Home News Ag News

Ag News

The latest information about agriculture in Tennessee and the U.S.

Ella McLerran Wins YF&R National Collegiate Discussion Meet

The winner of the American Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers Collegiate Discussion Meet is Ella McLerran of Tennessee. She was awarded the top prize following a discussion on Farm Bureau’s role and future direction in welcoming and engaging diverse agricultural communities.

Tennessee Observes National Weights and Measures Week

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) is observing Weights and Measures week March 1-7, 2024 to recognize the role of accurate measurement systems in commerce.

Ag Safety Awareness Program Week

County and State Farm Bureau leaders across the nation are sharing resources that will help farmers and ranchers keep safety top-of-mind through the Agricultural Safety Awareness Program.

Tennessee General Assembly Passes Legislation On Dicamba

In response to the recent rule from EPA on dicamba The Tennessee General Assembly passed legislation to ensure farmers can continue using the product.

Governor Proclaims March 1 as Arbor Day in Tennessee

Gov. Bill Lee has proclaimed March 1 as Arbor Day in Tennessee to recognize the importance of planting and maintaining trees in our state. This year’s celebration will be held at the Ellington Agricultural Center in Nashville, Tenn.

Phillip and Whitney Berry Receive Kubota Tractor

Wayne County young farmers Phillip and Whitney Berry were awarded one year’s free use of a Kubota tractor in honor of being named second place winners in the Tennessee Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers Achievement Award contest.

EPA Provides Update on Over-the-Top Uses of Dicamba

On February 14th, EPA issued an Existing Stocks Order for dicamba products previously registered for over-the-top (OTT) use on dicamba-tolerant cotton and soybean.

USDA Releases 2022 Census of Agriculture Data

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service today announced the results of the 2022 Census of Agriculture, spanning more than 6 million data points about America’s farms and ranches and the people who operate them down to the county level.

Cost Share Funding Available for Agricultural and Forestry Businesses

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) announces the third round of funding for the Tennessee Forestry, Agriculture, and Rural Markets (FARM) cost share program. FARM will provide financial assistance to agricultural, food, forestry, and nonprofit agricultural entities in Tennessee.

Championship Sunday Menu: Football, Food and Farming

Pro football championship Sunday ranks among the top days of the year for food consumption in the United States. As you watch your favorite team and eat your favorite snacks, here are some facts about how that food makes it to your home.

Federal Court Vacates Dicamba Label

The Arizona Federal court has announced its decision to vacate the registration of three dicamba products - XtendiMax, Engenia, and Tavium. In response, agricultural organizations across the country - including TFBF and AFBF - are calling on EPA to appeal the decision and grant an existing stocks order for the 2024 crop year.

Governor Lee Delivers 6th State of the State

On Monday, February 5th, Governor Lee addressed Tennesseans during his 6th State of the State address. Covering conservation and infrastructure investments to tax and education policy, Governor Lee's proposed budget totals $52.6 billion.

Libby Rushton Named TFBF Regional Field Director

Libby Rushton has been named Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation regional field director for counties in the western portion of Tennessee announced TFBF Executive Vice President Bryan Wright.

House Approves Tax Relief for Farmers

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented on the passage last night of the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act in the House of Representatives by a vote of 357 to 70.

Transportation Network Growth Opportunity

The Transportation Network Growth Opportunity (TNGO) initiative, under TNECD and in partnership with Launch Tennessee and Team Tennessee, is an economic development tool designed to connect statewide research assets, communities and talent to spark new research and innovation in this sector.

Emery Named Director of Pick Tennessee Products Program

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) announces the addition of Sarah Emery as the Director of Pick Tennessee Products.

UT Institute of Agriculture Hosts 2024 Field Days Across Tennessee

Advanced research and tried-and-true techniques will be on display throughout the year and across the state during the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture in-person and online field days in 2024.

Tennessee’s Outstanding Fairs Honored

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture and Tennessee Association of Fairs recently recognized the outstanding achievements of Tennessee's premier county fairs.

Tennessee Wins Two National YF&R Titles

Two Tennessee young farmers were named national Young Farmers & Ranchers winners during the 105th annual meeting of the American Farm Bureau Federation – Justin Hargrove in the Excellence in Agriculture contest and Matthew McClanahan in the Discussion Meet.

Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act Moves to Senate

Senate bill S. 1957, Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, gained two more cosponsors from Ohio and Kansas, totaling 13 sponsors to-date.

2024 Grain Conference Set for February 1 in West Tennessee

University of Tennessee Extension is hosting the 2024 West Tennessee Grain and Soybean Producers Conference on February 1 from 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at the Dyer County Fairgrounds.

