Yearly Archives: 2020
Learning-at-Home Resources
The American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture has resources available for at home learning.
Debris Burn Permits Required Beginning Oct. 15
The Tennessee Department of Agriculture’s Division of Forestry is observing National Fire Prevention Week Oct. 4 - 10 by reminding citizens to follow simple safety practices to prevent wildfires and obtain a debris burn permit for leaf and brush piles.
Trump Administration Invests Nearly $17 Million in High-Speed Broadband in Rural...
The Trump Administration announced that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing nearly $17 million to provide broadband service in unserved and underserved rural areas in Tennessee.
A Virtual Farm Day
Every Fall, the ag community in Gibson County comes together at the fairgrounds to hold their Farm Day for the county's 4th graders, but...
Fall Visits to the Farm Still a Go!
No one knew the pandemic would go this long, especially those farms across the state involved in agritourism operations.
Additional COVID-19 Protections for Farm Workers
The American Farm Bureau Federation and other farm groups are calling on the White House to provide additional COVID-19 protection for farm workers.
Working for Soybean Farmers
As harvest of soybeans continues across Tennessee, native Tennessean Virginia Houston stays busy lobby on behalf of producers for the American Soybean Association in...
More Opportunities for Tennessee Cattle Producers
For many years, the Lower Middle Tennessee Cattle Association Video Board Sale has been operated by Tennessee Livestock Producers, Inc. That's now going under...
Farm Groups Support the HAULS Act
A bill introduced in the Senate this week provides agricultural producers much-needed flexibility for hauling agricultural commodities and livestock. Micheal Clements shares how the...
New Report Examines Cattle Market Issues and Solutions
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.
Harvest Trying to Catch Up
Corn farmers across the state are finally getting some favorable weather as they work to harvest this year's crop.
Making Cooking at Home Easy
A group of university experts are helping people regain the somewhat lost art of cooking at home.
Opening Up about Farm Stress
Farm groups are working to break the stigma behind farm stress and seeking help. Micheal Clements tells us it's important that farmers don’t carry...
Concern Growing Over Private Property Destruction
Farmers like Jimmy Moody are growing more frustrated over the damage caused by trespassers with all-terrain vehicles on his farm.
Shooting for an Important Cause
It is the fifth year for Tennessee Shooting Hunger events and despite the ongoing challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, agriculture groups were still able...
Fall is the Best Time
In many areas, it's not too late to plant new grass seed.
Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2.0
The administration announced details of the new $14-billion-dollar Coronavirus Food Assistance Program, or CFAP2, that will provide direct payments to farmers and ranchers to partially offset COVID-19-related losses for producers. More details:
Urging Farmers to Be Safe Around Railway Crossings
This week is Rail Safety week and the American Farm Bureau Federation is promoting safety tips for farmers.
Handshake Agreements and Holdover Tenant Terms
Land rental agreements are an integral part of farming. It is very common for rented land to make up a sizable portion of a farmer’s total operation. There are many types of rental agreements; however, oral lease agreements are most common across the state.
Tennessee Farm and Forestry Businesses Share in $55 Million CAFB Fund
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, the Financial Stimulus Accountability Group,and the Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) announced Coronavirus Agricultural and Forestry Business (CAFB) Fund awards to farm and forestry businesses.
CFAP 2.0
The Trump Administration and USDA have announced the second round of the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program known as CFAP 2.0.
Every Farmer Counts
It's no secret that agriculture is one our most dangerous occupations and Agricenter International has developed a new Farm Safety training course.
Breaking Down CFAP 2.0
The administration announced details of the new $14-billion-dollar Coronavirus Food Assistance Program, or CFAP2, that will provide direct payments to farmers and ranchers to partially offset COVID-19-related losses for producers.
Cell Tower Referral Program
Tennessee Farm Bureau has formed a partnership to assist member landowners who may have interest in leasing a portion of their property for construction of a cell tower. Our partner company builds and owns towers for wireless communications. Below are frequently asked questions about this process as well as program details.
