2021 Planting Intentions
Every year USDA's National Ag Statistics Service, in cooperation with the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, provides statistics on what farmers intend to plant the upcoming year. This year's was recently released.
Congress Extends PPP Application Deadline
Congress recently approved Farm Bureau-backed legislation that extends the Paycheck Protection Program application deadline by two months, from March 31 to May 31, helping more farmers participate in the loan program.
USDA Announces Additional Assistance for Cattle, Row Crop Producers
USDA announced more than $12 billion for the Pandemic Assistance for Producers, which will help farmers and ranchers who previously did not qualify for COVID-19 aid and expand assistance to farmers who have already received help.
Celebrate National Ag Day
Agriculture is no doubt our most important industry. However, too few people truly understand that, so we celebrate National Ag Day (March 23, 2021) because it brings to light the less than 2% of the population who are working incredibly hard daily to provide all of us with food, fiber and fuel.
Krisle to Step Down, Huff named next CEO of Tennessee Farmers Cooperative
Tennessee Farmers Cooperative Board Chairman Mark Thompson announced on behalf of the entire TFC board that Shannon Huff of Bell Buckle has been selected to succeed Bart Krisle as chief executive officer of TFC.
NASA Data Powers New USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service Soil Moisture Portal
Farmers, researchers, meteorologists and others now have access to high-resolution NASA data on soil moisture, thanks to a new tool developed by USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) in collaboration with NASA and George Mason University (GMU).
Agricultural Enterprise Fund Accepting New Applications
The Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) is accepting applications from agricultural, food, and forestry businesses to receive cost-share funding through its Agricultural Enterprise Fund (AEF) program.
What’s in the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 for Agriculture?
In early March the Senate passed, on a party-line vote, the $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief package (The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021). While much of the coverage of the legislation has focused on the $1,400 stimulus checks for qualifying individuals, extended unemployment benefits, a moratorium on evictions and foreclosures and increased assistance through USDA’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, there are several agricultural-related provisions.
Governor Lee, Commissioner Rolfe Announce Nearly $15 Million in Broadband Accessibility Grants
Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee and Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bob Rolfe announced today $14.9 million in broadband accessibility grants that will expand service to support 17,800 unserved Tennesseans in 7,120 homes and businesses.
2021 Agricultural Safety Awareness Program Week is Driving Safety Home
Farm Bureaus across the nation are preparing for Agricultural Safety Awareness Program Week, Feb. 28 – March 6. U.S. Agricultural Safety and Health Centers will join Farm Bureau in promoting ag safety this week with the theme “Driving Safety Home.”
Tennessee Celebrates Weights and Measures Week
The Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) will celebrate Weights and Measures week March 1-7, 2021. The week focuses on the importance of accurate weights and measures in commerce for consumers and for businesses.
Farm Bureau Leaders Advocating for Our Most Important Industry
In response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Tennessee General Assembly has limited access to the Cordell Hull Building in Nashville. Therefore, Tennessee Farm Bureau leaders are unable to visit and meet with lawmakers like they typically would, but that didn't stop county leadership from adapting.
Pick Tennessee Products Celebrates Refreshed Look
Consumer interest in purchasing local is at an all-time high, and the long-standingPick Tennessee Products program announced a refreshed logo for Tennessee food businesses, farmers markets, and agritourism.
Unprecedented Ice Storm Hits West and Middle Tennessee
An ice storm many haven’t seen in several years hit folks in west and middle Tennessee hard this week as temperatures dropped and remained in the single digits and freezing rain covered the ground.
USDA Offers Disaster Assistance for Producers Facing Inclement Weather
Most of the nation is facing unusually cold weather, as a winter storm moved coast-to-coast over the weekend. Winter storms create significant challenges and often result in catastrophic loss for agricultural producers, especially for those raising livestock, row crops and vulnerable crops like citrus.
Governor Bill Lee Delivers 2021 State of the State Address
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee delivered his third State of the State address and presented budget and legislative priorities to a joint session of the General Assembly. In addition to outlining budget and legislative priorities, the governor provided an accounting of Tennessee’s COVID-19 response and continued economic recovery.
Direct Farm Marketing Summit Targets Tennessee and Kentucky Farmers
Farmers interested in maintaining or building direct farm marketing relationships with consumers should make plans to attend the Agriculture Direct Farm Marketing Summit.
