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...
Weigel’s Donates 60,000 Gallons of Milk to Second Harvest
Allie Clouse, Knoxville News Sentinel
June 18, 2020
Weigel's is donating more than 60,000 gallons of milk to Second Harvest in Tennessee through an innovative voucher...
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...
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...
Burn Permits Required Early this Year
With hot and dry weather leading into our fall fire season, Tennessee’s State Forester is requiring a burn permit for all open-air outdoor fires...
National Farm Safety & Health Week
Shift Farm Safety into High Gear...each year since 1944, the third week of September has been recognized as National Farm Safety and Health Week....
Farm Bureau: A Victory for Clean Water and Clear Rules
The following may be attributed to American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall:
“Farmers and ranchers share the goal of ensuring clean water, but the...
County Farm Bureaus talk issues with Congressman Scott DesJarlais
County Farm Bureau leaders from all corners of the 4th Congressional District met to show appreciation to Congressman Scott DesJarlais for his dedicated service...
2019 Presidents Conference
If you missed Tennessee Farm Bureau's Presidents Conference, check out the photo gallery to catch all of the action! From speakers like Tennessee Governor...
Ag Enhancement Program to Offer New Options for Farmers
NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program (TAEP) is announcing new options and changes to better assist Tennessee farmers in diversifying, expanding, and improving...
Tennessee Corn Promotion Council Names Executive Director
The Tennessee Corn Promotion Council (TCPC) has named Carol Reed of Martin, Tennessee as their Executive Director. TCPC works in cooperation with the Tennessee...
Public Notice by Tennessee Pork Producers Association and National Pork Board
The election of pork producer delegate candidates for the 2020 National Pork Producers (Pork Act) Delegate Body will take place at 2:15 p.m. (CST),...
NASS Shows More Corn, Cotton Less Soybeans Planted for Tenn.
RELEASED: June 28, 2019
Tennessee Corn Acreage Up From Last Year
Soybeans planted in Tennessee were estimated at 1.50 million acres, down 200,000 acres from 2018....
Farm Animal Care Coalition of Tennessee Names Executive Director
The Farm Animal Care Coalition of Tennessee (FACCT) has named Julie Giles of Lewisburg as their new Executive Director. FACCT was established in 2011...
TFBF President Aiken Sends Letter to President Trump
We appreciate the $16 billion in trade aid announced last week by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Although we certainly prefer free and open...
Genera Honored at 54th Annual Conservation Achievement Awards
Nashville, Tenn. (May 10, 2019) – The Tennessee Wildlife Federation, one of the largest and oldest nonprofits dedicated to the conservation of Tennessee’s wildlife...
Jerry Ray of Tullahoma Named Tennessee Farmer of the Year
Jerry Ray of Tullahoma, Tennessee, started farming 45 years ago on just 45 acres that once belonged to his grandfather. Over the years he...
Tennessee Dairies Benefit from Company’s Commitment
Weigel’s, one of East Tennessee’s largest milk processors, has committed to using milk produced exclusively in Tennessee.
“Wiegel’s has a history of being innovative with...
2017 Census of Agriculture Data Series Additions Measure the Changing Face of Agriculture
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS)
Tennessee Field Office announced the results of the 2017 Census of Agriculture with
both traditional...
New Leadership for 4-H and FFA
The top two agricultural youth organizations in the state elected new leadership recently at their annual conventions – 4-H elected new officers at their...
Tennessee Celebrates National Ag Day
State leaders and citizens celebrated Agriculture Day in Tennessee on Tuesday, March 12 with Ag Day on the Hill. The event coincided with National...
Farm Bureaus Mobilize for Agricultural Safety Awareness Program Week
Farm Bureaus across the nation are mobilizing for Agricultural Safety Awareness Program Week, March 3-9. U.S. Agricultural Safety and Health Centers will join Farm...
Tennessee Department of Agriculture Responds to Flood Damage
Following the rains and flooding that led to a State of Emergency in Tennessee, the Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) is coordinating with partners...
Gov. Bill Lee Announces the Governor’s Investment in Vocational Education (GIVE) Initiative
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced his first legislative initiative, the Governor’s Investment in Vocational Education (GIVE) to expand access to...
UTIA Provides Insight in Economic Report to Governor
Despite a year wrought with international trade conflicts, research from the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture indicates overall strength in the state’s agri-forestry...
Dicamba Stewardship Training in Tennessee
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Before Tennessee applicators can apply low-volatile versions of dicamba herbicide in 2019, they must first attend an approved dicamba-specific training.
University of...
Tennessee Shines During 100th American Farm Bureau Convention
January 15, 2019 – New Orleans, LA – More than 7,000 farmers from across the country attended the 100th American Farm Bureau Convention held...
Tennessee Farm Bureau Recognized for Membership Growth
During the December American Farm Bureau Federation Resolutions Meeting in Washington, D.C., Tennessee Farm Bureau President Aiken was recognized for TN Farm Bureau's membership...
