Yearly Archives: 2021
A Year to Remember
As we close out 2021, we hear from Tennessee Commissioner of Agriculture Dr. Charlie Hatcher and his reflections on the year in agriculture in...
Preparing For National Discussion Meet
Emily Nave recently won the Tennessee State Young Farmers and Ranchers Discussion Meet. She now heads on to compete on the national stage at...
Look At The Ag Economy
This time of year many of us are getting annual health checkups. Today we take the farm economy for its checkup. Gary Crawford has...
ROTM: Conversation with TWRA’s Stephanie Karnes on Chronic Wasting Disease
On this episode of Root of The Matter Lee Maddox speaks with TWRA Assistant Chief of Game Species, Stephanie Karnes, about Chronic Wasting Disease...
Pace of U.S. Trade with China Exceeds Last Year as Phase...
USDA’s recent updated trade numbers shows China is buying U.S. ag commodities at a faster pace than last year. Chad Smith has more on...
A Look Ahead at Meat Prices
Meat prices soared in 2021. Will that continue into 2022 – and what does the overall meat production outlook look like?
Christmas on the Farm
Without a doubt a special time of year here at Christmas and especially for our farmers across Tennessee.
The Top Of The Crop
Loudon County's Josh Watson was recently informed by the National Corn Growers Association that his 20 acre plot in the National Corn Growers Contest...
Connecting Rural Tennessee To Broadband
Progress is being made in bringing high speed internet to rural parts of Tennessee. Tennessee Broadband Association President, Chris Townson, explains what has been...
Christmas Trees in the Future
Christmas tree growers of today are worried that as they retire, there are no younger growers lined up to take over. Gary Crawford has...
USDA Announces Additional Farm Service Agency and Rural Development State Directors
President Joe Biden announced his intent to appoint four U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) regional positions, including four Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Executive Directors and five Rural Development (RD) State Directors. Arlisa Armstrong was named the RD State Director for Tennessee.
High Fertilizer Prices Causing Serious Concerns for Farmers.
Fertilizer prices continue to soar. Chad Smith has more on why and how long the high prices might last.
Five Dedicated Leaders Receive Farm Bureau’s Distinguished Service Award
During the 100th annual meeting of the Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation, five dedicated leaders were recognized for going above and beyond in their volunteer spirit to the Tennessee Farm Bureau with the organization’s Distinguished Service Award.
Making the Best Better
Tennessee is blessed to have a strong, and perhaps the strongest 4-H program in the nation. And recently during the Tennessee Farm Bureau's annual...
USDA Assists Farmers and Communities Affected by Recent Tornadoes
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that assistance is available for communities and agricultural producers affected by the tornadoes that tore through Kentucky and five other states over the weekend.
Report to the Governor Reveals Gains in All Major Agricultural Sectors
Researchers from the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture outline gains in all major agricultural sectors in this year’s economic report to the governor, a marked improvement from the previous fiscal year that reflected depressed global demand for U.S. exports tied to the COVID-19 pandemic and continued trade tensions.
Grass Roots Movement Making Impact Nationally
Policy made at the local and state Farm Bureau level has a major impact on national policy. American Farm Bureau Vice President of Public...
West Tennessee Farmer Working to Recover From Tornado Damage
Farmers in West Tennessee are still working to pick up the pieces from the destruction left behind from last weeks tornado. Chris Minton's shop...
Rob Holman Elected to Serve as 2022 Tennessee State YF&R Chair
During the 100th annual meeting of the Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation, the Tennessee Young Farmers and Ranchers’ delegates elected Rob Holman of Obion County as their new chair to serve the upcoming year.
Twelve County Farm Bureaus Honored with Pinnacle Partnership Award
During the 100th annual convention of the Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation at Franklin’s Cool Springs Marriott, twelve county Farm Bureaus from across the state were recognized for reaching the most prestigious standards possible in membership, programs and teamwork.