Slayton Named Tennessee State Forester, Retiring State Forester Arnold Recognized for Service

Gov. Bill Lee and Agriculture Commissioner Charlie Hatcher, D.V.M. announce the appointment of Heather Slayton as Tennessee State Forester and Assistant Commissioner for the Forestry Division. She succeeds David Arnold, who is retiring after more than three decades of public service.

Tennesseans Encouraged to Reduce Power Consumption as Demand for Energy Increases

Tennessee’s electric cooperatives, along with the Tennessee Valley Authority, ask consumers to voluntarily reduce the use of non-essential electricity use through mid-morning Wednesday.

UT Extension Partners on $15.9 Million Grant to Advance Conservation Practices

University of Tennessee Extension and partners Agricenter International and Tennessee Wildlife Federation have received a $15.9 million grant from USDA’s NRCS Regional Conservation Partnership Program to advance conservation practices in West Tennessee.

FARM Cost Share Second Round Recipients Announced

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) is announcing the second round of recipients for the Tennessee Forestry, Agriculture, and Rural Markets (FARM) cost share program.

TFBF Board Changes During the 102nd Annual Meeting

During the business session of the 102nd annual meet of Tennessee Farm Bureau, 255 delegates from across the state elected a state board of directors to lead to the organization.

2023 Distinguished Leaders

Five individuals were recognized for going above and beyond in their volunteer spirit to the Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation with the Distinguished Service Award.

Seven County Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Committee Honored with Top Award

During the Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation’s 102nd annual convention at Franklin’s Cool Springs Marriott, seven county Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership programs were recognized for their outstanding accomplishments throughout the year in the County Awards of Excellence program.

28 County Farm Bureaus Honored with President Award

During the 102nd annual meeting of the Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation, 28 county Farm Bureaus from across the state were recognized for their accomplishments and successes from the past year.

Seventeen County Farm Bureaus Honored with Pinnacle Partnership Award

During the 102nd annual convention of the Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation at Franklin’s Cool Springs Marriott, seventeen county Farm Bureaus from across the state were recognized for reaching the most prestigious standards possible in membership, programs and teamwork.

Robert Hill elected to serve as 2024 Tennessee State YF&R Chair

During the 102nd annual meeting of the Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation, the Tennessee Young Farmers and Ranchers’ delegates elected Robert Hill of Lauderdale County as their new chair to serve the upcoming year.

Julie Giles of Marshall County Chosen as Outstanding Young Woman

During the 102nd annual meeting of the Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation, Julie Giles of Marshall County received the Tennessee Young Farmers and Ranchers Outstanding Young Woman award.

Matthew McClanahan of Cumberland County Named State Winner in Discussion Meet

During the 102nd annual meeting of the Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation, Matthew McClanahan of Cumberland County was named the state winner in Tennessee Young Farmers and Ranchers State Discussion Meet contest.

Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation’s 102nd Annual Meeting

More than 1,600 farmers from across the state gathered in Franklin December 2-5 for Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation’s 102nd annual meeting. The group recognized and presented awards to outstanding county Farm Bureaus, honored board and staff retirees and adopted policy resolutions for the upcoming year and elected the state board of directors.

102nd Annual Convention

Join us for the 102nd annual meeting of Tennessee Farm Bureau December 2 – 5, 2023 in Franklin, Tennessee! Speakers, policy making, networking and...

Holiday Experiences Start at the Farm

Tennessee’s Christmas tree farms are a winter wonderland that offer more than just real trees. Many farms have a vast selection of wreaths and other holiday décor made from local greenery as well as an experience the whole family can enjoy. 

Aviagen Inaugurates New Pedigree Farm in Crossville, Tenn.

Aviagen® is proud to announce the grand opening of its new pedigree farm in Crossville, Tenn., which took place on Nov. 16.

Farm Bill Extension

Facing a funding deadline on November 17, 2023, and potential government shutdown, Congress passed H.R. 6363 last week, which allows more time to consider individual appropriations bills, prevent an end-of-year omnibus and, most importantly to the agricultural community, grants a one-year extension of the farm bill through September 30, 2024.

Tennessee Livestock Producers in 51 Counties May Be Eligible for 2023 Drought Disaster Assistance

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) announced that ranchers and livestock producers in 51 Tennessee counties can apply for assistance from the Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP) for grazing losses incurred in 2023.

UT Extension Report Highlights County-level Contributions of Tennessee Agriculture

University of Tennessee Extension recently released reports outlining the estimated agricultural contributions of all 95 counties in Tennessee.

