Yearly Archives: 2014
A Look Back to 2014 Agriculture
It’s the last day of the year and, looking back, overall 2014 was a good year for agriculture.
Specialty Crop Growers See Improved Risk Management Tool
Specialy crop growers not eligible for insurance will now be eligible for crop disaster assistance.
Helping Military Veterans Pursue Ag Careers
USDA is doing what it can to capitalize on returning military veteran’s interest in agriculture.
Christmas on the Farm
Christmas on farms across the state of Tennessee.
Santa still Tops in the Polls
If they held elections this time of year, Santa would win. His approval rating continues to be very high.
Normal Relations With Cuba Could Open Untapped Export Markets
Farmers in Tennessee and across the country are interested in the potential market improvement between the U.S. and Cuba if relations between the two...
Winter Forecast
FARMERS’ ALMANAC EDITOR PETER GEIGER UPDATES THE WINTER FORECAST.
Ramping Up the Beef Herd
A COOPERATIVE EFFORT B/W THE UNIVERSITY OF TENN,, THE TN DEPT OF AGRICULTURE AND TN FARMERS COOP IS MOVING FORWARD TO HELP LAUNCH A...
Genera Energy Moving Bio Industry Forward
GENERA ENERGY LOCATED IN VON ORE, TN IS A LEADER IN BIOMASS SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT SERVICES
Tracking Your Holiday Spending
Sometimes when we do our holiday shopping, we can lose track of our spending and end up overdoing it.
O’ CHRISTMAS TREE
Sometimes the fun of putting up a Christmas tree can bring on some unexpected situations
New Young Farmer Chairman
A.J. TEAL OF COFFEE COUNTY SELECTED AS CHAIRMAN OF THE STATE’S YF&R COMMITTEE.
TFBF 93rd Convention
FARM BUREAU LEADERS FROM ACROSS TENNESSEE ATTEND THE 93RD ANNUAL MEETING AND CONVENTION IN FRANKLIN.
TFBF 93rd Convention
FARM BUREAU LEADERS FROM ACROSS TENNESSEE ARE IN FRANKLIN FOR THEIR 93RD ANNUAL MEETING AND CONVENTION.
Farm Bureau Proud
TN FARM BUREAU PRESIDENT LACY UPCHURCH IS LEADING THE NATION’S LARGEST STATE FARM BUREAU ORGANIZATION AS THEY HOLD THEIR ANNUAL MEETING AND CONVENTION IN...
2014 Farm Income Forecast
How much money will farmers make and what will they spend this year?
Getting the Word Out
VAL DOLCINI, THE ADMINISTRATOR OF THE FARM SERVICE AGENCY HAS BEEN IN TENNESSEE TO DISCUSS NEW CHANGES IN THE FARM BILL.
Hunters for the Hungry
SINCE THE HUNTERS FOR THE HUNGRY PROGRAM STARTED IN TENN. IN 1998, THEY’VE BEEN RESPONSIBLE FOR PROVIDING OVER 4 MILLION MEALS TO NEEDY PEOPLE
Ag Department facing Tough Budget Cuts
The Tennessee Department of Agriculture is facing potential cuts of 7 percent for next year.
Making Memories around the Christmas Tree
THE WAGONS ARE READY, THE HOT CHOCOLATE IS OUT, ALL IS NEEDED NOW IS FAMILIES. THAT’S WHAT TENNESSEE CHRISTMAS TREE FARMERS ARE HOPING FOR...
Thankful Farmers
TENNESSEE FARMERS CELEBRATE THANKSGIVING.
McBride Selected as National FFA Officer
COFFEE COUNTY’S STEPHEN MCBRIDE SELECTED AS NATIONAL FFA OFFICER DURING 87TH FFA CONVENTION.
Thankful Farmers
TENNESSEE FARMERS CELEBRATE THANKSGIVING.
