Monthly Archives: April 2020

In a profession where the average age is 58, you might call Jay Yeargin of Greenfield, Tennessee, an upstart. Yet, this 37-year-old has been...

Even with the phased-in opening of the state's economy, there's still a lot of unknowns as to what happens next for our farmers.

Congress just authorized more federal economic aid for small businesses, including farmers.

A lot of sheep and goats filed through the sale barn at Tennessee Livestock Producers barn in Columbia this week.

Rural young people in Tennessee of the age group approximately 18 to 35 years. Members share a common bond for the agricultural lifestyle, are interested in leadership development and are dedicated to solving problems facing agriculture.

The calendar says Tennessee strawberries are ready and hopefully folks will venture out to those farms where you can pick your own, or in...

Almost all agricultural commodity prices have been adversely affected by the COVID-19 response. The impact has been immediate on hog, beef, poultry, nursery and...

On Friday, April 24, Governor Bill Lee released his administration’s reopening plan, called the “Tennessee Pledge.” This pledge was developed by the administration and...

On Saturday, July 4, 2020, the President signed into law: S. 4116, which (1) reauthorizes lending under the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) through August 8,...

USDA food purchases as part of the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program fulfill a recent request by the American Farm Bureau Federation and Feeding America.

Tennessee's Department of Agriculture has been working all along, prior to the pandemic and throughout these unusual times, to protect public safety, ensure product...

A much different way to celebrate Earth Day this year with COVID-19 keeping us all at a distance, but still farmers like Becky Richesin...

On Thursday, April 16, 2020, Governor Bill Lee established the Economic Recovery Group, a joint effort between state departments, members of the legislature, and...

Recently U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program that includes $19 billion worth of aid for farmers.

UTIA Economist Dr. Aaron Smith discusses the impact of COVID-19 to the Tennessee agricultural economy.

UT economist Dr. Aaron Smith has been documenting the impact of COVID-19 and the agricultural economy.  And while there's hope to begin reopening the...

Are you a farmer whose operation has been directly impacted by the coronavirus pandemic? The Coronavirus Food Assistance Program will provide direct relief to...

Columbia, Tenn. April 17, 2020. - The following can be attributed to Tennessee Farm Bureau President Jeff Aiken: “We commend President Trump and U.S. Secretary...

The Agriculture Secretary says there's no shortage of food in this country. It's just taking the food system a little time to adjust to...

Tennessee Farm Bureau Women's Leadership and Agriculture in the Classroom sponsor an essay contest to promote agriculture education. Each county administers their contest locally setting a deadline prior to the state's March deadline allowing time to select a county winner.

This report covers Women's Leadership Committee activities from October 1, 2022 to September 30, 2023. Download the PDF.

Over the years, Farm Bureau women have been known for making a difference in their communities. Need ideas to engage? Visit the American Farm Bureau's "Our Food Link" toolkit below - great ideas to get involved in the community and make a difference.

Farm Bureau women are relentless in contacting their local, state and national officials and spreading the word about agriculture. Want to get more involved?...

COVID 19 has had an effect on every aspect of farming, that includes poultry production.

The outbreak of COVID-19 and its...

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic that has roiled the U.S. economy, Congress passed the  Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act)...

Tennessee is well known for its diverse forestry industry.  Some of the world's largest producers of paper and paper products have mills operating here.

Business and Industry CARES Act Program (Announced May 21, 2020, funding expires Sept. 30, 2021) U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced that USDA...

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit Tennessee, Tennessee 4-Hers across the state got right to work making masks for healthcare workers and many others.

Provides Producers with Marketing Flexibilities Amid COVID-19 Uncertainties Agricultural producers now have more time to repay Marketing Assistance Loans (MAL) as part of...

The COVID-19 pandemic is sending crop and livestock prices into a tailspin.

Again unprecedented times we're in as reports have come out now that at least 14 dairy farms in Tennessee were told they would have...

Tennessee's 7th District Congressman Mark Green has a unique perspective on the whole coronavirus situation.

Farmers and ranchers can apply for federal funds to assist their operations through the COVID-19 pandemic.

Tennessee corn farmers had waited long enough as several have now begun planting this year's crop.

In honor of 30 years of Tennessee Ag in the Classroom, we've created the "30 for 30" challenge - give $30 for 30 years...

Are you a farmer whose operation has been directly impacted by the coronavirus pandemic? The Coronavirus Food Assistance Program will provide direct relief to...

Farm Bureau and several other organizations concerned about possible disruptions in the food supply chain have jointly sent a letter to President Trump emphasizing...

Updates since the Consolidated Appropriations Act was passed: CAA removed restriction that prevents employers who obtained PPP loans from claiming the credit....

Just as farmers across the state and country continue to work hard daily during this crisis to provide food, fiber and fuel, so are...

The IRS and DOL have released details about the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA). These details explain employer requirements to provide leave and...

From the Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network: When it comes to what is happening with COVID-19/novel coronavirus, a lot is changing in our state,...

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue unveiled a one-stop-shop of federal programs that can be used by rural communities, organizations and individuals impacted by...

Update April 20, 2020: The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), a DHS agency, released version 3.0 of the Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers...

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture has released guidance to livestock markets and farm production sales based upon CDC guidelines to prevent the spread of...

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture has released guidance to Pick-Your-Own operations based upon CDC guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Access to fruits...

Safety remains a top priority across the food chain, with everyone—from the farm to the grocery store—doing their part to take great care and...

Press Release 4-15-20:  Department of Homeland Security to Temporarily Amend Certain H2A Requirments The State Department revised its restrictions on the processing of visa applications...

American Farm Bureau has developed this webpage about COVID-19’s impact to agriculture and useful resources for farms. Below are resources and communications tools to...

UPDATE April 15, 2020 The Small Business Administration (SBA) released an interim final rule (IFR) that provides guidance for sole-proprietors wanting to access...

On April 2, Governor Bill Lee issued Executive Order 23 which requires all Tennesseans to "stay at home" except for anyone engaging in essential...

It's that time - time to fill out the 2020 Census, and with everything going on in the world, it's most likely not on...

Farmers here in the Volunteer State are set on go to start corn planters rolling, if it would just dry out a little more.

The American Farm Bureau Federation says a commitment to processing H-2A applications ensures continued access to a stable food source.