Yearly Archives: 2019
Hopeful for a Stronger Year on the Farm
As we kick off a brand new year, farmers across Tennessee always remain optimistic for a better year than the last.
Our Farms are Our Future
There's a reason the state seal of Tennessee has agriculture prominently displayed.
The 116th Off and Running
A new Congress is up and running in our nation's capitol and three new members of Tennessee's delegation were sworn in to serve, including...
Government Shutdown Causing Ag Concerns
The partial government shutdown is a growing concern for farmers and rural communities across Tennessee because they depend on many federal programs.
A New Voice for Farmers
Tennessee's Marsha Blackburn is back in Washington but this time on a different side of the Capitol.
The 111th Now in Session
Franklin Republican Glen Casada was easily elected as the new Speaker of the House on the opening day of the 111th Tennessee General Assembly.
Celebrating a Century at Farm Bureau
The nation's largest general farm organization is set to hold its annual meeting in New Orleans this weekend as the American Farm Bureau celebrates...
Discussing Her Way to the Top
Tennessee's national competitor in the Young Farmers and Ranchers Discussion Meet is Laura Vaught, a lawyer with agricultural ties in Rutherford County.
A Centennial Celebration for Farm Bureau
Tennessee Farm Bureau President Jeff Aiken and farmers from Tennessee and all around the country are in New Orleans for the American Farm Bureau's...
President Addresses Farm Bureau Leaders
For the second straight year, President Donald Trump addressed Farm Bureau leaders, this time at their centennial celebration in New Orleans
Grassroot Efforts Leading the Way
The last action to happen at the 100th annual gathering of the American Farm Bureau is the Annual Delegate Meeting, where policy for the...
The Value of Farm Bureau
Neil Delk, Maury County Farm Bureau President attended the 100th annual American Farm Bureau Convention and said he learned even more about the purpose...
Directing the Unified Voice
Dale Moore is the current Executive Vice President for the American Farm Bureau Federation.
Reaching for the Finish Line
America's farmers and ranchers are making a pledge to support a new campaign for clean water, clear rules.
Earning Consumer Trust for our Food
The tireless work our farmers do on a daily basis in producing our food is not enough to maintain consumer trust in our overall...
FSA Offices Opening Back Up
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue has announced that all Farm Service Agency (FSA) offices nationwide will reopen this week to provide additional administrative services to...
Committed to Serving Beef
From the ground up, Jennifer Houston has been a passionate promoter of beef. And she's ready to become the next president of the nation's...
Seeking Rural Prosperity
Gov. Bill Lee, just over a week into office, has held true on his emphasis that he wants to place on helping rural Tennessee.
Future of the Tennessee State Fair
The Tennessee State Fair Association has filed a lawsuit to stop construction of a Major League Soccer stadium on the current fairgrounds site.
Putting the Farm Bill to Work
Tennessee and American farmers were pleased that Congress approved a new Farm Bill just before Christmas, but a lot of time lost on the...
Securing Ag Labor
The American Farm Bureau Federation says legislation introduced by a U.S. Representative from California would start a dialogue on Capitol Hill about agriculture labor...
FFA Traveling Far and Wide
Abigail McConnell of the Munford FFA Chapter is excited about her trip this summer with a program called "Go FFA."
A Snapshot of Our Farms
Some characteristics of family farms from an economic and commodity perspective are part of the focus of an annual USDA report. Rod Bain tells...
Dairy Farmers Fighting Strong
Dairy farmers across Tennessee and the country are experiencing tough times.
Farm Bill Example
Recently, long-time Senator Pat Roberts, who is chairman of the Senate Ag Committee, told Farm Bureau leaders that he hopes his colleagues can work...
U.S. Jobs Report Shows Continued Growth, Good for Agriculture
The most recent monthly jobs report showed an employment gain around the country. That's good news for the entire economy, including agriculture. Chad Smith...
Adding Value to Tennessee Cattle
Tennessee Livestock Producers is Tennessee Farm Bureau's oldest service company, started in 1932 as a marketing cooperative.
Preparing Your Tax Returns
It may be odd to many, but most of us should have an easier time filing our taxes this year.
A Growing Threat to the Deer Population
Tennessee wildlife officials gave updates this week to state lawmakers about the situation in Southwest Tennessee where Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) has now been...
Connecting Farms to Wildlife
U.S. Ag Secretary Sonny Perdue was back in Tennessee attending the National Wild Turkey Federation's annual meeting and talking about the strong connection of...
Up to Here in Mud
The wet, cold and muddy conditions seem almost too extreme this year for our cattle farmers.
FFA Travels the Volunteer State
It's National FFA Week and that means the Tennessee FFA state officers are celebrating by traveling across the state during their annual Goodwill Tour.
Chance of a Lifetime
High school students from across the state had the opportunity to attend an agricultural career panel as part of Ag Night at the University...
Searching for Answers
Beekeepers in Tennessee and across the country continue to struggle with the health of one of our most important insects.