Seventeen County Farm Bureaus Honored with President Award
During the 100th annual meeting of the Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation, seventeen county Farm Bureaus from across the state were recognized for their accomplishments and successes from the past year.
Emily Nave of Cannon County Named State Winner in Tennessee Farm...
During the 100th annual meeting of the Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation, Emily Nave of Cannon County was named the state winner in Tennessee Young Farmers and Ranchers State Discussion Meet contest.
Terra Davis of White County Chosen as Tennessee Farm Bureau’s Outstanding...
During the 100th annual meeting of the Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation, Terra Davis of White County received the Tennessee Young Farmers and Ranchers Outstanding Young Woman award.
Picking Up the Pieces
The damage as most of us have seen for days now is endless. And for folks in rural Northwest Tennessee, its definitely been a...
How to Help Storm Victims
Our thoughts and prayers go to all those impacted from the devastating storms that raced across Tennessee and other states on December 10-11. The Tennessee Farm Bureau does have the Tennessee Farm Disaster Fund in place to help with grants to assist farm and rural communities rebuild after disaster strikes. Learn more.
Gov. Lee Signs Executive Order for Severe Weather Relief
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee issued Executive Order 94 to provide operational flexibilities for counties affected by tornadoes and severe weather in Northwest and Middle Tennessee on December 10-11.
Travis Tilley Elected District III Director
Travis Tilley was recently elected to the Tennessee Farm Bureau Board of Directors as District III Director. Tilley discusses what it means to him...
Leaders Praise Century of Farm Bureau
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee and American Farm Bureau president Zippy Duvall helped farm leaders from across the Volunteer State celebrate the 100th annual meeting...
James Haskew Elected Tennessee Farm Bureau Vice President
James Haskew of Madison County was elected as the Vice President of the Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation. Haskew talks about how it feels to...
Eric Mayberry Elected Tennessee Farm Bureau President
Eric Mayberry is the ninth President of the Tennessee Farm Bureau. He reflects on what it feels like to be elected to this high...
Humphreys County Farmer Elected President of Nation’s Largest State Farm Bureau
The 100th annual meeting of Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation symbolized not only a milestone for the organization, but also a turn of leadership at the helm of the nation’s largest state Farm Bureau. During the annual business session, delegates from across the state unanimously elected Humphreys County farmer Eric Mayberry as the ninth president of the Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation.
The Voice for Agriculture for 100 Years
Farmers from across the Volunteer State are celebrating the 100 year anniversary of the Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation at their annual convention in Franklin...
Aiken Prepares For Convention And Says Goodbye
Tennessee Farm Bureau President Jeff Aiken is presiding over the 100th Annual Tennessee Farm Bureau Convention. It's also his last convention as president. He...
Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation Celebrates 100th Annual Meeting
Close to 1,200 farmers and agriculturalists from across the state of Tennessee will be in Franklin this weekend for the culmination of Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation’s 100th anniversary.
ROTM: President Jeff Aiken Reflects on Farm Bureau Career
On this episode of Root of the Matter TFBF President Jeff Aiken reflects on his career with the Tennessee Farm Bureau, and why he...
Dairy Farmer Fears Overbearing Regulations
A local dairy farmer talks about why they moved their operation from an overbearing California to Tennessee, and why she fears the Federal Government...
USDA Issues Final Pandemic Payments for Timber Harvesters and Haulers
USDA will begin issuing final pandemic assistance payments to timber harvesters and timber hauling businesses through the Pandemic Assistance for Timber Harvesters and Haulers (PATHH) program. In total, $200 million will be provided to loggers and log trucking businesses who experienced a gross revenue loss of at least 10% during the period of Jan. 1 through Dec. 1, 2020, compared to the period of Jan. 1 through Dec. 1, 2019.
Co-op Still Strong in their 76th Year
You may know it as your local Co-op store, and that's exactly what the leaders of Tennessee Farmers Cooperative want you to know.