Closing the Broadband Divide
Many of us have enjoyed, and even taken for granted, the broadband access we have in Tennessee but that's not the case for thousands...
Ag Enhancement Turns 15
The Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program (TAEP) has supported farm production projects for 15 years.
TAEP Celebrates 15 Years of Supporting Agriculture in Tennessee
The Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program (TAEP) has supported agricultural production projects for 15 years, and Tennessee producers will continue to receive cost share assistance for farm expansions and improvements.
EPA Denies Petitions for Small Refinery Exemptions
On September 14, 2020, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced it is denying petitions for small refinery exemptions for so-called “gap-filling” petitions (gap waivers) for the 2011-18 compliance years.
Apply Now: Tennessee Ag Enhancement Program
The Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program (TAEP) was established in 2005 to provide cost share dollars to agricultural producers for the purpose of making long-term investments in Tennessee farms and communities. Participation allows producers to maximize farm profits, adapt to changing market situations, improve operation safety, increase farm efficiency, and make a positive economic impact in their communities. The annual application period is October 1-7, 2020.
Deadline to Update Safety-Net Program Crop Yields is September 30
USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) reminds farm owners they have a one-time opportunity to update Price Loss Coverage (PLC) program yields for covered commodities on the farm. The deadline is September 30, 2020 to update yields.
Tennessee Farm Facts
Tennessee is blessed with an abundance of resources to grow and sustain various commodities throughout the state. Learn more about Tennessee agriculture below!
All Eyes on Harvest
USDA has lowered its production forecasts for several major crops.
CCC Replenished in Continuing Resolution
An important feature in the CR is the funding to reimburse the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC). Funds from the CCC support farm programs ranging from conservation to risk management.
New Marketing Opportunities for Tennessee Livestock Producers
United Producers Inc., or UPI, has announced that they will be assuming and expanding the business activities of Tennessee Livestock Producers, Inc. beginning October...
New, Expanded Livestock Marketing Opportunity Comes to Tennessee
United Producers Inc. will assume business activities of Tennessee Livestock Producers October 1
Columbia, Tenn. -- United Producers, Inc. (UPI), the...
2020 Policy Development Backgrounders
Congressional Responses to COVID-19, Tennessee's Budget, County Government Budgets, Tennessee Criminal Justice Reform, Corn Ethanol Current and Future Status, Dicamba, Investigations Into Meat Packers, Negotiated Cattle Trade, Processor Inspection and Capacity, Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling, Riparian Water Rights and Shelby County Well Drilling Rule, WOTUS Update
2019 Policy Development Backgrounders
Imitation Meat Products, Grain Grading, State Inspected Slaughter Facilities, Lemon Law for Farm Equipment, Homestead Exemption, Proposed State Constitutional Amendment Prohibiting a State Property Tax, Tobacco Age Limit: 18 to 21, Hemp, Medical Marijuana, Raw Milk Cow Share Regulations, UTK/UTIA Unification, Rural Healthcare, Constitutional Carry
2018 Policy Development Backgrounders
Blockchain, County Attempts to Regulate Ag Practices, Deannexation, Water, Online Sales Tax, Lab Grown Meat, Sustainability Projects in the Supply Chain, Veterinary Technician or Veterinary Nurse
I Farm, I Vote
The American Farm Bureau Federation is helping voters navigate the challenges of making sure their voice is heard in the 2020 election. Micheal Clements...
2017 Policy Development Backgrounders
Dicamba Resistant Seed Technology, Tennessee Corn Check – Off Program, State Implementation of the FSMA Produce Safety Rule, Animal Disease Traceability, Mississippi vs. Tennessee Water Lawsuit, State Invasive Species Fund, Right to Repair, Coyotes, Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation Permits, Milk Unfair Trade Practices
Tennessee Master Farm Manager
Tennessee Master Farm Manager is a new educational Extension program. The course will focus on solid business principals and efficiently utilizing resources on the...
