Yearly Archives: 2013
“Farm Watch” Program Targets Ag Crimes
ALL ACROSS THE RURAL AREAS OF TENNESSEE, THERE CONTINUES TO BE CONCERNS OVER AGRICULTURAL CRIME. BUT DYER COUNTY SHERIFF JEFF BOX AND THE COUNTY...
FFA Year Kicking Off
A new school year brings on excitment for FFA members.
Mother Nature Providing Irrigation This Season
HERE IN TENN. WE ARE BLESSED TO HAVE SOME OF THE BEST FARMERS IN THE COUNTRY, AND THIS YEAR, AT LEAST FOR NOW, A REALLY...
White House Report on Immigration Reform
The White House has just released a new report on immigration reform. USDA’s Gary Crawford explains.
Farmers Markets Overflowing
ALL ACROSS THE STATE, THOSE GARDENS ARE STARTING TO REALLY PUSH OUT THE PRODUCE. AND CONSUMERS ARE REAPING THE FRESH REWARDS. AND ITS NOTICEABLE...
New Soybean Pest
A pest of soybeans in the deep South is rapidly on the move to other soybean areas. Gary Crawford has more.
If You Like Peaches…
Fresh, juicy peaches. One of the most delicious things about summer. But South Carolina peach farmer Chalmers Carr explains that without the foreign workers...
Rutherford County Couple Named Young Farmers of the Year
Brandon and Katherine Whitt of Rutherford County were named as the Tennessee Farm Bureau’s Outstanding Young Farmer and Rancher Achievment Award winners.
Keeping the Stats
Just how much do you know about USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service?
House Passes “Farm Bill Farm Bill”
IT USED TO BE MUCH EASIER TO GET A FARM BILL PASSED, BUT NOT THIS ONE.
Organic Tobacco
A Dickson County Young Farmer is trying something new this year, organic burley and dark tobacco.
TVA Working to Control Flood Waters
MOST EVERYONE IN TENN HAS BEEN IMPACTED IN SOMEWAY FROM ALL THE UNUSAL AMOUNT OF RAINFALL THIS YEAR. AND TVA HAS BEEN WORKING TO...
Young Farmer Challenges
Tenn. Young Farmers face many challenges to stay profitable and remain on the farm.
Tenn. Jr. Beef Expo
Tenn’s 42nd Annual Junior Beef Exposition.
A New Crop of Rice
ROW CROP FARMER DOUG SINGLETEARY AND HIS FAMILY AT CHILDRESS FARMS IN DYER COUNTY HAVE ADDED A NEW CROP TO THEIR OPERATION THIS YEAR.
Rain, Flood waters Impacting Farmers
AFTER LAST WEEK’S HEAVY RAINFALL EVENT IN MIDDLE AND EAST TN, FARMERS ARE STILL FEELING THE EFFECTS.
Bees Hoping for Sunshine
IT CONTINUES TO BE A TOUGH YEAR ON BEEKEEPERS. JUST LIKE WITH ROW CROP FARMERS, ALL THE WET WEATHER OVER THE PAST COUPLE OF...
Good Bugs?
NOT ALL INSECTS ARE BAD, Some insects help us in our daily lives in a variety of ways. USDA’S Rod Bain HAS THE STORY.
Great American Cookout
THE AMERICAN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION IS serving up a July 4th Picnic Survey for you to devour.
What is a Farmer?
WHAT IS A FARMER IS THE QUESTION THAT WAS RECENTLY POSED TO 7TH GRADERS ACROSS THE STATE FOR THE TENNESSEE FARM BUREAU’S ANNUAL ESSAY...
Reach to Recovery
For more than 40 years, the American Cancer Society’s Reach to Recovery program has helped BOTH MEN AND WOMEN cope with their breast cancer...
The Queen of Fruits
UT FRUIT SPECIALIST DR. DAVID LOCKWOOD SAYS TN’S PEACH CROP IS TURNING OUT VERY GOOD THIS SUMMER.
Immigration Bill Clears Senate
Historic passage of comprhehensive immigration reform in U.S.Senate now headed to the House.
Commodities for Communities
Hear how producers in West Tenn. are giving back part of their harvest to help their communities.
Eating Your Vegetables
THERE’S A CONTINUED TREND OF MORE FOLKS GROWING MORE VEGETABLES FOR THEMSELVES IN THEIR OWN GARDENS AND SOME TAKING IT A STEP FURTHER, PRODUCING...
Farmers Markets continue Popularity
Farmers Markets across the state are thriving as more folks look to buy local.
Wheat Harvest Finally gets on Track
THE WAY REPORTS ARE COMING IN ACROSS THE STATE, PRODUCERS ARE CUTTING A REALLY GOOD WHEAT CROP.
House Defeats Farm Bill
COMING OFF THE RECENT PASSAGE OF THE FARM BILL BY THE U.S. SENATE, THERE WAS MUCH ANTICIPATION FOR THE SAME IN THE HOUSE OF...
Back Yard Gardens
CLOSE TO TWO HUNDRED FOLKS ATTENDED THE ANNUAL FRUITS OF THE BACK YARD FIELD DAY AT THE MIDDLE TN RESEARCH AND EDUCATION CENTER IN...
