Yearly Archives: 2021
New Year’s on the Farm
Today, a lot of us are hoping the start of the new year will bring better days as we all look towards containment of...
Farm Bureau Priorities for the New Congress
The American Farm Bureau Federation is looking ahead to the 117th Congress. Chad Smith has more on AFBF’s priorities in the new year.
Building on Tennessee’s Top Industry
Weakley County farmer Andy Holt has taken a position with the Tennessee Department of Agriculture as Director of Business Development.
Keeping That New Year’s Resolution
Why do many of us fail to keep our New Year's resolution to start exercising? Gary Crawford has an expert with the answer.
Join AFBF’s Convention This Weekend
The American Farm Bureau Federation will kick off its virtual annual convention this weekend.
Farmers Hope to Expand Poultry in Henderson County
Farmers in Henderson County are looking to diversify and take advantage of a new market opportunity for poultry farming.
Farm Economy Outlook in 2021
The farm economy outlook is improving thanks to trade, COVID-19 relief, and a market rally.
Closing the Gap
Normally farmer delegates from all across the country would be gathering for the American Farm Bureau convention but because of the pandemic it was...
Sharing a Passion for Agriculture
Cannon County's Lou Nave has been elected once again to serve on the American Farm Bureau Women's Leadership Committee.
A Virtual Success
The American Farm Bureau convention this year is almost complete and while farmers were hoping to be in-person at the 102nd annual meeting, COVID-19...
Farm Bureau Sets Policy Objectives for the Year
Farm Bureau delegates voted on policy priorities for 2021 at the conclusion of the American Farm Bureau Federation Virtual Annual Convention. Micheal Clements shares...
Still Farming to Feed America
The American Farm Bureau Federation is supporting Feeding America through sales of the #StillFarming to Feed America t-shirts.
USDA Expands Eligibility for CFAP
The latest update to the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program includes expanded eligibility for some commodities.
Building Stronger Relationships for Agriculture
The Biden Administration takes over in Washington and ag groups like Farm Bureau are hoping the transition is seamless for America's farmers and ranchers.
Meat Processors Hopeful Trends Continue
Last year at the onset of the pandemic, we all saw empty meat counters at local grocery stores, and that caused the demand on...
Reporting Back
The American Farm Bureau Federation released a report detailing how USDA NASS can improve accuracy and farmer confidence in survey results.
Beef’s Refocus on the Retail Meat Section
The circumstances of a pandemic led the beef industry to shift its marketing and promotion focus on sales over the meat counter of grocery...
Contract Growers Eligible for CFAP
The Department of Agriculture has updated the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program to provide relief to more producers. Micheal Clements shares who can apply for...
Mastering Our Tennessee Crops
The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture has launched its new Tennessee Master Row Crop Certification program across the state.
Tennessee Master Row Crop Certification
Trade with China
China purchased near record levels of U.S. farm products last year and that pace continues so far in 2021.
U.S. Farmers Remain Hopeful for South African Workers
Farmers like Jason Head of Montgomery County are concerned whether their H-2A workers from South Africa would be allowed to come to the U.S....
Many Farmers Looking to Spring
Regardless of whether the groundhog sees his shadow or not, our farmers are gearing up for another planting season, but they will be mindful...
Similar Priorities for Farm Bureau, Vilsack
President Joe Biden’s nominee for Agriculture Secretary holds some of the same goals as the American Farm Bureau Federation. Micheal Clements shares what issues...
Food Safety Measures for Super Sunday
One food safety expert says the food safety practices of many of us on Super Bowl Sunday might need further review. Gary Crawford has...
Adapting to the Environment
This week hundreds of farmers would have attended the West Tennessee Grain Conference in Dyersburg as in years past in person, but because of...
Preparing for the Cold
Just looking at the upcoming forecast will make you shiver, as cold temperatures are expected throughout the week, and for farmers, this means extra...
Caution Still Needed
Farm bankruptcies declined in 2020. However, as Micheal Clements shares, that doesn’t necessarily mean the outlook for agriculture is improving.
Investment for Rural Tennessee
This week Governor Bill Lee delivered his state of the state address to state lawmakers and part of his budget proposals submitted are earmarked...
A New Tractor on the Farm
Its not everyday that a new tractor shows up on the farm, but that's exactly the case for 29-year old Kary Robinson of Franklin...
Listening to the Concerns of Farmers
Tennessee's 7th District Congressman Mark Green says he's working to listen and support Tennessee farmers.
More Research Needed
A new Farm Bureau analysis offers a look at carbon sequestration by agriculture in the United States. Micheal Clements shares how the data reveals agriculture needs...
