Yearly Archives: 2012
New Year’s on the Farm
Spending New Year’s on the farm is a special time but chores are still a priority.
Increases in Food Prices for 2013
The full impacts of the nation’s drought on food prices are expected to be felt in 2013. Rod Bain reports.
New Life for Your Christmas Tree
Even though Christmas is over, your Christmas tree still has a part to play in the environment.
Looking back at TN Agriculture in 2012
As we begin to close out another year, we recently talked with Tennessee Commissioner of Agriculture Julius Johnson to get his reflections.
Christmas on the Farm
Christmas is a special time for many folks, but especially for those on our farms across the state.
He’s Checking it Twice
It’s Christmas Eve and the legend makes another ride tonight…as he does, USDA’s Gary Crawford gives us a background check on Ole St. Nick.
Winter Forecast
Farmers Almanac editor Pete Geiger gives his Winter and Spring weather predictions.
A Pretty Good Year for TN Christmas Tree Farmers
TN Christmas tree farmers have had a pretty good year so far with sales even though many are still feeling the effects fo the...
EPA Pledges no new Farm Dust Regulations
The EPA has kept its word about farm dust regulations. and that’s a big relief for a lot of farmers and ranchers.
Pick TN Products for Christmas
Christmas is upon us but it’s not too late to find that perfect gift straight from a Tennessee farm.
Real Christmas Trees Gain Popularity
After a banner season in 2011, Christmas tree farmers are taking actions to help even more of us buy a real tree this year.
Buying Local Year Round
Buying local isn’t just a seasonal thing. You can still purchase items at many local farmers markets or direct off the farm during cold...
Holiday Traditions Offer Boost to Livestock Farmers
Think about your favorite holiday traditions. There’s a good chance that at least one of them involves food. American Farm Bureau economist John...
Mississippi River Vital to Economy
THIS YEAR’S DEVASTATING DROUGHT AND THE ANTIQUATED LOCKS AND DAMS ALONG THE MISS. RIVER HAVE CREATED BARGE TRAFFIC PROBLEMS FOR SOME TIME AND...
Biofuels Important to Military
The world’s biggest user of petroleum wants to diversify its fuel options. American Farm Bureau energy specialist Andrew Walmsley talks about why that’s good...
Gov. Haslam Addresses Farm Leaders
Gov. Bill Haslam spoke to the voting delegates at the Tennessee Farm Bureau convention and told the group he wants to see the Ag...
New Farm Income Forecast for 2012
It looks like the U.S. farm sector’s income for this year may be less than some had been predicting. Gary Crawford has this report
91st Tennessee Farm Bureau Convention
Tennessee Farm Bureau leaders hold their business session and select a new vice president, at-large director.
91st Tennessee Farm Bureau Convention
Farmers gather in Franklin for the 91st Tennessee Farm Bureau convention.
Beekeeping on the Rise
The number of Tennessee beekeepers has increased the past year.
Wrapping Up Harvest
Harvest of Tennessee’s major row crops is winding down fast as producers faced another challenging weather year.
Ag in the Classroom
The Ag in the Classroom program has been helping Tennessee school children better understand the importance of agriculture for nearly 30 years.
Consumer Food Prices Maybe Trending Up
Drought and rising farm product prices may be starting to affect what consumers pay for food.
Safety tips for Holiday Lighting
As technology has advanced, so has the energy efficiency and overall safety of Christmas and holiday lighting displays.
Thanksgiving on the Farm
Hear how Tennessee farmers celebrate Thanksgiving.
Thankful Farmers
Tennessee farmers have had a challenging year on the farm, but most are thankful it wasn’t any worse.
PNTR for Russia One Step Closer
Making trade with Russia easier could be a nice boost for the U.S. economy. According to American Farm Bureau Trade Specialist Dave Salmonsen, that’s...
Holiday Food Safety
Food safety experts this time of year get a wide range of questions on how to safely prepare and handle that holiday meal.
Focus on Lame Duck Session
Lots of issues important to agriculture need to be addressed during the lame duck session of Congress before the end of the year.
President, Congress hope to Work Together
President Obama held his first news conference since the election and mention the importance of agriculture and working together.
Land Judging
FFA and 4-H members participated in their annual State Land Judging contest at the Highland Rim Research and Education Center in Springfield.