Flooding Across the State
Roads and schools are closed and events have been cancelled all across Tennessee this week as folks continue to deal with the effects of...
Trying to Stay on Dry Ground
The recent floods forced cattle producers in boats to round up their animals.
Ringing the Bell for Ag
Governor Bill Lee addressed more than 600 farm leaders yesterday in Nashville as he attended the Farm Bureau's Bell Ringer Country Dinner.
Agriculture and Rural Areas a Priority for Tennessee
Tonight Tennesseans will hear from Governor Bill Lee in his first State of the State address.
Farmers Looking for Drier Weather, Stronger Markets
Farmers attending the Mid-South Farm & Gin Show in Memphis are all but ready for a new crop season.
USDA is Working on Hemp Rules
USDA is working on nationwide rules to govern hemp.
A Slight Jump in Farm Income Expected
Over the past five years, farmers here in Tennessee and across the country have seen income levels continue to drop, but finally, a more...
Tennessee Agribition Kicking Off
Agribition offers a unique chance for producers to see top quality show animals on Friday and then purchase them on Saturday and this event...
Celebrating Our Most Important Industry
This is National Agriculture Week, a week set aside to recognize this incredible industry that each one of depends on every day.
National Nutrition Month
March is national nutrition month and the Dairy Alliance is tackling dietary myths this month to debunk common diet disasters people make.
Ag Day on the Hill
A great day to celebrate Tennessee's top industry by perhaps agriculture's biggest promoter, Governor Bill Lee.
National Ag Day
Celebrating today our most important industry, agriculture.
Partnerships for Ag
Several industry partners in Tennessee agriculture gathered at the Tennessee Farm Bureau headquarters office in Columbia for a first-of-its-kind meeting.
Broadband Initiative Connecting Rural America
The American Broadband Initiative is helping rural America connect to rural broadband.
A Roadmap for Success
Hundreds of 4-H'ers from across the state are attending Tennessee 4-H Congress this week in Murfreesboro and Nashville.
Making the Best Better
Gov. Bill Lee gave remarks to delegates attending Tennessee 4-H Congress in Murfreesboro remembering his time serving in the youth organization.
Fusion Conference a Chance to Connect & Grow
Milwaukee, Wisconsin was recently the site of the American Farm Bureau's Fusion Conference, where Young Farmers and Ranchers and Women's Leadership Committees from across...
FFA Just One
The 91st Tennessee FFA Convention kicks off today and 3000 plus FFA members from across the state will turn Gatlinburg's streets blue and gold...
FFA Shining Stars
At the 91st Tennessee State FFA Convention state winners are announced and one of those is the state Star in Agriscience - this year...
Just One. 91st Tennessee State FFA Convention.
Just One is the theme of the 91st Tennessee State FFA Convention and the more than 3500 FFA members here have been taking just...
Celebrating the FFA
A lot of excitement this week with the 91st annual Tennessee FFA Convention in Gatlinburg where a new slate of state officers were installed...
From Oklahoma to Tennessee
FFA's National Western Region Vice President Ridge Hughbanks spent the week with Tennessee FFA members.
No Fooling, Time to Plant
The calendar has turned another page, and it means farmers across the state will be focusing on getting corn seeds planted.
Leaders for the County
The American Farm Bureau Federation is celebrating County Leader Week with online resources.
New Program Means New Hope for Agriculture in Shelby County
For the first time in a while, Shelby County has an active FFA Chapter in Bolton FFA.
Cleaning up the Rules
The April 15 deadline is fast approaching, not just on getting your taxes filed, but also for providing comments on the new Clean Water...
Our Future for a State Fair
After 150-plus years of a Tennessee State Fair in Nashville and over 100 years in the current location, the status of a State Fair...
Ag Star Making Stronger Voices for Ag
Since 2002 hundreds of West Tennessee ag and business leaders have graduated from the Ag Star program.
Developing Rural Areas
Jim Tracy serves as the Tennessee State Director of USDA Rural Development, where one of his main priorities has been and will continue to...
A Rally for FSA Employees
Hundreds of Farm Service Agency county employees across the Southeast and Southwest will gather in Nashville this week for their All South Area Rally.
Another Needed Break for Farmers
The Tennessee General Assembly has approved legislation that would lift use and sales taxes for agricultural trailers.
Honoring an Ag Legend
Lt. Governor Randy McNally and the Tennessee General Assembly paid respect to the late Lacy Upchurch with a resolution in his honor given to...
Following in His Father’s Footsteps
Being named FFA's State Star Farmer is perhaps the highest honor you can receive on the state level for agriculture in the FFA. For...
Representing Rural Interests
New lawmakers in the 111th Tenn. General Assembly have been working to represent their rural constituents.
Women in Agriculture
Amanda Robertson, Farm Service Agency Beginning Farmer Regional Consultant, attended a women in agriculture meeting recently where women gathered for networking opportunities.