Farmers Protecting Their Livestock
West and Middle Tennessee farmers have been hit pretty hard this week with snow, sleet and extremely cold weather conditions and that means a...
Winter Finally Hitting Hard All Over
What are the agricultural impacts of expanding extreme cold weather? Stephanie Ho has the story.
Farm Income Projections Down, Outlook Up
A drop in government payments to farmers will cause a drop in overall farm sector income this year.
Wage Increases for H-2A Workers
Farmers must pay H-2A workers more in 2021, as defined by a report from the Department of Agriculture. Micheal Clements shares what this means...
FFA Goodwill Tour
Even though the FFA Goodwill Tour is a little different with the pandemic, the message for support is still strong.
Adapting to the New University Experience
University of Tennessee at Martin Chancellor Dr. Keith Carver talks about the student experience under the pandemic.
Virtual Legislative Visits
With the state capitol and legislative office still under Covid protocol, Farm Bureau leaders across the state are connecting to their lawmakers virtually.
A Unique Position
American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall told lawmakers farmers are part of the solution to climate change.
Congressman Rose Still Advocating for Agriculture
Tennessee's 6th District Congressman John Rose, now in his 2nd term in Congress was recently recognized by the Tennessee Council of Cooperatives for the...
Ag Support from the Top
Governor Bill Lee continues his recognition and unwavering support for the state's ag industry.
A New Face to UT Extension
A veterinarian, beef industry partner and expert in teaching and community engagement, Dr. Ashley Stokes has officially taken the lead as the new Dean...
Redrawing the Lines
Every ten years, we go through the process of counting ourselves through the U.S. Census. And afterwards, the state comptroller's office studies and maps...
Vilsack Returns with Greater Appreciation for Trade
USDA's returning Secretary of Agriculture is returning to the agency with a greater appreciation for issues like trade.
Safety on the Farm
The Madison County Farm Bureau along Valley View Agri Systems has donated over $6,800 to the Madison County Fire Department for grain bin rescue...
Leadership on the Farm
There's no doubt farmers make an impact on the people they are around and the people they are working for. That's why trained counselor...
Ag Industry on the Same Page
Recently, leaders of the state's ag and forestry industry came together in person in Lebanon for the third annual Ag Industry Partners meeting.
The Voice of Agriculture in Nashville
Representative Curtis Halford, state House member and Chairman of the Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee, understands agriculture is our most important industry and even...
Thankful to the Serve the Ag Industry
After 38 years at Tennessee Farmers Cooperative, CEO Bart Krisle is stepping down to enjoy more time with his family, but his time and...
To-Go Containers From the Farm
It has been years in the making and now it's a reality. Vonore, TN-based manufacturer Genera is now producing takeout containers that originate from...
Grain Bin Safety
First responders from seven lower Middle Tennessee counties just completed a course on grain bin awareness and rescue training.
Young Leader Development
Every year the Tennessee Young Farmers and Ranchers gather with folks from the Tennessee Council of Cooperatives to have their Young Leaders Conference, and...
Emerging Ecosystem Credit Markets for Agriculture
Agricultural ecosystem credit markets are an emerging revenue stream, and Farm Bureau has recently begun to explore those markets through its Market Intel series.
Farmers Markets Ready to Keep Growing
Tennessee is blessed to have an abundant number of farmers markets and since the onset of COVID-19, they have been elevated to perhaps an...
Celebrating Our Most Important Industry
All this week, we're celebrating National Agriculture Week, and Tuesday is National Ag Day.
It’s National Ag Day
Gov. Bill Lee has proclaimed today as Agriculture Day in Tennessee as there's no doubt it's our number one industry, providing an economic impact...
Cooking Up an Ag Day Celebration
This week at the Nashville Farmers Market team RFD-TV took home the "Best of Show" award in the National Ag Day Omelet Cook-Off.
Celebrating National Ag Week
The agriculture industry is celebrating National Ag Week. As Micheal Clements shares, the week highlights the hard work by farmers and ranchers to keep...
All About Ag
Farmers, 4-H and the FFA had the opportunity to address the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee this week in Nashville as part of...
Redistricting
Every ten years, we go through the process of counting ourselves through the U.S. Census. And afterwards, the state comptroller’s office studies and maps...
Taking Home A Tractor
Hunter Grills of Dyer County was the winner of the Tennessee Young Farmers and Ranchers Achievement Award contest back in July and as the...
Rain, Rain and More Rain
Over the weekend, parts of Middle and East Tennessee were hit hard with storms, causing massive amounts of flooding and detrimental damage.