Storing, Maintaining Disaster Kits
Keeping a disaster kit available for everyone in your family is critical. Here’s tips on storing and maintaing those emergency kits.
River Exports
Members of the American Farm Bureau’s Trade Advisory committee recently toured parts of the Mississippi River and the Panama Canal to better understand the...
Slight Increase for Thanksgiving Dinner
The American Farm Bureau’s annual Thanksgiving Meal survey shows only a 1 percent increase from last year for a feast for 10.
It’s a FACCT
The Farm Animal Care Coaltion of Tennessee (FACCT) is working to share the positive story about the importance of animal agriculture in Tennessee.
Hoping for more Bipartisianship
After this year’s elections, TFBF President Lacy Upchurch is hopeful that President Obama and Congress can work better together to address the needs of...
A Good Time to be in Agriculture
Secretary of AgricultureTom Vilsak says agriculture is one of the brightest spots of our economy and encourages young people to consider a career in...
Rural Vote Matters
No matter where you live your vote counts, but its especially true for rural residents.
Country Classroom
Maury County 3rd graders experience hands-on activities during their favorite field trip of the year to their annual Country Classroom.
One Food Item Actually Costs Less This Year
There’s one food group at the supermarket that is actually costing less than it did last year.
Fincher Receives Friend of Farm Bureau Award
Tennessee’s 8th District Congressman Stephen Fincher was recently recognized with a Friend of Farm Bureau award. The award goes to members of Congress that...
Ag in the Classroom
The Ag in the Classroom program has been helping Tennessee school children better understand the importance of agriculture for nearly 30 years.
Blackburn Receives Friend of Farm Bureau Award
Rep. Marsha Blackburn (TN – 7th) received the “Friend of Farm Bureau” recogintion based on her voting record in the 112th Congress on key...
Case IH Delivers another Tractor
Tennessee’s 2012 Young Farmers of the Year, Josh and Julieanna Ogle of Lincoln County, received one of their prizes, a brand new Case IH...
Congress Must Halt Tax Hike
You may have a plan for paying for the holiday presents you’ll buy this year, but have you planned for how you’ll afford the...
Fall Fun on the Farm
A great time this fall for families to visit a Tennessee farm and enjoy the corn mazes, pumpkin patches, haunted hay rides and even...
Fall Fun on the Farm
A great time for families to visit a Tennessee farm this fall during the height of the agritourism season. You can go through a...
Beekeeping on the Rise
Just five years ago there was a strong concern over the lack of honey bees. And while that is still a concern, the growth...
Tobacco Crop Looks Good
Despite the many challenges Tennessee tobacco farmers faced this year, they still have a pretty good crop to harvest.
No Bacon Shortage
You will be able to get that bacon cheeseburger you want according to American Farm Bureau Economist John Anderson and Missouri Hog Farmer Chris...
Consider Planting Trees, Shrubs this Fall
There are many benefits of planting trees and shrubs now versus next Spring.
Tennessee Association of Utility Districts
Bob Freudenthal, Exec. Director of the Tennessee Association of Utility Districts, talks about the importance of having and maintaining clean drinking water throughout the...
Under Secretary Discusses Rural Water
USDA Under Secretary for Rural Development Dallas Tonsager attended the National Rural Water Association meeting in Nashville and talked about the importance of having...
Farm Bill On Hold Again
With Congress now adjourned until after the November elections, farmers are still hopeful they will pass a new Farm Bill in the ‘lame duck’...
YF&R Fall Tour
The annual Young Farmers and Ranchers Fall Tour kicks off today in Greeneville, Tennessee where farmers from all over the state gather to learn...
A Tip for Livestock Producers – Keep Good Records
Having accurate and timely records will be a great aid to livestock producers dealing with loss or challenge due to a natural disaster.
Farmers Anticipate a Bumper Pumpkin Crop
There are already lots of decorations out for the fall harvest season and many U.S. pumpkin farmers are anticipating a bumper crop.
The Factors Behind Fall Color Change
Another change in the weather this week as we approach the beginning of fall…with that change come two factors that determine the leaves on...
National Farm Safety Week
Safety on the farm is important to everyone, and there are some basic steps you can do to ensure your farm is safe.