Christmas Trees Going Fast
Want a real Christmas tree this year? Start hunting now. USDA's Gary Crawford has more.
Rising Costs Concerning Farmers for Next Year
As farmers are all but completed with this year's harvest, there's major concerns now over rapidly rising input costs that could have significant effects...
USDA Begins Accepting Applications for $1.15 Billion in Loans and Grants...
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the Department has begun accepting applications for up to $1.15 billion in loans and grants to help people in rural areas get access to high-speed internet.
Supply Chain Issues Could Make Holidays More Challenging
Supply chain issues have made life difficult for U.S. farmers, ranchers, and rural communities. Chad Smith explains how those supply chain issues could make...
Picking that Perfect Tree
A tradition like no other this time of year as families get in the Christmas spirit by going together to choose their Christmas tree...
Thanksgiving On The Farm Part 2
Farmers across Tennessee explain how they celebrate Thanksgiving, and what their favorite Thanksgiving dish is.
Small Business Saturday Kicks Off Holiday Shopping Season
November 27 is set aside for Small Business Saturday to encourage shoppers to support local businesses. Gift buying is easy in your area with Pick Tennessee Products.
Thanksgiving On The Farm Part 1
On this episode of Tennessee Home and Farm Radio farmers from across Tennessee talk about how they celebrate Thanksgiving and what they're thankful for.
CWD Confirmed in Two More Counties
Gibson and McNairy counties are the latest to confirm positive tests for Chronic Wasting Disease in deer.
CWD in Tennessee
Gov. Lee Launches “Operation Open Road” to Tackle Supply Chain Woes...
Tennessee Governor and Chairman of the Republican Governors Public Policy Committee, Bill Lee, launched “Operation Open Road,” calling on the Biden Administration to address the supply chain crisis by suspending burdensome regulations. Lee, along with 14 other governors, pledged to take action at the state level to assist the trucking industry.
Training The Next Generation Of A Billion Dollar Industry
Forestry and wildlife are vitally important industries in Tennessee. Dr. Don Hodges is the Department Head of Forestry, Wildlife, and Fisheries at The University...
President Aiken Recognized by UT Honor Society
The Tennessee Chapter of Gamma Sigma Delta, the International Honor Society of Agriculture, has honored Tennessee Farm Bureau President Jeff Aiken with its 2021 Distinguished Service to Agriculture Award.
CWD-POSITIVE Deer Found in Gibson and McNairy Counties
Gibson and McNairy County are now positive for chronic wasting disease (CWD) after confirmation through multiple tests from hunter harvested deer. These results change the CWD status of both counties from high-risk to positive and makes Carroll County high-risk because of the proximity to the new positive deer.
Cost of 2021 Thanksgiving Meal Higher Than Last Year, Survey Shows
Get ready to pay more for your Thanksgiving meal. According to a survey from the American Farm Bureau the cost of Thanksgiving dinner will...
Survey Shows Thanksgiving Dinner Cost Up 14%
Enjoying Thanksgiving dinner with family and friends is a priority for many Americans, but paying attention to how the meal will impact the budget is also important. Farm Bureau’s 36th annual survey indicates the average cost of this year’s classic Thanksgiving feast for 10 is $53.31 or less than $6.00 per person.
Trying to Wrap Up Harvest
Tennessee row crop farmers are working overtime now trying to finish harvest of this year's corn, soybeans and cotton crops.
COVID Impact In Washington D.C.
COVID-19 is still having a major impact on how things function in Washington DC. Chuck Conner with the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives talks...
Tennessee Ag Literacy Week
Tennessee Ag Literacy Week gives people in the agriculture industry the opportunity to introduce students to agriculture by reading to them. Teachers explain why...
Gun Hunting Season for Deer Opens November 20
Tennessee’s 2021-22 statewide gun hunting season for deer opens Saturday, Nov. 20. During gun season, sportsmen may also use muzzleloader or archery equipment. The season will continue through Jan. 2, 2022.