Samantha Beard Named Assistant Director of Special Programs

Samantha Beard has been named Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation assistant director for special programs.

Agricultural Exemption Holders Must Verify Information to Renew

The Department of Revenue reminds agricultural exemption holders that they must verify their exemption with department by December 31, 2023, to keep buying certain agricultural items tax-free.

Lainey Hutchison Named 2023 FFA American Star in Agribusiness

Lainey Hutchison of Crockett County was named the 2023 American Star in Agribusiness.

Tennessee Livestock Producers in 20 Counties May Be Eligible for 2023 Drought Disaster Assistance

USDA Farm Service Agency announced that ranchers and livestock producers in 20 Tennessee counties can apply for assistance from the Livestock Forage Disaster Program for grazing losses incurred in 2023.

TFBF Field Services Administrator Joe McKinnon Announces Retirement

Joe McKinnon, Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation field services administrator, has announced he will retire at the end of the year.

UT Extension Welcomes New Director to Lone Oaks Farm

University of Tennessee Extension has named a new director for Lone Oaks Farm in Middleton, Tennessee. Jeremy Burnett will begin in his new role on November 20, 2023.

TFBF Tells EPA to Rescind its Herbicide Strategy

Tennessee Farm Bureau provided input to EPA’s Office of Pesticide Programs, opposing their proposal to impose increased restrictions on agricultural herbicide.

A Sweet Peach of a Man

From spending his career as a medical doctor to writing a song for Lorretta Lynn, Dr. Joe McClure of Humphreys County has quite the list of accomplishments to be proud of. Now, after 20 years of cross-pollinating peach trees, Dr. McClure can add selecting a new peach variety to his list of accomplishments.

Farm Bureau Member Records 50 Years of Rainfall

On December 31, 2023, Farm Bureau member Tommy Davis will reach an impressive milestone – 50 years of keeping rainfall records at his residence in Lawrence County.

TFBF Provides Input on Horse Protection Act

Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation recently submitted comments to USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service opposing their efforts to ban action devices and pads on horses and shift regulatory authority of the Horse Protection Act to APHIS.

Fire Prevention Critical During Tennessee’s Fire Season

Due to the drier conditions and leaf litter that accompany autumn in our state, a debris burn permit is required for leaf and brush pile fires beginning October 15 and residents are urged to take appropriate fire safety measures.

TWRA to Host Deer and Turkey Management Public Meetings

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency will host a series of four public meetings across the state in late October to discuss new deer and turkey management plans.

Justin Hargrove of Benton County Wins Excellence in Agriculture

Justin Hargrove of Benton County is this year’s Excellence in Agriculture winner for Tennessee Young Farmers & Ranchers.

As Turkey Production Rises, Prices Drop, Just in Time for Thanksgiving

With economic concerns still looming, consumers are wondering if Thanksgiving dinner will cost as much as last year. As many trees lose their leaves and we head toward the holidays, this Market Intel evaluates how the H5N1 avian influenza virus might affect prices this year.

Tell EPA to Withdraw Herbicide Strategy

EPA is seeking public comment on its proposed herbicide strategy until October 22, 2023.

UT Extension and GAP Connections to Help Tennessee Farmers Navigate Labor Management

Tennessee agricultural producers and agribusinesses are invited to register for labor management workshops to be held in each region of the state in November.

UTIA Researchers Conduct Ongoing Study on Emerging Soybean Disease

Researchers at the University of Tennessee Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology are in their third year of an ongoing study on taproot decline, a disease affecting soybeans.

Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation Executive Vice President Rhedona Rose Announces Retirement

After 37 years of dedicated service to the organization, Tennessee Farm Bureau Executive Vice President Rhedona Rose announced she will retire at the end of the year.

UT-TSU Extension Benton County Partners With Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee on...

UT Extension specialists at UT-TSU Extension Benton County have partnered with the Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee’s Ray Smith Family Distribution Center to launch Project Grow, a farming and gardening initiative that provides fresh produce for members of the community experiencing food insecurity.

Tennessee Milk Logo Design Winner Announced

After collecting 5,230 total votes among four milk logo finalists, the Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) announces the winning Tennessee milk logo design.

Agricultural Enhancement Program Application Window Announced

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) announces the application dates for this year’s Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program (TAEP) cost share program are Oct. 1-7, 2023.

$200,000 Raised for Future Farmers at Sold-Out Tennessee State Fair Ham Breakfast

The Eighth Annual Tennessee State Fair FFA Ham Breakfast was a sold-out event with more than 1,200 business leaders, government officials, farmers, and members of the Future Farmers of America (FFA) present Monday. The event raised $200,000 for FFA and was presented by Farm Credit Mid-America.

