Yearly Archives: 2015
Looking Ahead to 2015
Let’s take a moment to look ahead and see what 2015 may have in store for agriculture across our state.
Why Soil Health Impacts Our Lives
The health of our soil is instrumental in so many facets of our lives. USDA’s Rod Bain has the story.
Straight From the Source
OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS, CONSUMER BUYING DEMAND HAS BEEN REALLY CHANGING. MORE AND MORE FOLKS ARE LOOKING DIRECTLY TO FARMERS FOR ALL KINDS...
Cold to the Bone
A COLD ARTIC BLAST IS BLANKETING MUCH OF THE COUNTRY OVER THE NEXT FEW DAYS AND KEVIN THOMPSON, DIRECTOR OF THE MIDDLE TN RESEARCH...
Farm Bureau Members Ready for 2015 Convention
THE SLATE IS SET FOR THE 2015 AMERICAN FARM BUREAU CONVENTION AND IDEAg TRADE SHOW.
AFBF 2015 Convention
FOR NEARLY A CENTURY NOW, FARMERS AND RANCHERS FROM ACROSS THE UNITED STATES HAVE GATHERED TOGETHER TO CONDUCT THE BUISNESS OF THE NATION’S LARGEST...
Top Dollar for Top Bulls
ONE OF THE BEST SALES EVER FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE’S SR BULL TEST SALE AS 65 BULLS WERE SOLD AT AUCTION AT THE...
New Ag Leadership for Tenn. Tech
TN TECH UNIVERSITY HAS A NEW DIRECTOR OFTHE SCHOOL OF AGRICULTURE AND HUMAN ECOLOGY.
A 96-YEAR TRADITION
FARM BUREAU MEMBERS FROM ACROSS THE COUNTRY ARE IN SAN DIEGO ENJOYING THE AMERICAN FARM BUREAU CONVENTION.
TN Young Farmers Win Big
TN YOUNG FARMERS AND RANCHERS BRING HOME 3 CASE IH TRACTORS FROM AFBF CONVENTION.
Dr. Temple Grandin Receives Distinguished Service Award
DR. TEMPLE GRANDIN RECEIVED THE AMERICAN FARM BUREAU’S DISTINGUISHED SERVICE TO AGRICUTLURE AWARD.
Jack Hanna’s Animal Adventure
TN NATIVE JACK HANNA CONTINUES TO ENTERTAIN AUDIENCES OF ALL KINDS WITH HIS PASSION FOR ANIMALS
Jack Hanna’s Animal Adventure (PT.2)
JACK HANNA TALKS ABOUT HOW IMPORTANT A ROLE OUR DOMESTIC LIVESTOCK PRODUCERS PLAY IN THE AG INDUSTRY.
A Special Time for Beef
NATIONAL CATTLEMEN’S BEEF ASSOCIATION’S CEO FORREST ROBERTS WAS IN TENNESSEE RECENTLY FOR THE TN CATTLEMENS ASSOCIATION CONVENTION AND HE LIKE SO MANY OTHERS IS...
Demand Strong for Beef
JENNIFER HOUSTON OF SWEETWATER TENNESSEE IS THE NATIONAL CATTLEMEN’S BEEF ASSOCIATION DIVISION VICE CHAIR.AND SHE DISCUSSES THE STRONG DEMAND FOR BEEF.
Jr Hogs Set Records
THERE WERE RECORD NUMBERS AT THIS YEAR’S STATE JR. MARKET HOG SHOW IN MURFREESBORO.
New Conservation Effort
USDA SAYS PROJECTS UNDER A NEW USDA PROGRAM MARKS THE BEGINNING OF A NEW ERA IN CONSERVATION EFFORTS.
CHAMPION TENNESSEE COUNTY FAIRS
53 TENNESSEE COUNTY FAIRS WERE RECOGNIZED DURING THE TENNESSEE ASSOCIATION OF FAIRS ANNUAL MEETING.
Walmart’s Commitment to Fresh Produce
WALMART IS ON TRACK TO REACH ITS GOAL OF DOUBLING THE AMOUNT OF FRESH PRODUCE IT BUYS FROM LOCAL FARMERS BY THE END OF...
Preventing Mold and Mildew
Mold and mildew can pose all sorts of problems in your home, even this time of year. Rod Bain learns prevention tips from an expert.
Impact of Poultry to Tennessee Economy
TENN’S POULTRY INTEREST IS STRONG. FROM THE FAMILY FARM TO THE PRIMARY BREEDERS,THE ECONOMIC IMPACT IS STAGGERING.