Weakley County Cattleman Elected President of the Tennessee Cattleman’s Association
Weakley County cattle producer and farmer, Jay Yeargin, was recently elected as the president of the Tennessee Cattlemen’s Association (TCA). During the January 23, 2021 TCA Board of Directors’ virtual meeting, Yeargin began his two-year term. He has served in TCA leadership positions for five years.
New Tennessee Master Row Crop Certification Available
Cotton, corn, soybeans, wheat. These row crops make up the bulk of row crop agriculture across Tennessee and a new certification from University of Tennessee Extension is now available for row crop producers.
New Report Recommends Improvements to NASS
A new report released by the American Farm Bureau Federation provides an in-depth examination into the USDA-National Agricultural Statistics Service’s (NASS) survey collection and data reporting issues.
U.S. Department of Agriculture Announces Key Staff Appointments
The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced the names of individuals who will hold senior staff positions in Washington, D.C.
TFBF’s Statement on Special Legislative Session
Tennessee Farm Bureau supports Governor Lee’s special session legislation, which addresses a range of education issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic. We encourage lawmakers to support this legislation and to complete an efficient special session for the benefit of youth and the future of Tennessee.
New Rule Improves Partner Flexibility in Regional Conservation Partnership Program
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) released the final rule for its Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). The rule updates USDA’s partner-driven program as directed by the 2018 Farm Bill and integrates feedback from agricultural producers and others.
USDA Offers Additional Assistance Through Coronavirus Food Assistance Program
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will provide additional assistance through the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP), expanding eligibility for some agricultural producers and commodities as well as updating payments to accurately compensate some producers who already applied for the program.
Farm Bureau Establishes 2021 Policies
Farmer and rancher delegates to the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 102nd Annual Convention today adopted policies to guide the organization’s work in 2021.
USDA, Tennessee Sign Shared Stewardship Agreement to Improve Forest Conditions on Public and Private...
Tennessee’s forests will benefit from strengthened partnerships between federal and state agencies following today’s virtual signing of a Shared Stewardship agreement.
2020 Tennessee Annual Crop Production Summary
Corn production in Tennessee is estimated at 140 million bushels, up 4% from the November forecast and down 13% from the previous crop. Yield...
UT AgResearch Announces 2021 Field Day Schedule
Nineteen Events, Most Occurring In-Person, Scheduled to Showcase UT Agricultural Research
UT Extension Publishes Resource for New or Beginning Farmers
“How to Talk Farming” Agriculture Dictionary Available Online
COLUMBIA, Tenn. – What’s the difference between a filly and a foal? What about tillage and no-till...
New Dietary Guidelines Reaffirm Dairy’s Critical Role in a Healthy Diet
On Dec. 29, 2020, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025 edition was released and reaffirmed dairy’s critical role in a healthy diet.
Tennessee Equine Health Advisory Commission Formed
Monday, December 28, 2020
NASHVILLE – Work of the newly-formed Tennessee Equine Health Advisory Commission is underway with a group of experts in the equine...
Holt to Join Tennessee Department of Agriculture
Tennessee Agriculture Commissioner Charlie Hatcher, D.V.M. has announced the addition of Andy Holt to the Business Development Division of the Tennessee Department of Agriculture...
New COVID Package Helps Farmers Previously Left Out of Aid
Congress agreed on a $900 billion COVID stimulus package, which will include up to $13 billion in funding that directly benefits agriculture. Nearly $1...
A Message to Tennessee Dairy Producers and Milk Haulers
In recent weeks, Tennessee dairy producers and milk haulers who previously supplied Dean Foods received letters from ASK, LLP, a law firm representing Southern...
UTIA Reveals Sobering Statistics in Economic Report to the Governor
In this year’s economic report to the governor, researchers at the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture detail the extent of COVID-19 impacts on...
Funds Now Available to Support Dairies Seeking to Modernize, Diversify
UTIA and TDA Now Accepting Applications for Tennessee Dairy Business Innovation Grants
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Help is now available for the state’s dairy businesses.
As part of...
Registration Open for American Farm Bureau Virtual Convention, Featuring Mike Rowe, Rorke Denver and...
The American Farm Bureau Federation opened registration for the 2021 American Farm Bureau Virtual Convention and unveiled the lineup of featured speakers including Mike Rowe, Rorke Denver and Beth Ford.
AFBF Welcomes Nomination of Tom Vilsack for Agriculture Secretary
President-elect Joe Biden is expected to nominate Tom Vilsack to serve as Secretary of Agriculture.
The following statement may be attributed to American Farm Bureau...