Don’t Give Your Turkey a Shower
USDA RECOMMENDS THAT YOU MIGHT WANT TO RECONSIDER WASHING THAT TURKEY IN THE SINK BEFORE YOU PUT INTO OVEN.
Wild Hog Problems Slowing
TWRA’S Whild Hog Eradication Action Team (WHEAT) is making headway in addressing wild hog problem.
Thanksgiving Dinner Still a Bargain
ANNUAL SURVEY FROM THE AMERICAN FARM BUREAU ON THE COST OF THANKSGIVING DINNER FOR 10 SHOWS PRICE IS STILL UNDER $50.
New Switchgrass Variety
A NEW SWITCHGRASS VARIETY CALLED LIBERTY PROMISES GREATER YIELDS FOR BIOFUEL PRODUCTION AND AS AN INCOME PRODUCER FOR GROWERS.
More from the Markets
A NEW CONCEPT OF PRODUCING GRAINS AND OILSEEDS IS EMERGING AS ONE TENN. ENTREPRENEUER IS WORKING TO SEEK OUT MORE VALUE OVER TRADITIONAL MARKETS.
Meeting the Challenge
GOV. HASLAM’S LAUNCH TENNESSEE PROGRAM HELPS TO ENCOURAGE ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND INNOVATION FOR STARTUP COMPANIES TO ESTABLISH IN THE STATE. THE TN DEPT. OF AG IS...
Properly Thawing Your Turkey
IF YOU ARE GOING TO BUY AND COOK A FROZEN TURKEY THIS THANKSGIVING, YOU MAY NEED TO PLAY AHEAD FOR THE THAWING PROCESS.
Ag Literacy Week
GOV. BILL HASLAM ACKNOWLEDGING TENNESSEE’S FIRST EVER AG LITERACY WEEK THAT’S SET FOR NOV. 16-22ND
An Early Winter
IT’S GONNA GET COLD OVER THE NEXT FEW DAYS, BUT WHAT IS REALLY NOT NORMAL THIS TIME OF YEAR, IS HOW LONG THIS ARTIC...
Burning Chicken Fat
MTSU PROFESSOR DR. CLIFF RICKETTS CONTIINUES HIS GOAL OF SHOWING US WE DON’T NEED TO DEPEND ON FOREIGN OIL AS HE DRIVES COAST TO...
Veterans Finding a Home in Agriculture
The Farmer Veteran Coalition is helping our nation’s veterans to get involved in agriculture.
McBride Selected as National FFA Officer
COFFEE COUNTY FFA MEMBER STEPHEN MCBRIDE WAS SELECTED AS THE SOURHERN REGION VICE PRESIDENT AT THE NATIONAL FFA CONVENTION.
TN Tech Agritourism Degree
TENN. TECH UNIVERSITY BOASTS A ONE-OF-A-KIND AGRITOURISM MAJOR WHERE STUDENTS ARE GETTING A HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE.
A New Beef Check-Off?
An impasse on how to resolve issues in the producer funded beef check-off program may mean formation of a second check-off.
Election Day
WHILE MANY HAVE ALREADY VOTED EARLY, STILL MANY OTHERS WILL TAKE TIME OFF THEIR FARMS TO CAST THEIR BALLOTS FOR THE REPRESENTATIVE THEY FEEL...
Tenn. FFA National Finalist
DURING THE NATIONAL FFA CONVENTION STUDENTS FROM ACROSS THE COUNTRY COMPETED IN THE JOB INTERVIEW CDE AND EMILY WHITE WAS NAMED TO THE FINAL FOUR...
Alternative Farming Center
NEARLY 20 YEARS AGO THE JOHNSON COUNTY FFA PROGRAM BEGAN A STATE OF THE ART AQUACULTURE AND HYDROPOINCS PROGRAM FOR ITS RURAL STUDENTS.
Go All Out at National FFA Convention
Go All Out is the Theme of the 87th National FFA Convention and more than 60,000 FFA members will descend on Louisville, Kentucky for...