Infrastructure Bill Impact On Agriculture
The long awaited infrastructure bill passed The House of Representatives last week. Now President Biden is set to sign it into law. Chad Smith...
Some Ag Exports Still Lagging
Ag exports have had a rough few years. They were first negatively by the trade war with China and then by COVID-19. Dr. Andrew...
A New Market for Farmers
Carbon markets, carbon sequestration are relatively new terms being talked about a lot as large corporations are looking to pay farmers to offset their...
ROTM: A Tribute to Melissa
Welcome to Root of the Matter - a brand new podcast where we aim to get to the "root of the matter on issues, events and news defining our most important industry, agriculture. Before we jump into those things though, listen to our first episode as we provide a glimpse on why we’re doing this podcast and where the name came from. HINT: Our good friend and coworker Melissa Bratton has something to do with it.
Focused on the Next Generation
The University of Tennessee's Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communications Department face one of the more critical challenges and that's educating the next generation of...
This Year’s Thanksgiving May Gobble Your Wallet
Consumer costs on many items are increasing right now, and the price tag on this year’s Thanksgiving meal is no exception. Financial experts from the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture have information for consumers about this trend and advice for stretching holiday meal budgets.
Tennessee Animal Health Division Names One Health Program Director
The Animal Health Division of the Tennessee Department of Agriculture announces Dr. Alexa McCourt, D.V.M. as director of the One Health program. Dr. McCourt will oversee the department’s role in improving communication and outcomes for a variety of health concerns, including emerging infectious diseases, antibiotic resistance, and emergency preparedness.
FACCT Law Enforcement Training
Law Enforcement deal with livestock on a pretty regular basis. The Farm Animal Care Coalition of Tennessee trains law enforcement officers so they know...
The Challenges and Opportunities for Tennessee Ag
For the past six years Farm Credit Mid-America, in partnership with the Tennessee Department of Agriculture and CoBank, have been holding a Tennessee Leadership...
Financial Assistance Available to Tennessee Streamside Landowners
The Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) and the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) today announced the Tennessee Riparian Incentive Program. This program is a ten-year agreement between TDA and TVA, and it will provide incentive payments to streamside landowners to help restore and protect Tennessee waters.
FFA & 4-H Land Judging
The state FFA and 4-H land judging contest was recently held in Warren County.
Port Congestion and Shipping Delays Impacting Agriculture
Supply shortages are impacting agriculture. Michael Clements with American Farm Bureau explains how.
New Promotional Opportunity for Agritourism Venues
The American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture is looking for orchards, pumpkin patches, corn mazes and more to showcase on a new app dedicated to connecting consumers with agritourism venues.
The Science of Animal Science
When it comes to animal science, University of Tennessee's Dr. Neal Schrick lives it every day.
Watertown FFA Competes At National Convention
Some members of the Watertown FFA recently competed in the Ag Issues Leadership Development competition at the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis. A couple...
Blue Jackets Back In Indianapolis
Last year the National FFA Convention did not happen in person because of COVID. This year they're back in person. Tennessee FFA President Harrison...
Tim Mills Awarded YF&R Golden Ear Award
For more than 30 years Tim Mills presented the Tennessee Young Farmer Achievement Award winner with a new Case IH tractor. Mills retired from...
Reaching Local Farms in Southern Middle Tennessee
University of Tennessee Southern and UT Extension are teaming up in December to offer four educational workshops for farmers and farm families. The workshops will feature UT Extension specialists addressing topics including specialty crop production, meat marketing, modern technology on the farm and an overview of carbon markets.
ROTM: Milk – The Official Beverage of Tennessee & Halloween!
A conversation with Tracey True, manager of Food and Nutrition Outreach for the Dairy Alliance, about the science-based facts for milk and dairy products...
