't believe some of the things is happening in my lifetime and I'm just seventy years old. But look at how things have changed. My dad he saw a lot of changes. He come up in the Mule Days and stuff and then went tractors. Now things are gonna change. We're gonna continue to change
Thomas Capps: Technology that can lead agriculture and to the future. For Tennessee Home and Farm Radio, I'm Thomas Capps.
June is dairy month in Tennessee and all across the country as dairy farmers and industry representatives look to spread the good news about nature’s perfect beverage, milk.
Lee Maddox: Celebrating June Dairy Month. Welcome and hello again everyone. for Tennessee Home and Farm Radio – I’m Lee Maddox. it is official
Brian Flowers: It is the official beverage and should always be the official beverage it’s it’s nothing nothing any better.
Lee Maddox: June is Dairy Month in Tennessee and all across the country as dairy farmers and industry representatives look to spread the good news about nature’s perfect beverage – milk and the other associated dairy products that provide health and economic benefits to all. Giles County dairyman Brian Flowers is president of the American Dairy Association of Tennessee.
Brian Flowers: Yeah milk does do a body a good. So many alternative beverages out there other, other products, you know, being tried to call milk because they know how how good milk is and was but they nothing – no comparison to the real whole milk.
Lee Maddox: Brian Flowers says it’s proven science that continues to show the health benefits associated with dairy. Milk is the original nutritional powerhouse with eight grams of protein and 13 essential nutrients and the technology on dairy farms continues to improve as well with robotic milkers and herd health practices now better than ever.
Brian Flowers: I think dairy farmers has been the leader in technology on farm you know robots is has been out wide open now for about 10 years and and they keep improving and you know better for the cows. They’ll tell you everything about a cow and we’re definitely looking into probably we’ll be putting in robots in the near future and you got to stay on top of the technology or you know, it’ll pass you by.
Lee Maddox: And same goes for Tennessee’s Commissioner of Agriculture Dr. Charlie Hatcher, who has a dairy on his farm in Williamson County, and they’re looking to bring in robots later this year as well.
Commissioner Charlie Hatcher: If we’ve got any hope of feeding the world and trying to stay in business as a farmer, it’s going to be through innovation and technology and making some investments in the future.
Lee Maddox: And for Tennessee Home and Farm Radio – I’m Lee Maddox.
Consultants for Ag In The Classroom recently met to prepare for the upcoming teacher workshops. These consultants explain why Ag In The Classroom is so important.
Grace Powell: Teaching the Teachers: Welcome and Hello to Tennessee Home and Farm Radio. I’m Grace Powell
Valerie Teal: As an an educator and also as an agriculturalist. I’m trying to merge those two things together because many of my students don’t have an idea of where their food or fiber comes from.
Grace Powell: Agriculture is taught every day in classrooms across Tennessee. The Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation Ag in the Classroom provides content that teaches kids where their food comes from. Consultants recently met to prepare for Ag in the Classroom workshops where teachers are introduced to AG based education materials. Coffee County teacher Valerie Teal hopes to show other teachers the importance of Ag in the Classroom
Valerie Teal: Living on the farm is is like nothing else. And if I can help other educators get excited about agriculture, then that is my goal. I love living on a farm and I’ll hope that my excitement can come out through these sessions that we will have this summer
Grace Powell: With June being dairy month the teacher and dairy farmer Laura Purtle of Murray County says teaching kids about the importance of dairy is one of her top priorities.
Laura Purtle: That’s one of the things that teachers in this group of consultants really enjoys doing is being able to help students understand exactly where their milk comes from cows and that all milk that comes out as white like brown cows don’t make brown milk. And we like to help our students understand that the apple came from a tree and it didn’t just come from a grocery store.
Grace Powell: Knox County’s Executive Principal, Tanna Nicely has been involved with the Ag in the Classroom for years and wants it to continue and grow.
Tanna Nicely: We are making a difference. I just think our impact could be more in that. I think that’s what we’re trying to do is just grab those pre-service teachers before they get out of college and give them some tools to take into the classroom and integrate. That’s that’s the key. I feel. I feel like this the work that we do around Ag in the Classroom is not work. It’s it’s a mission. It’s really and so I don’t feel like it’s work. I feel like it’s just almost like spreading the gospel in the church. We’re spreading the gospel of Ag
Grace Powell: The Tennessee Ag in the Classroom teacher workshops will be held across the state beginning next week. For Tennessee Home and Farm Radio. I’m Grace Powell.
The American Farm Bureau Federation signed two more agreements ensuring farmers and ranchers’ right to repair their equipment. Michael Clements shares what this means for farmers now that there are four MOU’s in place for farm equipment in the U.S.
Capps: The American Farm Bureau Federation signed two more agreements ensuring farmers and ranchers’ right to repair their equipment. Micheal Clements tells us four total MOUs now cover the majority of farm equipment in the U.S.
Clements: The American Farm Bureau Federation signed two more right to repair MOUs, this time with AGCO and Kubota. Emily Buckman, AFBF Government Affairs Director, says combined with MOUs from John Deere and CNH Industrial, the four agreements cover roughly 70 percent of the agricultural machinery sold in the United States.Buckman: We’re extremely excited that we have now secured four memorandums of understanding since January. Right to repair has been an important issue for a number of years and this effort has been a culmination of years of discussion with manufacturers, and we’re excited to see our efforts come to fruition. And we do believe that this is something that will provide our members with the tools that they need to make necessary repairs when their equipment breaks down.Clements: Buckman says it’s all about reducing downtime in the field.Buckman: When equipment breaks down, that’s time and money for a farmer. So, by giving farmers and ranchers easier access to the tools needed to make fixes to their equipment, that means that they’re able to get it back up and running so they can plant, harvest, whatever it is that they’re doing at the time. And this isn’t just extended to farmers and ranchers, but also, to independent repair shops as well.Clements: Buckman says the effort grants farmers access to repair information and allows for future updates.Buckman: The MOUs outline that farmers and independent repair shops have access to diagnostic or repair codes, manuals, product guides, the ability to directly purchase diagnostic tools from the manufacturer, as well as assistance from the manufacturers. It allows our organization to engage with manufacturers regularly, see what’s working, see what’s not, amend it so that we can address the needs of our members as well as update it as technology advances.Clements: Micheal Clements, Washington.Capps: Thanks Michael. For Tennessee Home and Farm Radio, I’m Thomas Capps.
All across Tennessee and around the country farmers have been extremely busy on their farms this spring trying to get their crops planted, their newborn calves weaned and the first cutting of hay harvested in between all the rain showers.
Lee Maddox: A Busy Time on the Farm: Welcome and Hello again everyone for Tennessee Home and Farm Radio. I'm Lee Maddox Zippy Duvall: It's just an exciting time in the spring on my farm and all across America. Lee Maddox: All across Tennessee and around the country farmers have been extremely busy on their farms this spring trying to get their crops planted, their newborn calves weaned, and the first cutting of hay harvested in between all the rain showers, but they wouldn't have it any other way. American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall Zippy Duvall: This is when optimism of farmers come out because they're they're out in the field planting that crop and then looking to the Lord for rain to be able to grow up with and in a wonderful harvest time so they can get it in but you know all the mind desk work of ordering and deciding what you're going to plan all that was done back in winter and now there have been doing the fun stuff hard work but fun stuff things that they came into farming and wanting to do. Lee Maddox: Zippy Duvall has cattle, hay, and poultry production on his farm in Georgia and he says he and other farmers across the country are committed to doing the best job they can do on their farms because so many others are dependent on those farmers Zippy Duvall: Its a mission that we're all on. It's our godly mission everyday to go out and take care of the soil and water animals and make sure the people in this country and a lot of people across the world has something in their pantry Lee Maddox: Besides the chores on the farm this spring Zippy Duvall says another important chore for farmers is sharing their stories with members of Congress, as the debate continues in hopes of new national farm policy approved this year known as the Farm Bill. That's legislation that guides and protects our farmers every five years Zippy Duvall: So many things has happened on our farms. We need to let them people know because they're all going in with different motivations different reasons, but they got to understand how important that piece of legislation is to us each and every day and how important is for the American people because that provides us the opportunity to fill everybodys' pantries Lee Maddox: And for Tennessee Home and Farm Radio. I'm Lee Maddox
For the first time since 2008 West Tennessee 4-H’ers will have their own camp to attend nearby.
On this Memorial Day as we celebrate with family and friend it’s important to always remember those men and women that paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms.
In a unanimous decision from the Supreme Court, a victory for farmers, small businesses and landowners as the court ruled on the long-awaited outcome in Sackett v. EPA.
Lee Maddox: Clearing up the water Welcome and Hello again everyone for Tennessee Home and Farm Radio. I’m Lee Maddox
Travis Cushman: Supreme Court just agree with our interpretation of what water should be
Eric Mayberry: Todays a great day after that court ruling to be able to go forward now with some clarity
Lee Maddox: In a unanimous decision from the Supreme Court a victory for farmers and many other small businesses and landowners as the court ruled on the long awaited outcome and Sackett versus EPA. Deputy General Counsel for the American Farm Bureau, Travis Cushman
Travis Cushman: It is an absolutly a fantastic ruling. This involves the definition of what a water of the United States is WOTUS under the Clean Water Act, for many, many years, decades have been fighting over this as the EPA and the US Army Corps of Engineers have continued to try to draft very, very broad, broad definitions of WOTUS, which matters to us because it allows the federal government to regulate essentially dry land features on farms across the country.
Lee Maddox: Cushman says the High Court believe that the EPA was clearly overstepping its authority of the Clean Water Act exposing farmers to very burdensome regulations and restricting their rights to develop their land despite being far from a navigable water source. Tennessee Farm Bureau President Eric Mayberry says this was a big victory for farmers across the country.
Eric Mayberry: It just sets things in motion from this point forward that there shouldn’t be any question that a farmer on his land should be able to manage the water. It longtime from temporary situations after rainfall that he didn’t have to fall under some sort of federal regulation. And navigable means need means just that something that the water that is navigable it needs to be regulated, but you know, small farm ponds and little little trenches and little ditches on farms should not be
Lee Maddox: Eric Mayberry says it’s now time for a rewrite of the rule that won’t require a team of attorneys for farmers to care for their land. For Tennessee Home and Farm Radio. I’m Lee Maddox
Wilson Central FFA Chapter member and current MTSU ag major Faith Cook has been selected as Tennessee’s candidate for national FFA office.
This time of year a lot of us will be turning to the outdoor grill for cooking, especially with friends and family now that school is out for the Summer.
Lee Maddox: Grilling Season Safety Welcome and hello again everyone for Tennessee Home and Farm Radio, I’m Lee Maddox. You know this time of year a lot of us will be turning to the outdoor grill for cooking, especially with friends and family when school’s out for the summer. Unfortunately, there’s always instances of folks getting sick from foodborne illness and that’s usually from ignoring some crucial food safety rules, USDA’s Gary Crawford has more.
Gary Crawford: Many of us love summer and summertime outdoor grilling.
Meredith Carruthers: I do all of the grilling in our house; it’s like one of my favorite things to do in the summer.
Gary Crawford: Meet Meredith Carruthers, food safety expert with the US Department of Agriculture’s Meat and Poultry Hotline, the number of which we’ll give you in a minute. She says they get calls all summer long for people wanting to make sure that they’re doing all they can to grill things safely. So nobody gets sick. Meredith says there are two very important things that many people are either ignoring or just don’t realize how important they are.
Meredith Carruthers: 97% of the time, people didn’t either wash their hands at all or didn’t do all five steps of hand washing for a full 20 seconds
Gary Crawford: This next fact very crucial for us cooking at home or on the grill.
Meredith Carruthers: Certain bacteria can live on surfaces for like 72 hours.
Gary Crawford: 3 days
Meredith Carruthers: So think about it. You’re making dinner you touch chicken touched your spice containers without washing your hands and then in the morning, you’re cooking eggs and you want to use the same spice in your eggs or something and then that gets all touched other places. So yeah, it’s just it’s kind of crazy what your hands can move around.
Gary Crawford: So Meredith says we need to wash our hands before we start any food prep and immediately after we’ve touched any raw meat or poultry product or the juices from them. Questions on this or any food safety subject, call the Meat and Poultry Hotline. Talk to an expert the number 1-888-MPHotline 1-888-MPHotline. Gary Crawford reporting for the US Department of Agriculture.
Lee Maddox: Another good reminder from food safety experts is to sanitize those cell phones for Tennessee Home and Farm Radio I’m Lee Maddox.
Fifth graders across Tennessee brainstormed why agriculture is important for this year’s Women’s Leadership and Ag in the Classroom essay contest.
Amy Beckham: Why is Agriculture Important? Hello there and welcome to Tennessee Home and Farm Radio, I’m Amy Beckham.
Lyra Craighead: I feel like the world wouldn’t be the same as it is today if we didn’t have agriculture and I feel like we need it.
Amy Beckham: Fifth graders across Tennessee brainstormed why agriculture is important for this year’s Women’s Leadership and Ag in the Classroom essay contest. And out of all those fifth graders, Lyra Craighead from Clay County was announced as state winner. She explains a little why life as we know it couldn’t exist without our most important industry.
Lyra Craighead: We really couldn’t, because we wouldn’t have food because like I said in my speech, if you wanted a hamburger, if we didn’t have farmers, you couldn’t have the hamburger.
Amy Beckham: Growing up in the rural community of Clay County, Lyra has been exposed to agriculture since birth, and has many family members involved in the industry, of whom she credits her understanding of farm life to.
Lyra Craighead: My grandfather is a poultry farmer, and I see him like every day and he tells me all about – my aunt, she’s in college for agriculture and she tells me a lot about the stuff that she learns in college and so that’s another reason how I learned about it.
Amy Beckham: Lyra’s teacher, Dana Hammer, has taught school for the past 33 years and currently teaches at Celina K-8 where Lyra is a student. Mrs. Hammer shares how excited she was for Lyra’s accomplishment.
Dana Hammer: She was in the top three finalists. I was so excited just about that. And then, you know, for her to win. I knew it was a great essay, but she did it. I mean, she did it at home and then brought it in. It was a great essay.
Amy Beckham: And during her 33 years of teaching, Mrs. Hammer says she has always found it important to share where our food, fiber and fuel comes from.
Dana Hammer: They need to know farm to table, you know where it’s coming from.
Amy Beckham: As the state winner Lyra received $300 and Mrs. Hammer also received $100. We also want to congratulate the other two finalists in the contest – second place winner, Makayla Stewart of Franklin County and third place winner, Allynn Lee of Overton County. All in all a great way to get students thinking about why agriculture is important. For Tennessee Home and Farm Radio, I’m Amy Beckham.
National FFA Association President Andrew Seibel attended the Tennessee FFA convention to inspire members.
For Tennessee cotton farmers, its been a little challenging getting this year’s crop planted, but progress is continuing as they look to plant some 355,000 acres this year.
Lee Maddox: Cotton time in Tennessee Welcome and hello again everyone for Tennessee Home and Farm Radio, I’m Lee Maddox
Bill Walker: We’re defiantly running a little on the late side.
John Parrish: Actually we’ve been a little bit on the wet side.
Lee Maddox: For Tennessee cotton farmers it’s been a little challenging getting this year’s crop planted but progress is continuing as they look to plant some 355,000 acres this year. John Parrish is planning in Madison County.
John Parrish: Everything holds together we should get real close to our finishing up and about another day, one more day but we’ve got some isolated areas that’s been getting a thunderstorm or thundershower comes through every afternoon and we just can’t, it’s still too wet, you know
Lee Maddox: This is John Parrish’s 35th cotton crop and he says they are shifting some of his acres from cotton to corn and soybeans this year, but he’s hopeful as all farmers are for a bumper crop in the fall.
John Parrish: The good Lord blesses us with 50 to 60 inches of rain a year and if we could cut that water off in the following year and get our cotton out without big rain, torrential rain, we might make a little bit more but we always leave a little bit on the table because the weather.
Lee Maddox: In Fayette County Bill Walker is raising his 33rd cotton crop and he says they too have been delayed this spring from the weather and he will likely see some of his acres shifted to soybeans
Bill Walker: It’s our crop kind of choice. What we go to we’ve got a lot of grain as well but cotton is the majority of our acres and kind of what we’re set up to raise you know we’d like to be done here before Memorial Day. And I’d say if we’re not done by Memorial Day that’s gonna be the end of it.
Lee Maddox: Statewide about 50% of the cotton crop has been planted and farmers are hoping for dry weather this next week to make up for lost time. But Walker still says he expects total acres to fall
Bill Walker: In our area, we’re gonna be down 25 to 30% I think in this area.
Lee Maddox: For Tennessee Home and Farm Radio. I’m Lee Maddox
On this episode of Tennessee Home and Farm radio we take a look at the latest World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates from the Department of Agriculture, which projects a record corn crop along with increased soybean production.
Thomas Capps: The latest World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates from the Department of Agriculture projects a record corn crop along with increased soybean production. Micheal Clements has more.
Micheal Clements: USDA’s May World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates projects increased corn and soybean production this year. In fact, Bernt Nelson, American Farm Bureau Federation Economist, says USDA projects a record corn crop for 2023.
Bernt Nelson: USDA estimated corn planted will be around 92 million acres and a trendline yield of 181 and a half bushels per acre, this puts corn production projected at right around 15.2 billion bushels. Soybean acreage came in basically unchanged. So, we have 87 and a half million acres of soybeans projected to be planted. Yields are projected at 52 bushels per acre, this puts us at about 4.5 billion bushels for the new marketing year.
Micheal Clements: Wheat production is estimated slightly higher than last year along with declines in cotton yields.
Bernt Nelson: Planted acres for wheat came in at 49.9 million acres. The projected yield would generate wheat production of about 1.6 billion bushels. Planting expectations for cotton are about 11.3 million acres, down 18 percent from the 2022 estimate. USDA anticipates a ten percent yield dropped to 854 pounds per acre.
Micheal Clements: Nelson says the May WASDE report sets the tone for the growing season.
Bernt Nelson: Really, this was a bearish report, especially for corn and soybeans. Much like last year, this WASDE report in May has a lot of weight being carried in the global market when we talk about that Black Sea region and what might happen. Farmer planting decisions really won’t be updated by USDA until the June 30 Acreage Report. This will provide more information that we can use to kind of build expectations for the upcoming marketing year.
Micheal Clements: Micheal Clements, Washington.
*T*homas Capps:** Thanks Micheal. For Tennessee Home and Farm Radio – I’m Thomas Capps.
Farmers in Tennessee are going to be extremely busy over the next few weeks in their hay fields.
