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

Debris Burn Permits Required Beginning Oct. 15

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture’s Division of Forestry joins the effort to promote fire prevention awareness and reminds citizens that our state is heading into fire season. A debris burn permit is required for leaf and brush piles from Oct. 15 until May 15 each season. 

Fayette County Farmer Willie German Appointed as Tennessee Farm Bureau Insurance Director

During the 2022 American Farm Bureau annual meeting in Atlanta, the Tennessee Farm Bureau board of directors met and appointed Willie German of Fayette County to serve the organization as the Tennessee Farm Bureau Insurance District I Director.

Aviagen North America Cuts Ribbon on New Feed Processing Facility in Pikeville, Tenn.

On the morning of May 27, global poultry breeding company Aviagen® hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its brand new feed processing facility (feed mill) in Pikeville, Tenn.

UTIA Receives $30 Million Grant to Empower Grassland Farmers in Climate-Smart Agriculture

As farmers across the U.S. look for ways to improve productivity amid a changing climate, the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture has received a $30 million grant to help grassland farmers enter the emerging carbon economy while enhancing productivity and ecological benefits.

WLJT awarded funding to extend digital coverage in rural West Tennessee

WLJT awarded funding to extend digital coverage in rural West Tennessee                          ...

Farmers and Ranchers Welcome Ratification of Trade Pacts

  Congressional ratification of three bilateral free-trade agreements between the United States and Korea, Colombia and Panama, as well as approval of Trade Adjustment...

The National Search for ‘The Faces of Farming and Ranching’ is On

When it comes to today's agriculture, there are many examples of great farmers and ranchers all over the country doing wonderful things to bring...

Ag Day on the Hill a Success

Tennessee lawmakers celebrated Ag Day on the Hill March 25 at Legislative Plaza in Nashville. Gov. Bill Haslam proclaimed it "Agriculture Day" in Tennessee...

UT Institute of Agriculture Will Soon Have New 4-H Camp and Conference Center

It's a stunning tract of Tennessee property "“ 1,200 acres of woods, pastures, lakes and farmland "“ and soon it will host 4-H campers...

Tennessee Winter Wheat Production Forecast up from Last Season

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) released its July crop condition report today based on producer reports...
cattle in field with dog

Proposed Ag Budget Fails Farmers, Ranchers, Farm Bureau President Says

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall says the proposed ag budget fails farmers and ranchers “The American Farm Bureau Federation and its members are...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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.

USDA Announces Additional Aid to Ag Producers and Businesses in Pandemic Assistance for Producers...

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced additional aid to agricultural producers and businesses as part of the USDA Pandemic Assistance for Producers initiative.

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.

Apply Now for USDA Cover Crop Subsidy

Farmers who plant cover crops and have coverage under most crop insurance policies are eligible for a premium benefit from USDA called the Pandemic Cover Crop Program, (PCCP). All cover crops reportable to the Farm Service Agency (FSA) are eligible. The premium support is $5 per acre, but no more than the full premium amount owed.

Institute of Agriculture Welcomes New Leader

Carrie Castille, who most recently served as director of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, the federal science agency within the US Department of Agriculture, will begin her role as senior vice chancellor and senior vice president for the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture July 1.

Four Tennessee Counties Approved for Disaster Assistance/Haslam Requests Emergency Funding for Flooding in West...

Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam joined FEMA Director Craig Fugate today to announce the federal government has approved four Tennessee counties to receive federal assistance...

Tennessee Farm Bureau Standing Out at American Farm Bureau Annual Meeting

Each year during the annual meeting, state Farm Bureaus are recognized for excellence in membership achievement and for implementing outstanding programs serving Farm Bureau...

C’mon Down South

Farmers and ranchers attending the American Farm Bureau Federation's 94th Annual Meeting in Nashville, Tenn., Jan. 13-16, will find there's something for everyone. From...

A busy harvest season means “Safety Counts ““ Protecting What Matters”

Tennessee farmers are reaping the yields of their hard work this harvest season and that means long hours in their fields and lots of...

UT Institute of Agriculture Announces “All Vol Cheese” for Sale by UT Students

Some future food scientists are saying "cheese" these days, and it has nothing to do with having their photo taken. The University of Tennessee College...
farm in the city

Governor’s Rural Task Force Releases Strategic Plan to Build Stronger Rural Communities

The Governor’s Rural Task Force recently released its strategic plan to advance rural communities and economic development throughout Tennessee.

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

Untold Tennessee: Gov. Lee Announces Yearlong 225 Celebration

Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced “Untold Tennessee” as the theme for a yearlong celebration commemorating 225 years of statehood. Tennesseans are invited to attend events and activities in all 95 counties and submit stories that showcase their area of the state.

