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...
2016 TFBF Convention
Take a look at our photo gallery from the 2016 TFBF Convention in Nashville.
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.
Robertson County’s Lindsay Elliott wins Outstanding Young Woman at Farm Bureau...
During the Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation’s 95th annual convention at Franklin’s Embassy Suites, Robertson County’s Lindsay Elliott was named the TN Young Farmers and...
County Farm Bureaus Honored with Pinnacle Partnership Award
During the Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation’s 95th annual convention at Franklin’s Cool Springs Marriott, thirteen county Farm Bureaus were recognized for reaching the highest standards possible in membership, programs and teamwork. Those counties are Benton, Coffee, Dyer, Giles, Marshall, Maury, Obion, Overton, Putnam, Rutherford, Sullivan, Washington and Weakley County.
Unicoi County Farm Bureau Wins Horizon Award
During the Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation’s 95th annual convention at Franklin’s Cool Springs Marriott, Unicoi County received the Horizon Award for the greatest improvement in their program of work.
County Farm Bureaus Honored with President’s Awards
During the Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation’s 95th annual convention at Franklin’s Cool Springs Marriott, twenty county Farm Bureaus were recognized for accomplishments and successes from the past year.
Tim Cross Named New UTIA Chancellor
The UT Institute of Agriculture has a new chancellor after a called Board of Trustees meeting Thursday afternoon. Trustees approved President Joe DiPietro’s recommendation that Tim Cross be appointed the next UT Institute of Agriculture chancellor.
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 Haslam speaks to delegates of 95th annual meeting of Tennessee...
During the Tennessee Farm Bureau’s 95th annual convention in Franklin, Tenn., Governor Bill Haslam spoke to delegates, who represent agriculture and farmers across the state, at the business session addressing the recent wildfires, tornadoes and the outpouring of support by Tennesseans responding to help those affected by these disasters.
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...
Tennessee Farm Bureau Holds 95th Annual Meeting
More than 1,500 farmers from across the state will gather in Cool Springs December 4-6 for the purpose of developing policy for 2017, electing...
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.
Haslam Eases Truck Restrictions to Help Farmers During Drought
http://tn.gov/agriculture/news/46948
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...
Clay
County Secretary: Melissa Brannon
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.
Statement by Jeff Aiken, President, Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation, Regarding Election
Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation congratulates President-elect Donald Trump on his victory and those state leaders elected to serve in the 115th Congress and the 110th Tennessee General Assembly.
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...
Ban on Burning Lifted on all Counties in Tennessee
With the entire state now in some state of drought, there are many concerns for farmers and all Tennesseans. Here are some resources for farmers and land owners to access information on the drought and how to address some of the issues.
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...
TEMA activated TN Emergency Management Plan in response to drought and...
This evening the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) activated the Tennessee Emergency Management Plan (TEMP) in response to the drought and wildfire impacts, and continued threat, in the State.
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...
2016 Shooting Hunger
Shooting Hunger is held in partnership with Tennessee Farmers Co op and Farm Credit Mid America with the goal of ending hunger in Tennessee. This year's event helped feed more than 160,000 meals to hungry Middle Tennesseans through Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee.
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.
Governor’s Rural Task Force Releases Strategic Plan to Build Stronger Rural...
The Governor’s Rural Task Force recently released its strategic plan to advance rural communities and economic development throughout Tennessee.
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...