Lee Maddox: Trying to Make Hay. Welcome and hello again everyone, for Tennessee Home and Farm Radio, I’m Lee Maddox.
Daniel Rodgers: We’ve been certainly making glad for the rain we’ve gotten it’s made the hay crop look good this year. We’re just ready for a few dry days to get started harvesting and see what it’s going to turn out.
Lee Maddox: Farmers in Tennessee are going to be extremely busy over the next few weeks in their hay fields. Greene County’s Daniel Rogers has several varieties he’ll be working to harvest.
Daniel Rodgers: We have everything from just your your normal meadow grass, the annual grasses and things in it that we put up for our own cattle to use. We run a cow calf operation with we also do a lot of small grain we raised some wheat triticale and some rye that we bale for straw as well. And then we also have some alfalfa that we put up and some pure orchard grass that we use, mainly in the horse premium hay market.
Lee Maddox: Daniel Roger says he’s hopeful for favorable weather conditions the rest of this week to continue cutting and baling on his hay crop, statewide farmers intend to harvest some 1.76 million acres of all hay. That’s up 48,000 acres from last year. So far, it’s been a mixed bag on the quality for Phillip Berry in Wayne County. His harvest looks like it will be delayed by a couple of weeks.
Phillip Berry: Usually start cutting around the fifteenth of May but this year is looking like it’s gonna be around the first of June. Seems like I don’t know if it’s because the hadn’t had as much heat or it didn’t warm up till last week around here. So hay ain’t really got much fodder, but I can tell a big difference from this week and last week.
Lee Maddox: Likewise, Daniel Rogers says he’s seeing variations as well in his different hay crops. He thinks from a cool dry April in East Tennessee.
Daniel Rogers: We noticed on some of our small green it seemed to be off a little bit this year. We’ve actually already mowed our first cut of orchard grass and it was one of the best crops ever had.
Lee Maddox: Making Hay in Tennessee. For Tennessee Home and Farm Radio, I’m Lee Maddox.
Alison Price is an ag education graduate from the University of Tennessee Knoxville. She will address her fellow peers this weekend, as she’s been selected to give the commencement address.
Thomas Capps: Addressing the Graduating Class of 2023. Hello and welcome to Tennessee Home and Farm Radio, I’m Thomas Capps.
Alison Price: So I get to give a big speech at graduation and address my graduating class, most of whom I haven’t even met because of the virtual aspect of most of my college experience.
Thomas Capps: Alison Price is a graduating ag education student at the University of Tennessee Knoxville. This weekend, Price will walk across the stage with thousands of other graduating seniors, but her duties on graduation day will be a bit more than most. She has been selected to give the commencement address at graduation.
Alison Price: It’s a great honor. I mean, I definitely don’t think that I deserve it out of everyone in my class. But I’m really excited to advocate for agriculture in a different way in front of my classmates and in front of the family members that may not even realize what their kid or their nephews agriculture degree has in store for them.
Thomas Capps: Her message to her peers comes directly from her COVID filled college experience.
Alison Price: There isn’t really a way to define what being a Herbert student is because everyone, especially with this graduating class, has had a different experience. So, the majority of my speech is about not being that token student, but also about thanking all the people that have gotten you to where you are in your college experience.
Thomas Capps: Price already has a job lined up in the fall as she will be teaching agriculture at Eagleton College and Career Academy in Blount County. She hopes to help teach and inspire future ag students to pursue a career in helping feed the world.
Alison Price: If I can even show one kid where their food comes from or give someone an inborn fondness of agriculture, I think that I’ll feel accomplished in my career. I think that as long as I am educating students and showing them that agriculture is important, and maybe show a student that they want to go into agriculture education.
Thomas Capps: A great honor to speak about agriculture and teach agriculture to hopefully thousands of students over a career, but first to thousands of fellow graduates this weekend. For Tennessee Home and Farm Radio, I’m Thomas Capps.
Weekly crop progress reports show that most farmers ahead of schedule in planting. Michael Clements has more on how weather is playing a big factor in that, and what it might mean for the entire growing season.
Capps: The Weekly Crop Progress Report and the upcoming WASDE report from USDA are key to the crop forecast this year. Micheal Clements tells us growing conditions may improve for many parts of the United States.
Clements: Friday’s World Agricultural Supply and Demand Report from the Department of Agriculture will set the tone for the 2023 growing season. Bernt Nelson, AFBF Economist, says the most recent Crop Progress reports from USDA points to positive news.
Nelson: What we’re looking at now at planting progress, we’re seeing actually a lot of states ahead of schedule. We see a lot of percentages that are running five to ten percent ahead of the five-year average. The only one really lagging behind would be North Dakota. They saw a lot of cold temperatures, late snowfall that led to a lot of wet soil conditions and rain is continuing.
Clements: While several farmers are dealing with drought, Nelson says the weather pattern should transition this year.
Nelson: We’ve been in a triple dip back-to-back-to-back years of El Niña. Now that typically brings the United States drier conditions. The likelihood of an El Niño event occurring has increased, which favors wetter conditions, meaning less likely to be in a drought scenario for the upcoming growing season.
Clements: He says markets leading into Friday’s WASDE report reflect the weather forecast.
Nelson: If we see these conditions and rain forecast continue to show up, this is favorable for a good growing season. If we have a good growing season, we may see some of the supplies with corn and soybeans create a larger crop. So, it’s expected to show ending stocks just towards the top of two billion bushels. Now this is not a really big surprise, and Graham boards have responded accordingly.
Clements: Micheal Clements, Washington.
Capps: Thanks Michael. The crop reports here in Tennessee show that farmers are ahead of schedule compared to this time last year. For Tennessee Home and Farm Radio, I’m Thomas Capps.
Two Crockett County FFA chapter members were awarded this year's state Star awards with their respective Supervised Agricultural Experience program.
The Feeding the Economy Report, released on National Ag Day, was updated to include county-level data, showing the economic impact of local agriculture on communities across the U.S.
A special time of year as young adults finish their college careers with degrees in the field of agriculture.
American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall recently shared his thoughts on the new farm bill with lawmakers.
Thomas Capps
A staggering amount of farmland lost in Tennessee. Hello, and welcome to Tennessee Home and Farm Radio. I’m Thomas Capps.
Jeff Aiken
The more numbers we see the more alarmed we are at what we’re seeing
Thomas Capps
Charlie Martinez and his team at the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture have been busy for months now pulling numbers and trying to determine how much farmland we’ve lost in the state of Tennessee. Their study isn’t complete yet, but the numbers Martinez and his team recently shared with the Tennessee Department of Agriculture and the Tennessee Farm Bureau is truly shocking.
Charley Martinez
The number of acres that have been converted out of agriculture production, it depends on what dataset you’re looking at. So for instance, crop skate data, which comes from USDA NASS, they estimate that we’ve lost around 86,000 acres a year for the past four years, five years actually, if you look at comptroller data, and you look at that, from the Comptroller Treasury here in Tennessee, we’re averaging 34,000 acres a year that we’ve lost the last five years. And so we’re getting a wide range of variation in terms of how much we’ve been losing. I think regardless of what data set you’re looking at, the big thing is that we are still losing data at a high rate.
Thomas Capps
Deputy Commissioner of Agriculture, Jeff akin has been leading the charge and studying this problem within the Department of Agriculture. He says now that they have some hard numbers, leaders in the ag industry can start to come up with solutions.
Speaker 2
Trying to address some laws that might, you know, give some tax incentives or things to help keep young people keep those that are in agriculture and agriculture, but also encourage young people to take a look at it. There’s real challenges to the transition and to start
Thomas Capps
Moving forward, Martinez and his team will work to finish collecting data and make it accessible to everyone.
Speaker 3
Our hope is to have it done before the end of the summer and have a data set that you know if policymakers have a question on you know what, what is the impact of conversion in certain counties? We can answer that.
Thomas Capps
All to try and find a balance between what many call progress and protecting our state’s largest and most important industry. For Tennessee Home and Farm Radio. I’m Thomas Capps.
Adult leaders with Tennessee 4-H are in Knoxville for the annual Tennessee 4-H Ag Extension Workers Conference, a three day event giving opportunities for 4-H Extension agents.
Thomas Capps: 4-H leaders in Knoxville Preparing to Lead Youth in a New Way. Hello, welcome to Tennessee Home and Farm Radio, I’m Thomas Capps.
Bridget Passman: Just having a simple conversation can lead in part to great ideas to go home and start some either new projects or implement some projects that have been occurring across the state and applying that to your county.
Thomas Capps: Adult leaders with Tennessee 4-H are in Knoxville today for the annual Tennessee 4-H Ag Extension Workers Conference, a three day event giving opportunities for 4-H Extension agents like Bridget Passman from Tipton County to network.
Bridget Passman: I was sitting at lunch and one of the people at our table, I made the comment that this is a great thing to come to because it’s your refresher. It’s like your pause button to get new ideas and get inspired to bring home new ideas so that you can stay engaged and be willing to continue working with the youth. Because you know we’re gearing up for 4-H Kansas is a good cause to catch a breath before we get into our camping season this summer. So I’d say very important.
Thomas Capps: Blount County Extension Agent James McMillion says this year’s theme for the meeting of get inspired, stay inspired is exactly the right approach and leading the 4-H youth.
James McMillion: We need to be inspired. We need to be inspirational, we need to be on purpose. You need to have some guidance and and direction involved. And so that’s what we’re here this week for.
Thomas Capps: This meeting comes just before the busy summer months for both 4-H youth and workers as camp season is gearing up in a few weeks.
Bridget Passman: Camp is one of my personal favorite times of the year because the kids get to come to camp and they just have that light bulb moment where they get to figure out things that their mom and dad did for them. Now they’re trying to figure it out and they’re taking ownership and leadership of it. And it’s just great to see that transformation of these young people at camp and they get to have those experiences.
Thomas Capps: And the conversations had by workers at the meeting today will hopefully lead to new ways of leaving 4-H youth and helping develop them into good citizens. For Tennessee Home and Farm Radio, I’m Thomas Capps.
Thomas Capps
Robots milking cows. Hello and welcome to Tennessee home and Farm Radio. I’m Thomas calves.
Randy Boyd
This is just one more example of how important technology is in the future of farming and agriculture technology continues to lead the way in the ag industry.
Thomas Capps
Dairy is the latest to see big advancements with robotic milking operations. The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture East Tennessee Research and Education Center recently installed new robotic milkers to conduct research on the new tool. UT President Randy Boyd says it’s critical ut stays up to date on the latest ag technology.
Randy Boyd
This is the future of dairy it’s something that we had to have some expertise in. I came here about two years ago and Hongwei and the team here shared with me their vision of having these robotics and saying how necessary it was if they’re going to continue to lead and bill to provide expert advice to dairy farmers across Tennessee we’re going to have to be leading in the technology.
Thomas Capps
UTI Assistant Dean of Research Hongwei Xin says they are conducting research on all forms of milking, so that farmers can determine what will be best for them.
Hongwei Xin
We have both systems that are a robotic system and a conventional housing system under the same roof and allows us to truly compare apples with apples because if you have two systems into two separate settings bars, the environment itself could impact the performance of the animals so therefore, the conversion may not be as valid as a dairy farmer himself.
Thomas Capps
Loudoun County native Steve Harrison is glad to see UTIA investing in research that can benefit himself and fellow dairymen.
Steve Harrison
Technology is is in everything we deal with and including the dairy industry, and we need research done with this technology and it’s great opportunity for you to help us help the dairy industry in the Tennessee and the Southeast and in the nation.
Thomas Capps
Technology that will hopefully improve the dairy industry and keep it going for years to come for Tennessee almond Farm Radio. I’m Thomas Capps.
There’s nothing quite like fresh Tennessee strawberries and after challenging weather events, growers are ready to welcome customers.
Thomas Capps
Busting clays for FFA 4-H and Ag in the Classroom. Hello and welcome to Tennessee Home and Farm Radio. I’m Thomas Capps.
Bryan Wright
We’re all about helping kids and then we added on the TWRA this year. In we just think it’s the right thing to do from an agriculture perspective to support the next generation of agriculture leaders
Thomas Capps
4-H, FFA, and Ag in the Classroom plays a vital role in molding the next generation of farmers and professionals in the ag industry. For the second year in a row money was raised for these youth organizations at a clay sporting event put on by the Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation Tennessee farmers cooperative and Farm Credit Mid America called ag kids and clays and all funds raised goes directly to helping these organizations continue their education programs. Brian Wright with the Tennessee Farm Bureau says it’s critical these organizations continue for the vitality of the ag industry.
Bryan Wright
This is 100 bird event here today with kids from from all over the state of Tennessee. And as you said it’s just it’s imperative that we support these young people and keep them involved in tendencies. Number one industry agriculture
Thomas Capps
Youth that benefit from these organizations participated in the shooting events like Ethan Starnes and Brennan Watson of Monroe County.
Ethan Starnes & Brannon Watson
They didn’t really get too involved in 4-H until I got a little bit older and got up here to UT so when I really got most involved and I’m glad I did and wish I’d done it sooner. I’ve always been a 4-H from you know, fourth fifth grade sixth grade always dealt with you know, like the chickens and all that type thing and I came from you know, a agricultural background dealing with Cattle and Crops and I’ve always it’s always been a big part of my life.
Thomas Capps
Eva Gunnels of Clay County has participated in both FFA and four h and says both have made a tremendous impact in our life.
Speaker 4
It’s a good feeling because we’ve always been involved in 4-H and now we’re in FFA it feels good to get back to it.
Speaker 3
I think you know, it helps the future for teachers come in you know, so that they’ll have plenty of money to keep doing things like we have been able to
Thomas Capps
For Tennessee home and Farm Radio. I’m Thomas camps.
5th graders across Tennessee brainstormed why agriculture is important for this year’s Women’s Leadership and Ag in the Classroom essay contest.
Capps: Wall Street rules intended for publicly traded companies have no business impacting family farms and ranches. Chad Smith has more on a proposed rule from the Securities and Exchange Commission that would do just that.
Smith: A proposed rule from the SEC would require public companies to report on Scope 3 emissions, which are the result of activities the companies don’t own or control. Public companies producing goods from agricultural products would need to report emissions from the relevant agricultural operations. Travis Cushman, AFBF deputy general counsel for litigation and public policy, says this would have a profoundly negative impact on farmers and ranchers.Cushman: I think it’s inevitable that if a public company is required to report your emissions, they’re eventually gonna be asking you to track those emissions. What does that mean? It means more cost for small and mid-sized farms. It’s an extra needle that cuts towards more consolidation, favors larger operations, and additionally, it’s one of those things that makes it tougher for the average person to do business and would encourage public companies to integrate further.Smith: The American Farm Bureau Federation recently sent a letter to the SEC outlining its concerns.Cushman: It was providing the SEC the legal background and authority explaining why they should, and they can exclude agriculture. Carve us out of this, because I don’t think that their intention is to get agriculture in it, but this rule is so large and broad that’s what happened. And we were just trying let them know here’s some legal authority to carve us out. You guys could have this rule and not implicate us.Smith: Cushman talks about next steps in the rulemaking process.Cushman: The SEC will need to finalize the rule. Originally, I believe their plan was to finalize it last October. We’ve raised a lot of concerns about this rule, and Congress has taken notice to slow down the process a little bit. But we expect them, at some point in the future, to come out with a final rule. When that will be is anyone’s guess at this point.Smith: For more information, go to fb.org. Chad Smith, Washington.
Thomas Capps
Planning ahead to keep the farm in the family. Hello, and welcome to Tennessee home and Farm Radio. I’m Thomas Capps.
Dr. Ron Hanson
This topic of family succession is extremely important because it impacts the agricultural industry as well as those farm families.
Thomas Capps
For decades, Dr. Ron Hanson has traveled across the nation speaking to farm families about the importance of succession planning and why the future of their farm depends heavily on it. He recently spoke at the Tennessee Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Conference.
Speaker 2
I’m very appreciative of Tennessee Farm Bureau, giving me the opportunity to come here and have a chance to speak at the State Women’s Leadership Conference, and share some thoughts and insights on how to avoid sometimes the problems. The family’s succession planning train wrecks that can happen when families have failed to communicate failed to plan, can’t work things out.
Thomas Capps
Dr Hanson says the big reason families don’t ever talk about succession is because it’s just an uncomfortable topic.
Speaker 2
It’s a very difficult topic for a lot of families to address particularly farm producers. You know, the thought of someday someone else is going to own my farm or someday I may not be on my farm is really an emotional and people put it off. Well, we’ll do this next year. We’ll do this next season.
Thomas Capps
Planning ahead and forming a succession plan is critical for the survival of your farm and the entire ag industry as a whole.
Dr. Ron Hanson
Unfortunately, things happen unexpected illness, unexpected death. And too many times families but an emergency or crisis situation, be the motivator to begin planning planning ahead. Getting Things Done discuss is extremely important.
Thomas Capps
For Tennessee home and Farm Radio. I’m Thomas Capps. Thanks for listening and have a great day
Thomas Capps
Farm Bureau women meet in Lebanon Hello and welcome to Tennessee Home and Farm Radio. I’m Thomas Capps.
Lou Nave
Farm women are such an important part of being advocates and educators for agricultural
Thomas Capps
Women from across Tennessee gathered in Lebanon on Saturday for the 75th annual Tennessee Farm Bureau women’s leadership meeting Lou nave of cannon county says in 75 years the mission of Farm Bureau women hasn’t changed.
Speaker 2
For 75 years we’ve been a recognized organization at committee, working to promote and advocate and educate about agriculture and the importance of agriculture.
Brenda Baker
This is our 75th annual women’s leadership meeting and can’t be more pleased with the crowd.
Thomas Capps
The Tennessee Farm Bureau Women’s state committee chair Brenda Baker of Obion County she says their goal this year was to focus on health
Speaker 3
The last few years with COVID with everything that has been happening, we just felt like that we needed to focus on what makes us healthy. What makes our families healthy. What makes Farm Bureau Healthy and what keeps our farms healthy.
Thomas Capps
. Bedford County native Connie Crafton has been coming to these women’s leadership meetings for decades. And so she always take something away from them.
Connie Crafton
We are always excited to come. We learn new things about agriculture, about farming about what other women are doing. And it’s just always something that we can take back to our club, and maybe some ideas that we can use in programs and things that we want to do at home
Thomas Capps
Reminding everyone of women’s important role in agriculture and helping ensure consumers continue to learn about the most important industry that feeds them.
Lou Nave
We must still tell our story, our personal story about what we do on our farm, feeding our animals raising our crops. We need people to know how real that is to us. And it’s not just a story. It’s not just accurate facts and figures. It is our lives, our livelihoods and our culture
Thomas Capps
For Tennessee open Farm Radio. I’m Thomas camps. Thanks for listening and have a great day.