2016 Policy Development Backgrounders
Veterinary Feed Directive, 2014 Farm Bill, Hunting Hogs with Dogs, Farm Lease Agreements, Property Tax Boundaries, Agribusiness Mergers, Tennessee Nutrient Reduction Strategy, Retail Meat Sales
2015 Policy Development Backgrounders
Avian Influenza, Corn Check-off, Fuel Tax Increase, In-State Tuition for Undocumented Students, Long Term Funding of Extension and Agriculture Research, Rural Internet Services, Tennessee Nutrient Reduction Strategy, Weight Limits on Country Roads
2014 Policy Development Backgrounders
Agricultural Promotion Board Structure, Crude Oil and Natural Gas Severance Tax, Food Deserts, Grain Checkoff, Growth Management, Natural Gas Infrastructure, Pollinator Awareness, Privacy or Right to Know, Regional FFA Coordinators
2013 Policy Development Backgrounders
Annexation, Drones in Agriculture, Farm Equipment Safety on Roadways, Farm Lease, Fracking, Greenbelt, Irrigation, Livestock Protection Act
2012 Policy Development Backgrounders
Property Rights Collide with Second Amendment Rights, Aflatoxin Testing for Crop Insurance, Port Infrastructure, Futures Market, Pre-Harvest Food Safety, Animal Disease Traceability, Retail Agriculture, Sales Tax on Internet Sales
2011 Policy Development Backgrounders
Corporate Contributions Now Allowed in Tennessee, Funding Infrastructure Projects, Tax Reform, Antibiotics, Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) – Early Out, Futures Contract Regulation, Food Traceability
Welcome News for Tennessee 4-H
Great news for Tennessee 4-H as Governor Bill Lee announced an incredible funding initiative for the country's largest 4-H program.
Issue Insights
Developed by the Tennessee Farm Bureau Public Policy Division, issue insights aim to further educate members and lawmakers on relevant and notable topics.
Congressional Directory
Tennessee has two senators and nine representatives. Learn who they are and contact them if needed.
Pandemic Results in Record Farm-to-Retail Price Spreads in Beef and Pork
AFBF'S Market Intel series has examined the impact that COVID-19 has had on livestock, beef and pork markets over the course of the pandemic.
Find Your Legislator
It’s vitally important you know who represents you at the local, state and national level. Use this tool to quickly find who those representatives are.
A Stronger, Faster Network
Ag Secretary Sonny Perdue announced that USDA is investing nearly $10 million to provide broadband service to unserved and underserved rural areas in Tennessee...
Policy Development Process
What makes our organization so successful is the grassroots structure our forefathers created.
Issues
A goal of the Public Policy Division is to increase Farm Bureau's effectiveness and visibility as the state and national advocate for farmers. Keeping farmers and lawmakers informed of significant topics is a priority as it strengthens our grassroots efforts.
Policy Post: September 2020
Land rental agreements are an integral part of farming. It is very common for rented land to make up a sizable portion of a farmer’s total operation. There are many types of rental agreements; however, oral lease agreements are most common across the state.
Trump Administration Invests Nearly $10 Million in High-Speed Broadband in Rural...
ReConnect Funding to Connect 1,658 Rural Households to High-Speed Broadband
The Trump Administration today announced that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)...
Farm-to-Retail Price Spread Widens
For months now, the COVID-19 pandemic has created a record gap between what consumers pay for beef and pork and what money is actually...
Backgrounders
The Tennessee Farm Bureau Public Policy Division publishes policy backgrounders each year based on pertinent topics to prepare members for the policy development process. Farm Bureau policy and the information provided apply to the year in which the backgrounder was produced.
Still Researching
Just as farmers haven't stopped and have continued farming throughout this pandemic, so has agriculture research across the Volunteer state.
Billion-Dollar Agronomy Business Merger
A new $1 billion agronomy business venture is being formed by Agri-AFC, GreenPoint AG, Tennessee Farmers Cooperative. Carrying forward, the business will be named...
