Yearly Archives: 2020
Hoping for a Better Year
If we've heard it once, we've heart it a thousand times - 2020 has been a tough year.
New Dietary Guidelines Reaffirm Dairy’s Critical Role in a Healthy Diet
On Dec. 29, 2020, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025 edition was released and reaffirmed dairy’s critical role in a healthy diet.
Register for Farm Bureau’s Virtual Convention
Registration is now open for the 2021 American Farm Bureau Federation Virtual Annual Convention.
Tennessee Equine Health Advisory Commission Formed
Monday, December 28, 2020
NASHVILLE – Work of the newly-formed Tennessee Equine Health Advisory Commission is underway with a group of experts in the equine...
What a Year for Agriculture in 2020
Tennessee Commissioner of Agriculture Dr. Charlie Hatcher reflects on the year in agriculture.
A New Bull for the New Year
If you're a cattle producer and looking for a better herd bull, the UT Bull Test Sale is coming up January 14.
Holt to Join Tennessee Department of Agriculture
Tennessee Agriculture Commissioner Charlie Hatcher, D.V.M. has announced the addition of Andy Holt to the Business Development Division of the Tennessee Department of Agriculture...
Thankful at Christmas
This year, Christmas is definitely a lot more special for Robert and Shelia Earhart of Sullivan County.
Hope Still Remains at Christmas
Faith is guiding Gov. Bill Lee for his hope of a better Tennessee.
Why should you be a Tennessee Farm Bureau member?
At more than 680,000 members strong, we have the power to make a significant impact. Join our membership and help us to create a...
COVID Package Includes Relief for Agriculture
The last-minute COVID-19 relief package passed by Congress includes some much-needed assistance for agriculture. Micheal Clements shares what the $13 billion bill has to...
What’s in the New COVID-19 Relief Package for Agriculture?
After months of negotiations, Congress on Monday passed a $900 billion COVID-19 stimulus package with much-needed financial relief for agricultural producers.
Policy Post: January 2021
Policies which will guide the Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation advocacy efforts in 2021 were adopted and finalized by the House of Delegates at the 99th annual meeting on December 7, 2020.
New COVID Package Helps Farmers Previously Left Out of Aid
Congress agreed on a $900 billion COVID stimulus package, which will include up to $13 billion in funding that directly benefits agriculture. Nearly $1...
Enhanced Coverage Option Provides Shallow Loss Coverage on Crop Insurance
USDA’s Risk Management Agency’s Enhanced Coverage Option (ECO) is a new federal crop insurance product available as an add-on to the underlying crop insurance policy for 31 spring-planted crops.
Funds Available to Improve Tenn. Dairies
A new grant from USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service is available to help modernize and diversify Tennessee dairies.
Tennessee Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives Grant
COVID-19 Impact to Tennessee Ag
A new economic report has been published by the UT Institute of Agriculture as part of the state's overall economic report to the governor...
A Message to Tennessee Dairy Producers and Milk Haulers
In recent weeks, Tennessee dairy producers and milk haulers who previously supplied Dean Foods received letters from ASK, LLP, a law firm representing Southern...
Introvert to Extrovert
Tim Held, Tennessee 4-H's State Council President from Bradley County, has been positively impacted by the youth organization ever since he began his involvement...
UTIA Reveals Sobering Statistics in Economic Report to the Governor
In this year’s economic report to the governor, researchers at the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture detail the extent of COVID-19 impacts on...
Goodies and Gifties for Gardening Gurus
Is there a lawn and gardening enthusiast on your gift list this Christmas? Need some cool gift ideas? There are a few in this...
Funds Now Available to Support Dairies Seeking to Modernize, Diversify
UTIA and TDA Now Accepting Applications for Tennessee Dairy Business Innovation Grants
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Help is now available for the state’s dairy businesses.
As part of...
A Voice for Animal Agriculture
Whether its cattle, sheep and goats, hogs or equine, farm families in all 95 counties are dependent on the income from these animals and...
Trade Activity Buzzing for U.S. Ag
As 2020 draws to a close, the United States is busy working to improve things on the trade front for American farmers. Chad Smith...