The Tennessee Department of Agriculture has named long-time department employee Cindy Bilbrey as State Entomologist.
Saturday is earth day, but for farmers everyday is earth day. Each day farmers strive to use practices that protect our environment and leave the land in better condition for the next generation.
Farmers rely on groundwater for their irrigation systems. Some places like Arkansas are seeing the supply of their groundwater diminish. Fortunately that hasn’t been an issue here in Tennessee yet. Billy Grantham with the Army Corps of Engineers is working on test projects that would allow farmers to use river water as a source for their irrigation system instead of groundwater. If successful these systems could ease the burden on places like Arkansas and be a preventative for any potential groundwater issues other states face in the future.
The new Made In Tennessee Building was unveiled at the state fairgrounds in Wilson County on Monday. The building will feature the products grown and made in the state.
During the 95th Tennessee FFA Convention, five state stars were announced. Hear from the State Star in Agriscience and the State Star Greenhand.
A North Dakota Federal District Court ruled against the new Waters of the U.S. rule this week. Micheal Clements shares more on the decision, which impacts 24 states.
It’s no secret that there aren’t as many young people entering into agriculture as there was at one time. However the young people that are interested in the industry are using their voice to advocate for agriculture and keep it great for another generation.
A lot of activity on our farms all across the state, from corn planting, cutting wheat for haylage and planting cabbage.
For several years now people in the Ag industry across the state have participated in the three clay sporting events called shooting hunger. Each region of Tennessee has a clay sporting event and the money raised goes towards the backpack program in all 95 counties. The backpack program helps kids in need by packaging food into their backpacks and sending it home with them after school. Rutherford County recently received their funding from shooting hunger, which will go towards feeds the 1,300 homeless students in their school district.
UTIA Chancellor Keith Carver has been o the job for a little over a month now. He may have not been on the job long, but he’s already working to strengthen relationship with industry partners and promote and grow agriculture in Tennessee.
A lot of farmers across Tennessee are hoping to get to their fields soon to start planting those first seeds of the season.
Lawmakers in the both the House and Senate voted to repeal the controversial WOTUS rule, but President Biden vetoed that bill. Michael Clements has more on the vote and what’s next in the ongoing WOTUS challenge.
Hundreds of supporters of Tennessee’s leading economic driver were on hand for Ag Day on the Hill at the state capitol in Nashville.
Mike Hopkins is this years Tennessee FFA Star Farmer. It’s not the first time the Hopkins family has had a family member named star farmer. Mike’s brother Mitch was named start farmer last year. Mike explains what it means to be named star farmer and why he can’t see himself doing anything else other than farm.
A new American Farm Bureau Federation survey reveals the public offers strong support for passing the next Farm Bill. Micheal Clements shares the data.
The Army Corps of Engineers works daily to ensure rivers in our country remain navigable and that they don’t flood private land as much as possible. All of that helps ensure our farmers can grow food for the world and get it to market once harvested.
Each year 4-H Students from across the state gather in nashville for 4-H Congress. The three day event gives students the opportunity to learn about state government and the election process.
For more than 30 years Lincoln County has fed hamburgers to state lawmakers and their staff. It’s a tradition now called Hamburger on the Hill. Not only does the event allow for lawmakers to get a good burger, it showcases the beef industry in Tennessee.
Matt Niswander, a first generation cattle farmer and owner of Niswander Family Medicine in Lawrence County, recently testified on rural health care costs before the House Ways and Means Committee Subcommittee on Health.
The Mississippi River is vital in transporting grain and goods around the world. Without it farmers couldn’t sell their crops as easily and people would go hungry. That’s why the work that the Army Corps of Engineers does to keep river traffic flowing is so crucial to the agriculture industry.
As most know, during the last few days of 2022, the Environmental Protection Agency released a new Waters of the US rule. That rule went into effect last week, however the good news for agriculture is that federal lawmakers and a federal judge recently sided against EPA’s new rule.
During the 76th Tennessee 4-H Congress, UT President Randy Boyd was honored with the Friend of 4-H Citation.
A new state FFA officer team elected for the 2022-23 year during the 95th Tennessee FFA Convention.
Three New 4-H Officers were elected at the 76th annual Tennessee 4-H Congress in Murfreesboro. The three new officers talk about what it means to them to be elected and how they plan to make a difference in their position over the next year.
Gov. Bill Lee and Commissioner of Agriculture Charlie Hatcher are celebrating agriculture today and every day.
Thousands of FFA students from across Tennessee are in Gatlinburg this week for the 95th State FFA Convention. The convention is a three day event that features activities for the FFA students and recognizes the State Star winners.
7th District Tennessee Congressman Mark Green continues to speak up and represent farmers in his district and all across the country.
The U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol is making sure manufacturers, retailers and consumers understand that our growers are using science-based, sustainable practices to produce cotton.
Most farmers are a couple of weeks out from hitting the fields to begin planting this years crop. Farmers from across the mid-south gathered in Memphis for the Farm & Gin Show and discussed how the 2023 planting outlook is looking heading into this growing season.
The U.S. recently took the first step under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada agreement to resolve Mexico’s attempt to block biotech corn imports. Micheal Clements has more on the ongoing discussions.
Marshall County dairy farmer, Stephanie Nash, isn’t afraid to speak out on the issues impacting American agriculture. She recently made appearances on Fox News and has worked with Turning Point USA to speak about inflation and overbearing regulations farmers are facing. She says it takes a group of people advocating to be heard and effectively get the ag message out.
The American Farm Bureau Federation signed another agreement with an agricultural manufacturer on right to repair. Chad Smith has more on the MOU with CNH Industries.
Carbon credits have been a hot topic in the ag world over the past few years. Some say they’re a great new source of income for farmers, while others say they’re too risky. Hunter Jones with consulting company Ernst & Young discusses the trend in the carbon credit market and the different types of carbon credits.
Around 50 Farm Bureau leaders from across the state joined more than a thousand Farm Bureau leaders from across the country for the American Farm Bureau’s Fusion Conference.
Last year farmers across the country dealt with the highest input cost in 40 years. Thankfully inflation has cooled some, but costs still remain historically high. In this episode of Tennessee Home and Farm Radio producers talk about how they’re dealing with inflation for a second year in a row.
March 21, 2023 is the 50th anniversary of celebrating National Ag Day! https://www.agday.org/
With high land prices and high input costs it seems more and more challenging for young people to enter production agriculture. Josh Worthington, an angus producer from Missouri, travels around telling young folks that they can in fact enter production agriculture. Worthington entered the industry at the age of 33, after quiting his full time job. He recently shared his story with young people at the Tennessee young Leaders Conference, encouraging them to not be scared away from the industry if they have a passion to enter into it.
Kary Robinson is the 2022 second place winner of the Tennessee Young Farmers & Ranchers Achievement Award. He was recently awarded a brand new Kubota tractor to use on his farm. Robinson gets to use the tractor for one year.
Just over a year ago, 2nd generation farmer John Litz of Hamblen County began his appointment as State Executive Director of the Farm Service Agency.
The U.S. House Ag Committee held their first full committee hearing for the 118th Congress to discuss uncertainty, inflation and regulations in American agriculture.
Farmers from across the mid-south gathered in Memphis for the annual Farm & Gin Show. It’s the last big farm show before planting season. Show Director Tim Price says the show is designed to bring farmers together to network and give them an opportunity to learn about the latest equipment and technology in the industry.
After the recent approval of the UT Board of Trustees, Dr. Keith Carver will become the next Sr. Vice President/Sr. Vice Chancellor of the UT Institute of Agriculture beginning March 1st.
State lawmakers and Governor Bill Lee showed their support for FFA at the 42nd annual FFA Legislative Breakfast. It’s all a part of National FFA Week, and gives FFA students the opportunity to meet state leaders face to face.
Every year on National FFA week, the Tennessee state FFA officers travel across the state meeting with key supporters and leaders in the Ag industry. In this episode of Tennessee Home and Farm Radio, two of this years officers talk about what it means to be able to go on this tour, and how much FFA means to them,
Optimara Group grows beautiful African Violets in the hear tof Downtown Nashville. The three generation company was originally founded in Germany in the early 1900’s, but relocated to Nashville in the 70’s. Owner Reinhold HoltKamp talks about why his family chose Nashville, and what’s kept their company going on these years.
Braxten Nielson is a walking miracle. Braxten was declared paralyzed following a rodeo accident, but with a lot of physical therapy, grit and determination Braxten can walk again. He recently shared his story with young agriculturalist at the Tennessee Young Leaders Conference, encouraging them to never give up and to live up to their God given potential.
Each year farmers from all different tyopes of operatrions gather for the Pick TN Conference. The conference is designed to educate people about the latest practices in growing food.
As poultry farmers navigate the ongoing spread of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, consumers are paying more for eggs. Micheal Clements shares the latest on the outbreak.
The Department of Agriculture expects farm sector income to decline in 2023. Micheal Clements shares the data.
A lot of flowers are showing up at offices and at home and the cut flower business is looking to grow even more in Tennessee.
In large part state lawmakers in Tennessee from both parties know that supporting agriculture is critical. Legislators from all parts of the state discuss why they have been advocates for agriculture in the past, and why they plan to continue doing so this legislative session.
Super Bowl Sunday is the second largest day for food consumption in the U.S. but too often food safety is overlooked.
Tennessee State Speaker of the House, Cameron Sexton and Lt. Governor Randy McNally both attended the Farm Bureau Bell Ringer Luncheon. Farmers from across the state had the opportunity to speak to the two leaders in person, and share some of their concerns.
Farmers from across the state gathered in Nashville to meet with lawmakers for the Farm Bureau Bell Ringer Luncheon. The luncheon gives farmers the chance to meet with their legislators face to face to remind them of the importance of supporting agriculture.
Dr. Temple Grandin has contributed a lot to the cattle industry with the research she has done over the years. She recently spoke at the Tennessee Cattlemen’s Association Winter Meeting where she detailed her recent research on cattle grazing and the impact it has on the environment.
Dr. Charley Martinez and his team at the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture have been working to collect data on the amount of farmland we’re losing in Tennessee. They have some hard numbers now, and the amount of land lost is pretty substantial.
USDA’s semi-annual cattle report shows declining inventories. Micheal Clements shares more on what’s behind the data.
Inflation has slightly cooled off in recent months, but production costs for farmers still remains very high. Dr. Andrew Muhammad with UTIA explains the impact that’s having on overall trade.
Commissioner of Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development, Stuart McWhorter, says agriculture is a vital part of the overall state economy. He says his department is looking at ways to strengthen and protect the agriculture industry.
Tommy Grisafi is a commodity broker. He’s been studying the recent inflation and rise in interest rates. He says those two things are having great impacts on grain markets and grain producers.
University of Tennessee President Randy Boyd has tapped UT Martin Chancellor Keith Carver to become the next Senior Vice Chancellor and Senior Vice President of UT’s Institute of Agriculture.
Leaders in state government addressed people in the agriculture industry at the annual Ag Industry Partner Meeting. Two of the big topics discussed was farmland loss and transportation funding.
The American Farm Bureau Federation and John Deere announced a memorandum of understanding that will allow farmers to repair their own equipment. This comes after several years of discussions.
The push is on to pass a Farm Bill by the end of this year. Andrew Walmsley with the American Farm Bureau Federation explains why passing a new Farm Bill is so important.
The post All Eyes Turn To The Farm Bill appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Nebraska Rancher and ag media personality Trent Loos is encouraging farmers to get involved in local government and policy to help protect the Ag industry. he says together farmers can make a difference.
The post Trent Loos Encourages Involvement In Local Policy appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
The American Farm Bureau Federation and 17 other organizations announced a legal challenge to the new WOTUS rule Thursday. Micheal Clements shares more on why the groups decided to file the lawsuit.
The post AFBF Joins Infrastructure, Housing, Ag Groups to File WOTUS Suit appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Farmers and ranchers have a few weeks left to respond to the Census of Agriculture. Micheal Clements shares more on why your response matters.
The post Filling Out the Census of Agriculture appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Tennessee’s 6th District Congressman John Rose is now officially a member of the U.S. House Committee on Agriculture for the 118th Congress.
The post A New Member on the Ag Committee from Tennessee appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Clay County high school 4-H students Kendall Hamilton, and Eli Rich recently competed in and won the national livestock judging competition. The two detail; what the experience was like and what it means to win.
The post Clay County 4-H Students Win National Livestock Judging Competition appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Youth from across the state gathered in Cookville for the annual Tennessee State Jr. Swine Show. A couple of the division winners detail what it means to compete and win.
The post Tennessee State Jr. Swine Show appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
It’s been a full week in Puerto Rico for the more than 180 Tennessee farmers that traveled there for the American Farm Bureau Convention. TFBF President Eric Mayberry recaps the eventful week, and explains what he believes is the most important part of the week.
The post Wrapping Things Up In Puerto Rico appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
US Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack, addressed thousands of farmers at the American Farm Bureau Convention in Puerto Rico this week.
The post Vilsack Addresses Farmers At AFBF Convention appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
35 Tennessee Farmers are participating as voting delegates at the American Farm Bureau Convention. The policy they set will guide AFBF as they go to Washington to advocate for agriculture this year.
The post Tennessee Farmers Set Policy On National Level appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Obion County Natives Derek & Micayla Giffin finished second in the American Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmers & Rancher Achievement Award. As second place winners the couple will receive $25,000 towards the purchase of a Case I-H product.
The post Derek & Micayla Giffin Finish Second appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Tennessee Farm Bureau president Eric Mayberry is leading a group of almost 200 Farm Bureau leaders at the 104th convention of the American Farm Bureau in Puerto Rico this week.
The post American and Tennessee Farmers in Puerto Rico appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
That artic blast that hit most of the country at Christmas has had some effects on shrubs and trees we’re not used to seeing.
The post A Freeze to Remember appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Avian influenza did not take a break over the holidays as there have been several new cases that have been confirmed in West Tennessee including 2 broiler breeder flocks in Weakley Co.
The post Bird Flu Problems Continue appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Cattlemen from across Tennessee gathered in Lebanon for the Tennessee Cattlemen’s Winter Meeting. The two day event featured speakers covering various topics about the industry. Incoming TCA President, Dustin Pearson, says it’s all to help advance the beef industry.
The post Tennessee Cattlemen Gather In Lebanon appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Jason Alexander has worked at Farm Credit for 17 years. He was recently named the new Farm Credit Vice President of Lending for Tennessee. Alexander discusses what an honor it is to be selected for this role and how he hopes to continue the tradition of providing great service to Tennessee farmers.
The post New Leader At Farm Credit In Tennessee appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Are the nation’s pork producers changing their minds about cutting production? Gary Crawford has this report.
The post Are Pork Producers Changing their Minds about Cutting Production? appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Jeanette Norman spends her retirement days caring for her sheep on her farm in Maury County. It’s lambing time at Norman’s farm, and to her surprise she recently had four lambs born at the same time from the same ewe.
The post A Quadruple Surprise appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
A new report from the American Farm Bureau Federation outlines priorities and principles for U.S. dairy reform. Chad Smith has more on the recommendations.
The post New AFBF Report Lays Out Priorities for Dairy Reform appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
While demand for beef continues high, cattle supplies are shrinking. Gary Crawford has this report.
The post Beef Cattle Contraction Continuing appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Kim Ballard and her husband run a cattle farm in Franklin County. She’s also a high school science teacher, county Farm Bureau president, and was recently selected to be a member of the Tennessee Farm Bureau Insurance Board of Directors. Kim talks about what an honor it is to serve Farm Bureau and the ag industry in all of these ways.
The post Living a Life of Service appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
The U.S. and Mexico recently discussed Mexico’s decree to end imports of biotech corn and other commodities. Micheal Clements shares what the next steps are in the talks.
The post Next Steps for U.S.-Mexico Corn Trade Issue appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee and Tennessee Farm Bureau President Eric Mayberry share their Christmas wishes and remind us what Christmas is all about.
The post A Message of Hope appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Livestock farmers across the state are preparing for this brutal artic blast that’s coming and looks like will linger for several days.
The post Getting Prepared appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
For many of us it may feel like we’ve already had a month of cold winter weather, but actually, we’re just beginning.
The post Winter Right on Cue appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
A new economic report to the governor is out from the University of Tennessee that includes the impact of Tennessee agriculture to the economy the past year.20
The post Ag Sector Strong in Tennessee for 2022 appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Robertson County’s Will Elliott has been elected to serve as the Tennessee Farm Bureau’s Young Farmers and Ranchers committee state chairman for 2023.
The post Young Farmer Chairman Continues the Legacy appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
The American Farm Bureau Federation encourages rural residents to verify the accuracy of the FCC’s National Broadband Map.
Link – broadbandmap.fcc.gov.
The post New Broadband Map appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
The Tennessee chapter of the Farmer Veterans Coalition is working to give veterans new purpose with farming. Chapter President Jennifer Durant, and Vice President Chris Podwils explains how.
The post Farmer Veteran Coalition Works To bring Veterans Into Farming appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
USDA’s 2022 Farm Income Report released Thursday projects record farm income for the year. Micheal Clements shares the details.
The post USDA Releases 2022 Farm Income Report appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
The United Nations reports that food insecurity is growing around the world. Kelsey Barnes with the Farm Journal Foundation explains what’s causing food insecurity to grow, and what can be done to address it.
The post Global Food Insecurity Growing appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Tennessee Tech University recently celebrated their new $2.1 million poultry facility with a ribbon cutting. The new facility will allow Ag students to get unique hands on learning experience in the poultry industry.
The post Tennessee Tech Opens New Poultry Facility appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Obion County native, Judge Stephen Vaden, sits on the Court of International Trade. In this episode of Tennessee Home and Farm Radio Vaden explains why participating in open comment periods matter, and how it makes a difference in forming policy.
The post Engaging In Forming Policy appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
The 101st Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation Convention is in the books. TFBF President Eric Mayberry recaps the convention and discusses what makes this annual meeting so important.
The post 101st TFBF Convention A Success appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee addressed the 101st Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation Convention in Franklin. The newly re-elected governor promised to continue to promote an agenda that supports rural parts of the state and that is pro agriculture.
The post Governor Bill Lee Addresses 101st TFBF Convention appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
The 101st Tennessee Farm Bureau Convention is underway in franklin. The annual meeting is a great time for farmers from across the state to gather and reconnect & talk and set policy for 2023.
