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

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.

Monsanto Searches for Next “Farm Mom of the Year”

They are warm and caring, yet tough as nails. They’re dedicated, nurturing, gritty, loving, hard-working and fun go-getters who go above and beyond to...

TN Corn Holds 2022 Summer Meetings, Announces Officer Elections

The Tennessee Corn Growers Association (TCGA) elected a new board member and officers for the 2022-2023 year at its recent annual meeting. 

Logan Browne named TFBF Regional Field Director in Central East Tennessee

Logan Browne has been named Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation regional field director for central East Tennessee announced TFBF Executive Vice President Rhedona...

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...

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...

It’s a No-Till Year

Every other year the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture hosts the largest conservation tillage event in the nation, the Milan No-Till Crop Production...

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.

West Nile Virus Detected in Middle Tennessee Horse

The state veterinarian confirms that a horse in Smith County has tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV). The 22-year-old horse has been euthanized.

Passing of Rep. Mike Carter

We are saddened by the passing of Representative Mike Carter who served the 29th district in Hamilton County. He was a true statesman and friend to Tennessee Farm Bureau and Tennessee agriculture.

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...

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...

National Farmers’ Market Week

NASHVILLE—Some Tennesseans are ready to say goodbye to summer and hello to school. Tennessee farmers however, want everyone to know that summer is far...

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).

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...

AFBF Urges President Biden to Repeal 2023 WOTUS Rule

The American Farm Bureau Federation today called on President Biden to accept the will of Congress and repeal the 2023 Waters of the U.S. Rule. The House and Senate, in a rare bipartisan vote, passed a Congressional Review Act resolution of disapproval of the EPA and Army Corps of Engineers’ 2023 WOTUS Rule.

94th Farm Bureau Annual Meeting

Welcome back to the great state of Tennessee. We have hosted the American Farm Bureau Federation Annual Meeting several times, and we're proud to...

Farm Service Agency Now Accepting Nominations for Farmers and Ranchers to Serve on Local...

The USDA Farm Service Agency is now accepting nominations for county committee members. County committee members make important decisions about how Federal farm programs are administered locally. All nomination forms for the 2022 election must be postmarked or received in the local FSA office by Aug. 1, 2022.

Leadership Transition Announced for University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture

University of Tennessee System President Randy Boyd and University of Tennessee, Knoxville Chancellor Donde Plowman announced leadership transitions today at the UT Institute of Agriculture. Senior Vice Chancellor and Senior Vice President Carrie Castille will become a special advisor to the president of the UT System and Keith Carver, chancellor at the University of Tennessee at Martin, will serve as the new leader of the UT Institute of Agriculture (UTIA). Pending board approval, Carver will begin March 1.

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.

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...
bee honeycomb, beekeeper

UT Institute of Ag to Host Master Beekeeper Classes

Monsanto Company once again wants to recognize these inspiring women, and today announced it has officially opened up nominations for its 2016 America’s Farmers Mom of the Year contest.

Montgomery County’s Jay Head wins state young farmer honors

Montgomery County young farmer Jay Head was named Tennessee Farm Bureau's Outstanding Young Farmer and Achievement Award winner during the Tennessee Young Farmer Summer...

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....

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.

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.

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...

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...

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.

Eliminate the Death Tax

Have you have ever wondered why the modern Tennessee farmer has a hard time making it? Consider this. Many farms are passed on through...

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...

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’s Tim Cross Announces Plans for Retirement

University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture Senior Vice President/Senior Vice Chancellor Tim Cross announced today that he plans to retire effective August 31.

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 Watch receives donation from Farm Bureau

Friday, June 27, 2014Dyersburg State Gazette When the Dyer County Farm Watch was implemented in March of 2013, the pilot...

Tennessee Celebrates National Weights and Measures Week

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture is celebrating Weights and Measures week March 1-7, 2023. This year’s theme is “Collaborating with Partners and Stakeholders for a Greater Measure of Equity.”

Tennessee Department of Agriculture Crime Unit Makes Arrest in Switchgrass Arson Fire

The TDA Agricultural Crime Unit has arrested two men who have confessed to setting fire to 1,430 bales of switchgrass worth approximately $45,000. Eighteen-year-old...