TN FFA Chapters on West Tour
FOUR FFA CHAPTERS IN WEST TENNESSEE HEADED OUT RECENTLY WITH THE GO FFA PROGRAM TO TEXAS AND OKLAHOMA TO FIND OUT WHAT AGRICULTURE WAS...
TN Chamber, Farmers Urge Passage of Immigration Reform
The Tennessee Chamber of Commerce and Industry along with TN Farm Bureau leader urging Congress to pass Immigration Reform bill.
Senate Passes Farm Bill
PASSAGE OF A NEW FARM BILL BY THE U.S. SENATE HAS THE FARM COMMUNITY EXCITED THAT THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES WILL SOON DO THE...
Rutherford Co Young Farmer a PAL
RUTHERFORD COUNTIES BRANDON WHITT HAS BEEN IN NEW YORK CITY THIS WEEK AS PART OF A SPECIAL GROUP OF YOUNG AGRICULTURAL LEADERS FROM ACROSS...
Senate Passes Farm Bill
PASSAGE OF A NEW FARM BILL BY THE U.S. SENATE HAS THE FARM COMMUNITY EXCITED THAT THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES WILL SOON DO THE...
Immigration Bill Ramps Up in Washington
As the initial farm bill debate winds down in the Senate, S. 744, the Border Security, Economic Opportunity and Immigration Modernization Act, takes the...
Governor’s School for Ag
32 high school students from across the state are taking part in the Governor’s School for the Agricultural Sciences at UT Martin this summer.
National Leadership Forum
The National Leadership Forum happens around this time each year in Searcy, Arkansas on the campus of Harding University. High school students from all...
Cattle Numbers Decline
Dr. Andrew Griffith of the University of Tenn. talks about the declining inventory numbers for cattle and calves.
D-Day and Farmers
The nation’s farmers helped to make D-Day, and the entire World War II effort, a success.
Expanded TPP is a Big Deal for Agriculture
New trade negotiations with one of the world’s biggest economies could lead to good things for U.S. agriculture and the nation’s overall economy.
June Dairy Month
The annual Tennessee June Dairy Month promotion kicked off the month of celebration of the dairy industry at Ellington Agricultural Center.
Honoring Those Who Serve
IF IT WERE’NT FOR THE THOUSANDS OF SERVICE MEN AND WOMEN WHO DIED FOR THIS COUNTRY, WE WOULDN’T HAVE THE FREEDOMS WE ENJOY TODAY...
Produce Farmers Slow Start
The same weather that’s been holding back row crop producers is having the same impact on produce farmers.
Keeping Ticks Away
Tick populations are expanding, causing more worries about Lyme disease. Gary Crawford has an expert with some tips for keeping ticks off of you.
UT Gardens now State Botanical Gardens
THIS SPRING THE TENN. GENERAL ASSEMBLY PASSED A BILL THAT DESIGNATES THE University of Tennessee Gardens as the official state botanical garden.
Water Resources Development Act
The Senate is on a roll! In this case, rolling down the river by passing it’s version of the Water Resources Development Act.
Comparing the Senate/House Farm Bills
The American Farm Bureau compares the House and Senate Ag Committees versions of the Farm Bill.
UT Extension Value
The economic impact of the University of Tennessee Extension Service is paying off big dividends for all citizens of Tennessee.
The Future of Farming
TN’S 8TH DISTRICT CONGRESSMAN STEVEN FINCHER, A MEMBER OF THE HOUSE AGRICULTURE COMMITTEE IS AMONG THOSE MEMBERS WORKING TO WRITE A NEW 5-YEAR FARM...
Teach the Children Well
THE SCHOOL BELL’S ARE ABOUT TO RING THE FINAL TIME FOR MANY KIDS ACROSS TENNESSEE THIS SPRING AND THEY’RE OFF FOR THE SUMMER. BUT...
Gov. Vetoes Livestock Protection Act
Gov. Haslam has vetoed the Livestock Protection Act; bill sponsors say they will address concerns and bring it back.
Too Much Mulch
A landscape expert says most of us go way overboard on applying mulch around trees and shrubs.
Wake Up With Al
NBC’s Al Roker spent his morning on the Hatcher Family Dairy in College Grove as part of the Today Show’s ‘Wake Up With Al’...
Senate to vote on Infrastructure Improvments
Do you think we’d have the biggest economy in the world if we were still using Model Ts and biplanes to get around? Well,...
Another Challenging Planting Season
Corn planting across Tennessee has been delayed again from more wet weather, but there’s still hope of getting the crop in.
Favorite Field Trip: Farm Day
One of the best field trips of the year for Tennessee elementary students is when they visit a farm.
FFA Plant Sales
AG STUDENTS AT DYER COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL HAVE ONCE AGAIN GOT THEIR GREEN THUMBS GOING THIS SPRING AS THEY HAVE GROWN THOUSANDS OF PLANTS...
Poultry Industry’s Impact
Tennessee’s poultry industry has expanded in recent years to be valued at $4.8 billion and that’s helping family farms stay on the farm.