The post Reconnecting With Friends & Talking Policy appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Farm Bureau and ag leaders from all across Tennessee have gathered in Franklin for the 101st annual meeting and convention of the nation’s largest general farming organization.
The post Farm Bureau 101 appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
For the 12th year the TN Local Food Summit is taking place at Cumberland University. The three day event promotes growing food in urban and small farm settings.
The post Tennessee Local Food Summit appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
U.S. officials are talking with the Mexican government regarding the issues a biotech ban would cause for both countries.
The post Mexican Biotech Ban appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Tuesday precipitation in rivers that serve as main and secondary Mississippi River tributaries could provide a needed boost to evaluate water levels that have been lower than normal of late.
The post Needed Rains Raise Hope for Raising Mississippi River Levels appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
It’s no secret that Tennessee is losing farmland at a rapid rate. The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture is tracking the loss of farmland to determine why it’s happening & hopefully come up with a solution.
The post Tracking Loss Of Farmland appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
70+ women gathered in Wilson County at UT Extension’s Women in Agriculture event.
The post Women Equipping Other Women in Agriculture appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
The Saturday after Thanksgiving is Small Businesses Saturday. It’s an effort to help drive consumers to small businesses for Christmas shopping. Several local stores have items produced right here in Tennessee that will make great Christmas gifts.
The post Supporting Small Business This Christmas appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
The Thanksgiving holiday is a special time for family and friends across the country to give thanks and be thankful for all our blessings.
The post Thankful Farmers appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Just like everyone this week, farmers across our great state like Todd Littleton of Gibson County are thinking of all the things we have to be thankful for. And despite a challenging year of high input prices, a drought and so much more, that list is still long.
The post Gratitude from the Farm appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
For more than 110 years Goo Goo cluster cookies have been a Nashville staple. Now the popular iconic sweet treat is being paired with locally produced milk to creat Goo Goo flavored milk.
The post Goo Goo Flavored Milk appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
The American Farm Bureau Federation released its annual survey on the cost of a typical Thanksgiving Day meal. Chad Smith has more on what consumers can expect to pay for the holiday feast.
The post Thanksgiving Dinner Costs a lot Higher This Year appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
This weekend marks the opening of the statewide gun hunting season for deer.
The post Opening Weekend for Gun Season appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Tennessee State Veterinarian Dr. Samantha Beaty confirms highly pathogenic avian influenza has been detected in a commercial flock of chickens in Bledsoe County.
The post Bird Flu Detected in Bledsoe County appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Farm Bureau leaders from across the state have been meeting recently to go over their policy resolutions that will be voted on at the Farm Bureau state convention in December.
The post Developing Policies for All Tennesseans appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
This week is Ag Literacy Week in Tennessee. It’s an opportunity for people across the state to go into classrooms and read agriculture related books to kids. Tennessee Farm Bureau President Eric Mayberry kicked Ag Literacy Week off by reading to young kids at Little Sprouts Daycare in Columbia.
The post Teaching Agriculture With A Book appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Votes are still being counted in several elections across the country. Chad Smith has more on how the outcomes could potentially affect agricultural policy.
The post Midterm Elections Could Have Impact on U.S. Farmers and Ranchers appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
It’s no secret that Tennessee has lost a lot of farmland over the past few decades. The Center of Farm Management with the University of Tennessee is collecting data on farmland loss with the hopes of better understanding what’s driving the loss and what can be done to address it.
The post Tracking Farmland Loss In Tennessee appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
The Tennessee Departments of Education & Agriculture recently signed a memorandum of understanding to work together to boost the states FFA program. The MOU states the Department of Agriculture will add six new positions to help support FFA. The two departments also say they will work to communicate more openly in regards to FFA.
The post Partnering To Boost Tennessee FFA appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Against all odds, the U.S. has just had the biggest agricultural trade year ever. Gary Crawford has facts, figures, and reactions.
The post A Record-Breaking Year for U.S. Ag. Exports appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
While many are noting the difference between gasoline and diesel prices lately, the American Farm Bureau Federation says there many factors that impact those prices. Micheal Clements shares more.
The post Supply and Demand Driving Difference in Gas and Diesel Prices appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
So often the inherent right we all have as Americans to cast a vote for a candidate of choice or even a constitutional amendment is taken for granted.
The post The All-Important Right to Vote appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Just a few days away now from the midterm elections, and American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall shares the importance of farmers exercising their right to vote.
The post Importance of the Farm Vote appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Tennessee and American farmers depend almost daily on diesel fuel and right now, there’s a growing concern over the current supply available.
The post Fuel Shortage Concerns appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Farmers harvesting grain this fall are faced with transportation issues. Micheal Clements shares more on the myriad of issues impacting the transportation network.
The post Transportation Challenges for Farmers appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Robertson County’s Lee and Halie Bagwell were named Tennessee’s Young Farmers of the Year for 2021 and recently the presentation of the free use of a Case IH tractor was made.
The post A Long Wait, but Worth It! appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
It is most definitely that time of year, where farmers are rushing to get harvest completed, and during this busy season, it’s very important to slow down and think about safety.
The post Safety During Harvest appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Hundreds of members from Tennessee and thousands from around the country are in those iconic blue corduroy jackets in Indianapolis this week for the 95th National FFA Convention.
The post The Blue Jackets Strong in Indy appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
A special Titans pep rally this week at Black Fox Elementary in Murfreesboro as the Tennessee Titans and the Dairy Alliance awarded Murfreesboro City Schools with the Titans $10,000 Hometown Grant.
The post Fueling Up to Play 60 appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
For the past 33 years Tennessee’s Ag in the Classroom program has been tasked with getting the all-important story and message about agriculture out to our young people.
The post Reaching and Teaching Our Kids About Ag appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Tennessee Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership county chairs from across the state gathered at the organization’s headquarters in Columbia for their first Women’s Leadership Investment Meeting.
The post Equipping Farm Bureau Women appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
The American Farm Bureau Federation unified the dairy industry to discuss the Federal Milk Marketing Order. Micheal Clements shares what the farmers, processors and others associated with the dairy business had to say.
The post Federal Milk Marketing Order Forum Brings Dairy Industry Together appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
The ongoing drought has brought historic water levels on the Mississippi River. Those low levels are creating problems for farmers who rely on the water way to transport harvested grain. On this episode of Root of The Matter Lee Maddox talks with, Mike Steenhoek, with the Soy Transportation Coalition & corn and soybean farmer, Alan […]
The post Historic Low Water Levels On The Mississippi River appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Mississippi River levels are at historic lows. That’s reeking havoc on farmers in West Tennessee who rely on the river to transport their grain. Mike Steenhoek with the Soy Transportation Coalition details how big of an impact this is having on farmers, and what needs to be done to address the issue.
The post Low Mississippi River Levels Causing Problems For Farmers appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
John and Celia Harrison are this year’s Tennessee Farmer of the Year. Competing at the Sunbelt Ag Expo in Georgia recently, the family has an impressive operation on Sweetwater Valley Farm in Loudon County.
The post Representing Tennessee in Moultrie appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Cooler manufacturer Icey Tek was a sponsor at all three Shooting Hunger Events this year. National Sales Director, Will Easley, talks about why it’s so important for them to be a sponsor.
The post Local Company Helping Those In Need appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Fields of cotton bolls are showing their beauty across parts of West and Middle Tennessee as farmers see varied yields in the harvest.
The post Cotton Pickin’ Time appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
The third Shooting Hunger event was held in Sevierville for the first time. The sporting clay competition helps raise money to feed hungry kids.
The post Shooting Hunger Heads East appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
If you’re a native of East Tennessee and especially if you’re a producer in Northeast Tennessee, you’ve heard of the University of Tennessee’s Northeast Research and Education Center. The director, Justin McKinney, provides a glimpse of how the center has changed through the years.
The post Farm to Campus appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Registration is open for the 2023 American Farm Bureau Convention.
The post Register for 2023 AFBF Convention appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
These days a farmer needs all the help he or she can get and for nearly 8 decades, Tennessee Farmers Cooperative has been doing just that and much more.
The post Your Hometown Co-op Still Strong appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Tri Turf Sod Farm in Henry County is a family business that started small but is now a large operation serving the entire state. Owner Jason Pool explains how they built the business into what it is today, and the best part about owning it.
The post Family Sod Farm Built From The Ground Up appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Traci Middleton and her family have owned and operated Middleton Lumber Company since 1964 in Henry County. Traci recently hosted the Tennessee young Farmers and Ranchers at their facility. She gave them a tour and explain how they’re a vital part of agriculture. Traci also talked about the recent crazy swings in lumber prices.
The post Family Owned Lumber Company Vital Part of Agriculture appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
As the Environmental Protection Agency pushes forward on its new Waters of the U.S. Rule, the Supreme Court is expected to make a decision that will have significant impacts. Chad Smith has more on questions remaining regarding WOTUS.
The post Update on WOTUS appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Young Farmers from across the state gathered in Henry County for the annual Fall Tour. The group toured several operations that represent West Tennessee agriculture.
The post Fall Tour In Henry County appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Katie Martin is the 2022 TN Young Farmers & Ranchers Excellence In Agriculture Award Winner. Martin talks about what it means to win this award.
The post New Excellence In Agriculture Award Winner Announced appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
To kick off a great day of football against Florida, the University of Tennessee Knoxville recently celebrated Ag Day back in person this year recognizing our most important industry.
The post Ag Day at UT is Back appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Close to 100 FFA students from mid state chapters took part in Ag Night with the Nashville Sounds.
The post Ag Night at the Ballpark appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
The University of Tennessee held the first Beef & Forage Field Day at the Middle Tennessee Ag Research Center in Springhill. New technology in the beef industry was the hot topic at the field day.
The post Beef & Forage Field Day appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Many County Farm Bureau’s across Tennessee are having their farm days. Farm Day’s allow elementary school age kids the opportunity to learn about agriculture. Cumberland county recently held their farm day at the UT Ag Research Center in Crossville. More than 600 third graders attended the event.
The post Crossville Ag In The Classroom Farm Tour appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Modernized rules on the Endangered Species Act are officially reinstated after an appeals court decision. Chad Smith has more on the good news for farmers and ranchers.
The post Modernized Endangered Species Act Rules Reinstated appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
The effort to bring high speed internet to rural areas is getting another financial shot in the arm with new investments being announced.
The post Broadening Our Connections appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Go anywhere in Tennessee’s 95 counties and you’ll find beef cattle and forage production and that’s the focus of a new UT Field Day in Spring Hill.
The post All About the Beef and Forage appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
It’s National Farm Safety Week. Farmers and people in rural areas are being reminded to practice safety on the farm and around farm machinery. Rod Bain with the US Department of Agriculture has more.
The post Keeping Safety In Mind appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
The Shooting Hunger events across the state aim to help feed hungry kids.
The post Feeding Hungry Kids appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
There is no doubt an interest in the whole idea of carbon markets and climate-smart agriculture, which is why the Biden Administration and USDA recently announced an investment of close to $3 billion for 70 projects to focus on just that. The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture was fortunate enough to be one of […]
The post UT Impacting Carbon appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
As we hear words like sustainability and climate-smart more and more these days, farmers are eager to share more about how they are impacting the environment in a positive way, and an American Farm Bureau Federation leader recently highlights environmentally-friendly innovation in agriculture during testimony to a senate committee.
The post Testifying on Farmers Reducing Climate Impacts appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Combines are visible in fields across the state as harvest is well underway. Farmers say they’re seeing fewer corn yields as the hot & dry weather from earlier in the summer hurt the crop.
The post It’s Harvest Time In Tennessee appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
The Department of Agriculture this week reports food insecurity declined slightly overall in 2021. Micheal Clements shares more.
The post USDA Reports Food Security Improved in 2021 appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
More people are learning how to grow fresh fruits and vegetables in their own backyard. Tennessee State university is passing on tips to help people be successful in their growing at their Small Farm Expo.
The post Growing Food In Your Own Backyard appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Farmland in Tennessee continues to disappear, as more and more development continues to grow across the state. State Ag Commissioner Dr. Charlie Hatcher and farmers across the state are raising awareness about the issue to help bring a balance between growth and protecting farmland.
The post Balance Between Growth And Preserving Farmland appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
After being cancelled for two years the TSU Small Farm Expo was back this year. University faculty detail why it’s so important for this event to be back.
The post TSU Small Farm Expo Returns appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Tennessee’s Commissioner of Education Penny Schwinn has been really busy over the past couple of years, dealing with the pandemic, a shortage of teachers, more student enrollment and much more.
The post All In for our Kids appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
The Mississippi River Commission recently visited Obion County to talk to farmers in the area about how the Mississippi River impacts them.
The post Mississippi River Commission Visits Obion County appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Tennessee’s 8th District congressman David Kustoff, like many of his colleagues, has spent the past few weeks during the August recess traveling the district to hear from constituents on various issues.
The post Support Strong for our Farms appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
The Department of Agriculture Thursday updated net farm income projections for 2022. Micheal Clements shares the details.
The post USDA Predicts Higher Farm Profits for 2022 appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
It seems like old times again back in Shelbyville where for the 84th year the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration is being held.
The post The Tennessee Walking Horse is Back appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
The Walking Horse Celebration in Shelbyville is well underway as people from across the country gather for the event. All the festivities lead up to the announcement of the new Grand Champion this Saturday.
The post The Celebration Returns appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Tennessee 4-H recently held their first ever 4-H Picnic at the Tennessee State Fair. The event not only celebrates the youth program, but also raises money for it.
The post Raising Money For 4-H appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
john Litz is still new to the job of state Executive Director of USDA’s Farm Service Agency. Even though he’s new, he’s already busy trying to make the agency better for farmers.
The post Making FSA More Effective appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
The 2022 state fair is in the books. One of the highlights of the fair was the youth livestock shows. A group of high school students from Mumford High School traveled to Wilson County to show their sheep at the state fair.
The post Showing Sheep At The State Fair appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Obion County’s Derek and Micayla Giffin are reaping the rewards of being named the Tennessee Farm Bureau’s Young Farmers of the Year for 2022.
The post A New Case IH Tractor on the Farm appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Farm Bureau leaders from across the state have been holding local and regional meetings this Summer to help strengthen their voice on policy matters.
The post Developing Policy from the Grassroots appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
State leaders are coming to the Tennessee State Fair to show their support.
The post State Leaders Show Support For State Fair appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
This week the Tennessee State Fair is shining bright in Wilson County especially on Monday where a record $173,000 was raised during the FFA Ham Breakfast.
The post A Record Boost for the FFA appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Hundreds of 4-H & FFA students came to the Tennessee State Fair on Monday to participate in livestock judging and speaking competitions. A few students describe the great benefit this opportunity to learn.
The post FFA Students Shine Bright At State Fair appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
David Parham and his family in Weakley County have been named the Tennessee Poultry Association’s Farm Family of the Year.
The post Poultry Farm Family of the Year appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
The Wilson County Fair – Tennessee State Fair is officially open through August 27th, a family fun event showcasing the entire state.
The post All About Ag at the Fair appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
The Wilson County Fair – Tennessee State Fair is officially open through August 27th, a family fun event showcasing the entire state
The post All About Ag at the Fair appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Just a few months ago farmers in West Tennessee were hopeful for another bumper corn crop, but now as harvest begins, the extreme drought conditions have shown what that will do to yields.
The post Corn Harvest Begins appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
For decades Tennessee has been a leader in ag research. Newly hired Senior Vice Chancellor of University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, Dr. Carrie Castile, says she wants to continue that legacy.
The post Tennessee Leads Way In Ag Research appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
July inflation numbers came out last week from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Micheal Clements shares what they mean for farmers and ranchers.
The post Consumer Price Index Shows Inflation Remains High appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
County Farm Bureau Presidents from across Tennessee are gathering for the annual Farm Bureau Presidents Conference in Franklin. A few talk about the importance of this meeting.
The post County Farm Bureau Presidents Gather In Franklin appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
As lawmakers prepare to write the next farm bill, the American Farm Bureau Federation is sharing stories of its importance to agriculture. Micheal Clements shares more on how the safety net included in the farm bill keeps farmers farming.
The post Farm Bill Perspectives, Part 1: Importance of the Safety Net appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
The Top 4-H and FFA students of West Tennessee gathered with the advisors and supporters to celebrate their accomplishments within their given organization.
The post Honoring the Top Crop of Future Agriculturists appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
The annual Tennessee Angus Field Day was recently helds in Dresden, TN. Members of the Tennessee Angus Association discuss how the field day was a success, and why it’s important to have it.
The post Tennessee Angus Field Day Returns appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Members of the U.S. House of Representatives have recently left town for the annual August congressional recess, and the Senate will soon follow suit. Chad Smith has more on why now is the perfect time for Farm Bureau members to advocate for agriculture.
The post August Congressional Recess Provides Perfect Time to Advocate for Agriculture appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Climate Smart Agriculture is the latest buzz word in the agriculture industry. Climate Smart Agriculture promotes using farming practices that are good for the environment. While the prasing might be new the practices are not, as farmers in Tennessee have been using them for decades.
The post Climate Smart Agriculture appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
After a 20 year pause Tennessee 4-H is participating in the international exchange program. Several international exchange students from Japan are here visiting with 4-H students in Tennessee.
The post 4-H International Students Visit Tennessee appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
A group of farmers from across Tennessee recently gathered for a working group to discuss what priorities need to be included in the next farm bill. The group discussed the importance of keep current provisions in the new Farm Bill like crop insurance, and funding for research, and also adding funding and language regarding cyber […]
The post Tennessee Farmers Working On Farm Bill appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
For the first time since 2018, the Milan No-Till Field Day was held in-person at the University of Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center in Milan.
The post The Continuing Success of No-Till appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
The Tennessee FFA stars have had an exciting week on the Tennessee FFA Star Tour.
The post Stars Touring the State appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
MTSU football players Seth Falley, and Wilson Kelley have spent their summer working on the MTSU farm. They detail what the experience has been like and why they wanted to do it.
The post From The Football Field To The Hay Field appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
FFA members gathered this summer at Camp Clements to make memories, meaningful connections and grow as leaders.
The post Blue Jackets Lead to Golden Memories appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Teachers from across the state gathered at various locations for Ag in the Classroom teacher workshops. There were eleven teacher workshops throughout the month of June providing teachers with curriculum to bring agriculture into their classrooms.
The post Ag in the Classroom Teacher Workshops appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
The north western part of Tennessee was recently elevated to a severe level for drought. Farmers in that area talk about what it’s been like dealing with the extreme dry weather, and why they’re still holding out hope for their crops.
The post West Tennessee Farmers Pray For Rain As Drought Worsens appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Dr. Carrie Castille is off and running as the new senior vice chancellor and senior vice president for the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture.