Late Cotton Harvest
Farmers are behind harvesting the cotton crop tis year in Tennessee. Farmers say it's all due to the unusual weather we had earlier this...
Wayne County Breaks Ground On New Ag Center
After winning the Kubota Hometown Proud Competition, Wayne County is finally breaking ground for their new Ag facility. Local UT Extension staff and Governor...
The Science of Animal Science
A conversation with Dr. Neal Schrick, the department head and professor of Animal Science at the University of Tennessee's Institute of Agriculture.
Sod Farmer Sees Success In Growing Industry
Rob Hamby is seeing success in his sod operation in East Tennessee. He explains how his operation works and what types of sod he...
Teaching Kids About Agriculture
Many kids don't know where their food comes from. The Maury County Farm Bureau is trying to change that though through their Country Classroom...
Celebrating Forest Products
This week we celebrate National Forest Products Week, and Candace Dinwiddie with the Tennessee Forestry Association says it is vital we celebrate the forestry...
Jay Yeargin Represents Tennessee At Sunbelt Ag Expo
Jay Yeargin represented Tennessee at the Sunbelt Ag Expo in Georgia. Yeargin talks about what it means to represent Tennessee and what the expo...
Tennessee Forestry Association Celebrates National Forest Products Week
The Tennessee Forestry Association (TFA) is proud to celebrate National Forest Products week, October 17-23. The third week of October has historically been recognized as “National Forest Products” by proclamation of President John F. Kennedy in 1960.
Policy Post: September 2021
Farmers across the West continue to battle severe drought conditions. According to the August 5 release of the National Drought Mitigation Center’s U.S. Drought Monitor, more than 80% of the West plus North and South Dakota are categorized as D2 (severe drought) or higher.
Policy Post: July 2021
We want to thank the many Farm Bureau leaders who were involved in the legislative process. Despite the challenges of COVID-19, Farm Bureau continues to be successful because of its grassroots.
Policy Post: May 2021
There are three Farm Bureau Priority Issues which have passed thus far, and all had a strong, favorable vote in both chambers. Other Farm Bureau Priority Issues were still working through the committee process at the time of publication.
Heating Homes Through Electric Cooperatives
We all rely on our local electricity provider to help heat our homes during the fall and winter months. Some rural parts of Tennessee...
Flowers Creamery Cheese Coming To Nissan Stadium
Flowers Creamery will now be serving their cheese to Titans fans in club level at Nissan Stadium. Morgan Flowers explains what this means to...
Improving Rural Drinking Water and Wastewater Infrastructure
USDA has announced a major investment of 114 projects across the country and here in Tennessee to modernize rural drinking water and wastewater infrastructure.
Educational Opportunities in Southern Middle Tennessee
Recently leaders from three different institutions, Columbia State Community College, Tennessee Tech University and University of Tennessee Southern, gathered to discuss educational opportunities in...
Corn and Soybean Outlook
USDA released its monthly World Agriculture Supply and Demand report.
October 1 Tennessee Crop Production Forecast
Corn production in Tennessee is forecast at 165 million bushels, down 1% from the September forecast and up 19% from the previous crop. Yield...
USDA Invests $1.4 Million to Expand Broadband Service to the People...
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development announced that USDA is investing $1.4 million to provide broadband service to the people of rural Franklin County Tennessee where service does not exist.
National Farmer’s Day
Less than 2 percent of the nation's population are farmers, and yet 100 percent of the population depends on their work everyday.
Focusing on Livestock Markets
The House Agriculture Committee recently held a hearing on livestock markets.
Preserving The Family Dairy
Brant Stooksbury recently expanded his family dairy by putting in a creamery. He explains why this will help preserve the dairy.
Rural Summit Highlights Strides in Workforce Development, Drop in Distressed Counties
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced Tennessee has reduced the state’s number of distressed counties to an all-time low as the Lee Administration focuses on targeted interventions for workforce development and infrastructure.