Yearly Archives: 2016
A Look Back to 2016 Agriculture
Looking back over the year of 2016, a lot went on in the Department of Agriculture according to Commissioner of Agriculture Jai Templeton.
New Report Reveals the Depth of Local Food Marketing in U.S.
How many farmers are selling their products directly to local customers and how much money are those sales generating? USDA’S Gary Crawford has the...
TN Team in Running for Entrepreneur of the Year
Four finalist teams will compete next month to win the American Farm Bureau Federation’s Rural Entrepreneur of the Year award. AFBF’s Micheal Clements has...
Christmas on the Farm
Christmas on a Tennessee farm is rather special, and this weekend a lot of family gatherings at the farm will be taking place.
2016 Rural America at a Glance
The latest in a series of USDA reports on economic and population trends in rural America was recently issued.
McAlisters Named to American Farm Bureau Young Farmer Committee
Greene County beef cattle farmers Jimmy and Lydia McAlister have recently been appointed to the American Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers Committee.
Tim Cross Named New UTIA Chancellor
Tim Cross, longtime University of Tennessee leader, has been named the new chancellor for the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture.
Stronger Partnership for 4-H and Farm Bureau
A partnership between two long-standing agriculture organizations will help grow future agriculture leaders.
Ensuring Farmers Have Needed Resources and Aid
The Tennessee Department of Agriculture sent out a survey this fall to see what farmers were suffering the most from in the midst of...
Farm Income Down, Debt Up
When 2016 is over, U.S. farm income will likely be down from the year before. Gary Crawford has some key numbers in USDA’s latest...
Miller Selected to Lead Young Farmers
Loudon County’s Josey Miller was elected as the 2017 Young Farmers & Ranchers chairman of the state committee.
Zippy Making the Rounds
American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall has been traveling across the country attending several state Farm Bureau Conventions. He was at Tennessee’s this week.
Governor thanks Farm Bureau
Gov. Bill Haslam addressed the delegates during the business session of the 95th Tennessee Farm Bureau Convention this week in Franklin.
A Rural Challenge
Farm Bureau leaders attending the Tennessee Farm Bureau convention this week in Franklin heard more about the Governor’s Rural Challenge and from members of...
Celebrating Farm Bureau
Farm Bureau President Jeff Aiken says some 1500 farm leaders are in Franklin this week for the 95th meeting of the nation’s largest state...
Neighbors helping Neighbors
The tragic wildfires in the Smokies and the tornadoes that hit in Middle and East Tennessee have had quite an impact this week.
Devastating Wildfires in Sevier County
The wildfires in East Tennessee have taken their toll, at least three lives lost in Sevier County where Gov. Bill Haslam called it the...
Keep It Real
It is the most wonderful time of the year, and it couldn’t be better without a real Christmas tree.
Expanding Impacts of the Drought
The Southeastern drought is increasing farmers’ concerns about water supplies, pastures, wildfire activity and threats to crops.
Biofuel Supporters thankful for EPA Rule
The Environmental Protection Agency has made biofuels supporters thankful this holiday by raising its Renewable Fuels Standard volume requirements for 2017.
Thankful Farmers
Celebrating Thanksgiving on the farm is no doubt special for farmers across Tennessee.
Thankful Farmers
With the Thanksgiving season, it seemed right to go to the farm and talk about what there is to be thankful for this year.
Direct Impact
Despite the direct financial impact the drought is having on Grundy County’s Steve Ahearn’s cattle operation, he’s still thankful he has the opportunity to...
TSU Ag Continues to Grow
You might not think there’s a lot of interest in agriculture in downtown Nashville, but that’s far from the truth at Tennessee State University’s...
Thanksgiving Dinner Costs Less This Year
Each year the American Farm Bureau releases a survey on how much a Thanksgiving meal costs…and this year that price has gone down compared...
Turkey Producers Have Something to be Thankful for
The nation’s turkey producers and consumers have something to be thankful for this Thanksgiving season—no bird flu.
Two More Arson Arrests
State authorities have announced the arrests of two more arsonist charged with the deliberate setting of wildfires.
David Kustoff Elected to Congress
Congressman-elect David Kustoff of Shelby County easily won his election to succeed Stephen Fincher in Tennessee’s 8th District.
The Dry Down Continues
A lot of cattle producers across Tennessee are really concerned over the long-standing drought.
As Serious as it Gets
The drought conditions across Tennessee continue to get worse and so are wildfires.
Rural Votes Mattered
American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall reacting to this week’s historic election.
Patriot Project Connecting Farming and Veterans
Farm Bureau’s Patriot Project brings veterans to the farm. Micheal Clements has more.
USDA Initiative to Feed the Future
How is the Agriculture Department tied into a federal government effort to combat global food insecurity?