The post Hitting the Ground Running appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Hundreds of high school age 4-H’ers have been attending 4-H Roundup this week on the campus of UT Martin.
The post Shaping the Future Together Through 4-H appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
The Kentucky Department of Agriculture and Tennessee Rescue Association have been partnering to teach farm safety to farmers in both states over the last few years. They recently taught a session at the Tennessee Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers annual Conference.
The post Teaching Farm Safety To Young Farmers appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Obion County natives Derek and Micayla Giffin are this years Young Farmers of The Year. The couple explains what it means to them to be awarded this high honor.
The post Derek and Micayla Giffin Named Young Farmers of The Year appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Genera Energy has been acquired by Ara Partners, a private equity firm that specializes in industrial decarbonization investments, and they have committed substantial capital support for expansion in Tennessee and across the country.
The post Benefiting Farmers and the Environment appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
The recent inflation report shows prices continue to go up on pretty much everything. Tennessee farmers explain how the historic inflation is impacting their operations.
The post Inflation Continues To Hit Tennessee Farmers appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
A new report says the U.S. is losing farmland to development and other uses at an alarming rate. Gary Crawford has more.
The post Report Says U.S. Losing Farmland at an “Alarming” Rate appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
USDA last week reported planted acreage for the current crop year. While there was little surprise in the numbers, Micheal Clements shares there may be changes to the data later this year.
The post USDA Acreage Report Shows Farmers are Staying the Course appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Much of Tennessee is still dry despite showers that moved through the state over the weekend. Farmers are still keeping a positive outlook despite the dry conditions.
The post Tennessee Farmers Optimistic Despite Dry Conditions appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
The war in Ukraine hits close to home for Benton County farmer Mike Katrusa. He and his Mother came to America from Ukraine in 2006. Mike discusses what it’s like to see his former Country under attack, and how he was in Ukraine right before the invasion.
The post War In Ukraine Hits Home For Local Farmer appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
An amazing opportunity for the Tennessee 4-H program as a small delegation is in Boswana, Africa helping to teach and show young kids there how the program is universal in its service to others.
The post Making the Best Better a World Away appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
The Tennessee Farmers Cooperative management training program is helping to keep the co-op spirit strong.
The post A Cooperative Spirit appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
While some of us have had those pop-up showers to bring some relief over the past few weeks, others haven’t had any.
The post Dry Conditions Becoming More Serious appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
The Tennessee Jr. Livestock Beef Exposition was held this past weekend at the fairgrounds in Lebanon where about 185 4-H and FFA members from across the state showed about 365 head of beef cattle.
The post Beef Expo Continues to Deliver appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Happy Independence Day! We imagine sometime over the weekend or today you have or will be enjoying a cheeseburger, and this year, that cheeseburger might cost a bit more or maybe a bit less.
The post The Cost of Your 4th of July Cheeseburger appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Increased fuel prices for farmers and ranchers come at a time when all other inputs are higher, impacting their bottom line.
The post Fuel Costs Additional Stressor for Farmers appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Farmers are seeing inflation impact their operations in a big way. Farmers detail how high input and diesel costs are cutting into their overall bottom line.
The post Inflation Taking a Toll On Tennessee Farmers appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Consumers will pay more for a typical Independence Day cookout this summer. Micheal Clements shares details from the recent American Farm Bureau Federation marketbasket survey.
The post Independence Day Cookout to Cost Consumers More this Year appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
What a difference a little rain makes, as finally after a couple of weeks of extreme hot and dry conditions, much of the state got some much needed relief.
The post Showers Bring Optimism to Farmers appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Genera Energy has been acquired by Ara Partners, a private equity firm that specializes in industrial decarbonization investments, and they have committed substantial capital support for expansion in Tennessee and across the country.
The post Benefiting Farmers and the Environment appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
A series of roundtables regarding the Waters of the U.S. rule conclude this week. Micheal Clements shares more on next steps for the rulemaking process.
The post Farmers Still Concerned for Waters of the U.S. Ruling appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
This week 82 rising high school juniors and seniors have been taking part in the Tennessee Leadership Summit at Tennessee Tech University.
The post Developing Our Future Leaders appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Concerns mounting for our farmers across the state as they are continuing to see drier and hotter conditions with not much of any relief in sight.
The post Farmers Battling the Heat and Dry Conditions appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
This week, members of the Tennessee 4-H Council are traveling throughout the state on their 4-H Ambassador Tour.
The post 4-H Ambassadors appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Last week President Biden signed into law the Ocean Shipping Reform Act, a bipartisan bill to ensure ocean carriers are held more accountable.
The post Getting Help with the Supply Chain appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Three weeks down and one to go for the 35 rising high school seniors who were selected to take part in the Tennessee Governor’s School for the Agricultural Sciences at UT Martin this Summer.
The post A Head Start on College appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
This past week the Tennessee State Veterinarian’s office confirmed a tickborne disease, Theileria, was found in a Maury County cattle herd.
The post A New Cattle Disease Detected in Tennessee appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Sixteen Tennessee 4-H’er’s and four adult leaders are taking the ultimate cultural exchange trip this week on the island of Oahu in Hawaii.
The post Aloha for Tennessee 4-H appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
More than 100 women gathered in Clay County for the Women In Agriculture Summit. The event focused on teaching women best practices for telling their ag story through social media and marketing.
The post Women In Agriculture Summit appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
New data shows U.S. ag exports are up in the first quarter of 2022, compared to last year. Micheal Clements shares more on the top ag product destinations so far this year.
The post New Trade Data Shows U.S. Ag Exports Higher in 2022 appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Dustin Noble and his wife own and operate a goat dairy in Williamson County Tennessee. Dustin details how they’ve built their business over the years and how agritourism has played a big part of it.
The post Unique Dairy In Williamson County appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
A toolkit from the American Farm Bureau Federation can help farmers and ranchers navigate the 2022 voting process. Micheal Clements shares more on the resources available for this election season.
The post Farm Bureau Updates iFarmiVote Toolkit As Midterms Near appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
As farm bill discussions are underway, the American Farm Bureau Federation is getting its priorities in place for the next farm bill. Micheal Clements shares more on what to expect in the coming months.
The post Farm Bureau Gearing Up for Next Farm Bill appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Ag in the Classroom consultants from across the state gathered in Columbia to prepare for the upcoming workshops.
The post Investing and Educating the Future of Agriculture appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Gov. Bill Lee proudly placed his signature on a bill passed by the Tennessee General Assembly this Spring that will modernize a long-overdue sales tax exemption for our farmers.
The post More Tax Savings on the Way for Farmers appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
The first-ever Homestead Festival at Hardison Mill in Maury County is taking place on the 100-acre farm of Rory Feek. Dr. Temple Grandin and Kevin Costner will be featured.
The post Back to the Basics appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
American farmers and ranchers continue to struggle with finding enough workers for their operations.
The post Labor Concerns for Farmers appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
June is Dairy Month in Tennessee. The month long celebration got started with the annual June Dairy Month Luncheon where 4-H Dairy Chairmen were recognized.
The post It’s Officially June Dairy Month In Tennessee appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
A proposed rule from the Securities and Exchange Commission has lawmakers and the nation’s largest farm group concerned. Micheal Clements shares more on what issues farmers and ranchers face from the proposal.
The post Lawmakers Tell SEC Proposed Rule Would Lead to Significant Regulatory Burden appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Memorial Day honors those American military personnel who have died fighting for our country.
The post Remembering Those We’ve Lost appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Dairy was celebrated at the June Dairy Month Kickoff at Battle Mountain Farm, and Brian Flowers, American Dairy Association of Tennessee President is looking forward to celebrating the industry throughout the month of June.
The post Celebrating Dairy appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Farmers and ranchers face a number of obstacles when it comes to their bottom line, and cattle producers are no exception. Micheal Clements shares more on the factors influencing the cattle market in 2022.
The post Input Prices, Drought Impacting Cattle Markets appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Teachers from West Tennessee recently toured agriculture operations in their area. Folks with those operations explain why it’s so important for educators to understand agriculture.
The post Teachers Tour Henry County Agriculture appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Many farmers are struggling to get crops planted this year, but one economist says the struggle could pay off later on.
The post Strong Prices Futures appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Last week, the Bureau of Labor Statistics announced that April’s consumer prices were up 8.3 percent from a year earlier. Micheal Clements shares more on the impacts of inflation and the steps to turn the tide.
The post Addressing Inflation Critical for Farmers and Ranchers appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
The early part of spring brought a lot of rain across the volunteer state, which put farmers behind in planting. Things have dried up and they’ve worked long hours to get caught up.
The post Catching Up On Planting appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
There’s no doubt this time of year is busy for everyone, from planting to school finishing up, and that also means many students across the state are graduating.
The post Caps & Gowns for Ag Students appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Gary Bates is now the permanent Department Head of Plant Sciences at The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture. He discusses what it means to be named to this position.
The post Gary Bates Named Department Head of UTIA Plant Sciences appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Dustin Noble and his wife own and operate a goat dairy in Williamson County Tennessee. Dustin details how they’ve built their business over the years and how agritourism has played a big part of it.
The post Goat Dairy In Williamson County appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
The Securities and Exchange Commission is proposing a new climate rule that might reach from Wall Street to America’s farms.
The post A New Climate Proposal That May Impact Farms appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
When the 112th Tennessee General Assembly gaveled out recently, it was bitter sweet for two lawmakers that are strong advocates for agriculture as they concluded their long careers in the legislature.
The post An Honor to Serve appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
The USDA’s latest report on U.S. agricultural trade has some remarkable numbers. Gary Crawford has this report.
The post Ag Trade Still Setting Records appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
This time of year, a lot of our farmers across Tennessee have either started or getting ready to spend time in the hay field.
The post Making Hay While the Sun Shines appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
A proposed rule by the Securities and Exchange Commission seeks climate-related disclosures for investors. Micheal Clements shares how the proposal may impact agriculture.
The post Extension Given to Review Proposed SEC Rule appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
May is Mental Health Month and the American Farm Bureau Federation is reminding farmers and ranchers that they are not alone. Chad Smith has more on resources available through the Farm State of Mind program.
The post Farm Bureau Reminds Farmers ‘It’s OK to Not be OK’ During May, Mental Health Month appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Congressman Chuck Fleischmann was one of several representatives to receive the Friend of Farm Bureau Award. Fleischmann talks about what it means to take this award home, and why he takes time to listen to farmers concerns.
The post Fleischmann Takes Home Friend Of Farm Bureau Award appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
A new sporting clays event is benefiting Ag in the Classroom, 4-H and FFA called “Agriculture, Kids and Clays.”
The post Supporting Ag for our Future appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
6th District Tennessee Congressman John Rose was recently recognized for his support of agriculture and rural issues during the 116th Congress with the Friend of Farm Bureau award.
The post Rose Receives Friend of Farm Bureau Award appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Dr. Carrie Castille, pending a positive vote from the Executive Committee of the UT Board of Trustees in June, will become the Senior Vice Chancellor, Senior Vice President of the UT Institute of Agriculture.
The post New Leader Coming to UTIA appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Brandon Gibson, Governor Bill Lee’s Chief Operating Officer, addressed the Tennessee Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Conference.
The post Farm Bureau Women Growing Opportunities appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
The Modernization of Ag Sales Tax Exemptions bill passed both chambers of the Tennessee General Assembly. Legislators discuss why passing this bill is so important for Tennessee agriculture.
The post Modernization Of Ag Sales Tax Exemptions Bill Passes appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Analysts are having once again to boost their forecasts of this year’s food price inflation. Gary Crawford has more.
The post 2022 Food Price Hikes Could Be Much Bigger than Expected appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Middle Tennessee farmers recently met with congressman Mark Green to discuss the issues they’re facing. Green says meeting with farmers is essential so he knows how to best represent them.
The post Tennessee Farmers Talk Issues With Congressman Green appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
For the first time ever the annual Tennessee Farm Bureau Women’s meeting was held in Lebanon. The ladies who attended detail why this was an important move for the future of the organization.
The post Tennessee Farm Bureau Women Head To Lebanon appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
As Ford works to complete their new Blue Oval City facility in West Tennessee, they’re already investing in the community. They announced they’re investing more than 16 million dollars to restore stream waters flowing through the University of Tennessee’s Lone Oaks Farm, and fund STEM education and 4-H Youth Development programs on the property.
The post Ford Investing $16.5 Million In Ag Education appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Today people across the world are celebrating Earth Day. For farmers though everyday is Earth Day as they work to preserve their land for the next generation.
The post Celebrating Earth Day Everyday appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
It’s been a very wet April so far. That means some farmers are behind on planting. They explain what that means for their overall crop.
The post Rain Delays Planting In Parts Of Tennessee appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
For the first time all 95 counties were represented at 4-H Congress this year. Lake County attended for the first time. Those students explain what it means to them to make history.
The post Lake County Attends 4-H Congress For First Time appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
The Nashville Predators recently hosted a group of FFA and 4-H students for Ag Night. Students who attended got to tour Bridgestone Arena, sit in on a Ag career panel, and attend the Predators game.
The post Ag Night With The Nashville Predators appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Farm Bureau leaders from Southern Middle Tennessee recently gathered in Coffee County to meet with Congressman Scott DesJarlais, who represents the 4th Congressional District of Tennessee.
The post Shaping the Policy appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
The Consumer Price Index increased again in March as the nation grapples with decades-high inflation. Micheal Clements shares more on the causes and effects of rising inflation.
The post Consumer Price Index Rises Again appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Smith County kids learned about agriculture at the local farm day hosted by the Smith County Tennessee Farm Bureau. It’s the first time the event has been held since the pandemic.
The post Smith County Farm Day Returns appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Recently Farm Bureau leaders from East Tennessee had the opportunity to partake in a town hall kind of meeting with Congressman Tim Burchett.
The post A Voice for Agriculture appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Tennessee FFA elects three vice presidents to lead the Association every year, and this year the three elected – Jay Caldwell from Science Hill, Hannah Maddle from Monterey and Jarrett Tubbs from Scotts Hill.
The post Proud to Serve appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Supply chain disruptions have become a widely discussed issue among all aspects of agricultural production.
The post Railway Supply Chain Issues appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Making an impact on hungry kids in all 95 counties is the goal of the Shooting Hunger Backpack Program.
The post Feeding Hungry Tennessee Kids appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
The U.S. Supreme Court will hear a case against California’s Proposition 12 filed by The American Farm Bureau Federation and the National Pork Producers Council. Micheal Clements shares more on what to expect moving forward.
The post The Supreme Court to Hear Prop 12 Case appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
USDA’s Prospective Plantings report that came out at the end of March has surprised a lot of people.
The post Farmers Intend to Plant More…Beans appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
National FFA Officer, Josiah Cruikshank, inspired Tennessee FFA members during their 94th state convention.
The post Leading by Example appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Legislation is moving through Capitol Hill in Nashville that would modernize sales tax exemptions for agriculture.
The post Modernizing the Farmers Sales Tax Exemptions appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
The USDA released its 2022 Prospective Plantings Report on March 31.
The post March Planting Report appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
The 94th annual Tennessee FFA State Convention concluded with the announcement of a new state officer team to lead the association throughout the upcoming year.
The post Electing a New Team appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Lots of awards handed out during the 94th Tennessee FFA convention in Gatlinburg including the Star Farmer and Star in Agribusiness.
The post The Stars Shining Over Gatlinburg appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Awards are going out to FFA members from their 94th Tennessee FFA Convention in Gatlinburg.
The post Awarding the Blue and Gold appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
A celebration like no other as thousands of blue corduroy jackets are back in Gatlinburg for the 94th Tennessee FFA Convention.
The post The Blue Jackets Back in Gatlinburg appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
A new study from food and agriculture groups, including the American Farm Bureau Federation, shows the economic impact of agriculture. Micheal Clements shares more on how the data can be used to demonstrate the importance of farming and ranching.
The post New Report Highlights Food and Ag Economic Impact appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
4-H members from across Tennessee have been in Murfreesboro this week for 4-H Congress. Three new state 4-H officers were elected during congress. They explain what it means to them to be selected for these positions.
The post New 4-H Officers appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
People in the Ag industry celebrated National Ag Day by having Ag Day On The Hill. It was the first time the event was back in full force since the pandemic.
The post Ag Day On The Hill Returns appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
It’s day two of National Ag Week. Tennessee State Lawmakers talk about the importance of agriculture and the impact it has on our state.
The post Celebrating National Ag Week appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Agriculture is important everyday and especially this week the spotlight shines a little brighter during National Agriculture Week and tomorrow is National Ag Day.
The post Celebrating Our Most Important Industry appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
To some all cotton might look the same, but it’s not. The USDA Cotton Classing facility in Memphis helps grade the quality of cotton for producers. The facility directors explain why this process is so important.
The post Cotton Classing in Memphis appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
The National Cotton Council is located in Memphis Tennessee. National Cotton Council CEO, Gary Adams, discusses the current outlook for cotton as farmers prepare for planting season.
The post Looking Out For Cotton Producers appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Supply chains and shipping are a major area of concern right now for both consumers and farmers and ranchers. Chad Smith has more on how global bottlenecks are impacting the economy.
The post Supply Chain Complications Difficult to Untangle appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Many parts of Tennessee are seeing a growth of urban areas as more people move to the state. That means a loss of farmland. Several state lawmakers that represent more urban areas say they still listen to farmers and their concerns, with a hope to protect our states most important industry.
The post Urban Lawmakers Representing Agriculture appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
A lot of preparation and luck on display at the Tennessee Beef Agribition.
The post Best of the Beef appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Inflation continues to be a major concern for farmers as they prepare for planting season. Two Tennessee farmers explain what the biggest costs are for them this year.
The post High Costs Hitting Tennessee Farmers appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Dr. Justin Rhinehart has been named Assistant Dean of the University of Tennessee Extension Service.
The post Extending Service to all Tennesseans appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Really hard to believe how much Tennessee and American farmers produce that’s traded around the world.
The post The Importance of Ag Trade appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Producers from across Tennessee recently gathered in Franklin for the Pick Tennessee Products Conference. A few of these producers explain why this conference is important and beneficial.
The post Pick Tennessee Products Conference appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Farm Bureau is promoting safety on the farm through Agricultural Safety Awareness Program Week, March 7-11. Micheal Clements shares more on how to promote safety in your community.
The post ‘Prepare. Prevent. Protect.’ During ASAP Week appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Farmers from across the state met with their state legislators to discuss issues that impact agriculture. They explain why this is so important.