Farmers Rally for a Farm Bill Now
Grassroots was seen at its finest in our nation’s captiol recently when farmers from across the nation gathered to make sure their voices where...
State’s Largest Classroom for Agriculture
The Tennessee State Fair is going on this week and the past several years it has been the site of the state’s largest Ag...
Concerns Over Low Water on Mighty Mississippi
Low water levels on Mississippi River are slowing cargo up and down the nation’s most important waterway.
West Nile Virus
The West Nile Virus outbreak is due in part to an increase in mosquitoes. USDA’S Rod Bain has the story.
Record Net Farm Income Projected
Income prospects for the farm sector are looking much better than they did only six months ago. Gary Crawford has the latest USDA income...
Farmers Urging Congress to End Estate Taxes
Farmers in Tennessee and nationwide are hoping to end the federal inheritance tax, also known as the “death tax” on family-owned farms.
Holiday Food Safety
When traveling this holiday season, plan ahead for perishable food safety with multiple coolers, ice, and gel packs.
MTSU’s Ag Program Still Growing
Genuine interest and diversity of careers in the agribusiness industry are helping to boost MTSU’s agriculture program, along with university investments like new dairy...
Farmers Almanac Weather Predictions
The most recent edition of the Farmers Almanac predicts this year’s winter will be wet and chilly with a possible frost before Christmas and...
Concerns Over New School Lunch Menu
The new maximum calorie requirements in the school lunch program are leaving some kids hungry, specifically junior high and high schoolers who are active...
Black Vultures Serious Threat to Livestock
Aggressive black vultures that hunt on calves are becoming a major problem for Tennessee’s livestock producers.
Growth of TN Sheep Industry
In the past few years, the TN sheep industry has taken off, with no sign of declining any time soon.
Drought Relief Assistance from NRCS
With the effects of this year’s drought, west Tennessee is receiving much-needed help from the NRCS. The organization is providing $16 million in...
Changes in School Meals
Students heading to school this fall will see menu changes in the cafeteria, due to new government guidelines for nutrition in schools. Some...
Drought Hurting Barge Traffic
The current drought is affecting some of the nation’s major waterways, like the Mississippi river, which are used heavily for agricultural import and...
Farm Voices Need to be Heard this Election Season
Primaries are through in the state and election campagins are heating up for that all important November election day – and the farmers voice...
Rural Coops an Important Part of Our Nation
Coops are in integral part of rural America, and as a farmer, it’s becoming more important than ever to stay active in your local...
Agriculture and the Environment Go Hand-in-Hand
Farms are some of the most environmentally friendly people you will ever meet, making their land and surroundings better for generations to come.
Farm Safety During Harvest Season
As you travel the roadways of Tennessee this fall season, beware of tractors and combines who will be sharing the road with you on...
Drought Has Lasting Effect
Widespread heat and drought reflected in USDA’s crop report
Drought Has Lasting Effect
Widespread heat and drought across the U.S. is reflected in the August Crop Production Reports.
Early Harvest
Harvest of this year’s crop has already begun in West Tennessee, earlier than anyone can ever remember.
72nd TN Farm Bureau Presidents Conference
Farmers across the state gathered in Middle Tennessee to get updated on current farm issues and networking with others with similar interests.
Farmers Getting Their Message Out
With Congress now into their August Recess, Tennessee and American famers are hoping to get a message to lawmakers that they need a Farm...
Farm Bill Outlook
Before they went home for their August recess, the U.S. House of Representatives voted on Disaster Assistance for livestock producers. American Farm Bureau Policy...
Irrigated Acres Increase
Although irrigation is expensive, this year’s drought reminded farmers of the long-term benefits and worthwhile end result of having an irrigation system.
Goat Industry Continues Growth
Tennessee is the second-largest producer of meat goats in the nation, and now many farmers are starting to raise their own flocks of goats....
Advice for filing Crop Insurance
Because of the potential crop loss due of this year’s drought, USDA gives advice to producers on crop insurance.
Farmers vs. Hunger
Tennessee farmers come together to help provide meals for those in need in rural areas with food insecurity.
Pass a Farm Bill Now
Agriculture secretary is passing harder for a new farm bill due to the extensive drought and its impact on agriculture.