Appointed to Serve Our Most Important Industry
Tennessee State Representative Johnny Shaw of Bolivar was appointed by Speaker of the House Cameron Sexton to serve on the Agriculture and Rural Development...
Protecting the Crop
Here in a few weeks a lot of us enjoy the sweet taste of home grown strawberries and later in the spring those Tennessee-grown...
Vaccinating to Protect Our Food Security
American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall appearing virtually recently with Vice President Kamala Harris giving an update on the progression of vaccination's in rural...
Corn and Soybean Plantings Down Nationwide; Up in Tennessee
Corn and Soybean plantings are expected higher in Tennessee but USDA predicts farmers will plant less nationwide than anticipated. Micheal Clements shares what this...
Connecting Rural Residents
The President's jobs plan would help rural residents and farmers to better connected with the world, virtually and physically.
Finally a Ribbon Cutting for Tyson Humboldt
Tyson Foods is a step closer to operational at their new Humboldt processing facility that's been three years in the making.
Stepped-Up Basis
A proposal to eliminate the stepped-up basis in agriculture would have a costly impact.
Tyson Investment a Shot in the Arm
Gov. Bill Lee and other state, local and federal officials were on hand for the grand opening of the Tyson Humboldt processing facility and...
Time to Plant
If you've looked at the forecast, you know this week is practically perfect for farmers planting and Josh Ogle, Lincoln County row crop farmer...
Getting Those Plants Out
For Tennessee nursery growers, it's a busy time of year but the cycle continues all year long.
Getting the COVID-19 Vaccine to Farmers and Farm Workers
As essential workers, farmers and ranchers need quick access to the COVID-19 vaccine to ensure a stable food supply chain.
Timber Theft on the Rise in Tennessee
With the rising value of timber and specific species of Tennessee timber already at a premium, thieves are taking advantage and actually cutting and...
Focusing on Soil Health
As row crop farmers continue to plant, they continue to look to the science of soil health and how cover crops are making a...
Farm Bureau Ag Innovation Challenge
Food and agriculture entrepreneurs can apply to the 2022 Farm Bureau Ag Innovation Challenge.
Ole Man Winter Creeping Back In
The cold air across the state for the next couple of days will cause some long nights for many of our commercial and hobby...
Sustaining Our Future Every Day
On Earth Day and every day, our farmers across this great state are working to protect our natural resources and our national security by...
All About the Weather
For Eric Snodgrass, talking about the weather is more than just a job, its a passion.
Stepped-Up Basis
A new study shows the impact of eliminating the stepped-up basis tax provision.
A Voice for the Grassroots
For American Farm Bureau president Zippy Duvall, meeting with, speaking to and listening to farmers at the grassroots level is vitally important to him...
Why Ag is Important
The Tennessee Farm Bureau Women have been holding an annual essay contest for several years with the subject of Why is Agriculture Important and...
Rural Broadband
The American Farm Bureau Federation is promoting ways to support and develop rural broadband.
A Lasting Legacy
University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture Sr. Vice Chancellor and Sr. Vice President Dr. Tim Cross has announced his intent to retire at the...
Specializing in Tobacco
The University of Tennessee has recently hired a new Extension specialist. Mitchell Richmond from Northeast Kentucky has experience in the industry and is looking...
Strawberry Heaven
If you like strawberries, this is the time of year for you. All across the state farms have opened to folks to come out...
Farm Bureau Providing Resources for Stress and Mental Health
The American Farm Bureau Federation this week announced a directory of resources for farmers and ranchers struggling with stress and mental health.
Lawmakers Finishing Their First Session
The first session of the 112th Tennessee General Assembly is finishing up business this week on Capitol Hill in Nashville.
Strong Support for Rural Tennessee
The first session of the Tennessee General Assembly has adjourned and thankfully lawmakers have worked to keep our most important industry, agriculture, strong.
Covid Impacts and Continued Outreach in Rural America
Rural areas have particularly felt impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic, prompting increased education about preventative measures, including vaccinations.
Preserving the Family Farm
After farming their Northeast Tennessee family farm for generations in Washington County, Joeseph Redman and the Eldridge family are now adjusting their operation by...
A Program to Help Train the Next Generation of Food Industry...
Tennessee native Dr. Robert Williams is back home in the volunteer state, serving as the department head of the University of Tennessee Food Science...
30×30
The Biden Administration released its much anticipated 30x30 report.
Benefiting from the Blue Jacket
FFA means a lot to many of us who were blessed to be a part of the organization while students.