Keeping up with the Numbers
The numbers are out for the 2017 Census of Agriculture.
Decorated Eggs – A Food Safety Story
Have you decorated some eggs this year for Easter? If you plan on eating them later, we have some tips on how to do...
Representing Agricultural Interests
Congressman John Rose recently spent time in Smith County with Farm Bureau leaders from around the area, and shared updates on his first few...
Listening and Working for Our Top Industry
Representative Dr. Scott DesJarlais is a member of the House Agriculture Committee where he hears a lot about national policy and the importance of...
All In on Ag
Tennessee's Commissioner of Agriculture Dr. Charlie Hatcher is embracing his new role of leading the Department of Agriculture.
Celebrating Cattle Producers and Partners
Tennessee Livestock Producers recently had an industry partner and customer appreciation day at the Columbia Livestock Center.
Hearing from the Grassroots
With Congress on recess, folks are taking advantage of their elected leaders being home to meet with them and share what issues are important...
Farm Bureau Women – the Heart of the Organization
The Tennessee Farm Bureau Women's Leadership Program recently held their annual conference where county leadership groups from all over the state came together in...
Why is Agriculture Important?
The Tennessee Farm Bureau Women's Leadership Program holds an essay contest each year for 5th graders across the state to answer the question "Why...
Keeping It Fresh
When you start to purchase that next gallon of milk, our local dairy farmers are hoping you think about them first like Weigel's has.
Lawmakers Showing their Rural Support
The Tennessee General Assembly is about to adjourn for their first session and new laws are being passed to benefit our farmers and agribusinesses. ...
7 Habits for Highly Effective Farmers
A new webinar series highlighting seven habits for highly effective farmers put on in conjunction with the University of Tennessee and University of Kentucky...
Market Facilitation Program deadline gives farmers more time to complete certification
Farmers now have until May 17 to certify acres to receive payments from Market Facilitation Program. AFBF's Michael Clements has the story.
Forests Forever
Tennessee is blessed to have a forest industry that impacts all citizens, and the Tennessee Division of Forestry is tasked with the stewardship of...
Lab Grown Meat a Rising Concern
Lab-grown meat or cell-cultured meat is a topic that is becoming more talked about and the Tennessee Cattlemen's Association is monitoring closely.
An Alliance for All Farm Supporters
The U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance (USFRA) was formed nearly a decade ago with the intent on bringing together farmers and all of the...
Podcast with Congressman Chuck Fleischmann
Rep. Chuck Fleischmann, (R-TN, 3rd District) @RepChuck met with Farm Bureau leaders from his congressional district in Athens to discuss ag and rural issues.
A Friend to Farm Bureau
Tennessee's 3RD District Congressman Chuck Fleischmann met with Farm Bureau leaders in Athens this week to discuss ag and rural issues and received his...
Heading to Indy
Julia Knaggs of the Station Camp FFA chapter was just chosen as Tennessee FFA's National Officer Candidate, where she will go on to compete...
Conservation Partners
Matt Lohr, a 5th generation Virginia farmer, is leading the efforts of USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). @USDA_NRCS @MatthewJLohr
National Poll Shows Impacts of Rural Economy on Farmer Mental Health
May is National Mental Health Month, and a new survey commissioned by the American Farm Bureau Federation reveals how farmers are holding up against...
That’s a Lot of Hay
Tennessee farmers produce a lot of hay each year, and May is one of the prime months for production. USDA NASS TN Field Office
Shoring Up Our Trade Agreements at Home
The U.S. has reached an agreement with Canada and Mexico to remove the steel and aluminum tariffs, and Canada and Mexico will remove their...
Ground Broken on a New Creamery
Jeffery and Elizabeth Turner of Wilson County are hoping their efforts to expand their dairy operation will soon pay off. Close to 100 friends,...
China Trade Tensions Negatively Impacting Farmers
American farmers are suffering from ongoing trade disputes between the U.S. and China. Chad Smith has more. View the full story here.
Unofficial Start of Summer
Memorial Day is an opportunity to remember and honor those that gave the ultimate sacrifice defending our country, and many friends and families celebrate...
Gearing Up for 4-H Camp
It’s summertime and for Tennessee 4-H students, that means it’s about time for summer 4-H camp.
More info on 4-H and Summer Camps
Improving Dairy Practices
Dairy is an important part of a well-balanced diet and Tennessee's agricultural economy, but as we know, dairies are currently struggling. Dr. Jeffery Bewley,...
Farm Bureau Welcomes Trade Aid, but Advocates for Trade Agreements
The American Farm Bureau Federation says the new trade aid package for farmers is needed, but wants to see trade agreements finalized to quickly...
June Dairy Month Kickoff
June is Dairy Month in Tennessee and it was kicked off at Battle Mountain Farm with a big crowd of industry leaders, 4-Hers and...
Celebrating June Dairy Month
In Tennessee, we're spending the month of June promoting and consuming milk.
To learn more about June Dairy Month, visit the Dairy Alliance.