Yearly Archives: 2020
Looking for the Top Dog
The American Farm Bureau Federation seeks nominations for the 2021 Farm Dog of the Year contest. Micheal Clements shares how the contest recognizes farmers...
Improving the Bottom Line
For several years, Tennessee beef cattle producers have been utilizing a marketing opportunity to get more value out of their feeder cattle and that...
Senate HEALS Act Includes Critical Ag Relief
The Senate has developed what they call the HEALS Act, which includes additional coronavirus relief funding for the Department of Agriculture.
CFAP Assistance Still Available
State officials are trying to get the word out to all farmers across Tennessee that the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program, or CFAP, is still...
Which Came First
Caleb and Amber Rich started a new adventure on their farm in Clay County earlier this year. It's an organic poultry operation with Handsome...
A Virtual Star Tour
This year the FFA State Star Tour is virtual due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the star winners are still receiving the same experience...
Dairy Farmers Deserve Voice in Milk Pricing Orders
An extensive review by the American Farm Bureau Federation concludes with recommended changes to Federal Milk Marketing Orders.
Genera to turn Crops to Compostable’Take-out’ Containers
Genera, Inc. will soon start manufacturing crops like switchgrass and wheat straw into food service packaging material.
Fairer Markets for Beef Prices
A report by the Department of Agriculture marks the first step towards fairer cattle markets.
A Different Field Day, But Still Excitement for No Till
Its definitely not the same this year, as is anything, but the Milan No Till Field Day is all virtual today.
A Voice for Agriculture
Emily Nave from the University of Tennessee at Martin was named the State Collegiate Discussion Meet winner at the Tennessee Young Farmers and Ranchers...
Rising to the Top
Dyer County's Hunter Grills has been named Tennessee's Young Farmer of the Year.
Additional Crops Available for CFAP
More commodities -- mostly specialty crops -- have been added to the list of those eligible for Coronavirus Food Assistance Program payments.
Welcome to the Club
The 2020 Tennessee Young Farmers and Ranchers Summer Conference is officially underway in Columbia.
Stepping Up in West Tennessee
In just a few months, Dr. Scott Stewart will assume the role as the new director of the West Tennessee Ag Research and Education...
Farmers Hopeful for More Assistance
The American Farm Bureau Federation seeks improvements to the Paycheck Protection Program in the next coronavirus relief package.
Class In Session
The Tennessee Ag In The Classroom hit the road to different locations across the state this summer to host workshops for teachers to educate...
Fresh Produce Even More Popular
For Ukranian-born produce farmer Mike Kutrusta, this has been the busiest time he's ever had on the farm.
Meeting Consumer Demand
Two new bills recently introduced in Congress would help the livestock industry better serve consumers.
Crops About Laid By
Tennessee corn, soybean and cotton farmers have basically completed planting and much of the spraying they will apply to their crops for the year...
Education, Communication and Advocation of Agriculture
Nancy Delk is the Maury County Farm Bureau Women's Leadership Chair. The Women's Group has met and serviced Maury County for many years and...
Every Student. Every Class. Every Day!
Tennessee FFA is now an affiliated state association and predicted to become the fourth largest state association within the National FFA Organization.
Making the Cut
It is that time of year once again to recognize July as Beef Month in Tennessee.
Fourth of July Grilling
One expert says we've had too much sickness in this country already, so don't add to it by making some outdoor grilling mistakes.
Where the Green Grass Grows
Dr. John Sorochan helps lead the turfgrass management program for the plant sciences department at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. The program is...
A Positive of the Pandemic
Kary Robinson Franklin County, along with many other farmers across our great state, has still been farming despite the pandemic. As hard as these...
Shooting for an Important Cause
It is the fifth year for Tennessee Shooting Hunger events and even though this year it was postponed from the scheduled date, agriculture groups...
A Glass of State Pride
As we continue to celebrate June Dairy Month here in Tennessee, we reflect on just how important supporting local dairies and creameries are to...
Farm Bureau Welcomes Navigable Waters Protection Rule
Back in January of this year, the Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers issued the new Navigable Waters Protection Rule,...