The post Taking Ag Issues To Nashville appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
The Biden administration Tuesday released its 2022 Trade Policy Agenda and 2021 Annual Report. Micheal Clements shares more about the goals outlined in the report.
The post 2022 Trade Agenda Focuses on China, Indo-Pacific appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
A group of agriculture students from the University of Tennessee Knoxville recently traveled to Nashville to visit with State Legislators. They discuss the importance of the visit in todays episode of Tennessee Home and Farm Radio.
The post College Students On The Hill appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
A group of young farmers from Tennessee are attending the American Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmers and Ranchers Leaders Conference. They explain what the conference has been like and why it’s important.
The post Young Farmers in Louisville appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
The new Ford plant in West Tennessee will bring major development to a mostly rural farming area. Farmers recently had the opportunity to ask questions about the new facility.
The post Farmers Concerns On Blue Oval City appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
FFA members and lawmakers celebrate National FFA Week at the 41st Tennessee Legislative Breakfast.
The post Support From the Top for FFA appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
During the recent Tennessee Young Leaders Conference in Franklin, the Tennessee Council of Cooperatives paid tribute to long-time advocate Charles Curtis.
The post A Cooperative Spirit appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Its National FFA Week and members across Tennessee and all across the country are celebrating the successes of this premiere youth organization.
The post Celebrating the Blue and Gold appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
The Tennessee Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers along with the Tennessee Council of Cooperatives recently held their Young Leaders Conference. Some of the people who attended the event talk about why it’s so important.
The post Tennessee Young Farmers Lead The Way appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Happy National FFA Week! This week is a chance to celebrate those impressive young leaders sporting the blue cordoroy jacket and an organization close to 95 years old.
The post Celebrating the Blue and Gold appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Solar Farms are growing in popularity. There aren’t any rules or regulations to protect farmers interests in these solar farm deals. Bills have been filed in both the Tennessee State House and Senate to address those concerns.
The post Solar On The Farm appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Departments and agencies in Tennessee Government are presenting their proposed budgets to State House & Senate Committees. The Chair of the Forestry Committee explains what some of the items are in their proposed budget.
The post Funding Tennessee Forests appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
This past Friday, a commercial chicken farm in Fulton County Kentucky was confirmed to have the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus detected in the flock.
The post Bird Flu Gets Close to Tennessee appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
U.S. agriculture exports achieved a record in 2021 despite numerous headwinds. Micheal Clements shares more behind the data
The post A Record for Ag Exports in 2021 appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Tension between Ukraine and Russia is impacting the supply of fertilizer that American farmers use. Tennessee Soybean Association Executive Director Parks Wells explains how.
The post Tension in Eastern Europe Impacting American Agriculture appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Tennessee Agriculture Commissioner Dr. Charie Hatcher presented the Department of Agriculture’s proposed budget before the House and Senate Ag Committees on Wednesday. Hatcher details some of the additions to this years proposed budget.
The post Funding Tennessee Agriculture appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Super Bowl Sunday is a lot of fun, but we all need to be mindful of food safety practices.
The post Avoiding Food Borne Illness at A Super Bowl Party appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Tennessee beef cattle producers have been working to get an edge on marketing their cattle through the Tennessee Beef Alliance for several years.
The post Beef Alliance Still Holding Strong appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
The American Farm Bureau Federation, in comments submitted to the EPA and Army Corps of Engineers, says the proposed changes to the Waters of the U.S. rule would reintroduce burdensome federal regulations for agriculture.
The post AFBF Submits Comments on WOTUS Rewrite appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Most of West Tennessee dealt with a massive ice storm late last week and over the weekend. That’s impacting farmers in the area and their livestock.
The post Winter Weather Impacting West TN Farmers appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
For 35 years Tom Womack has been a trusted source and friend to farmers, lawmakers and the past ten Tennessee Commissioners of Agriculture.
The post A Service to Tennessee Agriculture Like No Other appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Checkoff dollars from Tennessee soybean farmers have been mounting up to help with promotion and research of the “miracle bean” in the Volunteer State.
The post The Bean That Just Keeps Giving appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Part of Gov. Bill Lee’s State of the State address includes historic investment in education.
The post Educating Our Future appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Both of Tennessee’s U.S. Senators and a Congressman attended the Tennessee Cattlemen’s Association convention.
The post Taking the Farmers Voice to Washington appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
The Tennessee Cattlemen’s association gathered for their annual convention in Murfreesboro. TCA President and Executive Vice President talk about the importance of this convention.
The post Cattlemen Gather In Murfreesboro appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
The saga over the EPA’s WOTUS rule continues as the Biden Administration looks to rewrite the Trump era rule to add more regulation. This comes as The US Supreme Court has agreed to hear a case to determine what can be considered Waters of The United States.
The post Clean Waters Act Rule Case Heads To SCOTUS appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Josey Miller was presented the keys to her new John Deere Gator for winning the 2021 Young Farmers And Ranchers Excellence In Ag Award. She explains what it mean to win this award and what it’s like to finally be finished with this process.
The post New Ride For Excellence In Ag Award Winner appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Recently the Biden Administration has made a few announcements that represent progress on a number of trade issues.
The post Welcomed Trade Progress appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
As Tennessee and American farmers start to focus on getting ready for the 2022 crop season, there’s still major concerns lingering over the supply chain issues that will impact the farming community.
The post Supply Chain Worries Continue for Farmers appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Hundreds of representatives from 57 county, region and the state fair came together recently to celebrate the 100th years since the formation of the Tennessee Association of Fairs.
The post Celebrating 100 Years at the Fair appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Hamblen County farmer John Litz has been appointed by President Joe Biden as the new state Executive Director of the Farm Service Agency in Tennessee.
The post John Litz Named New Tenn. FSA Executive Director appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Tennessee dairy producers recently gathered in Lebanon to discuss issues the industry is facing. They discussed potential changes to the Federal Milk Marketing Order and why they’re optimistic things will get better.
The post TN Dairy Producers Discuss Industry Issues appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Pork was on full display at this years Taste Of Elegance event. Judges and participants explain what the vent is and why it’s important to the pork industry.
The post Taste Of Elegance appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Weather scientist says we can expect more snow, cold air this winter based on La Nina impact. More Weather Info from Nutrien Ag Solutions
The post Snow Keeps Coming appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Jeff Aiken is being named Tennessee Deputy Commissioner of Agriculture. He talks about why he feels lead to take this position and what he hopes to accomplish at the department.
The post Aiken Heads To TN Department Of Agriculture appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Nine cousins from Jefferson County have shown hogs at the Jr. Livestock Market Hog show for years. This year is no different. They explain how their family tradition got started and why it means a lot to them.
The post Family Tradition At The Hog Show appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
The American Farm Bureau COnvention wrapped up in Atlanta on Tuesday. They ended the meeting with the delegate session where they adopted policy for 2022.
The post Policy Adopted On The National Level appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
US Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack addressed the American Farm Bureau Convention in Atlanta. We highlight some of Vilsack’s address on this episode of Tennessee Home and Farm Radio.
The post Tom Vilsack Addresses American Farm Bureau Convention appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
The American Farm Bureau Convention kicked off over the weekend in Atlanta. Tennessee Farm Bureau President Eric Mayberry talks about the importance of this national convention.
The post American Farm Bureau Convention Begins appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Almost all commodity groups and Ag organizations in Tennessee were represented at the Ag Industry Partner Meeting earlier this week. Youth in the industry were there too. They discuss what it means to them to be included in this conversation.
The post Solving Agricultures Challenges With Our Youth appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Arlisa Armstrong has hit the ground running this week as the new State Director for Tennessee’s USDA Rural Development.
The post New State Rural Development Director Named appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Leaders in Tennessee Agriculture met to discuss issues the industry is seeing.
The post Ag Industry Partner Meeting appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
President Joe Biden participated in an online roundtable to promote competition and reducing prices in the meat industry. Fact Sheet: Biden-Harris Action Plan for a Fairer, More Competitive, and More Resilient Meat and Poultry Supply Chain
The post Fairer Meat Prices for All appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
If you can’t make it to the American Farm Bureau Convention in person you can attend virtually. Chad Smith has the details.
The post Virtual Options For American Farm Bureau Convention appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
As we close out 2021, we hear from Tennessee Commissioner of Agriculture Dr. Charlie Hatcher and his reflections on the year in agriculture in the Volunteer State.
The post A Year to Remember appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Emily Nave recently won the Tennessee State Young Farmers and Ranchers Discussion Meet. She now heads on to compete on the national stage at the American Farm Bureau Convention. Emily talks about how she’s preparing and how she’s following in her mothers footsteps.
The post Preparing For National Discussion Meet appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
This time of year many of us are getting annual health checkups. Today we take the farm economy for its checkup. Gary Crawford has this report.
The post Look At The Ag Economy appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
USDA’s recent updated trade numbers shows China is buying U.S. ag commodities at a faster pace than last year. Chad Smith has more on the current numbers as the end of the Phase One agreement draws closer.
The post Pace of U.S. Trade with China Exceeds Last Year as Phase One End in Sight appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Meat prices soared in 2021. Will that continue into 2022 – and what does the overall meat production outlook look like?
The post A Look Ahead at Meat Prices appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Without a doubt a special time of year here at Christmas and especially for our farmers across Tennessee.
The post Christmas on the Farm appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Loudon County’s Josh Watson was recently informed by the National Corn Growers Association that his 20 acre plot in the National Corn Growers Contest Harvested on Labor Day, was the number one yielding field overall in Tennessee and third nationally. He explains what winning this means to him.
The post The Top Of The Crop appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Progress is being made in bringing high speed internet to rural parts of Tennessee. Tennessee Broadband Association President, Chris Townson, explains what has been done to bring high speed internet to these areas, and how long it might be before all of Tennessee has high speed internet.
The post Connecting Rural Tennessee To Broadband appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Christmas tree growers of today are worried that as they retire, there are no younger growers lined up to take over. Gary Crawford has this report.
The post Christmas Trees in the Future appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Fertilizer prices continue to soar. Chad Smith has more on why and how long the high prices might last.
The post High Fertilizer Prices Causing Serious Concerns for Farmers. appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Tennessee is blessed to have a strong, and perhaps the strongest 4-H program in the nation. And recently during the Tennessee Farm Bureau’s annual meeting in Franklin, State 4-H Council President Jim Jenkins thanked the organization for their support.
The post Making the Best Better appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Policy made at the local and state Farm Bureau level has a major impact on national policy. American Farm Bureau Vice President of Public Affairs, Sam Kieffer, explains why.
The post Grass Roots Movement Making Impact Nationally appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Farmers in West Tennessee are still working to pick up the pieces from the destruction left behind from last weeks tornado. Chris Minton’s shop and equipment were destroyed.
The post West Tennessee Farmer Working to Recover From Tornado Damage appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
The damage as most of us have seen for days now is endless. And for folks in rural Northwest Tennessee, its definitely been a trying time.
The post Picking Up the Pieces appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Travis Tilley was recently elected to the Tennessee Farm Bureau Board of Directors as District III Director. Tilley discusses what it means to him to be elected to this position.
The post Travis Tilley Elected District III Director appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
James Haskew of Madison County was elected as the Vice President of the Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation. Haskew talks about how it feels to be elected to this position, and reflects on his time with the organization over the years.
The post James Haskew Elected Tennessee Farm Bureau Vice President appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Eric Mayberry is the ninth President of the Tennessee Farm Bureau. He reflects on what it feels like to be elected to this high position.
The post Eric Mayberry Elected Tennessee Farm Bureau President appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Farmers from across the Volunteer State are celebrating the 100 year anniversary of the Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation at their annual convention in Franklin this week.
The post The Voice for Agriculture for 100 Years appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Tennessee Farm Bureau President Jeff Aiken is presiding over the 100th Annual Tennessee Farm Bureau Convention. It’s also his last convention as president. He reflects on his time as president and why he decided to go back home to the farm.
The post Aiken Prepares For Convention And Says Goodbye appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
A local dairy farmer talks about why they moved their operation from an overbearing California to Tennessee, and why she fears the Federal Government could follow suit with massive regulations on American farmers and ranchers.
The post Dairy Farmer Fears Overbearing Regulations appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
You may know it as your local Co-op store, and that’s exactly what the leaders of Tennessee Farmers Cooperative want you to know.
The post Co-op Still Strong in their 76th Year appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Want a real Christmas tree this year? Start hunting now. USDA’s Gary Crawford has more.
The post Christmas Trees Going Fast appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
As farmers are all but completed with this year’s harvest, there’s major concerns now over rapidly rising input costs that could have significant effects next season.
The post Rising Costs Concerning Farmers for Next Year appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Supply chain issues have made life difficult for U.S. farmers, ranchers, and rural communities. Chad Smith explains how those supply chain issues could make the holiday season more challenging for shoppers as well.
The post Supply Chain Issues Could Make Holidays More Challenging appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
A tradition like no other this time of year as families get in the Christmas spirit by going together to choose their Christmas tree from the farm.
The post Picking that Perfect Tree appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Farmers across Tennessee explain how they celebrate Thanksgiving, and what their favorite Thanksgiving dish is.
The post Thanksgiving On The Farm Part 2 appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
On this episode of Tennessee Home and Farm Radio farmers from across Tennessee talk about how they celebrate Thanksgiving and what they’re thankful for.
The post Thanksgiving On The Farm Part 1 appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Gibson and McNairy counties are the latest to confirm positive tests for Chronic Wasting Disease in deer. CWD in Tennessee
The post ROTM: CWD Confirmed in Two More Counties appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Forestry and wildlife are vitally important industries in Tennessee. Dr. Don Hodges is the Department Head of Forestry, Wildlife, and Fisheries at The University of Tennessee Knoxville. He says there are a lot of opportunities for students interested in going into the field.
The post Training The Next Generation Of A Billion Dollar Industry appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Get ready to pay more for your Thanksgiving meal. According to a survey from the American Farm Bureau the cost of Thanksgiving dinner will be 14 percent higher than 2020. Chad Smith breaks down the cost and explains why things are have increased this year.
The post Cost of 2021 Thanksgiving Meal Higher Than Last Year, Survey Shows appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Tennessee row crop farmers are working overtime now trying to finish harvest of this year’s corn, soybeans and cotton crops.
The post Trying to Wrap Up Harvest appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
COVID-19 is still having a major impact on how things function in Washington DC. Chuck Conner with the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives talks about what those impacts are and details what some of the issues are being focused on there.
The post COVID Impact In Washington D.C. appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Tennessee Ag Literacy Week gives people in the agriculture industry the opportunity to introduce students to agriculture by reading to them. Teachers explain why this is so important.
The post Tennessee Ag Literacy Week appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
The long awaited infrastructure bill passed The House of Representatives last week. Now President Biden is set to sign it into law. Chad Smith explains how this soon to be law will impact agriculture.
The post Infrastructure Bill Impact On Agriculture appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Ag exports have had a rough few years. They were first negatively by the trade war with China and then by COVID-19. Dr. Andrew Muhammad with t\The University of Tennessee explains where Ag exports stand now.
The post Some Ag Exports Still Lagging appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Carbon markets, carbon sequestration are relatively new terms being talked about a lot as large corporations are looking to pay farmers to offset their greenhouse gas emissions.
The post A New Market for Farmers appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
The University of Tennessee’s Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communications Department face one of the more critical challenges and that’s educating the next generation of ag teachers, ag communicators and much more.
The post Focused on the Next Generation appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Law Enforcement deal with livestock on a pretty regular basis. The Farm Animal Care Coalition of Tennessee trains law enforcement officers so they know how to better deal with these situations.
The post FACCT Law Enforcement Training appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
For the past six years Farm Credit Mid-America, in partnership with the Tennessee Department of Agriculture and CoBank, have been holding a Tennessee Leadership Forum for the state’s ag leaders.
The post The Challenges and Opportunities for Tennessee Ag appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
The state FFA and 4-H land judging contest was recently held in Warren County.
The post FFA & 4-H Land Judging appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Supply shortages are impacting agriculture. Michael Clements with American Farm Bureau explains how.
The post Port Congestion and Shipping Delays Impacting Agriculture appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
When it comes to animal science, University of Tennessee’s Dr. Neal Schrick lives it every day.
The post The Science of Animal Science appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Some members of the Watertown FFA recently competed in the Ag Issues Leadership Development competition at the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis. A couple of the members who competed talk about what it was like to compete and why it’s important.
The post Watertown FFA Competes At National Convention appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Last year the National FFA Convention did not happen in person because of COVID. This year they’re back in person. Tennessee FFA President Harrison Falcofsky talks about what it’s like to be back in person and why the National FFA Convention is so important.
The post Blue Jackets Back In Indianapolis appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
For more than 30 years Tim Mills presented the Tennessee Young Farmer Achievement Award winner with a new Case IH tractor. Mills retired from case in 2018 but still has a lot of respect and admiration for YF&R. He was recently awarded the YF&R Golden Ear Award for his decades of service to Tennessee YF&R.
The post Tim Mills Awarded YF&R Golden Ear Award appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Farmers are behind harvesting the cotton crop tis year in Tennessee. Farmers say it’s all due to the unusual weather we had earlier this past spring.
The post Late Cotton Harvest appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
After winning the Kubota Hometown Proud Competition, Wayne County is finally breaking ground for their new Ag facility. Local UT Extension staff and Governor Bill Lee talk about what this means for Wayne County and Ag education in the state.
The post Wayne County Breaks Ground On New Ag Center appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
A conversation with Dr. Neal Schrick, the department head and professor of Animal Science at the University of Tennessee’s Institute of Agriculture.
The post The Science of Animal Science appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Rob Hamby is seeing success in his sod operation in East Tennessee. He explains how his operation works and what types of sod he is growing.
The post Sod Farmer Sees Success In Growing Industry appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Many kids don’t know where their food comes from. The Maury County Farm Bureau is trying to change that though through their Country Classroom program. Delk Kennedy with Front Porch Radio explains what this program is and how it’s educating young people about agriculture.
The post Teaching Kids About Agriculture appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
This week we celebrate National Forest Products Week, and Candace Dinwiddie with the Tennessee Forestry Association says it is vital we celebrate the forestry industry.
The post Celebrating Forest Products appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Jay Yeargin represented Tennessee at the Sunbelt Ag Expo in Georgia. Yeargin talks about what it means to represent Tennessee and what the expo is like.
The post Jay Yeargin Represents Tennessee At Sunbelt Ag Expo appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
We all rely on our local electricity provider to help heat our homes during the fall and winter months. Some rural parts of Tennessee can thank farmers for their local electric cooperative.
The post Heating Homes Through Electric Cooperatives appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Flowers Creamery will now be serving their cheese to Titans fans in club level at Nissan Stadium. Morgan Flowers explains what this means to her and her husband Brian.