Young Farmer Gets His Tractor
MARK AND CINDY KLEPPER WERE NAMED TENNESSEE’S YOUNG FARMERS OF THE YEAR BACK IN JULY AT THE YF7R SUMMER CONFERENCE AND ONE OF THEIR...
Pork Production Could Surpass Beef Production In 2015
Nationwide, pork production is poised to surpass beef production next year as ranchers try to rebuild their herds from the lowest levels since the...
Signs of Stress Farmers Should Watch For
IF YOU ARE WORKING THE HARVEST, YOU MAY FIND IT STRESSFUL, ESPECIALLY IF YOU ARE BEHIND SCHEDULE AND WORKING A NARROW WEATHER WINDOW.
Farm Bureau Providing Farmers with Resource to Talk Biotech
WITH THE MANY QUESTIONS AND MYTHS SURROUNDING BIOTECH IN AGRICULUTRE, THE AMERICAN FARM BUREAU HAS DEVELOPED AN ONLINE RESOURCE TO PROVIDE FACTS ON GENETICALLY...
Could Be Tough Choices for Ag Cuts
TN’S COMMISSIONER OF AGRICULTURE JULIUS JOHNSON TALKING ABOUT PROPOSED CUTS THAT COULD COME NEXT YEAR AS GOV. BILL HASLAM HAS ASKED ALL STATE GOVT...
The Buzz around Honey Bees
THERE’S NOT ONLY AN INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF BEEKEEPERS ACROSS TENNESSEE, BUT THE AWARENESS OF THE HEALTH CONCERNS AND THE IMPACT WITHOUT BEES...
Harvest Back On
FARMERS ALL ACROSS TENN ARE ONCE AGAIN BACK IN FULL SWING WITH HARVEST OF THEIR ROW CROPS AFTER ABOUT TWO WEEKS OF CONSTANT RAINS.
U.S. Senate Forum
U.S. SENATOR LAMAR ALEXANDER AND HIS DEMOCRATIC CHALLENGER GORDON BALL PARTICIPATED IN THE TENNESSEE FARM BUREAU’S U.S. SENATE FORUM AT TN TECH UNIVERSITY.
Ag Leadership Forum
FOR THE THIRD YEAR, FARM CREDIT OF MID AMERICA HAS BROUGHT TOGETHER MANY OF THE LEADERS IN TENNESSEE AGRICULTURE FOR A LEADERSHIP FORUM IN...
Rural Entrepreneurship Challenge
. GLENN CUNNINGHAM FROM SHELBY COUNTY TENNESSEE WAS NAMED TO THE TOP TEN IN THE RURAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP CHALLENGE OUT OF MORE THAN 200 APPLICANTS...
Tennessee FFA Wants Regional Advisors
TENNESSEE FFA IS SEEING A DECLINE IN MEMBERSHIP AND AG TEACHERS ARE SPEAKING UP ABOUT THE NEED TO BRING BACK REGIONAL CONSULTANTS.
War on Weeds Starts in the Fall
Now is the time for you to launch an attack against weeds in your lawn. An expert says don’t wait until spring.
Income Forecast for Farmers
If you are a farmer, there are encouraging areas when it comes to the farm income forecast for 2014.
Burley Tobacco Growers Have a Good Crop
SMITH COUNTY TOBACCO GROWER KYLE OWEN SAYS THIS YEAR’S BURLEY CROP IS ONE OF HIS BEST IN YEARS.
A Good Year for Pumpkins
U.S. FARMERS HAVE HAD A REALLY GOOD YEAR GROWING PUMPKINS IN TENNESSEE AND ACROSS THE COUNTRY. GARY CRAWFORD TELLS US MORE.
TN Beef Alliance Showing its Worth
BEEF PRICES FOR FARMERS CONTINUE AT THEIR RECORD LEVELS AND THAT MEANS EVEN MORE OF A PREMIUM FOR THOSE THAT PARTICIPATE IN THE TENN....
