Yearly Archives: 2020
Skyhawks Going Back to School
The University of Tennessee at Martin is beginning classes for the Fall 2020 semester and things are going to look a bit different than...
Mixed News on Farm Bankruptcies During Covid-19
Farm bankruptcies continue to rise, but the rate of new filings is slowing. Chad Smith tells us bankruptcy filings rose eight percent from June...
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...
Committed to the Farm
If you are in the dairy business these days, you are committed to the work, and that definitely describes 8th generation dairyman John King...
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...
Grant Program Continues to Support Agriculture and Forestry Businesses
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee and Department of Agriculture Commissioner Charlie Hatcher, D.V.M. today announced 17 more businesses supported by the Agriculture Enterprise Fund (AEF),...
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...
Apply Now for the CFAP Program
Are you a farmer whose operation has been directly impacted by the coronavirus pandemic? The Coronavirus Food Assistance Program will provide direct relief to...
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.
John King Won Environmental Stewardship Award
Columbia, Tenn. July 18, 2020 - Sullivan County young farmer John King won the Tennessee Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers State Environmental Stewardship...
Three Students Awarded the Abe Hatcher Memorial Young Farmer Scholarship
Columbia, Tenn. July 18, 2020 – Three students were awarded the Abe Hatcher Memorial Young Farmer Scholarship at the Tennessee Young Farmers and Rancher...
Four Students Awarded the John Willis Memorial Young Farmer Scholarship
Columbia, Tenn. July 18, 2020 – Four students were awarded the John Willis Memorial Young Farmer Scholarship at the Tennessee Young Farmers and Ranchers...
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...
Emily Nave Named State Collegiate Discussion Meet Winner
Columbia, Tenn. July 18, 2020 – After four rounds of competition, Emily Nave of Cannon County was named the State Collegiate Discussion Meet winner...
Franklin County’s Kary Robinson Named State Young Farmer Second Place Winner
Columbia, Tenn. July 18, 2020 – Franklin County young farmer Kary Robinson took home second place honors in the Tennessee Farm Bureau Young Farmers...
One in 10 Tennessee Families Were Food Insufficient During Early Months...
UTIA Research Shows Historic Pandemic Hurting Most-Vulnerable Populations
The latest research from the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture indicates that during late...
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.
Dyer County’s Hunter Grills Wins State Young Farmer Honors
Columbia, Tenn. July 18, 2020 – Dyer County farmer Hunter Grills is Tennessee Farm Bureau’s Outstanding Young Farmer and Rancher Achievement Award winner. The...
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...
Watch the 2020 Candidate Videos
2020 U.S. Senate Candidate Video:
Tennessee Farm Bureau is pleased and excited to provide a video on three of the twenty-nine qualified U.S....
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.
Agriculture Ready for USMCA
It’s been a long road to get here, but the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement is now in effect.
Governor Lee Announces Fewest Distressed Counties in Tennessee Since 2007
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced that Tennessee has the fewest distressed counties statewide since 2007, down from 15 in 2019 to...
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 Calls on Congress to Continue to Help Farmers through...
Farm Bureau has called on lawmakers to provide critical resources to farmers impacted by the COVID-19 shockwave to the food system and to rural...
Negotiated Cattle Trade
In recent months, there have been many conversations about how cattle are and should be marketed in the United States. Some discussions have focused...
Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling
Farm Bureau has supported country of origin labeling for a variety of agricultural products. Farm Bureau supported the U.S. Trade Representative’s efforts to defend...
Processor Inspection and Capacity
Capacity
Food production has been significantly disrupted during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially at livestock processing facilities, where labor shortages and worker protection measures are slowing...
Farm Bureau Urged Payment of Farmers for April Milk in Dean...
Dairy farmers producing for Dean Foods did not receive payment for the milk produced in April. In response, Farm Bureau urged the Dean Foods...
Remember to Sign up for CFAP
You can now sign up for the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) which provides direct relief to producers, including livestock and dairy, who have...
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.
Investing in the Future
Members of the Tennessee 4-H Ambassador team are in the midst of their 2020 Ambassador tour.
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.
Fair Cancellations Keep Coming
The Tennessee State Fair Association made the tough decision to "shutter" this year's State Fair in mid September.
Registration Open for Virtual Milan No-Till Field Day
MILAN, Tenn. – COVID-19 has changed how the world is doing business and presenting education, and the Milan No-Till Crop Production Field Day is...
More Flexibility for PPP
Congress recently passed a bill adding flexibility to the Paycheck Protection Program.
Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals Dicamba Decision
Columbia, Tenn. June 5, 2020 - The following statement can be attributed to Jeff Aiken, President of the Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation, on the...
Wildlife Friend to Ag Steps Down
Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency Executive Director Ed Carter has retired after nearly 50 years with the agency.
Absentee Voting
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UTIA Green Industry Day Goes Virtual
Pivoting to online delivery continues for University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture summer field days, with the Green Industry Field Day scheduled for June...
2020-2021 Tennessee State FFA Officer Team Announced
Congratulations to the 2020-2021 Tennessee FFA State Officer Team!
President - Erin Welch from Dyersburg
West TN Vice...
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...
USDA Announces Details of Direct Assistance to Farmers through the Coronavirus...
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today announced details of the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP), which will provide up to $16 billion in...
Concern Over Future of Corn
A lot of farmers across the country are concerned over the future of corn.
UT Extension Names Director of 4-H Youth Development
A familiar face is moving up in the ranks to lead University of Tennessee 4-H Youth Development across the state. Justin Crowe has been...
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...
Bobby Wilson named TWRA Executive Director
Bobby Wilson has been named executive director of the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. The appointment was made following a unanimous vote by the 13-member...
Coronavirus Food Assistance Program – USDA Applications
USDA will soon begin taking applications for the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program. As part of applying for the program, you’ll need to contact the...
COVID-19’s Impact on Ag Economy
UT economist Dr. Aaron Smith has been documenting the impact of COVID-19 and the agricultural economy.
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.