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.

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.

USDA Provides $6 Million in Disaster Recovery Aid to 10 States

  WASHINGTON, April 29, 2011 "“ Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has made immediately available...

First Lady Highlights Tennessee’s Nursery Industry

  Tennessee First Lady Crissy Haslam met today with nursery growers and industry leaders and toured local nurseries to highlight Tennessee's horticultural industry.   Mrs....

This Year’s Thanksgiving May Gobble Your Wallet

Consumer costs on many items are increasing right now, and the price tag on this year’s Thanksgiving meal is no exception. Financial experts from the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture have information for consumers about this trend and advice for stretching holiday meal budgets.

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.

2014 4-H Congress Officers Elected

Since its beginning in 1948, Congress has given more than 33,900 4-H'ers and volunteer leaders firsthand experience in state government. 4-H Congress is truly...

Conference Set for Women in Agriculture and Small Business in Nashville on April 29

Event focuses on Women in Agriculture, Agri-Business, Marketing;Registration still open NASHVILLE, Tenn. "“ Women are a growing demographic in agriculture and small business, and they...

Bovine Liability Law Signs Available

On April 14th, 2011, Governor Haslem signed into effect the "Bovine Liability Law". For beef cattle producers this means if they maintain proper fences,...

TNECD Announces State Broadband Map Available for Public Comment

The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD) announced the state broadband map is now available for public comment. The map is available on the TNECD mapping site, and the public comment period closes on May 30, 2022.

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.

UTIA to Launch UT Center of Farm Management

The Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics at the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture is launching the UT Center of Farm Management, with a dedicated purpose of enhancing the long-term profitability and sustainability of agricultural enterprises in the state and across the Southeast.

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...

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.

State Veterinarian Urges Biosecurity to Prevent Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza

The Tennessee State Veterinarian is issuing an alert for domesticated bird owners who also engage in bird hunting. Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) is prevalent in wild birds and is endangering backyard and commercial flocks in Tennessee.

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...

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.
ag tag

Tennessee Ag Tag Celebrates 20 Years On The Road

The Tennessee Ag Tag has cruised the road for 20 years now. The tag with the little red barn arrived in September 1996 and became...

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.

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....

Gun Hunting Season for Deer Opens November 20

Tennessee’s 2021-22 statewide gun hunting season for deer opens Saturday, Nov. 20. During gun season, sportsmen may also use muzzleloader or archery equipment. The season will continue through Jan. 2, 2022.  

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.

March 1 Planting Intentions

Farmers in Tennessee intend to plant 840 thousand acres of corn, 80,000 lower than 2014. U.S. corn growers intend to plant 89.2 million acres...

New CDL Requirements, What it Means for TN Farmers

On Monday, February 7, 2022, the US DOT implemented new rules for people seeking to obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). The new rules apply to new CDL applicants or current CDL holders who are seeking to upgrade to a higher class of CDL if they are applying on or after February 7, 2022. The new regulations do not change any requirements for farmers in Tennessee, unless they are newly seeking to obtain a CDL or upgrading class of CDL.

Tennessee’s own Mitch Baker chosen as one of six new National FFA Officers

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Saturday, Nov. 2, 2013/National FFA Organization) "“ Students from Virginia, Tennessee, Alabama, Iowa, West Virginia and Oregon have been elected by delegates...

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.

2022 Ag Safety Awareness Program Week: ‘Prepare. Prevent. Protect.’

Farm Bureaus across the nation are preparing for Agricultural Safety Awareness Program (ASAP) Week, March 7-11. U.S. Agricultural Safety and Health Centers will join Farm Bureau in promoting ag safety this week with the theme “Prepare. Prevent. Protect.”

Tennessee start-up Grow Bioplastics finalist in Farm Bureau Rural Entrepreneurship Challenge

The American Farm Bureau Federation today announced the top 10 teams – four finalists and six semi-finalists – in the 2017 Farm Bureau Rural...

AFBF & 532 Groups: Bring Farm Bill Back to House Floor

The American Farm Bureau Federation helped garner a group of more than 532 organizations that recently urged House leadership to bring the farm bill...