Another Big Harvest
FARMERS ALL ACROSS TN ARE ENJOYING SOME OF THEIR BEST YIELDS EVER IN CORN PRODUCTION.
Preparing for the Cold Now
If you want to save money on your heating bills this winter, have your home heating system checked out now.
Excellent Advocates for Agriculture
MICHAEL AND AMY SHIRLEY OF RUTHERFORD COUNTY HAVE BEEN NAMED THE TENN. FARM BUREAU’S EXCELLENCE IN AGRICULTURE AWARD WINNERS.
The Wright Pumpkin
The Wright Pumpkin Farm in Obion County had a bumper crop this year and they offer decorating services for your home or business.
Record Corn Harvest for Some
ALTHOUGH CORN HARVEST IS GOING SLOW, MOST FARMERS ARE EXTREMELY HAPPY WITH THE YIELDS THAT THEY ARE GETTING
New Conservation Program Popular
PRODUCERS ACROSS THE U.S. SEEM VERY INTERESTED IN UDSA’S NEW AGRICULTURAL CONSERVATION EASEMENT PROGRAMS, BASED ON THE APPLICATIONS FOR INITIAL SIGNUP.
Broadband Access Still Critical for Rural America
There’s still a lack of coverage in many rural areas for broadband access and that’s critical for future success for farmers & ranchers.
New App to ID Weeds
. Home gardeners and farmers have a new tool to find out what kind of weed that is in your flower bed, garden or...
National Farm Safety & Health Week
THOUSANDS OF FARMERS ACROSS TENN. ARE NOW RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF PERHAPS THE BUSIEST TIME OF THE YEAR – HARVEST SEASON. AND SAFETY FOR...
TSU Opens New Biotechnology Building
TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY HELD GRAND OPENING CEREMONIES FOR THREE NEW BUILDINGS, INCLUDING THE CENTERPIECE, AN 8 MILLION DOLLAR BIOTECH FACILITY.
House Vote Sends Strong Message to Administration
A grassroots effort of farmers and ranchers helped push the U.S. House to move forward with a vote to block the Environmental Protection Agency’s...
Beef still has Strong Demand
Fortunately for beef producers the dreaded and expected consumer “push-back” due to high prices has not materialized.
Legislative Showmanship
State lawmakers competed in the annual Legislative Showmanship at the Tenn. State Fair.
Congress Stands with Farmers on Ditch the Rule
The House of Representatives voted this week in favor of H.R. 5078 the Waters of the United States Regulatory Overreach Protection Act of 2014.
Corn Harvest starting off Slow
Tennessee’s corn harvest is off to a slow start compared to the 5-year average, but yield prospects are looking really good for some.
Winter Forecast
The Farmers’ Almanac has realeased its new 2015 edition and with it another cold winter forecast.
Farmers and Modern Technology
TDA Commissioner Julius Johnson discusses the advancements in technology and how its impacting farmers and agriculture.
Rep. Black meets with Farm Leaders
Rep. Diane Black, TN-6th, met with area Farm Bureau leaders in Lebanon to discuss ag and rural issues during the August recess of Congress.
State Fair
LET THE GOOD TIMES GROW IS THE THEME FOR THE TENNESSEE STATE FAIR THIS YEAR AND IT IS CELEBRATING MORE THAN 100 YEARS OF...
Income Forecast for Farmers
If you are a farmer, there are encouraging areas when it comes to the farm income forecast for 2014.
Packing a Nutritious School Lunch
School lunches are becoming more nutritous and the same should be done for those packing their kids’ lunches.
Picnic Safety
EXPERTS SAY IF YOU DON’T WANT YOUR WEEKEND COOKOUT TO MAKE PEOPLE SICK, YOU HAVE TO PLAN AHEAD FOR SAFETY.