A Virtual Yet Rewarding Experience
Instead of the traditional in person tour, Tennessee Governor School for Agricultural Sciences joined in on a Zoom call with Tennessee Farm Bureau.
A Tough Line of Work
Tennessee Farmers are still working to combat the adversity created by the COVID-19 pandemic.
From Farm to Take-Out
Genera Inc., located in Vonore, TN, is working to open an innovative venture that brings farm products like switchgrass, biomass sorghum and wheat straw...
Continuing Despite the Challenges
Farmers have been challenged by so much this year.
A Hometown Hero
Paemla Stoutt has been featured as a hometown hero on Knoxville's News Channel WATE 6 On Your Side.
Farm Bureau Seeks Additional COVID-19 Assistance
The American Farm Bureau Federation is calling on lawmakers to provide additional resources for farmers impacted by the COVID-19 food system shockwave.
Farmers Still Optimistic
Farmers across Tennessee are still farming despite the challenges we've all faced with the coronavirus.
Agriculture in the Classroom
Andrew Donell of Donell Century Farm hosted an Ag in the Classroom workshop at his farm.
Controlling Wildlife Damage on the Farm
Farmers and landowners have been experiencing crop and or property damage from wildlife for some time and TWRA has updated their depredation permits to...
EPA Issues Guidance on Dicamba Use
Environmental Protection Agency issued guidance for the use of three dicamba herbicides.
More Flexibility for PPP
Congress recently passed a bill adding flexibility to the Paycheck Protection Program.
Wildlife Friend to Ag Steps Down
Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency Executive Director Ed Carter has retired after nearly 50 years with the agency.
New FFA Officers Elected
Regardless of the times we're in, still an exciting moment for Tennessee's newly-elected state FFA officer team, led by Dyersburg Chapter member Erin Welch.
FFA Stars Start to Shine
Virtual or not, the reactions from the Tennessee FFA's virtual state convention have been exciting for many.
An All Virtual FFA Convention
It's not what anyone would have imagined a few months ago, but the Tennessee's 92nd state FFA convention is all virtual this week on...
Celebrating June Dairy Month
Tennessee dairy farmers hoping consumers can become more aware of just how important dairy products are to our economy and health.
Payments on the Way
Farmers across Tennessee are encouraged to now sign up for the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program or CFAP through their local Farm Service Agency office.
A Food Supply Chain Readjustment
The nation's food supply chain is known for its production and efficiency yet has recently been realigned to assure supplies throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
Trying to Get Planted
Typically, this time of year, as the calendar turns to June, most cotton producers have finished planting, but not this year.
A Life Long Dream
Emily Nave was selected to represent Tennessee as the 2020 National FFA Officer Candidate fulfilling a dream she has had for a very long...
The Ultimate Sacrifice
Today, as we celebrate memorial day, we take time to honor those that have paid the ultimate price for our freedoms.
From Student to Teacher
Abigayle Pollock has been named the new head coach of the University of Tennessee Livestock Judging Team.
Pandemic Likely to Increase Farm Bankruptcies
Obviously the pandemic has hit all sectors of the industry and following years of depressed prices and trade concerns, the number of farm bankruptcies...
Details of Relief Package Announced
Gathered with farmers and Ag Secretary Sonny Perdue at the White House, President Donald Trump announced more details about the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program.
USDA...
Concern Over Future of Corn
A lot of farmers across the country are concerned over the future of corn.
Making the Best Better
The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture announced that Justin Crowe will take the position as the new UT Extension 4-H Development Director and...
Getting Food to Those in Need
The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced the approval of $1.2 billion in contracts for the Farmers to Families Food Box Program.
Taking It In a Stride
The impact of COVID-19 continues as college students across the state have been facing these uncertain times just like everyone else.
The Need for Food is Dire
Food banks all across the country and right here in Tennessee are feeling the dramatice effects of COVID-19.
Price of Wholesale Meat and Livestock Widens
The price gap between wholesale meats and livestock continues to increase as animal processing capacity slows.
Planting Time Can be a Stressful Time for Many Farmers
Planting season can be stressful in itself, but this year might be more stressful than usual.
Meat Processing Capacity Falls Sharply
The U.S. meat industry is struggling to keep its processing plants open because workers are sick with COVID-19.
