More than 1,600 farmers from across the state gathered in Franklin December 2-5 for Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation’s 102nd annual meeting. The group recognized and presented awards to outstanding county Farm Bureaus, honored board and staff retirees and adopted policy resolutions for the upcoming year and elected the state board of directors.
“It was so great to see all our folks from across the state at our 102nd annual convention,” said Tennessee Farm Bureau President Eric Mayberry, who was re-elected for his second term as state president. “Our grassroots leaders showed up and it was such a special time to be thankful and reflect on our successful year but also look forward to what is ahead for our organization in 2024.”
Session speakers included Icey-Tek President Patrick Mudge, State Rep. Rebecca Alexander, State Rep. Johnny Shaw, State Comptroller Jason Mumpower, Secretary of State Tre Hargett, State Treasurer David Lillard and University of Tennessee at Knoxville Associate Vice Chancellor Dr. Lynne E. Parker. Tennessee Governor Bill Lee also addressed the group and shared his appreciation for the organization’s values and influence on Tennessee’s number one and most important industry, agriculture.
“I’m grateful for the philosophy and belief system this organization stands on,” said Gov. Lee. “It matters a lot. It matters a lot to the people of Tennessee and it means a lot to the future of this country.”
During the annual business session, 255 delegates debated policy proposals and passed resolutions to guide and direct the organization in 2024 at the state and federal levels. Some of the topics discussed were farm policy related to private property rights, education and taxes.
Upon the retirement of Catherine Via of Crockett County as one of three directors-at- large on the state board, the delegate body re-elected directors-at-large Charlie Hancock of Stewart County and David Richesin of Loudon County and elected Todd Littleton of Gibson County. Todd and his wife, Kristin, are third generation row crop farmers where they raise corn, wheat, soybeans and also pullets for Tyson, and have been involved in the organization for the past 21 years.
Other directors re-elected by the voting delegates: president – Eric Mayberry of Humphreys County; vice president – James Haskew of Marion County; district directors – John Chester of Weakley County (District I), Josh Ogle of Lincoln County (District II), Travis Tilley of Roane County (District III), Mike Scudder of Smith County (District IV) and Terry Snyder of Johnson County (District V); and state women’s chair Brenda Baker. Robert Hill was also selected as the new state Young Farmer and Rancher chair and will serve as an ex-officio director alongside Keith Carver, University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture senior vice president/vice chancellor, who also serves as an ex-officio director on the Tennessee Farm Bureau Board of Directors.
“The fact that we have three delegates from all 95 counties sit down in one room and eventually leave with one mind and one agreement on our policy for the coming year is a testament to the foundation our forefathers created 102 years ago,” said President Mayberry. “I’m proud of the convention we’ve had this week, the policy adopted and the commitment we have to bettering the lives of farmers and rural people across the state.”