Can We Get Any Drier?
The dry conditions are continuing and unfortunately the latest winter forecast from USDA shows how the strengthening La Nina weather pattern might mean more...
Livestock and the Drought
Dr. Jason Smith, a UT Extension Beef Specialist says practically daily, he and other extension personnel are taking calls from livestock producers about the...
Powder Dry
Critical conditions for wildfires for most of Tennessee so much so Division of Forestry officials are denying burn permits.
State Land Evaluation Contests Held
The Staet 4-H and FFA Land Evaluation contests were held recently at Tennessee Tech’s Hyder-Burks Pavilion in Cookeville and Watertown FFA won top honors...
Why Not Chocolate Milk?
No doubt one of my favorite drinks is chocolate milk. And there’s no doubt why the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association decided a few...
Sharing the Story
John Butler is now overseeing the day-to-day operations of Agricenter International. This multi-faceted complex and farm is a treasure found just outside of Memphis.
Taking Care of the Bean
Promotion and research is the name of the game when it comes to one of Tennessee’s most important commodities…soybeans.
Over a Century of Helping Farmers
Bob Hayes says farming practices today have changed quite a bit since the West Tennessee Research and Education Center first opened in 1907, but...
Transform FFA
Tennessee FFA brought more than 900 FFA members to Indianapolis, Indiana for the 89th National FFA Convention
Harvest Wrapping Up Quickly
The dry weather over the past several weeks has resulted in what many say is the quickest harvest they can ever remember.
89th National FFA Convention
Tennessee highlights from the the National FFA Convention and Expo from Indianapolis.
Transform Purpose to Action
A sea of “Blue Jackets” has taken over the convention center in downtown Indianapolis for the 89th National FFA Convention and Expo.
Tennessee’s Sunbelt Ag Expo Farmer of the Year
Earlier this year, as a result of his success as a row crop and beef cattle producer, James Haskew was selected as the state...
Dry Conditions Causing Big Problems
A lot of concern growing now over the dry conditions across the state because the lack of pastures for livestock and producers already feeding...
The Benefits of Cover Crops
Tennessee State Conservationist Kevin Brown says there’s no doubt cover crops help the farmer, the environment and all of us.
Building a Stronger Rural Tennessee
This week after nearly a year in the making, the Governor’s Rural Task Force released its strategic plan to advance rural communities and economic...
Ag in the Classroom’s Importance
Ag leaders from across the state were in Columbia this week as part of the Tenn. Ag in the Classroom Advisory Council to review...
Tenn. Ag Leadership Forum
Individuals from across the state involved in all aspects of agriculture gathered recently in Murfreesboro for the Tennessee Agriculture Leadership Forum sponsored by Farm...
Fall Tour
Each Fall the Tennessee Young Farmers and Ranchers tour a different region of the state during harvest season and this year’s tour was in...
Corn’s Role in Sustainability
Green Plains Ethanol plant in Obion County is grinding about 40 million bushels of corn each year and producing about 100 million gallons of...
Matthew’s Wake
There could be some significant impacts to agriculture in the path of hurricane Matthew.
Growing Bioplastics
32-year old Tony Bova and partner Jeff Beegle have an upstart company called Grow Bioplastics in Knoxville, and they have been announced as one...
Farm Bill Working for America
Whether you live on the farm or in the city, the next Farm Bill debated in Congress should be of concern.
The Perfect Jobs
ANTHONY AND CAROLINE SHELTON OF WASHINGTON COUNTY HAVE WON THE TN FARM BUREAU’S EXCELLENCE IN AGRICULTURE AWARD FOR 2016
Survey Shows Lower Prices for Staple Food Items
One of the biggest predators to Tennessee’s livestock producers is the black vulture.S
Waivers to FAA Drone Rule
A new rule for unmanned aerial system use includes waivers and exemptions.
Learning on the Job
Dr. Tim Cross is now the Interim Chancellor of the University of Tennessee’s Institute of Agriculture.
UT Ag Meritorious Service Awards
Julius Johnson and Lacy Upchurch were honored at UT’s Ag Day with the Meritorious Service Award.
Report Shows Need for Congressional Action on WOTUS
The American Farm Bureau Federation says a Senate report just released highlights the need for Congress to intervene regarding the Waters of the U.S. rule.
Learning from the Source
Rep. Diane Black of Tennessee’s 6th Congressional District continues to make it a priority to meet with and listen to the farmers she represents...
Ag Lab Success
Students at Jere Whitson Elementary School in Cookeville are reaping the benefits of their Ag Lab.
Safety on the Farm
Its National Farm Safety and Health Week and Tennessee Commissioners of Agriculture and Health are reminding all Tennesseans that this time of year is...