Tennessee Farm Bureau Hosts Agriculture U.S. Senate Forum

Cookeville, TN October 16, 2014 "“ The Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation hosted an agricultural forum for the two U.S. Senate nominees, Sen. Lamar Alexander...

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...

USDA Issues Final Pandemic Payments for Timber Harvesters and Haulers

USDA will begin issuing final pandemic assistance payments to timber harvesters and timber hauling businesses through the Pandemic Assistance for Timber Harvesters and Haulers (PATHH) program. In total, $200 million will be provided to loggers and log trucking businesses who experienced a gross revenue loss of at least 10% during the period of Jan. 1 through Dec. 1, 2020, compared to the period of Jan. 1 through Dec. 1, 2019.

Statement on the death of Pat Summitt from Tennessee Farm Bureau President Jeff Aiken

Our Farm Bureau family is deeply saddened by the passing of Coach Pat Head-Summitt.

Ara Partners Acquires Genera, Largest Integrated Manufacturer of Non-Wood Agricultural Pulp and Molded Fiber...

Ara Partners (“Ara”), a private equity firm that specializes in industrial decarbonization investments, today announced that it has acquired Genera Energy Inc. (“Genera”), a manufacturer of non-wood agricultural pulp and molded fiber products.

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...

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.

Maupin Appointed Executive Director of Tennessee Soybean Promotion Council

The Tennessee Soybean Promotion Council announced the appointment of Stefan Maupin as the new Executive Director of the Tennessee Soybean Promotion Council.

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...

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...

99th Tennessee 4-H Roundup Convenes at UT Martin

The 99th State 4-H Roundup and All Star Conference is returning to the University of Tennessee, Martin, to celebrate the outstanding project work and leadership accomplishments of senior high 4-H members.

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...

Jai Templeton Named Tennessee Commissioner of Agriculture

Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam today announced the appointment of Jai Templeton, a sixth generation Tennessee farmer, as commissioner of the Department of Agriculture.

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.

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...

92nd Block and Bridle Convention

For the first time ever, the Block & Bridle Convention will be held in conjunction with the 2012 Cattle Industry Convention & NCBA Trade...

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.

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.
TN Farm Bureau News March 2018

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...

75th Tennessee 4-H Congress Convenes March 20

The 75th Annual Tennessee 4-H Congress will host outstanding 4-H youth leaders from across the state beginning March 20. The theme of the event is “Tennessee 4-H: Shaping the Future Together.”

Whitt Picked for American Farm Bureau’s 7th Leader Class

The American Farm Bureau Federation has chosen a group of 10 young agricultural leaders to participate in the seventh class of the Partners in...

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.

Cicada Central, everything you ever wanted to know about Cicadas…and more!

A website dedicated to all things cicada has been developed...From a Q & A with the bugs themselves, to videos,  even a virtual magazine...

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...

2011 Row Crop Production Prospects Encouraging Despite Many Challenges

Tennessee farmers look forward to a much improved production year in 2011 over the previous weather-reduced one. When combines roll into the fields this...

Ag Enhancement Deadline Nears for Livestock Projects

  Dec. 1 is the deadline for eligible farmers to submit reimbursement requests for livestock projects approved through the Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program.   "It's...

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...

UTIA Chancellor Announces Retirement

University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture Chancellor Larry Arrington has decided to retire in September, UT President Joe DiPietro announced today. Arrington, UTIA chancellor since...

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.

2014 Tennessee Farm Bureau Convention

The 2014 Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation Convention will be held December 6-9 in Cool Springs, Tennessee. Farmers from across the state will gather to...

Reaching Local Farms in Southern Middle Tennessee

University of Tennessee Southern and UT Extension are teaming up in December to offer four educational workshops for farmers and farm families. The workshops will feature UT Extension specialists addressing topics including specialty crop production, meat marketing, modern technology on the farm and an overview of carbon markets.

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...

Tennessee Cattle Producers Vote to Support In-State Beef Promotion

The results are in and Tennessee cattle producers have voted to increase the assessment they pay to support in-state promotions of beef announced state...

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.

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