The post Flowers Creamery Cheese Coming To Nissan Stadium appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
USDA has announced a major investment of 114 projects across the country and here in Tennessee to modernize rural drinking water and wastewater infrastructure.
The post Improving Rural Drinking Water and Wastewater Infrastructure appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Recently leaders from three different institutions, Columbia State Community College, Tennessee Tech University and University of Tennessee Southern, gathered to discuss educational opportunities in Southern Middle Tennessee.
The post Educational Opportunities in Southern Middle Tennessee appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
USDA released its monthly World Agriculture Supply and Demand report.
The post Corn and Soybean Outlook appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Less than 2 percent of the nation’s population are farmers, and yet 100 percent of the population depends on their work everyday.
The post National Farmer’s Day appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
The House Agriculture Committee recently held a hearing on livestock markets.
The post Focusing on Livestock Markets appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Brant Stooksbury recently expanded his family dairy by putting in a creamery. He explains why this will help preserve the dairy.
The post Preserving The Family Dairy appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Fall is here and that means agritourism destinations are busy! One of those agritourism destinations is Lucky Ladd’s.
The post Experiencing Fall On The Fall appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
This year the YF&R Fall Tour took Tennessee young farmers to East Tennessee. Several of those young farmers talk about what the experience was like.
The post Tennessee YF&R Tour East TN On Fall Tour appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Josey Miller is this years Excellence in Agriculture Award Winner. She explains what it means to win this award after competing for it for many years.
The post Josey Miller Wins Excellence In Agriculture Award appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
As Tennessee corn farmers continue harvesting this year’s crop, many are excited about the continued development of the commodity to fuel our engines while at the same time improving our environment.
The post Casey’s & Tenn. Corn Expanding E15 appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Now in it’s 16th year, the Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program (TAEP) has been a game-changers for the state’s farmers and the agricultural economy.
The post Investing in Our Most Important Industry appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
As we approach October, typically the driest month of the year, Tennessee farmers are hopeful to get ahead with harvest before more wet, colder conditions set in.
The post The Changing Weather appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Meat prices continue to rise for consumers, but producers are not making a profit. The Biden Administration is looking into why this is happening.
The post Meat Prices Still On The Rise appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Rutherford County native Catherine Harris recently won a plowing competition in Illinois. Harris is the fifth generation in her family to compete in this competition. She tells us what it means to carry on her family tradition and win in her first year competing.
The post Carrying On A Family Tradition appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Robert Hill is the 2021 Tennessee second place Young Farmer and Rancher Achievement award winner. He received his second place Kubota Tractor last week.
The post YF&R Second Place Winner Gets Kubota Tractor appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Farmers all across Tennessee are pretty much all in harvest mode as the weather is cooperating and combines and trucks are moving again through corn and soybean fields.
The post Finally Good Weather for Harvest appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
The United Nations is holding the first ever Food System Summit. U.S. Farmers and Ranchers in Action fought to make sure American farmers are represented at this summit.
The post American Farmers Represented at United Nations Food Summit appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Several counties in Middle Tennessee have seen flooding in the last week. That flooding has damaged some crops.
The post Crops Under Water appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Mike Harrison of Tennessee Association of County Mayors talks about keeping rural counties viable.
The post Rural Counties Trying to Keep Up appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Freight rail rates are rising, which is putting a strain on farmers and ranchers that rely on rail to transport their commodities. Chad Smith has more on this episode of Tennessee Home and Farm Radio.
The post Freight Rail Rates Rising appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Whether you are one of those that gets squeamish over the tiniest of insects or hates to mow the lawn, there are those that excited when talking about plants and bugs.
The post The Science of Plants and Bugs appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
A new program is helping veterans return to society after the service by pairing them with jobs in the agriculture industry. The program is called VETSA.
The post Placing Veterans In Agriculture Jobs appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Ranking member of the House Agriculture Committee, Glenn Thompson, of Pennsylvania recently visited Memphis to talk to farmers from Tennessee and Mississippi about issues they’re facing.
The post Congressman Glenn Thompson Visits Tennessee appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
For the first time the Giles County Fair featured a celebrity cattle show. Several Tennessee celebrities participated to help shine a light on the agriculture industry.
The post Celebrity Cattle Show appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Shooting Hunger came to Middle Tennessee. Organizers talk about how this fun event raises money for hungry people.
The post Shooting Hunger in Middle Tennessee appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
The United Producers Inc. Board met in Columbia at the Tennessee Farm Bureau this week.
The post United Producers Inc. Meets in Columbia appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Voice of the Tennessee Titans Mike Keith praises farmers and the ag industry for coming together for the Shooting Hunger events to help those that are food insecure.
The post A Titan Effort to Feed the Hungry appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
All eyes were on the final class of the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration this past Saturday night for the naming of the new World Grand Champion.
The post Justified Honors appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
A new forecast from USDA projects increased net farm income in 2021.
The post Farm Income Projections appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
The 2020 census data will reshape congressional districts. Matthew Hill with the Tennessee Treasury Office explains why.
The post 2020 Census Data To Change Congressional Districts appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Rural parts of Tennessee still don’t have access to high speed internet. The President of the Tennessee Broadband Association, Chris Townson, talks about efforts to address this problem.
The post Connecting Rural Tennessee To The 21st Century appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
The excitment is building in Shelbyville this week leading up to the naming of the new World Grand Champion Tennessee Walking Horse at the National Celebration.
The post “Let ’em Walk On” appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Livestock shows continued at the state fair this year. Youth that participated describe what it means to be able to continue the tradition at a new location.
The post Youth Livestock Shows Continue Tradition At State Fair appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
The cattle industry has been in the forefront in Washington DC recently, as congress works to understand the issues in the cattle market. Ethan Lane with NCBA tells us what other issues they’re advocating for in Washington DC.
The post Cattle Industry Issues In Washington DC appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Humphreys County saw historic flooding last Saturday, as more than 17 inches of rain fell. Farmers in the area are working to assess what they lost in the flood.
The post Humphreys County Farmers Clean Up After Historic Flood appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Two of the top commodities for Tennessee farmers are beef cattle and row crops. And both are experiencing the highs and lows.
The post The Give and Take of Row Crops and Livestock appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
As farmers begin to prepare to harvest this year’s row crops, the outlook is strong for prices and yield, especially for corn.
The post Outlook Looking Good, Especially for Row Crops appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Senator Bill Hagerty met with Giles County Farmers to discuss issues that they face.
The post Senator Hagerty Meets with Giles County Farmers appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Humphreys County University of Tennessee Extension Director Jerri Lynn Sims talks about the impact the historic flood on August 20-21, 2021 has had on her county.
The post A Conversation with Humphreys County Extension Director on the Record Flood appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Parts of Middle Tennessee saw extreme flooding this past weekend. Farmers in the impacted area are trying to assess the damage done their property and commodities.
The post Parts of Middle Tennessee Deal With Extreme Flooding appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Farmers’ Almanac editor Pete Geiger says the newest predictions for Winter and next year’s weather across the country are now out in the 2022 Farmers’ Almanac.
The post Weather Predictions and More In the Farmers’ Almanac appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
A century year old this year, Tennessee Farm Bureau is known as the voice of agriculture, and the main reason is because of meetings occurring all across the state right now.
The post Creating the Policy appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Tennessee 4-H Congress is meeting in Middle Tennessee this week. They also selected three new officers. The new officers explain what it means to them to be elected.
The post New Tennessee 4-H Officers Elected appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
A great day for Tennessee FFA at the FFA Ham Breakfast at the Tennessee State Fair – Wilson County Fair.
The post Hamming at the State Fair appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
All 95 County Farm Bureau Presidents met for the annual County President’s meeting last week. They discussed various issues.
The post County Presidents Meet For Convention appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
For the first time the Tennessee State Fair is in Wilson County. Governor Bill Lee helped celebrate the change of venue at the opening ceremony.
The post State Fair Opens In Wilson County appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
The Dairy Alliance had their Annual Dairy Conference this past week to bring new, innovative ideas to the dairy industry. Geri Berdak, CEO of the Dairy Alliance, said the conference was a success as stakeholders from across the southeast discussed consumer trends, fluid milk innovations and how dairy exports play a vital role in our […]
The post Promoting the Dairy Industry appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
This week cattle producers from all across the country are gathering in Nashville for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Annual Convention and Trade Show.
The post Cattle Producers in Tennessee appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
This week, 30 science teachers from across the country have been traveling and touring West Tennessee and learning a lot more than they ever imagined about the science involved with beef production.
The post STEM on the Farm appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Nebraska Rancher turned broadcaster, Trent Loos, travels around the world advocating for the agriculture industry. He recently addressed the Tennessee Cattlemen’s Convention.
The post Defending Agriculture appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
University of Tennessee Knoxville Interim Plant Science Department Head, Dr. Gary Bates says more people are growing gardens than ever before. he explains how his department is helping people learn ow to grow their own food more effectively and efficiently in this episode of Tennessee Home and Farm Radio.
The post Urban Agriculture Growing In Popularity appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
National Farmers Market Week is this week which means folks across Tennessee are celebrating, as Debbie Ball, Tennessee Department of Agriculture business consultant stated.
The post National Farmers Market Week appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Dr. Temple Grandin recently addressed the Tennessee Cattlemen’s Convention. She shared with them her work and research in how to better handle cattle.
The post Dr. Grandin Talks Handling Cattle appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
The Tennessee Cattlemen’s Association recently handed out several awards at their convention. We caught up with a couple of the winners for this episode of Tennessee Home and Farm Radio.
The post Cattlemen Recognized At Convention appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
The Tennessee Cattlemen’s Association held their annual convention in Sevierville. The big topic that came up throughout the meeting was the lack of meat processing plants.
The post Cattlemen Meet In Sevierville appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
July 30, 1921 was the official day that a group of farm leaders from across the state gathered in Nashville to form the Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation.
The post Celebrating a Century appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
In this episode of Tennessee Home and Farm Radio we hear from young farmers in Tennessee on what Farm Bureau means to them, and their thoughts on the organization turning 100.
The post Celebrating 100 Years appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
FOR THE PAST FEW DAYS, THE STARS OF THE TENNESSEE FFA HAVE BEEN TRAVELING THE STATE MEETING WITH SPONSORS AND STAKEHOLDERS TO SHOW THEIR THANKS FOR SUPPORTING THIS GREAT YOUTH ORGANIZATION.
The post Stars Across Tennessee appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Tennessee Farm Bureau is turning 100 this Friday. On this episode of Tennessee Home and Farm Radio we hear from County presidents on their thoughts of the big milestone.
The post Celebrating 100 Years appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
A COUPLE OF YEARS AGO WHEN THE UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE IMPLEMENTED THEIR REUNIFICATION PROCESS, THEY ALSO FORMED A COMMISSION ON AG MADE UP OF STAKEHOLDERS WITHIN THE UNIVERSITY AND PARTNERS FROM THE AG COMMUNITY ACROSS THE STATE.
The post UT Commission On Ag appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Dr. Ron Hanson recently addressed the Tennessee Young Farmers and Ranchers Conference to tell them about the importance of making a plan of succession for their family farm.
The post Making A Succession Plan appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
THIS WEEK ON THE CAMPUS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE AT MARTIN CLOSE TO 300 4-HERS, VOLUNTEERS AND EXTENTISON STAFF HAVE BEEN TAKING PART IN TENNESSEE 4-H ROUNDUP.
The post 4H Roundup Kicks Off In Martin appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Young Farmers toured the Flowers Dairy during the Young Farmers and Ranchers Conference.
The post Young Farmers Tour Flowers Dairy appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Lee Bagwell is the 2021 Young Farmer of The Year.
The post Lee & Halie Bagwell Named Young Farmer of The Year appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
The number of disease cases connected to ticks has more than doubled in the last 15 years, according to the CDC.
The post Tick Troubles appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
The livestock industry has seen it’s up’s and downs. Now the Biden Administration is looking to make the livestock market more fair.
The post Biden Issues Executive Order On Livestock Market appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
West TN farmer Wally Childress was recently named to the TWRA Board of Commissioners. He explains why he brings a unique voice to the table.
The post West TN Farmer named TWRA Commissioner appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Wayne County won the first ever Kubota Hometown Proud contest. They’re receiving $100,000 which they will use for their new agriculture center.
The post Wayne County Wins $100,000 appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
One USDA priority is to transform the nation’s food system, to make it more resilient and able to withstand any future crisis.
The post USDA Looking to Strengthen Nation’s Food System appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
As we move through July farmers are keeping a close eye on their crops. Here’s what farmers across the state are seeing with their crops.
The post Outlook on Crops appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
It shouldn’t be this way but one of the toughest jobs out there is trying to farm for a living.
The post Challenges on the Farm appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Following the June 30th USDA Acreage Report, markets are watching demand factors and potential weather impacts to crops.
The post Markets Shifting appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Annie Meier of Anderson County recently took home the grand champion title in the state Junior Beef Expo Steer Show.
The post Showing Off Their Cattle appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Governor Bill Lee at the ribbon cutting of the new University of Tennessee Southern Campus in Pulaski, Tenn. The campus was formerly known as Martin Methodist, but now is the newest addition to the UT System.
The post New Addition to UT appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Chances are over the past few days you’ve had at least one cook out, and according to American Farm Bureau’s July 4th Market Basket Survey, chances are you probably spent around the same amount as last year.
The post Summer Cookout appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Eight new Tennessee State FFA officers were named this week. Two of them spoke to us about what it means to them.
The post New FFA State Officers Named appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee became the first sitting Tennessee Governor to address the State FFA Convention.
The post Governor Bill Lee Addresses FFA Convention appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Several FFA members took home star awards. We hear from two award winners in this episode of Tennessee Home and Farm Radio.
The post FFA Members Take Home Star Awards appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Last years Tennessee FFA Convention was canceled last year due to COVID-19. This year the convention is back in person on a smaller scale.
The post FFA Convention Kicks Off In Gatlinburg appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
The blue jackets are back on the streets of Gatlinburg this week for the 93rd State FFA Convention.
The post Blue Jackets Are Back appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
While most kids and teachers are out of school for the Summer, several Tennessee ag educators have been furthering their professional development at a regional conference in Memphis.
The post Ag Teachers Continuing Education appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
For 32 Tennessee high school students, its been a rewarding summer during the Tennessee Governor’s School for the Agricultural Sciences.
The post Gaining Credit and Experience appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Four members of the Tennessee 4-H Council are touring the state to meet with key supporters of 4-H. They detail their message in this episode of Tennessee Home and Farm Radio.
The post Tennessee 4-H ambassadors tour state appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
A recent study created by the Agriculture and Food Policy Center shows the devastating impacts of inheritance tax code changes.
The post Changing Inheritance Taxes Could be Devastating for Farmers appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
We’ve all heard the term sustainability thrown around lately to try and get us all to do our part in helping the environment. In this episode of Tennessee Home and Farm Radio we talk to Tennessee farmers about how they practice conservation on their farms.
The post Farmers Practicing Conservation appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Americans are seeing the worst inflation since 2008 and its also impacting our farmers.
The post Inflation Hitting Tennessee Farmers appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Interest continues to grow for folks looking to establish their own fruit crops in their backyard.
The post Backyard Fruits appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Combines all across the state are either rolling or will be soon as farmers are excited and optimistic about their harvest of the Tennessee wheat crop.
The post Wheat Going to Harvest appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Most of the 2021 crop has been planted in Tennessee, but the cooler, wet weather has set some planting back. Local County Farm bureau President’s in West Tennessee give us an update on what crops are looking like in their part of the state.
The post Crop update for 2021 appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Genera Incorporated makes paper products like towels, tissues, plates, bowls, and other paper products. They make all of their products out of pulp fiber, which comes from non-woody plants like switchgrass. That’s creating an opportunity for farmers in Tennessee to grow the materials used to make these products and further diversify their operation.
The post A Sustainable Product Good for Agriculture appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
The American Farm Bureau Federation and all 50 state Farm Bureaus sent a letter to the Biden Administration about the border crisis.
The post Addressing the Border appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
The Tennessee Department of Agriculture has announced its largest number of Agricultural Enterprise Fund recipients and the highest award of grant dollars in the program’s history. Tennessee Agricultural Fund Announces Record Support
The post Energizing our Top Industry appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
We are celebrating the farm, the farmers and the dairy industry during the month of June, a tradition that dates back to the 1930s.
The post Celebrating June Dairy Month appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Steve Anderson has produced beef cattle his whole life. Now he’s expanding his operation by opening a meat processing plant.
The post New Meat Processing Plant appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
This week kicks off Ag in the Classroom workshops all around the great state of Tennessee.
The post Incorporating Agriculture into All Classrooms appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
The value of Tennessee farmland is rising perhaps like never before.
The post Farmland Values Soaring appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
JBS, one of the world’s largest meatpackers, was hit by a cyberattack. Chad Smith says the impact on the beef supply chain is unknown.
The post Meat Industry Hit by Cyber Attack appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
June is Dairy Month in Tennessee! Each county has a 4-H Dairy Chairman to help promote dairy throughout the month. We talked with a few chairman about how they plan to promote dairy.
The post 4-H Dairy Chairmen talk June Dairy Month appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Memorial Day is the unofficial start to summer, which means grilling season is here! Here are some tips to make sure the food you and your family grill this summer is safe.
The post Grilling Safety Tips appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
MTSU student’s Scott Ayers and Erin Coleman are plant managers at the creamery on campus. They say working with the dairy farm and creamery is teaching them skills that they hope to take and use in their careers.
The post MTSU Student’s Learning Skills In Dairy Industry appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Lawrence County first generation farmer Matt Niswander is happy to share his story on his passion for the agricultural industry.
The post Sharing the Dairy Story appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
A tax proposal that could put family farms at risk.
The post Concerns Over Stepped-up Basis appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
School out for the Summer for most students, but for a few FFA members, they’re still at it in anticipation for their upcoming state convention next month in Gatlinburg.
The post Continuing Education appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Ryan Bright of Loudon County was recently recognized at the June Dairy Month Kickoff as the Dairy Promoter of the Year.
The post Dairy Promoter of the Year appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
For 22 year-old Celina Menard of Greene County, the past year has definitely been a challenge just like it has for everyone.
The post Stronger on the Other Side appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Hay season is finally upon us and rakers and balers are moving all across the state as farmers begin the first cutting of hay.
The post Hay Season in Tennessee appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
A group of farm and livestock organizations met to find ways to improve cattle market transparency.
The post Discussing Cattle Market Transparency appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
The new Tyson Foods complex in Humboldt is now even closer to it’s startup as the ribbon-cutting ceremony was recently held on the Bloecher Farm broiler houses in Gibson County.