A New Chairman for Tennessee Young Farmers
Marshall County's Doug Giles has been selected to chair the Tennessee Farm Bureau's Young Farmers and Ranchers State Committee for 2021.
Registration Open for American Farm Bureau Virtual Convention, Featuring Mike Rowe,...
The American Farm Bureau Federation opened registration for the 2021 American Farm Bureau Virtual Convention and unveiled the lineup of featured speakers including Mike Rowe, Rorke Denver and Beth Ford.
Farm Bureau Standing Up for Dairy Farmers
The American Farm Bureau Federation says Dean Foods is targeting dairy farmers through the food and beverage company’s bankruptcy proceedings. Micheal Clements shares what...
AFBF Welcomes Nomination of Tom Vilsack for Agriculture Secretary
President-elect Joe Biden is expected to nominate Tom Vilsack to serve as Secretary of Agriculture.
The following statement may be attributed to American Farm Bureau...
New Dean of Extension at UT
Dr. Ashley Stokes has been selected to serve as the next Dean of Extension for the University of Tennessee.
Five Dedicated Leaders Receive Farm Bureau’s Distinguished Service Award
During the 99th annual meeting of the Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation, five individuals were recognized for going above and beyond in their volunteer spirit...
Still Making a Positive Difference
Erin Welch, serving as Tennessee FFA's State President and from Dyer County, recently brought comments to a group of Farm Bureau members at their...
UTIA Appoints New Dean of UT Extension
A veterinarian, beef industry partner and expert in teaching and community engagement has been chosen as the new dean of UT Extension in the...
Our Most Important Industry
Having grown up on a farm in Williamson County, Governor Bill Lee holds the agriculture industry near and dear to his heart, and as...
UT AgResearch and Education Center at Milan One Step Closer to...
Proposed Transfer of Arsenal Land Added to Defense Authorization Act
The University of Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center at Milan is one...
New Ag Exhibit Open at Discovery Park of America
The new Simmons Bank Ag Center is now open at Discovery Park of America in Union City to learn more about our most important...
2020 Farm Profitability: A False Positive
USDA’s September 2020 farm income projections suggested net farm income would reach $103 billion this year, up 23% from the prior year and the highest level since 2013’s record high.
Helping to Improve Health Care for Rural Residents
Many rural residents don't have as much access to quality health care as those in urban areas, but that's starting to change.
Congress Working on Passing 2021 Spending Bills
Lawmakers in Washington, D.C. are working towards an agreement on the 2021 spending package. Micheal Clements shares what the package may mean for farmers...
Farm Bureau Responds on the Behalf of Dairy Farmers
Farm Bureau is standing-up for dairy farmers being targeted by predatory lawyers representing the estate of Dean Foods, which is currently undergoing bankruptcy...
Real Christmas Trees Going Fast
The family tradition of going out and choosing that special Christmas tree is something the pandemic can't take away.
Higher Inventory, Lower Placements
The latest Cattle on Feed Report shows a decline in placements and an increase in inventory.
2020 TFBF Convention
The upcoming Tennessee Farm Bureau Annual Meeting (Sunday and Monday, December 6 and 7 at the Franklin Cool Springs Marriott) is quickly approaching. Find a copy of the agenda here.
Paying It Forward
We've had Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and tomorrow is Giving Tuesday.
Remember to Shop Local
Morgan Flowers and her husband Brian of Flowers Creamery in Giles County are counting on the general public to find their new farm products...
Celebrating Thanksgiving
Happy Thanksgiving! In a year that has been quite less than normal, it feels good to celebrate what we're thankful for, doesn't it?
Still Thankful
This year has been hard on all of us, but farmers in Tennessee are resilient and are still finding lots to be thankful for...
Thankful for the Ag Industry
As we all take stock of the time we're in, especially this Thanksgiving season, we should all be grateful for the things we sometimes...
President Boyd Donates $200,000 to UT Extension
UT President Randy Boyd made it one of his goals to visit every UT Extension office in the state. Now his is extending that support by committing $200,000 from The Boyd Foundation to support program enhancements and facility or equipment needs.
Shopping Small Makes a Big Impact
Dedicated to supporting small businesses and communities across the country, Small Business Saturday is Nov. 28.
Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner to Cost Less This Year
The annual Thanksgiving price survey by the American Farm Bureau Federation shows lower prices for a traditional Thanksgiving meal this year.
Burn Safe Tennessee
Tennessee Division of Forestry officials remind us this time of year just how dangerous wildfires can be.
Farm Bureau Survey: Thanksgiving Dinner Cost Down 4%
Thanksgiving celebrations will look different for many Americans this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Gatherings are likely to be fewer and farther between,...
H2-A Stability for Farmers
New data released by the American Farm Bureau Federation shows a recent final rule regarding H-2A wages gives farmers and farm laborers much needed...
Time for Another Vote
Voting is underway across Tennessee and the rest of the country for members for FSA committees that help provide local information to USDA about...
100 Year Anniversary Pocket Knife
To celebrate our Farm Bureau family turning 100, a commemorative Case knife has been commissioned. We are excited to make them available to you for a cost of $60 with sales proceeds benefitting the Agriculture in the Classroom Foundation.
Tim Phelps, Tennessee Division of Forestry
11-16-20 We discuss burn permits and wildland fire protection with Tim Phelps of the Tennessee Division of Forestry.
Food and Agriculture Climate Alliance Announced
The Food and Agriculture Climate Alliance (FACA) consists of organizations representing farmers, ranchers, forest owners, the food sector, state governments and environmental advocates that are working together to define and promote shared climate policy priorities.
Ag Literacy 101
This week is Ag Literacy Week across Tennessee as folks involved in the industry look to spread the good news about our most important...
New Survey Finds Trusts for Farmers
A recently released survey conducted by the American Farm Bureau suggests that a majority of Americans believe farmers and ranchers are feeding the world...
Northeast Tennessee Gets New Congresswoman
Kingsport native Diana Harshbarger is all set to head to Washington in January for the 117th Congress.
Thanksgiving Ready
If you haven't already, you're probably going to start thinking about your Thanksgiving meal soon, and if you're planning on readying a frozen turkey...
Honoring Those Who Served
Today is a special day - a day of honor for those who served and sacrificed, and to celebrate Veterans Day, we wanted to...
Our Forests, Our Future
Since 1964, UT's Forest Resources Ag Education and Research Center at Oak Ridge has continued the mission of providing research and educational resources for...
USDA Co-hosts Free Webinar on Nov. 12 on Livestock Risk Management
The Extension Risk Management Education Program and U.S. Department of Agriculture are hosting a webinar on Nov. 12 for agricultural producers and professionals focused on livestock risk management.
A Hopeful Outlook
Daniel Greene, CEO of Burley Stabilization Corporation out of Springfield, provides his take on the burley tobacco markets this year.
Harvest Pushes On
While many of us are waiting to see who will be our next President, farmers all across Tennessee are taking advantage of the dry...
100 Years of Radio Broadcasting
This month marks the 100th anniversary of the first U.S. commercial radio broadcast, and USDA’s Gary Crawford presents a VERY condensed 100 year review.
Property Protection Reward
The Farm Bureau Property Protection Reward Program is in place to encourage people who have information about crimes committed on the property of Farm Bureau members to share information to bring criminals to justice and to make our communities a safer place for Farm Bureau members.
Getting the FACCT’S Right
Since 2015, the Farm Animal Care Coalition of Tennessee has been working to better educate law enforcement and Ag Crime officials, prosecutors, and animal...
It’s All Up to You
A lot of preparation by the election officials, candidates and the voters comes down to today as Americans will decide who our next leaders...
Row Crop Farmers: Harvest Price Option Triggers for Soybeans, Corn and...
Adverse growing conditions prior to and during harvest and strong export commitments for soybeans and corn pushed crop insurance harvest prices are above the spring prices.
Nursery Farmers: EPA Webinar on Strategies for Pests in Ornamentals
On Nov. 12, 2020, EPA’s Office of Pesticide Programs continues its focus on integrated pest management (IPM) strategies. EPA will host a 60-minute webinar, IPM...
EPA Provides Certainty for Dicamba Users
The Environmental Protection Agency announced the registration of three dicamba herbicides this PAST week.