Tennessee Farm Disaster Response Fund

ESTABLISHED IN 2008 Disaster can strike anywhere at any time. To be prepared to respond when farm communities are hit, The Tennessee Farm Bureau...

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.

Ford Funds Stream Restoration at University of Tennessee’s Lone Oaks Farm

At the 2022 Memphis International Auto Show, Ford Motor Company and the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture announced a historic agreement that will propel economic development, education, and conservation throughout the mid-south.

Water Management to be Covered at Milan No-Till Field Day

Rainfall, or lack thereof, has been the main topic of conversation among Tennessee farmers. As the dry summer continues, the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture is eager to give producers valuable water management information at the 2022 Milan No-Till Field Day to help mitigate the risk of crop loss. 

TDA Urges Livestock & Pet Owners to Take Heat Precautions

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture is urging livestock and pet owners to take precautions during this period of hot temperatures and high humidity. The...

Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program Applications Now Available

  The Tennessee Department of Agriculture has released the 2012 application for the Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program. Applications must be postmarked or hand delivered...

2013 TN Farm Bureau Presidents Conference

The 2013 Tennessee Farm Bureau Presidents Conference is a two-day informative and interactive conference where leadership from the county level come from across the...

96th Annual American Farm Bureau Convention

The American Farm Bureau Federation works all year to create an Annual Convention that will be educational, inspirational and memorable, and our 96th  gathering...

New leadership in Tennessee youth organizations

Tennessee 4-H Congress and Tennessee State FFA Convention were held the week of March 21 and both organizations elected new state-wide leaders for the...
broiler chicken poultry

State Veterinarian Issues Poultry Health Advisory

"Keep them home to keep them healthy."

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...

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...

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....

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...

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.

The 17-Year Cicadas Can Damage Your Trees

By now you’ve heard the cicadas are coming. In fact, they are practically here. Entomologists predict the periodical cicada that are on a 17-year...

USDA Invests $1.4 Million to Expand Broadband Service to the People of Rural Tennessee

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.

Rural Energy for America Program Workshop

Held virtually February 9, 2022, the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Renewable Energy Systems & Energy Efficiency Improvement Loans & Grants in Tennessee provides guaranteed loan financing and grant funding to agricultural producers and rural small businesses for renewable energy systems or to make energy efficiency improvements.

UT AgResearch Appoints New Director for East Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center

Ethan Parker, a group leader in herbicide biological research and development with Syngenta Crop Protection, has been named as the new director of the University of Tennessee’s East Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center.

From East To West Tennessee, Farms Offer Outdoor Family Activities This Fall

Tennessee’s agritourism season is in full swing. Spanning from Shelby County to Johnson County, people of all ages will visit pumpkin patches, corn mazes, and apple orchards looking for décor, wagon rides, festivals, and all sorts of fun right up through Halloween.

National Corn Growers Association Becomes Official Partner of NASCAR

Collaboration Supports  Use of Sunoco Green E15 "“ 15 Percent Corn Ethanol Blend made with American Ethanol in NASCAR's 2011 Races ST. LOUIS (February 3,...

Good Week for Farming!

  Fall harvest progress is right on target with the average rate thanks to five full days suitable for fieldwork last week.   Grower's...

Outstanding Young Farmer Named

Lincoln County young farm couple Josh and Julieanna Ogle were named Tennessee Farm Bureau's Outstanding Young Farmer and Achievement Award winners during special ceremonies...

2014-2015 FFA State Officers Elected

The 86th State FFA Convention was recently held in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. The two-and-a-half day convention was full of Career Development Events, leadership seminars, inspirational...

Public Notice by Tennessee Pork Producers Association and the National Pork Board

The election of pork producer delegate candidates for the 2016 National Pork Producers (Pork Act) Delegate Body will take place  at  1:30 p.m....

Farm Bureau Boot Camp Grads Hone Communication Skills

WASHINGTON, D.C., July 15, 2016  – The American Farm Bureau Federation recognized 14 farm and ranch women leaders as graduates of the organization’s tenth...

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...

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....

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...

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...

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...

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.

TFBF Provides Input on USDA’s $4 billion Investment in Supply Chains

USDA seeks to improve supply chains for the production, processing and distribution of agricultural commodities and food products by investing more than $4 billion to strengthen critical supply chains through the Build Back Better initiative. TFBF recently responded.

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.

University of Tennessee Appoints Carrie Castille to Lead Institute of Agriculture

University of Tennessee System President Randy Boyd and UT Knoxville Chancellor Donde Plowman announced today that Carrie Castille, current director of USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture, will be recommended to the UT Board of Trustees to serve as the next senior vice chancellor and senior vice president for the UT Institute of Agriculture.

Neumann Named Forestry Business Consultant

Tennessee Agriculture Commissioner Charlie Hatcher, D.V.M. announces the addition of David Neumann to the Business Development Division of the Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA).