AFBF Appreciates EPA Rejection of Unfair Petitions

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented on the Environmental Protection Agency’s decision to reject two petitions seeking stricter regulation of animal feeding operations.

UT College of Veterinary Medicine Dean Announces Plans to Retire

Jim Thompson, dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, will retire at the end of the calendar year.

TFBF Director-at-Large Catherine Via Announces Decision to Not Seek Re-election

Catherina Via, Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation director-at-large, announced today to Tennessee Farm Bureau Board of Directors she will not be seeking re-election at the annual meeting in December.

University of Tennessee Announces Statewide Townhall Meetings for Institute of Agriculture Senior Vice Chancellor/Senior...

University of Tennessee System President Randy Boyd and University of Tennessee, Knoxville Chancellor Donde Plowman announced a series of townhall meetings across the state designed to gather input and feedback on the appointment of UT Institute of Agriculture Interim Senior Vice Chancellor/Senior Vice President Keith Carver to permanently serve in the role.

Farmers Market Week: Buy Local During Peak Produce Season

There isn’t a better way to support your local farms and community than by shopping at a farmers market. Tennessee will highlight peak season during National Farmers Market Week Aug. 6-12, 2023.

Smith County Farmer Kyle Owen Named Tennessee Farmer of the Year

Tennessee Farmer of the Year for 2023 is Kyle Owen. A first-generation farmer who started with 32 acres of tobacco has grown his operation to more than 6,000 acres of corn, soybeans, and wheat as well as tobacco, watermelons and pumpkins.

Ella McLerran Named State Collegiate Discussion Meet Winner

After four rounds of competition, Ella McLerran was named the State Collegiate Discussion Meet winner at the Tennessee Young Farmers and Ranchers (YF&R) Summer Conference.

Phillip and Whitney Berry of Wayne County Named State Young Farmer Second Place Winner

Phillip and Whitney Berry of Wayne County took home second place honors in the Tennessee Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers Achievement Award contest.

Ethan Foster of Maury County Named Environmental Stewardship State Winner

Ethan Foster of Maury County was named state winner in the Tennessee Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers (YF&R) Environmental Stewardship contest.

Cody and Jessica Grills of Dyer County Win State Young Farmer Honors

Cody and Jessica Grills of Dyer County are the 2023 Tennessee Young Farmers of the Year.

Pesticide Applicators are Encouraged to Use EPA’s Bulletin Live!

According to EPA, pesticide labels increasingly will see restrictions/other mitigation measures to protect endangered species and their designated habitat from pesticide use as part of the agency’s Endangered Species Act compliance plan.

Tennessee Crop Acreage for 2023

Acreage in Tennessee for 2023.

State Veterinarian Advises Horse Owners to Protect Against Diseases

The Tennessee State Veterinarian is advising horse owners of cases of Equine Herpes Virus One (EHV-1) in a neighboring state.

Center for Profitable Agriculture Commemorating 25 Years

The Center for Profitable Agriculture will commemorate 25 years of service to Tennessee farmers with a fall celebration event in Columbia.

Cost of Summer Cookout Down Slightly From 10-Year High

Celebrating the 4th of July with a cookout will cost significantly more than two years ago, although prices have fallen slightly from record highs in 2022. Families will pay $67.73 to host an Independence Day cookout with 10 family members or friends, based on the 2023 American Farm Bureau Federation marketbasket survey.

USDA Reminds Producers to File Crop Acreage Reports by July 17, Use New Online...

Agricultural producers who have not yet completed their crop acreage reports after planting should make an appointment with their local U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) office before the applicable deadline, which for many places and crops is July 17.

Summer Celebration Scheduled for July 13 at the West Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center

The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture is hosting their highly anticipated Summer Celebration on July 13, 2023, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the West Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center. This event is free to attend and open to the public.

FFA Members Receive TWRA Fishing Licenses and Engage with TWF at Summer Camp

For the third year, Tennessee FFA Camp Clements has partnered with the Tennessee Wildlife Federation to provide students with a chance to learn about the state’s environmental and natural resources conservation, fishing opportunities, and gun safety. In addition, the Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency partnered with TWF to provide all camp attendees with a free fishing license.

Farm Bureau Continues to Advance Farmers’ Right to Repair

The American Farm Bureau Federation signed a memorandum of understanding with CLAAS of America, providing even more farmers and ranchers the right to repair their own farm equipment.

FSA Now Accepting Nominations for Farmers to Serve on Local County Committees

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is now accepting nominations for county committee members for elections that will occur later this year.