Policy Post: November 2020
A new report by the American Farm Bureau Federation’s Cattle Market Working Group provides an in-depth examination of the causes and price implications resulting from extreme market volatility in the cattle industry.
New Study Shows Impact to Ag Sector if Internal Combustion Engine...
The Agricultural Retailers Association has released a study, Economic Impacts to U.S. Biofuels, Agriculture, and the Economy from Subsidized Electric Vehicle Penetration, that describes the economic impact to the American agriculture and biofuels industries by policy proposals to dictate demand to outright bans of the internal combustion engine.
China Could Be Looking to Import More Corn
China is on pace to import its largest amount of corn on record. If China decides to raise its low-tariff-rate quota on corn imports, it will import its largest amount on record.
Wormville Capital in Grundy County
For French-born entrepreneur Bruno Durant the red worm farm he's build from scratch in Grundy County has become the largest operation of its kind...
EPA Announces 2020 Dicamba Registration Decision
At the Cromley Farm, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Andrew Wheeler announced EPA is approving new five-year registrations for two dicamba products and...
Trump Administration Invests $891 Million in Rural Water and Wastewater Infrastructure...
The Trump Administration today announced that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing $891 million to modernize rural drinking water and wastewater...
China Increasing Purchases of U.S. Farm Commodities
Last week new data was released that shows China is continuing to purchase more farm commodities from the United States.
Farmers and the EPA
It used to be that whenever farmers or anyone heard something about the Environmental Protection Agency, that sometimes meant someone was in trouble. But...
USTR and USDA Release Report on Agricultural Trade between the United...
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued a report highlighting the progress made to date in implementing the agricultural provisions in the U.S.-China Phase One Economic and Trade Agreement.
Good Stock Always Needed
For Warren County's Eric Walker getting the best genetics out of his registered Hereford cattle has been one of his to goals.
Getting to Know Subcommittee Chairman Rusty Grills
No stranger to Farm Bureau or agriculture, Chairman of the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Subcommittee Rusty Grills has deep roots in West Tennessee agriculture.
Visiting Your Local Farm
Lucas Patterson of Cedarwood Farms says despite the ongoing challenges of the pandemic, his family's agritourism operation in Warren County has been busy this...
CASE IH Coloring Sheets
CASE IH has created unique, fun and agricultural coloring sheets for children to use throughout every season. Download them below!
White County’s Terra Davis Named Excellence in Agriculture Winner
During the Young Farmers and Ranchers Fall Tour, White County’s Terra Davis was named the state winner of the Excellence in Agriculture Award.
A Unique Sector of the Industry
A unique sector of the industry many don't realize is actually a part of agriculture is turfgrass.
An Ongoing Issue
For many years now, farmers and others in the agricultural industry have been concerned over the estate tax.
Harvest Season Brings Hope
Tennessee Commissioner of Agriculture Dr. Charlie Hatcher talks about the ongoing harvest season and how the state and federal governments are helping farmers with...
AFBF Convention Goes Virtual
The American Farm Bureau Federation will hold its annual convention online in January 2021.
What Connects Us All
David Blackwood and his team with the West Tennessee River Basin Authority are working hard to ensure West Tennessee's waterways are working correctly and...
American Farm Bureau’s 102nd Convention Goes Virtual
The American Farm Bureau Federation announced that its 102nd Annual Convention will be held online following the cancelation of all events through Jan. 31, 2021, at the San Diego Convention Center where the convention was scheduled to take place.
Improving Rural Connectivity
Nearly $17 million dollars was recently awarded by the Trump Administration to provide broadband service in unserved and underserved rural areas in Tennessee.
Paycheck Protection Program
The recently enacted COVID-19 resource and relief package included a number of agriculture-related provisions, such as a $1.5 billion extension of the Farmers to Families Food...
Its Where Our Food Comes From
Thirty years ago, the Tennessee Foundation for the Ag in the Classroom program began and today the efforts of continuing that program are more...
Excellence in Agriculture
31-year old Terra Davis of White County has been named the winner of the Tennessee Farm Bureau's 2020 Excellence in Agriculture award.