Yearly Archives: 2014
Ag Issues for 2014
What will be the big issues for U.S. agriculture in the year ahead?
Winter Storms, Power Outages
Winter storms have already killed power to hundreds of thousands of people. Gary Crawford has a report on how to save your food during...
Extra Care for Livestock During the Deep Freeze
TENN. LIVESTOCK PRODUCERS HAVE BEEN BATTLING THESE BITTER COLD TEMPERATURES IN TRYING TO PROTECT THEIR CATTLE.
A Farm Bill Needed This Month
A lot of eyes are on Congress with the hopes of the House and Senate agreeing on and passing a new five year farm...
A Gift to Talk
MICHAEL SHIRLEY OF RUTHERFORD COUNTY WILL GET THE CHANCE TO SHOW OFF HIS SKILLS NEXT WEEK IN SAN ANTONIO AS HE WILL REPRESENT TENN...
AFBF Convention
Farm Bureau leaders hear from TV and Football stars at AFBF convention
Tenn. Young Farmers Shine Again
Brandon & Katherine Whitt of Rutherford Co. named AFBF Young Farmer Achievement winners.
Farmers Still Hoping for Farm Bill
The top agriculture person in the Obama Cabinet continues to talk about the need for passage of the long-awaited farm bill.
Williamson Co. Young Farmers Recognized
Chuck Yoest & Jennifer Hatcher of Williamson County named national runner-up in AFBF Excellence in Ag contest.
Farm Bureau Sets Policy for 2014
The nation’s largest farm organization wrapped up its 95th Annual Convention in San Antonio by setting its policy positions for the year ahead. AFBF...
New Member of Farm Bureau Women Leadership Committee
Gloria Larrance of Jefferson County was selected to represent District 5 on the TFBF state Women’s Leadership Committee.
Stallman Optimistic for Better 2014
AFBF President Bob Stallman is hopeful for a better year for farmers and ranchers on policy matters.
TN Poultry Producers Feeling Propane Shortage
Concerns over the propane shortage are mounting for poultry producers.
Deputy Ag Secretary Visits Tennessee
Agriculture Deputy Secretary Krysta Harden met with farm leaders in Tennessee to discuss the need for Congress to pass a comprehensive Food, Farm and Jobs...
TN Junior Market Hog Show
Middle TN State University’s Livestock Arena was recently host to some 426 hogs and more than 230 exhibitors at the Junior Market Hog Show,...
Pets and the Cold Weather
Extra precautions are needed for pets during subfreezing temperatures.
Extreme Cold Conditions for Livestock
FARMERS ACROSS TENNESSEE WITH LIVESTOCK HAVE NOT HAD A WINTER LIKE THIS ONE IN AT LEAST 20 YEARS, AND THEY’RE TAKING THOSE EXTRA STEPS...
Irrigation Strategy
The 2014 West Tennessee Irrigation Conference gives farmers ideas and solutions to help with their irrigation strategies.
How High will Cattle Prices Go?
Cattle prices continue to rise, setting new records. Can this trend continue?
Farm Bill goes to President’s Desk
The U.S. Senate approved the Agricultural Act of 2014 (the Farm Bill) after more than two years of debate.
Nation’s Cattlemen Take Over Opryland
More than 7000 cattlemen and industry leaders are in Nashville for the 116th National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Convention and Trade Show.
Tennessee Cattlemen Share their Story
Tennessee’s cattle industry is one of the strongest in the nation and vital for the state’s economy.
Farm Bill Becomes Law
The President has signed the Agricultural Act of 2014, making the Farm Bill law for the next five years.
Back to Immigration Reform Push
Now that the Farm Bill is law, farmers will be urging Congress for Immigration Reform.
UAV’s Impact for Agriculture
Research is proving that Unmanned Aircraft Vehicles, (UAV’s), will have a major impact on the future of agriculture.
Beef Issues Similar Nationwide
Beef producers from around the country attended the NCBA convention in Nashville and issues are much the same as they are in Tennessee.
Data Privacy Concerns Farmers
Farmers have used technology to improve their management practices and efficiency on the farm for years, but the agriculture industry is just now starting...
Importing Labor or Food?
Farmers are hopeful Congress will pass Immigration Reform with an adequate guest worker program for agriculture.
Farm Bureau Urges Timely Release of Disaster Aid
The 2014 farm bill includes disaster aid provisions for livestock forage, livestock indemnity and the tree assistance program, all of which have been expired...