UTIA Appoints New Dean of UT Extension
A veterinarian, beef industry partner and expert in teaching and community engagement has been chosen as the new dean of UT Extension in the...
UT AgResearch and Education Center at Milan One Step Closer to Expansion
Proposed Transfer of Arsenal Land Added to Defense Authorization Act
The University of Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center at Milan is one step closer to officially...
Farm Bureau Responds on the Behalf of Dairy Farmers
Farm Bureau is standing-up for dairy farmers being targeted by predatory lawyers representing the estate of Dean Foods, which is currently undergoing bankruptcy proceedings. Many Tennessee dairy...
2020 TFBF Convention
The upcoming Tennessee Farm Bureau Annual Meeting (Sunday and Monday, December 6 and 7 at the Franklin Cool Springs Marriott) is quickly approaching. Find a copy of the agenda here.
President Boyd Donates $200,000 to UT Extension
UT President Randy Boyd made it one of his goals to visit every UT Extension office in the state. Now his is extending that support by committing $200,000 from The Boyd Foundation to support program enhancements and facility or equipment needs.
Shopping Small Makes a Big Impact
Dedicated to supporting small businesses and communities across the country, Small Business Saturday is Nov. 28.
Farm Bureau Survey: Thanksgiving Dinner Cost Down 4%
Thanksgiving celebrations will look different for many Americans this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Gatherings are likely to be fewer and farther between,...
Food and Agriculture Climate Alliance Announced
The Food and Agriculture Climate Alliance (FACA) consists of organizations representing farmers, ranchers, forest owners, the food sector, state governments and environmental advocates that are working together to define and promote shared climate policy priorities.
USDA Co-hosts Free Webinar on Nov. 12 on Livestock Risk Management
The Extension Risk Management Education Program and U.S. Department of Agriculture are hosting a webinar on Nov. 12 for agricultural producers and professionals focused on livestock risk management.
Row Crop Farmers: Harvest Price Option Triggers for Soybeans, Corn and Cotton
Adverse growing conditions prior to and during harvest and strong export commitments for soybeans and corn pushed crop insurance harvest prices are above the spring prices.
Nursery Farmers: EPA Webinar on Strategies for Pests in Ornamentals
On Nov. 12, 2020, EPA’s Office of Pesticide Programs continues its focus on integrated pest management (IPM) strategies. EPA will host a 60-minute webinar, IPM...
EPA Announces 2020 Dicamba Registration Decision
At the Cromley Farm, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Andrew Wheeler announced EPA is approving new five-year registrations for two dicamba products and...
Trump Administration Invests $891 Million in Rural Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Improvements in 43...
The Trump Administration today announced that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing $891 million to modernize rural drinking water and wastewater...
USTR and USDA Release Report on Agricultural Trade between the United States and China
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued a report highlighting the progress made to date in implementing the agricultural provisions in the U.S.-China Phase One Economic and Trade Agreement.
White County’s Terra Davis Named Excellence in Agriculture Winner
During the Young Farmers and Ranchers Fall Tour, White County’s Terra Davis was named the state winner of the Excellence in Agriculture Award.
American Farm Bureau’s 102nd Convention Goes Virtual
The American Farm Bureau Federation announced that its 102nd Annual Convention will be held online following the cancelation of all events through Jan. 31, 2021, at the San Diego Convention Center where the convention was scheduled to take place.
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 Tennessee
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 Midwest’s largest livestock marketing...
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...
Trump Administration Invests Nearly $10 Million in High-Speed Broadband in Rural Tennessee
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) is investing...
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...
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....
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...
Gov. Lee Announces Expanded Small Business Relief; New Relief Programs for Agriculture, Tourism, and...
Nashville, Tenn. – Tennessee Governor Bill Lee and the Financial Stimulus Accountability Group announced today new and expanded financial relief programs for small businesses,...
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),...
One in 10 Tennessee Families Were Food Insufficient During Early Months of COVID-19
UTIA Research Shows Historic Pandemic Hurting Most-Vulnerable Populations
The latest research from the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture indicates that during late April and...
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...
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...
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...
USDA Announces Details of Direct Assistance to Farmers through the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program
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...
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...
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...
Weakley County Farmer Named Tennessee Farmer of the Year
In a profession where the average age is 58, you might call Jay Yeargin of Greenfield, Tennessee, an upstart. Yet, this 37-year-old has been...
President Jeff Aiken to Serve on Governor’s Economic Recovery Group
On Thursday, April 16, 2020, Governor Bill Lee established the Economic Recovery Group, a joint effort between state departments, members of the legislature, and...