Service Time for the Home AC Unit
Your home air conditioning unit may need a little work before it starts its summer job. Gary Crawford has more
A Voice for Annexation Laws
STATE REP. MIKE CARTER OF OOTEWAH SAYS LEGISLATION THAT HE SPONSORED THIS YEAR IN THE TENN. GENERAL ASSEMBLY ADDRESSES AN ANNEXATION ISSUE THAT ALLOWED...
TN FFA Officers
Newly elected TN FFA officers: West TN Vice President, Treasurer.
Blanket of Protection
THIS TIME OF YEAR ONE OF THE BEST THINGS ABOUT SPRING IN TENNESSEE IS POPPING UP ALL AROUND, FRESH STRAWBERRIES. AND UNFORTUNATELY, FARMERS THAT...
TN Division of Forestry
Jere Jeter heads up the Tennessee Division of Forestry.
Rising Farmland Values
The rapidly rising value of farmland has many people concerned about what will happen if those prices collapse.
Lessons from the Garden
Students at Riverside Elementary in Columbia planted their own garden at school thanks to an Outdoor Garden grant from TN Ag In The Classroom....
Immigration Reform a Big Deal for Agriculture
It has a long way to become law, but the introduction of a bipartisan immigration reform bill is a big deal for U.S. agriculture....
Stopping Animal Cruelty Quickly
Bill passes TN General Assembly that requires anyone intentionally photographing animal cruelty to hand over evidence to law enforcement authorities within 48 hours.
Road Safety for Farm Equipment
Caution urged for farmers and the public as farm equipment moving up and down roadways during planting season.
Corn Planting Waits on Mother Nature
Tennessee corn farmers have been waiting for some time for the ground to dry enough to get this year’s crop in the ground.
Tax Day Reminder for Tax Reform
As most folks had to file their tax returns this week, the American Farm Bureau wants to remind law makers about changes that would...
Logger Recognized by TN General Assembly
Sam & Jennifer Trott of Trott Lumber Company in Shelbyville were recognized this spring by the Tennessee General Assembly with a resolution for their...
Cooperatively Sharing Agriculture’s Story
TENNESSEE FARMERS COOPERATIVE HEADQUARTERED IN LAVERGNE, TN, IS NOW IN ITS 67TH YEAR OF SERVICE TO ITS FARMER MEMBERS ACROSS THE STATE. BUT THEY...
AFBF Farm Bill Proposal
Congress has to start all over again on writing a new farm bill. With a tighter budget it’s that much harder. The American Farm Bureau...
TN 5th Graders Help Plant White House Kitchen Garden
Faculty and students of the Sarah Moore Greene Magnet Technology Academy of Knoxville were invited to help First Lady Michelle Obama plant the White...
Progress for Ag Labor Legislation
Congress continues their debate over negotiating a new immigration policy. And agricultural labor is an important part of the negotiations.
Black Bear Population Increasing
State officials are expecting even more black bears in Tennessee this Spring. TWRA’s Dan Gibbs explains.
Ag Majors Increasing
Enrollment in the state’s agricultural colleges is on the increase. Dr. Caula Beyl, Dean of the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources at...
Ag Day on the Hill
Tennessee lawmakers celebrated Ag Day on the Hill at the state capitol.
Greater Efficiencies at USDA
USDA’s efforts to streamline operations and tighten its budgetary belts are producing results. Rod Bain reports.
4-H Congress Officers Elected
Three new officers were elected as Governor, Speaker of the Senate and Speaker of the House during the 66th TN 4-H Congress.
New TN FFA President Named
Sara Best of the Cookeville FFA Chapter was named state president of the TN FFA Association during the 85th annual convention.
TN FFA Star in AgriScience; Extemp Winner
Jason Joy of the Covington FFA Chapter was named Star in AgriScience during the 85ht TN FFA Convention; Kevin Robertson of Wilson Central won...
TN FFA Star Greenhand
Conlee Lea of the Brighton FFA Chapter was named the Star Greenhand during the 85th TN FFA Convention.
Congress Keeps Government Open
Congress averted Another fiscal crisis with time to spare! American Farm Bureau’s Johnna Miller explains. .
WKRN Wins Omelet Cook-Off on Ag Day
The four major TV stations in Nashville competed in an Omelet Cook-Off during a promotion for National Ag Day at the Tenn. Ag Museum.
National Ag Day
Tenn. Ag Commissioner Julius Johnson talks about ag importance to local, state economy.
Growing Our Ag Industry
Farm leaders from across the state are part of Gov. Haslam’s steering committee to look at ways of doubling ag economic impact over the...
First Lady’s Kitchen & Cutting Garden
Tenn’s First Lady Chrissy Haslam is working to renovate and restore the grounds of the Tennessee Residence by putting in a kitchen & cutting...
Farm Leaders on the Hill
THIS WEEK IN NASHVILLE, FARM BUREAU LEADERS FROM ACROSS THE STATE HAVE BEEN VISIING THEIR LAWMAKERS AS PART OF THEIR ANNUAL LEGISLATIVE VISITS.