Heat Finally Comes to Cotton Crop
Tennessee’s cotton farmers have been concerned for most of the summer in not having enough heat units, but the past few weeks have helped...
Veterinary Advisory Committee at the Celebration
The Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration has implemented an independent inspection process this year to insure horses are not being abused that show at...
Farm Bureau Works to Stop EPA from Privacy Abuses
The American Farm Bureau Federation is seeking to stop the Environmental Protection Agency from releasing private data of farmers and ranchers, including those here...
Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration
CEO OF THE TENNESSEE WALKING HORSE NATIONAL CELEBRATION MIKE INMAN SAYS THE INTEREST WILL CONTINUE TO BUILD ALL THIS WEEK FOR THAT FINAL SHOW...
From Farm to Table
KNOWING THE PERSON WHO GROWS YOUR FOOD IS BECOMING MORE AND MORE COMMON IN TODAYS SOCIETY AND A FARMER IN GILES COUNTY HAS TAKEN...
Protecting the Farm
DYER COUNTY SHERIFF JEFF BOX, SAYS DISCUSSIONS FOR IMPLEMENTING THE COUNTY’S FARM WATCH PROGRAM STARTED IN DEC. OF 2012, AND SINCE THEN, IT HAS...
Preserving Rural Tennessee
TN’S 8TH DISTRICT CONGRESSMAN STEPHEN FINCHER, ONE OF, IF NOT THE ONLY, FULL TIME FARMER IN THE U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SAYS PROTECTING THE...
USDA Report Brings Few Surprises
The USDA August Supply and Demand Report and Crop Production forecast gives producers a better idea of what the 2014 harvest may look like.
All About Service in the FFA
Tenn. FFA President Kevin Robertson spreading the message of service of this premiere youth organization.
74th TFBF President’s Conference
Farm Bureau leaders from across the state attended the TFBF 74th Annual President’s Conference in Franklin.
A Strong Market for Cattle
UT LIVESTOCK ECONOMIST DR. ANDREW GRIFFITH SAYS PRICES FOR YEARLING CATTLE HAVE BASICALLY DOUBLED IN PRICE OVER THE LAST 3 YEARS.
New Farm Exhibit to open at Smithsonian
A NEW AG BASED EXHIBIT WILL OPEN NEXT YEAR IN WASHINGTON D.C.
SNAP Benefits at Farmer’s Markets
TENNESSEE IS ONE OF THE TOP TEN STATES FOR GROWTH IN THE NUMBER OF FARMERS MARKETS AND MORE AND MORE OF THESE MARKETS ARE...
The Need for Immigration Reform
With Congress now on August recess, farmers and ranchers have the opportunity to talk with their elected officials about current issues in agriculture, especially immigration...
Large Increase in Farmland Values
If you bought or rented farmland in the last year, you probably paid quite a bit more for it. USDA reports.
Record Prices for Cattle
AS TN CATTLE PRODUCERS TAKE THEIR CATTLE TO MARKET, THEY’RE SEEING THE HIGHEST PRICES EVER.
Sharing the Wild
THE TN WILDLIFE RESOURCES AGENCY SAYS THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT FOR FISH AND WILDLIFE.
Crop Progress
TN ROW CROP FARMERS FOR THE MOST PART HAVE HAD A PRETTY GOOD GROWING SEASON SO FAR. OF COURSE THAT ALWAYS DEPENDS ON WHERE...
A Challenge for Entrepreneurs
FARM BUREAU MEMBERS ACROSS THE COUNTRY HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO TAKE PART IN A RURAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP CHALLENGE.
How Low Will Beef Cattle Numbers Go
Two new USDA cattle reports continue to point to a trend that has been going on for several years.
Modern Farming
TN COMMISSIONER OF AG JULIUS JOHNSON SAYS THE SUCCESS OF THE AG INDUSTRY IN THE FUTURE WILL BE DEPENDENT ON FARMERS EFFORTS IN ADOPTING NEW TECHNOLOGIES.