Haslam Announces 15 Counties Receive Federal Disaster Declaration

Benton, Carroll, Crockett, Dyer, Gibson, Henderson, Henry, Houston, Lake, Lauderdale, Madison, Montgomery, Obion, Shelby and Stewart to receive assistance for record river flooding NASHVILLE...

Tennessee Young Farmers and Ranchers Take Home Top Honors

During the 93rd Annual Meeting of the American Farm Bureau Federation, the Tennessee Young Farmers & Ranchers took home top honors in the Achievement...

UT offers two sets of workshops for farmers marketing to local consumers

Consumer demand for locally produced foods and products continues to grow, creating opportunities for farmers who market directly to the public as well as...

Wild Hog Eradication update

Outreach has continued with several wild hog control demonstrations being conducted at UT Extension field-days. The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, USDA Wildlife...

Tennessee FFA’s Nick Baker elected National FFA Secretary

Students from Arkansas, Tennessee, Ohio, Iowa, Georgia and Utah have been elected by delegates from throughout the United States to serve on the 2015-16...

Ban on Burning Lifted on all Counties in Tennessee

With the entire state now in some state of drought, there are many concerns for farmers and all Tennesseans. Here are some resources for farmers and land owners to access information on the drought and how to address some of the issues.

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...

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...

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,...

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.

UT AgResearch Announces 2021 Field Day Schedule

Nineteen Events, Most Occurring In-Person, Scheduled to Showcase UT Agricultural Research

Tennessee’s First Chronic Wasting Disease Testing Facility Open

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture’s (TDA) Kord Animal Health Diagnostic Laboratory has the state’s first Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) testing facility. The CWD testing unit is operational and fully accredited by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), the organization that develops and publishes international standards.

USDA Assists Farmers and Communities Affected by Recent Flooding in Tennessee

To help residents and farmers affected by the recent flooding in Tennessee, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is aiding recovery efforts. USDA staff in the regional, state, and county offices are responding and providing a variety of program flexibilities and other assistance to residents, agricultural producers and impacted communities.

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.

Modernization of Ag Sales Tax Passes TN General Assembly

The Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation enthusiastically applauds the Tennessee General Assembly for unanimously passing the Modernization of Agriculture Sales Tax (SB905 Stevens/HB1405 Halford).

24th Annual Mid-South Ag Finance Conference Aug. 10

The 24th-Annual Mid-South Agricultural Finance Conference will be held from 8:30 a.m.- 2 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 10, in the Boling University Center’s Watkins Auditorium at the University of Tennessee at Martin.

Haslams Support Pick Tennessee Products

Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam and First Lady Crissy Haslam honored Tennessee farmers and farm products Wednesday night, celebrating the 25th anniversary of Pick Tennessee...

New Student Leadership for Tennessee FFA and 4-H

Believe was the theme of the 84th Tennessee State FFA Convention held recently in Gatlinburg, and students from across the state took that theme...

Statement by Bob Stallman, President, American Farm Bureau Federation Regarding Farm Bill Expiration

WASHINGTON, D.C., October 1, 2013 "“ "Farmers and ranchers, along with 90 percent of the country, are frustrated with Congress. Aside from shutting down...

Tennessee to Check for Livestock Traceability Compliance Starting Jan. 1

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture will conduct routine compliance checks beginning Jan. 1, 2015 for the federal Animal Disease Traceability rule. The rule went...

Statement by Tennessee Farm Bureau President Jeff Aiken on Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey Not...

  ↵ Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey has announced he will not seek re election after a 24 year career in the legislature.  His agriculture roots and...
Lincoln County, TN

Second Case of HPAI Detected in Lincoln County

The state veterinarian confirms that a strain of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has sickened a second commercial chicken breeder flock within the existing controlled quarantined zone in Lincoln County, Tenn.

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 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...

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...

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...

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.

Tennessee State Fair Debuts New 2021 Location

When agricultural fair season rolls around this year, the Tennessee State Fair will make history by taking place in conjunction with the Wilson County Fair.

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...

Outstanding Fairs Honored at 100th Annual Convention

Marking the milestone of 100 years of celebration, the Tennessee Association of Fairs is recognizing the state’s outstanding county, regional, and state agricultural fairs.

Duvall Talks Shipping Reform and Supply Challenges with President Biden

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall spoke with President Biden to discuss several challenges farmers and ranchers are facing and the importance of final Congressional action on the Ocean Shipping Reform Act to address the backlog at our ports.

Record Turkey Prices Expected as Thanksgiving Approaches

Families can expect to pay record high prices at the grocery store for turkey this upcoming holiday season thanks to the impacts of the bird flu and inflation. American Farm Bureau Federation economists analyzed turkey and egg costs in their latest Market Intel.