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.

Supreme Court Reaffirms Limits of Clean Water Rule

In a highly anticipated announcement, the U.S. Supreme Court handed down its ruling in Sackett vs. EPA. Faced with yet another sweeping application of the term “waters of the U.S.” (WOTUS) by EPA, the Supreme Court has set a clear and practical definition which respects the words and intent of Congress in the Clean Water Act.

First FARM Cost Share Recipients Announced

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) is announcing the first round of recipients for the Tennessee Forestry, Agriculture, and Rural Markets (FARM) cost share.

USDA Extends Application Deadline for Revenue Loss Programs to July 14

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is extending the deadline for the Emergency Relief Program (ERP) Phase Two and Pandemic Assistance Revenue Program (PARP) to July 14, 2023, to give producers more time to apply for assistance.

UT Extension Officially Opens 4-H and Youth Development Center at Lone Oaks Farm

The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture (UTIA) hosted a ribbon cutting for the new UT Extension 4-H and Youth Development Center at Lone Oaks Farm on Monday, May 22, 2023.  

Last chance to complete the 2022 Census of Agriculture

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will end data collection for the 2022 Census of Agriculture on May 31.

State Veterinarian Alerts Cattle Owners to Disease Detection

The Tennessee State Veterinarian is confirming a case of atypical bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in a cow with ties to Tennessee.

Gov. Lee’s Federal Disaster Relief Request Approved for 45 Tennessee Counties

Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced approval of his federal assistance request, making recovery assistance available to 45 counties impacted by severe weather, flooding and straight-line winds on March 1-3.

Value-Added Agriculture Webinar Series Launches

Direct farm marketers and value-added agriculture entrepreneurs are invited to expand their knowledge and skills while participating in a new monthly webinar series offered by the Center for Profitable Agriculture.

Tennessee Cattlemen’s Association Announces Summer Conference in Sevierville

The Tennessee Cattlemen's Association (TCA) is pleased to announce its upcoming summer conference, “Stockmen in the Smokies,” which will be held on July 21-22, 2023, in Sevierville, Tenn.

Forest Legacy Program Aids Landowners and Conservation Efforts

Forest landowners can ensure conservation benefits for generations to come with funding through the Forest Legacy Program (FLP). Proposals to apply for funding may be submitted until June 9, 2023 at 4:30 p.m. CST.

Ribbon Cutting at UT AgResearch Facility Ushers in New Era of Dairy Research

Some very special dignitaries ushered in a new era of dairy research at the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture on May 2 at a ribbon cutting and demonstration of UT AgResearch’s new robotic milking technology.

Trust Protocol Grower Enrollment Open, New Timing Aligns with Peak Cotton Marketing Dates

The U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol announced that enrollment for the 2023 crop year is open now through September 1, providing growers the opportunity to complete data entry prior to harvest.

Fruits of the Backyard Field Day Scheduled for June 13

Homegrown blackberries and blueberries pair perfectly for summertime in Tennessee, and the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture would like to help bring them to your backyard. This year marks the 16th annual Fruits of the Backyard Field Day where attendees can receive valuable information, products and techniques that will help backyard fruits and other plants flourish.

TFBF Encourages FDA to Correct Labeling of “Milk”

Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation submitted comments to the Food and Drug Administration urging them to ensure plant-based milk alternatives are appropriately labeled and do not take advantage of milk’s good name.

Families Deserve Truth in Food Labeling

The American Farm Bureau Federation filed comments with the Food and Drug Administration calling on the agency to enforce food labeling standards for dairy substitute products and enforce existing prohibitions on the misleading labeling of nut- and other plant-based beverage products as “milk.”

Tennessee Department of Agriculture FFA Leaders Named

Tennessee’s FFA program is among the top five largest in the nation and new state leaders are in place at the Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) to ensure the program remains strong.

Where are we with WOTUS?

For many years, there has been consistent debate on the extent of the EPA’s regulatory authority over Waters of the United States (WOTUS). The conversation began in 2015 when the Obama administration attempted to make long-overdue changes to the WOTUS rule but, in turn, made the rule more burdensome. The Trump administration replaced the 2015 rule with a more reasonable one in 2020, but has since been overturned by President Biden. Read the latest status of WOTUS.

Envelope Icon

Stay in the Loop

What’s going on with your Farm Bureau, Tennessee agriculture and much more delivered straight to your inbox.

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Envelope Icon

Stay in the Loop

What’s going on with your Farm Bureau, Tennessee agriculture and much more delivered straight to your inbox.

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.