White Angus for Hotter Climates
VANDERBILT PROFESSOR DR. JAMES WEST HAS BEEN SUCCESSFULLY CONDUCTING RESEARCH ON HUMAN DISEASES, AND HE’S ALSO BEEN A PART OF A RESEARCH TEAM THAT’S...
Beef Numbers Turning the Corner
There are finally at least some indications beef cattle producers are planning to expand the herd.
UAV Opportunities to Ag Flying Higher
UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES CONTINUE TO SPARK INTEREST IN THE AGRICULTURAL COMMUNITY BECAUSE OF WHAT’S BELIEVED TO BE ONE OF THE BEST INDUSTRIES SUITED FOR THE TECHNOLOGY.
Farm Bill is One Year Old This Week
THE FARM BILL IS ONE YEAR OLD THIS WEEK AND THE AG DEPARTMENT IS WORKING TO MAKE SURE IT’S HELPING FARMERS AND ALL AMERICANS.
Houston Elected Chair of Federation of Beef Councils
SWEETWATER’S JENNIFER HOUSTON WAS ELECTED AS FEDERATION CHAIRMAN DURING THE NATIONAL CATTLEMEN’S BEEF ASSOCIATION CONVENTION IN SAN ANTONIO
Representing Rural Interest
TENNESSEE LAWMAKERS ARE BACK ON CAPITOL HILL FOR THE 109TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY. AND ONE OF THOSE NEW MEMBERS OF THE STATE SENATE IS PAUL...
Tips to Minimize Taxes
How can you minimize the amount you may pay on your income tax? Rod Bain reports.
EPA’s Water of the U.S. Rule Still Generating Controversy
At a Congressional hearing the Agriculture Secretary was repeatedly asked about a proposal that didn’t even come from his department.
Advancing Ag Tech Through UAV’s
The technology and cost of unmanned aerial vehicles means more farmers are using this equipment in precision agriculture pursuits.
Extreme Livestock Care
JUST LIKE THE REST OF US, TENN. LIVESTOCK FARMERS ARE BATTLING THE WINTER ELEMENTS, BUT THE DIFFERENCE IS THEY’RE TRYING TO CARE FOR THEIR...
Preparing Homes for Extreme Cold
ANOTHER COLD BLAST OF ARTIC AIR IS ON THE WAY, AND HOMEOWNERS SHOULD BE PREPARING TO PROTECT THEIR PROPERTY AND REDUCE THE NEED FOR MORE...
FUSION Conference
More than 1,300 American Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers members were registered to attend the inaugural Fusion Conference in Nashville this past weekend.
Farmer Elected to Chair Fish and Wildlife Commission
FENTRESS COUNTY FARMER JIM BLEDSOE HAS BEEN SELECTED AS CHAIRMAN FOR THE TENN. FISH AND WILDLIFE COMMISSION FOR 2015-16.
The Frozen Plateau
WALT HITCH, DIRECTOR OF THE UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE’S PLATEAU RESEARCH AND EDUCATION CENTER NEAR CROSSVILLE SAYS THEY WERE IN THE DIRECT PATH OF A DEVASTATING...
National FFA Week
NATIONAL FFA WEEK AND ACROSS THE NATION MEMBERS, FORMER MEMBERS AND SUPPORTERS OF THE FFA ARE CELEBRATING WHAT THE ORGANIZATION DOES.
FFA International
TENNESSEE FFA OFFICERS TAKE PART IN AN INTERNATIONAL LEADERSHIP SEMINAR
Young Leaders Leading Now
MORE THAN 300 ATTENDED THE TENNESSEE YOUNG LEADERS CONFERENCE SPONSORED BY THE TENNESSEE COUNCIL OF COOPERATIVES AND FARM BUREAU’S YOUNG FARMERS AND RANCHERS.
Farm Bureau Leaders on the Hill
SEVERAL HUNDRED FARM BUREAU LEADERS FROM ACROSS THE STATE MADE VISITS TO THEIR LAWMAKERS ON CAPITOL HILL IN NASHVILLE.
Walmart’s Commitment to Fresh Produce
WALMART IS ON TRACK TO REACH ITS GOAL OF DOUBLING THE AMOUNT OF FRESH PRODUCE IT BUYS FROM LOCAL FARMERS BY THE END OF...
Winter Lingers for Livestock Farmers
LIVESTOCK FARMERS ARE BEGINNING TO WONDER, JUST LIKE THE REST OF US, WHEN WILL THE SNOW AND ICE GET OUT OF HERE.
Cooperative Leadership
DURING THE TENNESSEE YOUNG LEADERS CONFERENCE, YOUNG FOLKS GOT A GOOD DOSE OF HOW AND WHAT TO EXPECT TO BECOME A GOOD LEADER, INCLUDING...