Celebrating the Blue & Gold
THIS WEEK ACROSS THE COUNTRY PEOPLE ARE TELLING WHY THEY ARE FFA PROUD AND THE TENNESSEE STATE FFA OFFICER TEAM IS TAKING THE OPPORTUNITY...
Young Leaders back in Franklin
Well over 300 young people are attending the Tennessee Young Leaders Conference in Franklin.
UT Football Coach Energizes TN Young Leaders
UT football coach Butch Jones gave a leaderhip speech to more than 300 gathered for the annual Tennessee Young Leaders Conference in Franklin.
The Drive Feed the World
THE CHEW ON THIS TOUR FROM NUTRABLEND SHARES WITH AUDIENCES AT UNIVERSITIES, FAIRS OR CIVIC EVENTS ABOUT THE INCREASING POPULATION AND THE NEED FOR...
2012 Census of Agriculture
The Agriculture Department’s National Agricultural Statistics Service has released its preliminary results from the 2012 Census of Agriculture.
Food Costs Higher
. WE WILL SPEND MORE ON FOOD THIS YEAR, BUT HOW MUCH MORE IS STILL UNCERTAIN. USDA’S GARY CRAWFORD REPORTS.
The Sky’s the Limit
SIGNIFICANT RESEARCH WITH AGRICULTURAL APPLICATIONS FOR UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICHLES IS OCCURRING IN SAVANNAH, TN.
Chick Days are Here
TRACTOR SUPPLY VICE PRESIDENT OF MERCHANDISE MARC JOHNSON TALKING ABOUT THE MUCH ANTICIPATED CHICK DAYS NOW BEING FEATURED IN THEIR STORES.
Prized Truck
The Whitt’s of Rutherford County received the keys to their 2014 GMC pick-up truck for being named the national Young Farmers of the Year....
Breakfast with the Bureau
Farm Bureau leaders from across Tennessee hosted lawmakers for a breakfast meeting on Capitol Hill.
Ag Leadership Classes
Young farmers and other ag professionals are taking part in agricultural leadership classes across the state.
Up to Speed on the Farm Bill
TENN.’s 8TH DISTRICT CONGRESSMAN STEPHEN FINCHER, ONE OF THE FEW REMAINING ROWCROP FARMERS IN CONGRESS HAS JUST WRAPPED UP A SERIES OF FARM TOUR...
FFA Foundation Names New Director
A FORMER TENNESSEE STATE FFA PRESIDENT AND NATIONAL FFA VICE PRESIDENT WAS RECENTLY ANNOUNCED AS THE NEW FFA FOUNDATION EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR.
USDA’s FY2015 Budget Proposal
USDA HAS RELEASED IT’S PROPOSED FY2015 BUDGET.
Forestry Day on the Hill
THE TENN. FORESTRY ASSOCIATION HELD THEIR ANNUAL FORESTRY DAY ON THE HILL IN NASHVILLE TO INFORM LAWMAKERS OF THE IMPORTANCE OF OUR FOREST INDUSTRY.
Tenn. Soybean Farmer Honored
David Womack of Bedford County was given the Lifetime Achievement Award by the American Soybean Association.
Tenn. FFA Convention Preview
TENNESSEE STATE FFA OFFICERS ARE IN FINAL PREPARATIONS FOR THE 86TH CONVENTION WHERE THEY IGNITE THE PASSIONS OF THE MEMBERS AND GUESTS IN ATTENDANCE.
Spring Fever
TENNESSEE ROW CROP FARMERS ARE WAITING ON MOTHER NATURE TO GIVE THE GREEN LIGHT FOR SPRING PLANTING.
Choosing the right Farm Bill Support Program
WITH SPRING PLANTING READY TO GET UNDER WAY, FARMERS HERE IN TENN AND ACROSS THE COUNTRY HAVE a choice of two major risk management...
Media Omelet Cook-Off for Ag
MEDIA PERSONALITIES WITH NASHVILLE’S 4 NETWORK TELEVISION STATIONS COMPETED IN THE OMELET COOK-OFF AT THE TENNESSEE RESIDENCE IN AN EVENT SPONSORED BY THE FARM...
Supporting Ag in Urban Area
AN URBAN LAWMAKER MAKES SURE TO SUPPORT HIS RURAL CONSTITUENCY.
Tenn. FFA 86th Convention
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE TENNESSEE FFA STATE CONVENTION.
Tenn. FFA 86th Convention
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE TENNESSEE FFA CONVENTION
Tenn. FFA 86th Convention
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE TENNESSEE FFA CONVENTION. NEW STATE OFFICERS NAMED.