An Increased Demand
Terry Sellers of White Pine is not the only one receiving that kind of quantity of messages these days, several other meat processors are...
Harvest Season About to Take Off
Row crop farmers across Tennessee have started some of their corn harvest, but this week looks like it will finally start to take off...
County Government Strong
David Connor is the Executive Director of the Tennessee County Services Association, an umbrella association representing elected legislative bodies of Tennessee's 95 county and...
Orders Now Accepted for Division of Forestry Tree Seedlings
NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Department of Agriculture’s Division of Forestry (TDF) is offering a variety of tree and shrub seedlings for reforestation and conservation projects....
Winter’s Forecast a Mixed Bag
Every year lots of folks try and predict what kind of winter we'll have, like the Farmers Almanac has for the past 204 years.
Farmers...
Let ‘Em Walk On
For the 82nd edition, the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration is up and going on the famous Celebration Grounds in Shelbyville, TN.
Complete the 2020 Census
The deadline to complete the 2020 Census is quickly approaching as September 30 is the last day to respond. It is crucial the Tennessee...
UT Extension Helps Parents Prepare for Home-based Virtual Learning
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – “Well, I guess we’ll just figure it out…I’m not prepared for this!” These are the thoughts and emotions of many parents...
New Leadership Roles within UT Extension
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture has chosen a familiar face across Tennessee agriculture to serve as an interim assistant...
Still Delivering That Vital Info
Day after day, even through the pandemic, our farmers, consumers and 4-H'ers have continued to depend on the University of Tennessee Extension Service.
Packing a Safe School Lunch for Your Child
In some areas, kids will be going to school, at least part of the week. Here are some tips for packing a safe school...
Getting a Better Understanding
Tennessee's 2nd District Congressman Tim Burchett has been spending time on various farms in East Tennessee the past couple of weeks to better understand...
Protecting Our Forest Resources
Tennessee is blessed with an abundant forest resource and the role of the Tennessee Division of Forestry is to promote and protect that resource.
Grassroots Working Hard for Policy
This time of year means policy development meetings for county Farm Bureau leaders across the state.
Tracking China Trade Purchases
Increased new-crop sales to China have the attention of U.S. Agriculture. But as Micheal Clements shares, China needs to buy more to meet trade...
CFAP Extension Adds More Eligibility
Changes to the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program offers relief to more producers. Micheal Clements shares more on what additional commodities are covered under the...
Better Than Expected
Tennessee's Commissioner of Finance and Administration Butch Eley told farm leaders recently at the Tennessee Farm Bureau's Presidents Conference the governor understands the importance...
Concern Growing Over Private Property Destruction
Farmers like Jimmy Moody are growing more frustrated over the damage caused by trespassers with all-terrain vehicles on his farm.
The Numbers Keep Adding Up
The impact of Covid 19 continues to add up for all us, and for sure for our farmers and our ag industry.
Financial Relief for Agricultural and Forestry Businesses Announced
The Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) joins Governor Bill Lee and the Financial Stimulus Accountability Group in announcing new financial relief programs for businesses...
Governor Announces Expanded Relief for Ag and Forestry Businesses
The Tennessee Department of Agriculture Commissioner Dr. Charlie Hatcher says a new, expanded relief stimulus package will help those that have perhaps not seen...
Essential Work from our Farmers
Despite the ongoing challenges associated with Covid 19, Tennessee farmers are still working to provide the food and fiber needs for all Americans and...
Gov. Lee Announces Expanded Small Business Relief; New Relief Programs for...
Nashville, Tenn. – Tennessee Governor Bill Lee and the Financial Stimulus Accountability Group announced today new and expanded financial relief programs for small businesses,...
UT Students Back to School
Students at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville have begun their arrival on campus for the Fall semester.
Best In Show
The 2020 Tennessee Jr. Sheep Exposition was held on the campus of Tennessee Tech University.
Special Legislative Session
A special session for the General Assembly began on Monday, August 10. Governor Bill Lee's call for the special session is to address COVID-19...