Reality of Waters of the U.S Rule Comments
The comment period for the proposed Waters of the U.S. rule ended in November, and well over 1 million comments were submitted.
What Lawmakers think of Contacts
MOST TN LAWMAKERS WILL TELL YOU THE MORE CONTACTS THEY GET, THE BETTER. ESPECIALLY FOR RURAL ISSUES.
Dan Wheeler Recognized
FORMER TN COMMISSIONER OF AGRICULTURE, DAN WHEELER, WAS GIVEN A SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARD RECENTLY FROM THE TENNESSEE COUNCIL OF COOPERATIVES.
Farmer’s Friend in Nashville
REP. JOHN MARK WINDLE OF LIVINGSTON REPRESENTS THE 41ST DISTRICT WHICH INCLUDES THE RURAL AREAS OF THE CUMBERLAND PLATEAU OF MORGAN JACKSON, OVERTON AND...
National Agriculture Week
TENNESSEE COMMISSIONER OF AGRICULTURE JULIUS JOHNSON AND FARMERS AND THE AG INDUSTRY ACROSS THE STATE ARE CELEBRATING OUR MOST IMPORTANT INDUSTRY THIS WEEK.
Farmer Perspective on National Ag Week
ITS NATIONAL AGRICULTURE WEEK, A WEEK SET ASIDE FOR ALL AMERICANS TO EMBRACE THE INDUSTRY THAT FEEDS AND CLOTHES US, PROVIDES FUEL AND SHELTER...
Rutherford Co. Farmer Testifying in Congress
ITS NATIONAL AGRICULTURE DAY, AND ONE OF TENNESSEE’S TOP RECOGNIZED YOUNG FARMERS, BRANDON WHITT OF RUTHERFORD COUNTY, IS ON CAPITOL HILL IN WASHINGTON D.C....
Family Farm Numbers
THE NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL STATISTICS SERVICE WITH THE US. DEPT OF AGRICULTURE HAS A NEW REPORT OUT THAT VERIFYS THE NUMBER OF FAMILY FARMS ALL ACROSS...
Omelet Cook-Off Promotes Ag Industry
AS PART OF THIS WEEK’S CELEBRATION OF TENNESSEE AND AMERICAN AGRICULTURE, THE FARM AND FOREST FAMILIES OF TENN HELD AN OMELET COOK-OFF AT THE...
Ag Day on the Hill
TODAY AND TOMORROW TENNESSEE LAWMAKERS ON CAPITOL HILL WILL GET A HEAVY DOSE OF INFO ON THE STATE’S MOST IMPORTANT INDUSTRY, AS FARMERS AND...
Young Farmers Remain Optimistic
According to the 2015 American Farm Bureau Federation’s annual Young Farmers and Ranchers outlook survey, about one-third of young farmers and ranchers surveyed, ages...
Shelling for Ag
MEMBERS OF THE STATE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CELEBRATED THEIR VICTORY OVER THE SENATE IN THE 2015 AG DAY ON THE HILL CORN SHELLING CONTEST.
Red Tractors Paint the Capitol
CASE IH’S TIM MILLS WAS ALL SMILES THIS WEEK AS HIS COMPANY DELIVERED THREE BRAND NEW CASE IH FARMALL TRACTORS TO TENN’S NATIONAL YOUNG...
Farm Bill Sign-up Deadline Nears
USDA’S FARM SERVICE AGENCY IS REMINDING FARMERS THAT THE DEADLINE FOR UPDATING CROP YIELD HISTORY AND REALLOCATING BASE ACRES IS FAST APPROACHING.
87th Tennessee FFA Convention
LINCOLN COUNTY FFA ADVISOR BRAD PARTIN IS KEEPING WATCH OVER SOME 20 OF HIS FFA STUDENTS THIS WEEK IN GATLINBURG.
87th Tennessee FFA Convention
Coverage from the 87th Tennessee FFA Convention.
87th Tennessee FFA Convention
Coverage from the 87th Tennessee FFA Convention.
87th Tennessee FFA Convention
NEW TENNESSEE FFA STATE OFFICERS NAMED
USDA Healthy Meals
SCHOOLS ARE GETTING A FINANCIAL BOOST FROM USDA GRANTS TO PREPARE HEALTHIER MEALS.
Modest Increase in Spring Picnic Basket
HIGHER RETAIL PRICES FOR SEVERAL FOODS RESULTED IN A SLIGHT INCREASE IN THE AMERICAN FARM BUREAU’S SPRING PICNIC MARKETBASKET SURVEY.