Ag Day on the Hill
TENN. LAWMAKERS CELEBRATED AG DAY ON THE HILL AT THE STATE CAPITOL WITH A MILKING CONTEST TO SEE WHO HAS THE MOST “PULL.”
Checking your Trees and Shrubs for Winter Damage or Worse
As we finally pull through this severe winter, it’s time to see if our yard plants pulled through.
Protecting our Soil
West Tennessee row crop farmers are busy getting ready to plant this year’s corn crops.
FFA Igniting Leadership Across the State
More than 3000 FFA members from across the state gathered in Gatlinburg recently at the 86th State FFA Convention and one of the highlights...
Geared for Success
Gov. Bill Haslam addressed the delegates of the Tennessee 4-H Congress at the State Capitol. Congress brings some 400 ninth to tenth graders and...
New Leadership in Tennessee FFA
At the 86th Tennessee FFA Convention held recently in Gatlinburg, a new slate of State FFA Officers were elected for the coming year and...
Protecting our Property
A historic piece of legislation that will stop forced annexation was approved by an overwhelming majority and is considered to be one of the...
A New Red Tractor
A BRAND NEW CASE IH FARMALL TRACTOR WAS DELIVERED TO THE HATCHER DAIRY FARM IN WILLIAMSON COUNTY TO CHUCK YOEST AND JENNIFER HATCHER.
Friend of 4-H
BART KRISLE, CEO OF TENN. FARMERS CO-OP WAS SELECTED BY THE TENN. 4-H FOUNDATION AS THIS YEAR’S RECIPIENT OF THE FRIEND OF 4-H AWARD.
Making the Best Better
UT PRESIDENT DR. JOE DIPIETRO ADDRESSES THE DELEGATES ATTENDING 4-H CONGRESS.
UAV Privacy Bill Passes Senate
MEMBERS OF THE STATE LEGISLATURE ARE WRAPPING UP THEIR SCHEDULES AND PASSING THEIR FINAL BILLS OF THE 2ND SESSION OF THE 108TH TENN GENERAL...
Plenty of Eggs for Easter
The American Farm Bureau recently released its Semi-Annual Marketbasket Survey of retail prices on 16 food items. The informal survey, conducted by volunteers in...
Livestock Producers Hoping for Black Vulture Solution
CONGRESSMAN SCOTT DESJARLAIS, REPRESENTING TN’S 4TH IS TRYING TO HELP FARMERS GET SOLUTIONS TO STOPPING THE CONTINUING PROBLEM THAT BLACK VULTURES ARE CAUSING TO...
Farmers Hopeful this is Last Spring Freeze
OLE MAN WINTER HANGING ON AT LEAST ONE MORE TIME, SOMETHING TENNESSEE FRUIT GROWERS HAVE COME TO EXPECT THIS TIME OF YEAR. BUT THAT DOESN’T...
Gavel Falls for Last of 108th
STATE LAWMAKERS HAVE ONCE AGAIN CONCLUDED ANOTHER SESSION OF THE TENN. GENERAL ASSEMBLY. THIS WAS THE 108TH SESSION OF THE BODY WHICH, LIKE LAST...
A Century of Better Management
ITS HARD TO BELIEVE, BUT TN’S DIVISION OF FORESTRY IS 100 YEARS OLD. AND THE TENNESSEE GENERAL ASSEMBLY RECOGNIZED THAT FACT WITH A JOINT...
Earth Day is Every Day on the Farm
As we celebrate Earth Day, farmers across Tennessee may look at it a little differently.
Farmland the Movie
A NEW MOVIE IS ABOUT TO BE RELEASED MAY 1ST ACROSS THE COUNTRY CALLED FARMLAND. A GROUP OF TENNESSEE FARM LEADERS HAD THE CHANCE...
Ditch the Rule
THE AMERICAN FARM BUREAU IS ASKING ITS MEMBERS TO SPEAK OUT AGAINST EPA’S PROPOSED RULE CHANGE WITH THE CLEAN WATER ACT.
PTP APP Ready for the Season
THE NEW PICK TN PRODUCTS MOBILE APP IS READY FOR DOWNLOAD FOR APPLE AND ANDROID DEVICES WITH THE HOPE OF GETTING BETTER CONNECTION FOR CONSUMERS...
Tree-Mendous Trail
FIRST LADY CRISSY HASLAM INTRODUCES NEW TREE EDUCATION PROGRAM TO STUDENTS AT TENNESSEE RESIDENCE.
Ag Leadership Classes
Young farmers and other ag professionals are taking part in agricultural leadership classes across the state.