The post Ready To Bring In the Birds appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
The Tennessee Department of Agriculture and Walmart are teaming up with Tractor Supply and Tennessee Farmers Cooperative to make it more convienant to get the COVIV-19 vaccine.
The post Getting the Vaccine to Rural Tennessee appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
FFA means a lot to many of us who were blessed to be a part of the organization while students.
The post Benefiting from the Blue Jacket appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
The Biden Administration released its much anticipated 30×30 report.
The post 30×30 appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Tennessee native Dr. Robert Williams is back home in the volunteer state, serving as the department head of the University of Tennessee Food Science department in Knoxville. As a graduate of the program himself, Dr. Williams says he’s seen the department progress and grow.
The post A Program to Help Train the Next Generation of Food Industry Workers appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
After farming their Northeast Tennessee family farm for generations in Washington County, Joeseph Redman and the Eldridge family are now adjusting their operation by adding agritourism.
The post Preserving the Family Farm appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Rural areas have particularly felt impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic, prompting increased education about preventative measures, including vaccinations.
The post Covid Impacts and Continued Outreach in Rural America appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
The first session of the Tennessee General Assembly has adjourned and thankfully lawmakers have worked to keep our most important industry, agriculture, strong.
The post Strong Support for Rural Tennessee appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
The first session of the 112th Tennessee General Assembly is finishing up business this week on Capitol Hill in Nashville.
The post Lawmakers Finishing Their First Session appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
The American Farm Bureau Federation this week announced a directory of resources for farmers and ranchers struggling with stress and mental health.
The post Farm Bureau Providing Resources for Stress and Mental Health appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
If you like strawberries, this is the time of year for you. All across the state farms have opened to folks to come out and enjoy one of the true pleasures of nature.
The post Strawberry Heaven appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
The University of Tennessee has recently hired a new Extension specialist. Mitchell Richmond from Northeast Kentucky has experience in the industry and is looking forward to the new role.
The post Specializing in Tobacco appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture Sr. Vice Chancellor and Sr. Vice President Dr. Tim Cross has announced his intent to retire at the end of August after 27 successful years with the university.
The post A Lasting Legacy appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
The American Farm Bureau Federation is promoting ways to support and develop rural broadband.
The post Rural Broadband appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
The Tennessee Farm Bureau Women have been holding an annual essay contest for several years with the subject of Why is Agriculture Important and this year’s winner comes from Greene County.
The post Why Ag is Important appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
For American Farm Bureau president Zippy Duvall, meeting with, speaking to and listening to farmers at the grassroots level is vitally important to him and the success of Farm Bureau’s advocacy.
The post A Voice for the Grassroots appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
A new study shows the impact of eliminating the stepped-up basis tax provision.
The post Stepped-Up Basis appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
For Eric Snodgrass, talking about the weather is more than just a job, its a passion.
The post All About the Weather appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
On Earth Day and every day, our farmers across this great state are working to protect our natural resources and our national security by taking care of the land, water and air as they continue producing our food, fiber and fuel supply for this country and the world.
The post Sustaining Our Future Every Day appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
The cold air across the state for the next couple of days will cause some long nights for many of our commercial and hobby fruit crop growers.
The post Ole Man Winter Creeping Back In appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Food and agriculture entrepreneurs can apply to the 2022 Farm Bureau Ag Innovation Challenge.
The post Farm Bureau Ag Innovation Challenge appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
As row crop farmers continue to plant, they continue to look to the science of soil health and how cover crops are making a difference to their bottom line.
The post Focusing on Soil Health appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
With the rising value of timber and specific species of Tennessee timber already at a premium, thieves are taking advantage and actually cutting and stealing trees right off the landscape.
The post Timber Theft on the Rise in Tennessee appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
As essential workers, farmers and ranchers need quick access to the COVID-19 vaccine to ensure a stable food supply chain.
The post Getting the COVID-19 Vaccine to Farmers and Farm Workers appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
For Tennessee nursery growers, it’s a busy time of year but the cycle continues all year long.
The post Getting Those Plants Out appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
If you’ve looked at the forecast, you know this week is practically perfect for farmers planting and Josh Ogle, Lincoln County row crop farmer is looking forward to it.
The post Time to Plant appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Gov. Bill Lee and other state, local and federal officials were on hand for the grand opening of the Tyson Humboldt processing facility and are excited for what this means for our most important industry.
The post Tyson Investment a Shot in the Arm appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
A proposal to eliminate the stepped-up basis in agriculture would have a costly impact.
The post Stepped-Up Basis appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Tyson Foods is a step closer to operational at their new Humboldt processing facility that’s been three years in the making.
The post Finally a Ribbon Cutting for Tyson Humboldt appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
The President’s jobs plan would help rural residents and farmers to better connected with the world, virtually and physically.
The post Connecting Rural Residents appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Corn and Soybean plantings are expected higher in Tennessee but USDA predicts farmers will plant less nationwide than anticipated. Micheal Clements shares what this means for supply and demand.
The post Corn and Soybean Plantings Down Nationwide; Up in Tennessee appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall appearing virtually recently with Vice President Kamala Harris giving an update on the progression of vaccination’s in rural America and the need for farmers to get the vaccine for COVID-19.
The post Vaccinating to Protect Our Food Security appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Here in a few weeks a lot of us enjoy the sweet taste of home grown strawberries and later in the spring those Tennessee-grown peaches, but right now, farmers producing those crops have been hard at it trying to protect the delicate plants from this latest cold snap.
The post Protecting the Crop appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Tennessee State Representative Johnny Shaw of Bolivar was appointed by Speaker of the House Cameron Sexton to serve on the Agriculture and Rural Development Committee of the Southern Legislative Conference.
The post Appointed to Serve Our Most Important Industry appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Over the weekend, parts of Middle and East Tennessee were hit hard with storms, causing massive amounts of flooding and detrimental damage.
The post Rain, Rain and More Rain appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Hunter Grills of Dyer County was the winner of the Tennessee Young Farmers and Ranchers Achievement Award contest back in July and as the Young Farmer of the Year, Grills and his family receive a year’s lease on a CASE IH tractor.
The post Taking Home A Tractor appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Every ten years, we go through the process of counting ourselves through the U.S. Census. And afterwards, the state comptroller’s office studies and maps these numbers to draw new district lines.
The post Redistricting appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Farmers, 4-H and the FFA had the opportunity to address the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee this week in Nashville as part of the overall celebration of National Ag Week.
The post All About Ag appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
The agriculture industry is celebrating National Ag Week. As Micheal Clements shares, the week highlights the hard work by farmers and ranchers to keep Americans fed during the pandemic.
The post Celebrating National Ag Week appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
This week at the Nashville Farmers Market team RFD-TV took home the “Best of Show” award in the National Ag Day Omelet Cook-Off.
The post Cooking Up an Ag Day Celebration appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Gov. Bill Lee has proclaimed today as Agriculture Day in Tennessee as there’s no doubt it’s our number one industry, providing an economic impact of more than $80 billion each year and some 342,000 jobs.
The post It’s National Ag Day appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
All this week, we’re celebrating National Agriculture Week, and Tuesday is National Ag Day.
The post Celebrating Our Most Important Industry appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Tennessee is blessed to have an abundant number of farmers markets and since the onset of COVID-19, they have been elevated to perhaps an even higher status.
The post Farmers Markets Ready to Keep Growing appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Agricultural ecosystem credit markets are an emerging revenue stream, and Farm Bureau has recently begun to explore those markets through its Market Intel series.
The post Emerging Ecosystem Credit Markets for Agriculture appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Every year the Tennessee Young Farmers and Ranchers gather with folks from the Tennessee Council of Cooperatives to have their Young Leaders Conference, and this year, despite the ongoing pandemic and challenges there, it was still a great event for leadership development.
The post Young Leader Development appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
First responders from seven lower Middle Tennessee counties just completed a course on grain bin awareness and rescue training.
The post Grain Bin Safety appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
It has been years in the making and now it’s a reality. Vonore, TN-based manufacturer Genera is now producing takeout containers that originate from the farm.
The post To-Go Containers From the Farm appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
After 38 years at Tennessee Farmers Cooperative, CEO Bart Krisle is stepping down to enjoy more time with his family, but his time and memories at CO-OP will continue on.
The post Thankful to the Serve the Ag Industry appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Representative Curtis Halford, state House member and Chairman of the Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee, understands agriculture is our most important industry and even still, understands agriculture needs a voice in Nashville.
The post The Voice of Agriculture in Nashville appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Recently, leaders of the state’s ag and forestry industry came together in person in Lebanon for the third annual Ag Industry Partners meeting.
The post Ag Industry on the Same Page appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
The Madison County Farm Bureau along Valley View Agri Systems has donated over $6,800 to the Madison County Fire Department for grain bin rescue and training equipment.
The post Safety on the Farm appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
USDA’s returning Secretary of Agriculture is returning to the agency with a greater appreciation for issues like trade.
The post Vilsack Returns with Greater Appreciation for Trade appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Every ten years, we go through the process of counting ourselves through the U.S. Census. And afterwards, the state comptroller’s office studies and maps these numbers to draw new district lines.
The post Redrawing the Lines appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
A veterinarian, beef industry partner and expert in teaching and community engagement, Dr. Ashley Stokes has officially taken the lead as the new Dean of UT Extension.
The post A New Face to UT Extension appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Governor Bill Lee continues his recognition and unwavering support for the state’s ag industry.
The post Ag Support from the Top appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Tennessee’s 6th District Congressman John Rose, now in his 2nd term in Congress was recently recognized by the Tennessee Council of Cooperatives for the job he’s done and is doing to promote our most important industry.
The post Congressman Rose Still Advocating for Agriculture appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall told lawmakers farmers are part of the solution to climate change.
The post A Unique Position appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
With the state capitol and legislative office still under Covid protocol, Farm Bureau leaders across the state are connecting to their lawmakers virtually.
The post Virtual Legislative Visits appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
University of Tennessee at Martin Chancellor Dr. Keith Carver talks about the student experience under the pandemic.
The post Adapting to the New University Experience appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Even though the FFA Goodwill Tour is a little different with the pandemic, the message for support is still strong.
The post FFA Goodwill Tour appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Farmers must pay H-2A workers more in 2021, as defined by a report from the Department of Agriculture. Micheal Clements shares what this means for agricultural employers.
The post Wage Increases for H-2A Workers appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
A drop in government payments to farmers will cause a drop in overall farm sector income this year.
The post Farm Income Projections Down, Outlook Up appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
What are the agricultural impacts of expanding extreme cold weather? Stephanie Ho has the story.
The post Winter Finally Hitting Hard All Over appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Sometimes it takes events like this week’s winter weather to really appreciate the job of our electric companies.
The post Keeping the Power appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
West and Middle Tennessee farmers have been hit pretty hard this week with snow, sleet and extremely cold weather conditions and that means a lot of extra care for their livestock.
The post Farmers Protecting Their Livestock appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
A new Farm Bureau analysis offers a look at carbon sequestration by agriculture in the United States. Micheal Clements shares how the data reveals agriculture needs new technologies to advance sequestration efforts.
The post More Research Needed appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Tennessee’s 7th District Congressman Mark Green says he’s working to listen and support Tennessee farmers.
The post Listening to the Concerns of Farmers appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Its not everyday that a new tractor shows up on the farm, but that’s exactly the case for 29-year old Kary Robinson of Franklin County.
The post A New Tractor on the Farm appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
This week Governor Bill Lee delivered his state of the state address to state lawmakers and part of his budget proposals submitted are earmarked to invest in rural Tennessee.
The post Investment for Rural Tennessee appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Farm bankruptcies declined in 2020. However, as Micheal Clements shares, that doesn’t necessarily mean the outlook for agriculture is improving.
The post Caution Still Needed appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Just looking at the upcoming forecast will make you shiver, as cold temperatures are expected throughout the week, and for farmers, this means extra care for livestock.
The post Preparing for the Cold appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
This week hundreds of farmers would have attended the West Tennessee Grain Conference in Dyersburg as in years past in person, but because of the pandemic, hundreds of farmers were able to successfully attend virtually.
The post Adapting to the Environment appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
One food safety expert says the food safety practices of many of us on Super Bowl Sunday might need further review. Gary Crawford has more.
The post Food Safety Measures for Super Sunday appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
President Joe Biden’s nominee for Agriculture Secretary holds some of the same goals as the American Farm Bureau Federation. Micheal Clements shares what issues the administration will tackle.
The post Similar Priorities for Farm Bureau, Vilsack appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Regardless of whether the groundhog sees his shadow or not, our farmers are gearing up for another planting season, but they will be mindful of the weather.
The post Many Farmers Looking to Spring appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Farmers like Jason Head of Montgomery County are concerned whether their H-2A workers from South Africa would be allowed to come to the U.S. given the travel ban now in place.
The post U.S. Farmers Remain Hopeful for South African Workers appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
China purchased near record levels of U.S. farm products last year and that pace continues so far in 2021.
The post Trade with China appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture has launched its new Tennessee Master Row Crop Certification program across the state. Tennessee Master Row Crop Certification
The post Mastering Our Tennessee Crops appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
The Department of Agriculture has updated the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program to provide relief to more producers. Micheal Clements shares who can apply for the relief.
The post Contract Growers Eligible for CFAP appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
The circumstances of a pandemic led the beef industry to shift its marketing and promotion focus on sales over the meat counter of grocery stores and supermarkets. Rod Bain reports.
The post Beef’s Refocus on the Retail Meat Section appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
The American Farm Bureau Federation released a report detailing how USDA NASS can improve accuracy and farmer confidence in survey results.
The post Reporting Back appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Last year at the onset of the pandemic, we all saw empty meat counters at local grocery stores, and that caused the demand on local meat processors to skyrocket.
The post Meat Processors Hopeful Trends Continue appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
The Biden Administration takes over in Washington and ag groups like Farm Bureau are hoping the transition is seamless for America’s farmers and ranchers.
The post Building Stronger Relationships for Agriculture appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
The latest update to the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program includes expanded eligibility for some commodities.
The post USDA Expands Eligibility for CFAP appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
The American Farm Bureau Federation is supporting Feeding America through sales of the #StillFarming to Feed America t-shirts.
The post Still Farming to Feed America appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Farm Bureau delegates voted on policy priorities for 2021 at the conclusion of the American Farm Bureau Federation Virtual Annual Convention. Micheal Clements shares what issues top the list for the new year.
The post Farm Bureau Sets Policy Objectives for the Year appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
The American Farm Bureau has adopted their policy resolutions for the year after more than 350 delegates from across the county met virtually in their business session.
The post A Policy Voice for All of Agriculture appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
The American Farm Bureau convention this year is almost complete and while farmers were hoping to be in-person at the 102nd annual meeting, COVID-19 caused it to go virtual.
The post A Virtual Success appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Cannon County’s Lou Nave has been elected once again to serve on the American Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Committee.
The post Sharing a Passion for Agriculture appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Normally farmer delegates from all across the country would be gathering for the American Farm Bureau convention but because of the pandemic it was moved to an all virtual event.
The post Closing the Gap appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
The farm economy outlook is improving thanks to trade, COVID-19 relief, and a market rally.
The post Farm Economy Outlook in 2021 appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Farmers in Henderson County are looking to diversify and take advantage of a new market opportunity for poultry farming.
The post Farmers Hope to Expand Poultry in Henderson County appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
The American Farm Bureau Federation will kick off its virtual annual convention this weekend.
The post Join AFBF’s Convention This Weekend appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Why do many of us fail to keep our New Year’s resolution to start exercising? Gary Crawford has an expert with the answer.
The post Keeping That New Year’s Resolution appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Weakley County farmer Andy Holt has taken a position with the Tennessee Department of Agriculture as Director of Business Development.
The post Building on Tennessee’s Top Industry appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
The American Farm Bureau Federation is looking ahead to the 117th Congress. Chad Smith has more on AFBF’s priorities in the new year.
The post Farm Bureau Priorities for the New Congress appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Today, a lot of us are hoping the start of the new year will bring better days as we all look towards containment of the coronavirus.
The post New Year’s on the Farm appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
If we’ve heard it once, we’ve heart it a thousand times – 2020 has been a tough year.
The post Hoping for a Better Year appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Registration is now open for the 2021 American Farm Bureau Federation Virtual Annual Convention.
The post Register for Farm Bureau’s Virtual Convention appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Tennessee Commissioner of Agriculture Dr. Charlie Hatcher reflects on the year in agriculture.
The post What a Year for Agriculture in 2020 appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
If you’re a cattle producer and looking for a better herd bull, the UT Bull Test Sale is coming up January 14.
The post A New Bull for the New Year appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
This year, Christmas is definitely a lot more special for Robert and Shelia Earhart of Sullivan County.
The post Thankful at Christmas appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Faith is guiding Gov. Bill Lee for his hope of a better Tennessee.
The post Hope Still Remains at Christmas appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
The last-minute COVID-19 relief package passed by Congress includes some much-needed assistance for agriculture. Micheal Clements shares what the $13 billion bill has to offer for farmers and ranchers.
The post COVID Package Includes Relief for Agriculture appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
A new grant from USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service is available to help modernize and diversify Tennessee dairies. Tennessee Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives Grant
The post Funds Available to Improve Tenn. Dairies appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
A new economic report has been published by the UT Institute of Agriculture as part of the state’s overall economic report to the governor that reveals the impact of COVID-19. An Economic Report to the Governor of the State of Tennessee
The post COVID-19 Impact to Tennessee Ag appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Tim Held, Tennessee 4-H’s State Council President from Bradley County, has been positively impacted by the youth organization ever since he began his involvement in the 7th grade.
The post Introvert to Extrovert appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Is there a lawn and gardening enthusiast on your gift list this Christmas? Need some cool gift ideas? There are a few in this report from USDA’s Gary Crawford.
The post Goodies and Gifties for Gardening Gurus appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Whether its cattle, sheep and goats, hogs or equine, farm families in all 95 counties are dependent on the income from these animals and helping to protect and promote the industry is the Animal Agriculture Alliance.
The post A Voice for Animal Agriculture appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
As 2020 draws to a close, the United States is busy working to improve things on the trade front for American farmers. Chad Smith has more on the trade situation between the U.S. and several partners.
The post Trade Activity Buzzing for U.S. Ag appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Marshall County’s Doug Giles has been selected to chair the Tennessee Farm Bureau’s Young Farmers and Ranchers State Committee for 2021.
The post A New Chairman for Tennessee Young Farmers appeared first on Tennessee Farm Bureau.