Corn Planters Still Waiting on Drier Weather
ONE OF THE FAVORITE THINGS FOR TY MCCONNEL TO DO IS RAISING CORN. AND OF COURSE THIS TIME OF YEAR IS WHEN HE’S USUALLY...
National FFA Southern Regional VP Comes Home
National FFA Southern Region Vice President Stephen McBride, Tennessee and Coffee County native, came home to Tennessee for the Tennessee State FFA Convention.
Executive Gardening
TENNESSEE’S EXECUTIVE RESIDENCE CHEF STEVEN WARD LOVES HIS JOB OF PREPARING FOOD FOR TENN’S FIRST FAMILY.
A Blend of Success
SINCE THE FIRST GRIND OF CORN IN NOVERMBER OF 2009, GREEN PLAINS RENEWABLE ENERGY IN OBION, TN HAS CONTINUED ITS PATH OF SUCCESS.
The Plain Untruths about Tornadoes
The 2015 tornado season has started slowly, but deadly. Knowing the truths about these storms could save your life.
FFA Developing Winners
AT THE STATE FFA CONVENTION, WINNERS WERE CHOSEN TO REPRESENT TENNESSEE AT THE NATIONAL FFA CONVENTION IN OCTOBER. ONE OF THOSE WINNERS WAS STATE...
FFA Star Power
THE FFA IS STILL AN AGRICULTURAL ORGANIZATION AT HEART, AND RECENTLY AT THE STATE FFA CONVENTION, THEY NAMED THEIR STAR FARMER AND STAR IN...
4-H Camp Returns to West Tennessee
THE TN GENERAL ASSEMBLY HAS APPROVED THE STATE BUDGET FOR 2015-16 AND INCLUDED IN THE $33.8 BILLION DOLLAR DOCUMENT IS FUNDING FOR THE PURCHASE...
Foodkeeper
A NEW APP CALLED FOODKEEPER CAN HELP US SAVE MONEY AND REDUCE THE AMOUNT OF SAFE FOOD GOING TO LANDFILLS.
Budgets Matter
TENNESSEE LAWMAKERS HAVE ALL BUT WRAPPED UP THE FIRST SESSION OF THE 109TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY AND WITH IT A 33.8 BILLION DOLLAR BUDGET THAT...
Nursery Time
THIS TIME OF YEAR, A LOT OF CONSIDERATION FOR WHAT TO PLANT IN YOUR GARDEN, AND FOR MANY STOPPING BY HOLDENS NURSERY IN MASCOT, TN,...
Too Much, Too Little
TENNESSEE FARMERS HAVE BEEN LOOKING FOR DRIER DAYS SO THAT THEY COULD BEGIN PLANTING THIS YEAR’S CORN CROP, WHILE CALIFORNIA FARMERS STILL FACE HISTORIC...
AgriScience Star
DURING THE STATE FFA CONVENTION HELD IN GATLINBURG STUDENTS ARE RECOGNIZED FOR THEIR SUPERVISED AGRICULTURAL EXPERIENCE PROGRAMS AND THE CREAM OF THE CROP VIE...
Strawberry Time
IT’S FINALLY HERE. STRAWBERRY SEASON THAT IS. IT’S BEEN A TOUGH YEAR FOR MANY GROWERS, BATTLING THE LONG, COLD WINTER AND A LOT OF...
Corn Planters Finally Rolling
TN CORN FARMERS ARE HAVING THEIR BEST PLANTING DAYS OF THE SEASON. UNTIL THE PAST FEW DAYS, THEY’VE BEEN RAINED OUT, BUT NOW THEY’RE...
Canola Interest
A FEW TENNESSEE FARMERS SCATTERED ABOUT THE STATE ARE GETTING READY TO HARVEST THEIR CANOLA CROP
Mother’s Day Farmers
PERHAPS NOTHING SAYS MOTHERS DAY MORE THAN THE GIFT OF FLOWERS. AND FFA STUDENTS ALL ACROSS TENN. MAYBE UNDERSTAND THAT MORE THESE DAYS, BECAUSE...
Safeguarding From Bird Flu
SINCE LAST DECEMBER, USDA HAS CONFIRMED SEVERAL CASES OF HIGHLY PATHOGENIC AVIAN INFLUENZA H5 IN THE PACIFIC, CENTRAL AND MISSISSIPPI FLYWAYS.
Strawberry Season
NOTHING MUCH BETTER THAN A FRESH TENN. STRAWBERRY. AND NOW’S THE TIME TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE SEASON. AFTER MONTHS OF CARING FOR THE...