Tornado Season
EVEN THOUGH THIS WEEK WE HAVE HAD AN OUTBREAK OF TORNADOS ACROSS THE MIDSOUTH, USDA SAYS TORNADO ACTIVITY AS A WHOLE IN 2014 SO...
Lincoln County Tornado
LINCOLN COUNTY FARMER DAVID OGLE SAYS CONSIDERING THE DEVASTATION A TORNADO LEFT BEHIND ON HIS FARM AND OTHERS IN SOUTHERN LINCOLN COUNTY, THEY’RE LUCKY TO...
Quiet Tornado Season Turns Active
EVEN THOUGH THIS WEEK WE HAVE HAD AN OUTBREAK OF TORNADOS ACROSS THE MIDSOUTH, USDA SAYS TORNADO ACTIVITY AS A WHOLE IN 2014 SO...
GMO Answers
GMO Answers, an initiative committed to creating conversations about GMOs and answering consumer questions, conducted a national survey identifying top questions about GMOs.
Yes on 2
Gov. Haslam, Former Gov. Bredesen launch campaign to encourage voters to “Vote Yes on 2” to amend the state constitution on judiciary selection.
Spring Check-up for AC
Your home air conditioning unit may need a little work before it starts its summer job.
Black Vulture problems for Livestock
Black vultures continue threating livestock across the state and Rep. DesJarlais looking for solutions.
Yes on 2
Gov. Haslam and former Gov. Bredesen have launched a campaign to encourage voters to vote “Yes on 2,” for how the state selects appellate...
The Buzz Around
THE SOUND AND SIGHTS MANY OF YOU ACROSS THE STATE ARE SEEING NEAR YOUR HOMES, BARNS OR GARAGES ARE CARPENTER BEES.
Hay Calculator
The “Hay Calculator” DEVELOPED BY UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE EXTENSION EMPLOYEES can help producers calculate the quantity of hay necessary to feed cattle over a certain...
Farmers’ Market Season
ALWAYS THIS TIME OF YEAR, WHEN WE HOPE SPRING IS HERE FOR GOOD, THOSE DOORS TO THE LOCAL FARMERS’ MARKET OPEN FOR THE SEASON.
Final Release of 2012 Census of Ag
If you have questions about agriculture, the 2012 Census of Agriculture now has answers.
Planting Back on Schedule
AFTER A SLUGGISH START TO CORN PLANTING, MANY TN FARMERS HAVE FINISHED UP THEIR PLANTING THIS SPRING AS ATTENTION SHIFTS TO COTTON & SOYBEANS.
Farmers Hopeful to Ditch EPA’s Proposed Rule
Farmers and ranchers across the country are sending a message to Washington to ‘Ditch the Rule’ about the Environmental Protection Agency’s proposed Waters of the...
Secure Milk Supply Plan
A FIELD DAY DEMONSTRATION AT MTSU’S DAIRY FARM SHOWED WHAT FARMERS WOULD DO IN THE EVENT OF A HOOF AND MOUTH DISEASE OUTBREAK TO KEEP MILK SAFE.
Bee Inventory
USDA SAYS BEE LOSS OVER THE PAST WINTER WASN’T AS BAD AS PREVIOUS YEARS, BUT NOT SO IN TENNESSEE.
Hay Weather
HAY WEATHER IS FINALLY HERE AS FARMERS LOOK TO MAKE THE MOST OUT OF THEIR FIRST CUTTING.
Low Cattle Numbers, High Beef Prices
We could see extremely high cattle and beef prices become the new normal, at least for the next couple of years.
PTP APP For Farm Fresh
The Tenn. Dept. of Agriculture has a new Pick TN Products App ready for download.
Setting Time
Tobacco farmers are about half way through setting this year’s crop.
Grilling It Right
Grill season is here and making sure those meats are cooked to the proper temperature is really important.
Cheeseburger Up
THE COST OF ONE OF THE MAIN FOOD ITEMS ON THIS SUMMER’S GRILL IS NOT WHAT IT USED TO BE.
4-H Ambassador Tour
STATE 4-H COUNCIL PRESIDENT ALEX CROCKETT OF FENTRESS COUNTY IS ONE OF THE MANY SUCCESS STORIES COMING FROM THIS IMPORTANT YOUTH ORGANIZATION.
USDA Planting Report Surprise
A USDA report shows growers of one particular commodity have planted far more acres to it than most people expected.
Generations of Farming
Lawrence County farmer Jason Robbins hopes his three sons take over the family farm.