Some Tips for Brand New, First Time Gardeners
If you are thinking of starting your first time ever vegetable garden, this report from USDA's Gary Crawford might help you.
Uncertainty Lingers
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.
Farmers Should Act Fast
Congress just authorized more federal economic aid for small businesses, including farmers.
Sheep and Goats Still Going Strong
A lot of sheep and goats filed through the sale barn at Tennessee Livestock Producers barn in Columbia this week.
Strawberry Season is Here
The calendar says Tennessee strawberries are ready and hopefully folks will venture out to those farms where you can pick your own, or in...
USDA Food Purchases to Help Farmers and Food Banks
USDA food purchases as part of the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program fulfill a recent request by the American Farm Bureau Federation and Feeding America.
Responding to the Crisis
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...
Everyday is Earth Day on the Farm
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...
Welcome News for Farmers
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
UTIA Economist Dr. Aaron Smith discusses the impact of COVID-19 to the Tennessee agricultural economy.
COVID-19’s Impact on Ag 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...
Refocusing Our Food System
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...
Poultry Farmers Stay Vigilant
COVID 19 has had an effect on every aspect of farming, that includes poultry production.
Getting Paper Back On Line
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.
Sewing for Others
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.
COVID-19 Sends Agriculture Prices Plummeting
The COVID-19 pandemic is sending crop and livestock prices into a tailspin.
Protecting Our Milk
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...
Keeping our Farmers Farming
Tennessee's 7th District Congressman Mark Green has a unique perspective on the whole coronavirus situation.
Funds Available to Assist Farmers
Farmers and ranchers can apply for federal funds to assist their operations through the COVID-19 pandemic.
Finally, Planters Rolling
Tennessee corn farmers had waited long enough as several have now begun planting this year's crop.
Still Farming and Still Teaching
Just as farmers across the state and country continue to work hard daily during this crisis to provide food, fiber and fuel, so are...
2020 Census
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...
Still Waiting on Dryer Ground
Farmers here in the Volunteer State are set on go to start corn planters rolling, if it would just dry out a little more.
Welcome News for H-2A Program
The American Farm Bureau Federation says a commitment to processing H-2A applications ensures continued access to a stable food source.
Safer at Home
Governor Bill Lee has signed Executive Order 22, directing Tennesseans to stay home unless engaging in essential activities to limit their exposure to and...
Hopeful for Relief
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act that passed Congress includes relief for rural America.
A Slow Rebound for Cattle Markets
As we all continue to deal with the effects of Covid-19, our cattle farmers and sale barns are still working through what many have...
Making the Most Out of Unprecedented Times
Tennessee Extension, 4-Hers and staff are attempting to make the most out of these days spent social distancing.
Recognizing Their Job Everyday
Today was supposed to be a big celebration for National Ag Day, but farmers are just hopeful to slow the spread of the coronavirus...
Caution Like Never Before, Even in Rural TN
The coronavirus outbreak should have everyone mindful of the impact its having on daily life, even in our rural areas, where populations are not...
Still Farming
Farmers from one end of the state to the other are trying, like the rest of us, to make some sense of the coronavirus...
Farmers Rising to Occasion
Farmers on this first day of Spring are dealing with the coronavirus like everyone else, but they're facing different challenges.
Staying Optimistic
State Representative Rusty Grills of Newbern in Dyer County is serving in his first term in the Tennessee General Assembly and this is not...
Flattening the Curve
Gov. Bill Lee is giving daily updates on the coronavirus and encouraging every way possible to stop gathering and slow down the spread.
Cattle Markets Taking Hit from Coronavirus
Unprecedented times for all of us as we deal with not only life and death effects of the coronavirus, but how its affecting business.
Rural Response to COVID-19
As we all know, the Coronavirus, or COVID-19, has become a major concern for Tennesseans.
TSU Research Farm Hit Hard
Tennessee State University's Research and Education Farm just off their main campus in Nashville took a direct hit from last week's tornado outbreak.
Stars Shining for Ag
Since 2001, hundreds of West Tennesseans have participated in the a leadership class known as Ag Star.
Addressing Water Quality Issues
Water quality initiatives supported by USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service recently provided funding for specific watershed projects.