Rural Development for Rural Communities
TENN. DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISISIONER RANDY BOYD IS BUSY TRAVELING THE STATE AND ELSEWHERE LOOKING TO DEVELOP STRATEGIES TO HELP MAKE...
New Tennessee 4-H Leader
FOR JUST ABOUT HIS ENTIRE PROFESSIONAL CAREER. DR. RICHARD CLARK HAS BEEN INVOLVED IN SOME ASPECT OF 4-H. AND NOW HE’S THE NEW LEADER...
Women in Ag Speak Out
The American Farm Bureau recently released its Women in Ag Survey. All women in agriculture, not just Farm Bureau members, were invited to participate,...
Better Late than Never
FRANKLIN COUNTY FARMER MIKE ROBINSON SAYS THE PAST TWO WEEKS WERE JUST WHAT HE’S NEEDED TO TRY AND CATCH UP WITH SPRING PLANTING.
Better Late than Never
FRANKLIN COUNTY FARMER MIKE ROBINSON SAYS THE PAST TWO WEEKS WERE JUST WHAT HE’S NEEDED TO TRY AND CATCH UP WITH SPRING PLANTING.
Taking What’s Given
TENNESSEE ROW CROP FARMERS HAVE MADE GREAT PROGRESS PLANTING THEIR CORN, COTTON AND SOYBEANS. BUT NOW THEY NEED SOME MOISTURE IN THE GROUND.
A Blend of Success
SINCE THE FIRST GRIND OF CORN IN NOVERMBER OF 2009, GREEN PLAINS RENEWABLE ENERGY IN OBION, TN HAS CONTINUED ITS PATH OF SUCCESS.
High Demand for Ag Grads
ONE OF THE BEST CAREERCHOICES FOR NEW COLLEGE GRADUATES IS THE AGRICULTURAL INDUSTRY.
Future Ag Leaders Go All Out
NEW LEADERS WERE RECENTLY ELECTED TO SERVE THE TENNESSEE FFA FOR THE NEXT YEAR AND THEY HAVE SOME LOFTY GOALS TO ACCOMPLISH.
Rural Life Festival
THE HISTORIC RURAL LIFE FESTIVAL IS HELD AT THE ELLINGTON AGRCICULTURAL CENTER AND IS GEARED TOWARD STUDENTS 1ST THROUGH 5TH GRADE.
UAV Use in Ag
THE AGRICULTURAL USE OF UAV’S OR DRONES WILL DO MORE THAN JUST GATHER FARM DATA.
Tenn. Residence Garden Wins International Award
THE TENN. EXECUTIVE RESIDENCE KITCHEN AND CUTTING GARDEN HAS BEEN NAMED FIRST PLACE IN THIS YEAR’S INTERNATIONAL MASTER GARDENER ASSOCIATION SEARCH FOR EXCELLENCE RECOGNITION IN...
The Numbers of Agriculture
THE NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL STATISTICS SERVICE SURVEYS FARMERS ON A REGULAR BASIS TO GET A SNAPSHOT OF JUST WHAT IS AMERICAN AGRICULTURE. AND A NEW REPORT...
The Best Field Trip of the Year
CLAIBORNE COUNTY 5TH GRADERS HAD THEIR BEST FIELD TRIP OF THE YEAR AT THE ANNUAL FARM CITY DAY. SPONSORED BY THE CLAIBORNE COUNTY FARM...
Summer Grilling
THE MEMORIAL DAY HOLIDAY IS A REMINDER TO REMEMBER THOSE VETERANS WHO GAVE THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE FOR OUR COUNTRY AND OF COURSE IT’S SYNONYMOUS...
From the Garden to the Capitol
TYLER BROWN IS THE EXECUTIVE CHEF OF THE CAPITOL GRILLE AT THE FAMOUS HERMITAGE HOTEL IN DOWNTOWN NASHVILLE, AND HE’S COOKING UP PRODUCE AND...
Canola Interest
TENNESSEE FARMERS ARE READY TO HARVEST CANOLA.
The Buffer Zone
THE TENN DIVISION OF FORESTRY AND OTHER AG ASSOCIATIONS ARE ENCOURAGING RURAL AND URBAN LANDOWNERS TO CONSIDER ESTABLISHING RIPARIAN BUFFER ZONES TO HELP PROTECT...
Celebrating June Dairy Month
TENN 4-H JUNE DAIRY MONTH CHAIRMEN IN SEVERAL COUNTIES WILL BE WORKING TO PROMOTE THE BENEFITS OF THE DAIRY INDUSTRY TO THE STATE ECONOMY...