USDA Announces Loan Maturity for Marketing Assistance Loans Now Extended to 12 Months
Provides Producers with Marketing Flexibilities Amid COVID-19 Uncertainties
Agricultural producers now have more time to repay Marketing Assistance Loans (MAL) as part of the U.S....
Updates on the H-2A Program and COVID-19
March 25, 2020 - You may have read headlines from various media outlets such as: “U.S. to pause visas from Mexico during coronavirus pandemic”;...
Preventing the Spread of COVID-19: Farmers Markets Focus on Safety
As Tennessee responds to the COVID-19 outbreak, farmers markets are doing their part to supply customers with fresh, local foods. Markets across the state...
Gov. Bill Lee Issues Executive Order Declaring State of Emergency in Response to COVID-19
Order will free up funds, resources to help combat coronavirus spread
March 12, 2020, NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Today, Governor Bill Lee issued Executive Order No....
Severe Weather Cleanup and Recovery
Recent tornadoes and severe storms have resulted in large amounts of woody debris impacting home, farm, and woodland owners across Tennessee. Burning that debris...
Tennessee Farmers Disaster Assistance
Many farmers across the state of Tennessee experienced the devastating impact of a tornado on Tuesday, March 4th. Many are having to rebuild structures...
TFBF President Jeff Aiken on Gov. Bill Lee’s Coronavirus Task Force
Governor Bill Lee announced the formation of a Coronavirus Task Force to enhance Tennessee’s coordinated efforts to prevent, identify, and treat potential cases of...
Tennessee Citizens Impacted by Tornadoes Can Apply for Duplicate License
In an effort to help citizens directly impacted by the devastating tornadoes across the state, the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security’s (TDOSHS)...
University of Tennessee Extension Offers Resources to Aid Tornado Recovery Efforts
Tennessee is reeling from deadly tornadoes that raced across the state in the early morning hours of March 3, and now comes the cleanup...
Montooth Recognized for Excellence in Service
Governor Bill Lee has recognized Wes Montooth of the Tennessee Department of Agriculture with the Governor’s Excellence in Service Award. The biannual award recognizes...
Tennessee Producer Named Region II Vice President for Federation of State Beef Councils
Don Terry of Chester County, was named Region II Federation Vice President during the annual Cattle Industry Convention in San Antonio, TX. In this...
UT Offers Boot Camps for Farmers Market Vendors
COLUMBIA, Tenn. – Farmers interested in marketing their products directly to consumers at farmers markets, roadside stands, CSAs and you-pick operations are encouraged to...
Tennessee Specialty Crop Block Grant Program Applications Accepted Through March 16
The Tennessee Department of Agriculture is now accepting applications for the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP).
“Tennessee’s diverse...
USDA Announces Mike Mayfield as State FSA Executive Director
The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced Mike Mayfield as the new state executive director (SED) for the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) in Tennessee,...
USMCA Signing Increases Optimism
Today’s signing of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) by President Trump increases hopes that 2020 will begin a stronger decade for America’s farmers and...
Doddridge Joins Tennessee Department of Agriculture
NASHVILLE —Agriculture Commissioner Charlie Hatcher, D.V.M. is announcing the appointment of Kim Doddridge as public information officer for the Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA).
Doddridge...
Trade Dispute Effects on Tennessee Agriculture Outlined in Yearly Report to Governor
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Despite another year of international trade conflicts, research from the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture outlines the continued economic strength...
UT AgResearch Announces 2020 Field Day Schedule
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – University of Tennessee AgResearch is planning a full calendar of field days for 2020. A total of 17 field days will...
UT Extension Publishes Resource for New or Beginning Farmers
“How to Talk Farming” Agriculture Dictionary Available Online
COLUMBIA, Tenn. – What’s the difference between a filly and a foal? What about tillage and no-till...
TFBF Applauds House Passage of USMCA
Columbia, TN. December 19, 2019 – The following may be attributed to Tennessee Farm Bureau President Jeff Aiken:
“We are thankful for the bipartisan passage...
Tennessee Pork Producers Association Hosts Annual Activities
All Tennessee pork producers who pay into the Pork Checkoff are stakeholders in the TN Pork Producers Association and are encouraged to attend the...
Davidson County farm hosts U.S. Secretary of Agriculture
October 8, 2019, Nashville, TN - United States Department of Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue recently held a townhall event on a Tennessee farm to...