Time to Push TPP
A top U.S. trade official says now is the time for farmers to press their lawmakers to pass the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade agreement
Farm Safety: A Legacy to be Proud Of
This week we are celebrating National Farm Safety and Health Week, but even though this is the week we recognize it, safety is something...
Safety First on the Farm
National Farm Safety And Health Week is next week and it covers ways ag producers can protect their greatest legacies – their health and...
Celebrity Milking Contest
The Tennessee State Fair Celebrity Milking contest was held this week at the fair as the team of NewsChannel 5’s Cary Clark and State...
3000 Attend AITC Event
The Tenn. State Fair once again hosted what’s considered as the largest one-day event for a Farm Day for Ag in the Classroom.
Blue Ribbon Hams for FFA
The top two winning Country Hams were auctioned off for $4600 and $4400 respectfully during the Tennessee State Fair to benefit Tennessee FFA.
Grill-Off for Ag
Scott Couch and Stacy Case with FOX 17 TV in Nashville took home the “Champion of Champions” trophy at the Hamburger Grill-Off at the State...
A Tennessee Tradition
The excitement for the young and old is always evident at the state fair. And the tradition continues again as the fair opens the...
Corn Harvest in Full Swing
While the sun shines, Tennessee farmers have been taking full advantage of the dry conditions to harvest their corn crop.
Ag Land Tenure and Transition
Land tenure and transition issues grow as the number of senior producers increase and more new farmers wish to enter the business.
Unifying and Amplifying Ag’s Voice
American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall was recently in Tennessee to hear from farmers about the challenges they face.
A Safer Cookout
It’s almost criminal the number of food related illness cases that come from Labor Day weekend picnics and cookouts.
Let ’em Walk
The excitement is building in Shelbyville, TN as tomorrow night the 2016 Tennessee Walking Horse World Grand Champion will be named.
Secure and Reform
Immigration reform and securing the border has been a priority issue for farmers all across the country for some time, and perhaps no where...
Chancellor Arrington Retires
Chancellor of the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture Larry Arrington’s last day is today, August 31.
USDA Promotes STEM Interest and Opportunity
A top USDA science official believes students need to know anything is possible with a science, tech, engineering or math career.
Farm Organizations in Together
Farm Credit of Mid America CEO Bill Johnson recently spoke to Farm Bureau leaders gathered for their 76th Presidents Conference in Franklin and one...
Discovering the Forest is not just for Kids
The latest public service campaign to promote forest activity focuses on family adventures, both at National Forests and local parks.
A Nemesis to Livestock Farmers and the Public
One of the biggest predators for Tennessee’s livestock industry is the black vulture.
Dairy Farmers Seeking Assistance from USDA
The American Farm Bureau Federation is supporting a coalition of lawmakers seeking assistance for U.S. dairy farmers.
Back at Home
Loudon County dairy Farmer Ryan Bright is feeling a lot better than he was six months ago. That’s when an early morning fire basically...
Deep Space Farming
A university and private company are joining forces to help NASA solve a challenge of deep space travel – a fresh food supply.
Plan Your Day Around the Farmers Almanac
Farmers Almanac editor Pete Geiger talks about the upcoming winter weather forecasty that the 200-Year-old publication is predicting for the Volunteer State.
Harvest Season is Here
West Tenn. row crop farmers are quickly turning their attention to the harvest season and first up is corn.
Ag Students and UAV’s
The sky’s the limit for ag students learning about UAV’s at UT Martin.
August Crop Production Report
USDA's August crop production report has a few surprises nationally, cotton rebounds in the Volunteer state.
Trade’s Impact
Johnathan Cordone is USDA"s Under Secretary for Farm & Foreighn Relations and he recently updated Tenn. Farm Bureau leaders on the importance of global...
TFBF Presidents Conference
Senator Bob Corker among others highlight the 76th Annual Tennessee Farm Bureau Presidents Conference.
Farmers Believe in GMO’s
As Tennessee farmers put their hopes on a good growing season for their crops like corn and soybeans, they’re hoping the rest of the...
Cover Crops
More and more experts are promoting the use of cover crops, but why are so few farmers using them?
Brazilian Farmers Learning From Tenn. Farmers
While athletes from around the world are gathered in Rio for the Olympics, a few Brazilian farmers have been in West Tennessee visiting farmers...
National Farmers Market Week
As summer comes to a close for many, Tennessee farmers want everyone to know it’s actually the prime month of the growing season. That’s...
Immigration Reform Critical to Farmers
The “Reason for Reform” Campaign highlights agriculture’s need for immigration reform. American Farm Bureau’s Micheal Clements has the story.
A Good Fruit Crop
University of Tennessee Extension Fruit Specialist, Dr. David Lockwood, says for most of Tennessee this year has been a better than average year for...