A Good Day for Agriculture
Tennessee Farm Bureau hosted an event with Acting EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler and USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue to highlight the new Clean Water Rule...
TFBF Statement on Passage of Farm Bill
Columbia, TN. December 12, 2018 - The following may be attributed to Tennessee Farm Bureau President Jeff Aiken:
“Today more than ever, our farmers and...
Farm Bureau Applauds New Clean Water Rule Proposal Signed by EPA
State Farm Bureau presidents from across the nation attended an event today at the Environmental Protection Agency headquarters in Washington to witness the signing...
Governor-Elect Bill Lee Announces Dr. Charlie Hatcher to Lead the Tennessee Department of Agriculture
At the Tennessee Farm Bureau Annual Convention, Tennessee Governor-elect Bill Lee announced that Dr. Charlie Hatcher will join his cabinet to serve as Commissioner...
TFBF Celebrates 97th Annual Convention
More than 1,500 farmers from across the state gathered in Franklin December 1-4 for the purpose of developing policy for 2019, electing leadership for...
Announcing the UTIA Smith International Center
The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture Smith Center for International Sustainable Agriculture was officially launched Friday, November 16, on the UTIA campus. Established...
Tennessee Farm Bureau Holds 97th Annual Meeting
More than 1,500 farmers from across the state will gather in Cool Springs December 1-4 for the purpose of developing policy for 2019, electing...
Meet Tennessee’s Newly Elected Officials
This video highlights senator-elect, Marsha Blackburn and governor-elect, Bill Lee's thoughts and philosophies regarding agriculture, and provides an excellent, nonpartisan opportunity to hear from...
Landowners & Producers With Generic Base Acres Your Commodity Program Payments are About...
University of Tennessee Extension and partners are hosting 5 meetings to assist producers and landowners with finalizing their decisions regarding generic base acres and...
Marshall County’s Doug and Julie Giles Named Excellence in Agriculture Winners
Columbia, TN October 11, 2018 - During the Young Farmers and Ranchers Fall Tour, Marshall County’s Doug and Julie Giles were named the state...
Tennessee’s Race for Senate & Governor 2018
These videos highlight senatorial candidates Marsha Blackburn and Phil Bredesen as well as governor candidates Bill Lee and Karl Dean's thoughts and philosophies regarding...
UT Institute of Agriculture Reveals Economic Contributions of Agriculture Per County
The importance of agriculture to the state of Tennessee is undeniable, accounting for 9 percent of the state’s economy and $57.6 billion in output....
Support Local Dairies, Look for New Tennessee Milk Logo
Consumers now have a way to know that their milk comes from Tennessee dairy farms with the new official Tennessee Milk logo.
Milk labeled as...
TFBF Statement on New Trade Deals
"Strengthening our export markets for Tennessee agricultural products is a top Farm Bureau priority, and we welcome the progress the Trump Administration has made...
USDA Announces Details of Assistance for Farmers Impacted by Unjustified Retaliation
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today announced details regarding actions the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will take to assist farmers in response...
August 1 Crop Production Forecast
Tennessee’s agricultural producers remain optimistic about the 2018 crop year, particularly corn, which is expected to produce a record yield,” said Debra Kenerson, State...
2018 Presidents Conference Agenda
The 2018 Tennessee Farm Bureau Presidents Conference will be held August 9-10 in Franklin, Tennessee at the Cool Springs Marriott. The agenda is packed...
Coffee County’s AJ and Valerie Teal Win State Young Farmer Honors
Columbia, TN July 21, 2018 - Coffee County young farmers AJ and Valerie Teal were named Tennessee Farm Bureau’s Outstanding Young Farmer and Rancher...
Public Notice by Tennessee Pork Producers Association and the National Pork Board
Public Notice by Tennessee Pork Producers Association and the National Pork Board
The election of pork producer delegate candidates for the 2019 National Pork Producers...
Cover Crops to be Covered at Milan No-Till Field Day
MILAN, Tenn. - Incorporating cover crops in a no-till farming system will be a theme of the 30th Milan No-Till Field Day. A total...
Gubernatorial Video Shares Key Positions on Ag Issues
This video focuses on the the six major candidates, especially their positions on key agriculture issues, their thoughts and philosophies regarding agriculture and provides...
4-H Ambassador Tour
The Tennessee 4-H Ambassador's stop by Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation Headquarters to discuss what is going on within their organization during their Ambassador Tour.
Tennessee to Celebrate National Forage Week
June 17-23 is designated as National Forage Week, and Governor Bill Haslam has signed a proclamation declaring that Tennessee will join the celebration. In...
Businesses and Customers to Benefit from New State Metrology Lab
The Julius T. Johnson State Metrology Laboratory at the Tennessee Department of Agriculture officially opened today with a ribbon cutting ceremony and dedication.
Agriculture Commissioner...
Buy Locally Grown Flower and Vegetable Plants With Confidence
Are you a gardener gearing up for the growing season? Local farmers markets, on-farm greenhouses, and retail garden centers are filling with gorgeous flowers...
UT Extension Names Madison County Farmer as Tennessee Farmer of the Year
A third-generation farmer from Jackson who manages more than 5,000 acres of row crops has been named the Tennessee Farmer of the Year by...
Back to Rural Roots, Perdue Gets Boots on the Ground
“We’re from the government and we’re here to help,” has been a halfway sarcastic pun for years, but it seems like some of those...
New leadership for 4-H and FFA
The top two agricultural youth organizations in the state elected new leadership recently at their annual conventions - 4-H elected new officers at their...
2018 National Ag Day Celebration
The Agriculture Council of America (ACA) will host National Agriculture Day on March 20, 2018. This will mark the 45th anniversary of National Ag...
March 2018 issue of the TN Farm Bureau News
The March issue of the Tennessee Farm Bureau News will be hitting mailboxes within the week - highlighting the Junior Market Hog Show, agricultural...
Agriculture Enterprise Fund Recipients Announced
Six Tennessee businesses will now have the opportunity to grow and positively impact rural economies through grants provided by the Agriculture Enterprise Fund (AEF).
Today,...
99th American Farm Bureau Convention Highlights
So much transpired during the 99th American Farm Bureau Convention that we created this special page with links to pictures, articles, audio and video...
Tennessee Shines During 99th American Farm Bureau Convention
January 9, 2018 – Nashville, TN – Nearly 7,500 farmers from across the country attended the 99th American Farm Bureau Convention held at the...
President Trump to Address Farm Bureau Members in January at Conv. in Nashville
Donald J. Trump, the 45th president of the United States, will address farm and ranch families from across the nation at the American Farm...
Washington County Farmer Re-elected as President to Nation’s Largest Farm Bureau
More than 1,500 farmers from across the state gathered in Franklin December 3-5 for the purpose of developing policy for 2018, electing leadership for...
2017 Census of Agriculture Gets Underway
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) starts mailing the 2017 Census of Agriculture to the nation's producers this week....
Tennessee Team Makes Final Four in AFBF Rural Entrepreneurship Challenge
The American Farm Bureau Federation has announced the top 10 teams – four finalists and six best-in-show winners – in the 2018 Farm Bureau...
EPA Administrator Goodwill Visit to Tennessee Farm
Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt made a goodwill visit to a Tennessee farm recently as part of his State Action Tour, to address the Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule and get comments on how to get it right going forward.
He met with 150 farmers from across the state on the Williamson County farm of Eddie and Pam Sanders with the message – “We’re here today to talk to farmers and ranchers, you are our first conservationists, our first environmentalists and can be great partners to make sure we do things right.”
Tennessee in the Spotlight at 2017 Sunbelt Expo
Tennessee is in the spotlight for 2017 — as the Spotlight State — at the 40th annual Sunbelt Agricultural Expo in Moultrie, Georgia.
2018 Farm Bill Resources
One issue we know is facing the farm community and Farm Bureau is the 2018 Farm Bill. No doubt, many of us are not...
Legacy and Life of Joe Pearson
Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation is deeply saddened by the passing of Chief Administrative Officer Joe Pearson, who died Wednesday, August 30, 2017 at Vanderbilt...
Overton County’s Joseph and Rebecca Smith win state young farmer honors
Overton County young farmers Joseph and Rebecca Smith were named Tennessee Farm Bureau’s Outstanding Young Farmer and Achievement Award winners. The results were announced during the Tennessee Young Farmer Summer Conference held at the headquarter offices of the Tennessee Farm Bureau in Columbia, Tenn. The young dairy farmers from the Greenfield community competed against 12 other county contestants across the state to be named the state winner and have the opportunity to compete for national honors in January.
UT Institute of Agriculture Appoints New Dean for UT Extension
The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture has chosen a new leader for UT Extension, and he’s home grown.
Dr. Robert Burns is a native of Walland, Tennessee, who holds a Ph.D. in civil engineering, an M.S. in environmental engineering and a B.S. in agricultural engineering – all from UT. He will manage UT Extension’s statewide educational and outreach program that helps ensure the success of the state’s $4.3 billion+ agricultural industries. UT Extension also coordinates with local, state and federal agencies regarding public health issues and youth development.
Tennessee Dept. of Agriculture Issues New Measures for Dicamba
The Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) is taking measures to mitigate the risk of drift of herbicides containing dicamba.
Students help usher in MTSU Creamery’s milk bottling process
Nearly 20 Middle Tennessee State University students wanted to be a part of Wednesday’s formal celebration rolling out bottles of whole white milk and...
Haslam Signs Tennessee Broadband Accessibility Act
Before a meeting of the Governor’s Rural Development Task Force at H&R Agri-Power, Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam held a ceremonial signing of the Tennessee Broadband Accessibility Act, the governor’s legislation to increase broadband access to Tennessee’s unserved citizens.