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

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...

Farmer: Child Labor Regs Need Further Revision

Young people and the contributions they make as members of farm and ranch families are vital to American agriculture, according to Missouri hog farmer...

Farm Bureau Sends Farm Bill Proposal to Capitol Hill

The American Farm Bureau Federation is sending a farm bill proposal to Capitol Hill today. Approved this weekend by the AFBF Board of Directors,...

Yes on 2

What Is Vote YES on 2?   Vote YES on 2 is the campaign to pass the Judicial Selection Amendment to our state constitution. The...

Statement by Tennessee Farm Bureau President Jeff Aiken Regarding Governor Haslam’s State of the...

The Tennessee Farm Bureau is pleased that in his State of the State address, Gov. Bill Haslam continued to show support for Tennessee's farm...

Governor Haslam speaks to delegates of 95th annual meeting of Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation

During the Tennessee Farm Bureau’s 95th annual convention in Franklin, Tenn., Governor Bill Haslam spoke to delegates, who represent agriculture and farmers across the state, at the business session addressing the recent wildfires, tornadoes and the outpouring of support by Tennesseans responding to help those affected by these disasters.
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...

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 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...

Tennessee Farm and Forestry Businesses Share in $55 Million CAFB Fund

Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, the Financial Stimulus Accountability Group,and the Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) announced Coronavirus Agricultural and Forestry Business (CAFB) Fund awards to farm and forestry businesses.

Farm Bureau Establishes 2021 Policies

Farmer and rancher delegates to the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 102nd Annual Convention today adopted policies to guide the organization’s work in 2021.

USDA’s National Agricultural Classification Survey is Underway

The USDA’s National Agricultural Classification Survey (NACS) is arriving in mailboxes around the nation. The survey, one of the most important steps in determining who should receive a 2022 Census of Agriculture questionnaire, asks recipients if they are involved in agricultural activity.

Casey’s and Tennessee Corn Announce Expansion of E15 Fuel

Casey’s General Stores and the Tennessee Corn Promotion Board have announced the addition of E15 fuel at three Casey’s locations in northwest Tennessee, providing Tennessee drivers with a lower-priced, cleaner fuel option.

UT AgResearch Announces 2022 Field Day Schedule

University of Tennessee AgResearch plans to host nineteen in-person and online field days in 2022. Most of the events will take place on AgResearch campuses across the state. One event will be held weekly and online. 

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.

State Veterinarian Advises ‘Buyer Beware’ for Livestock Purchases

Any purchase sight-unseen carries risk, and that’s especially true for livestock. Tennessee’s State Veterinarian is advising livestock buyers of best practices and legal requirements before purchasing animals for import into Tennessee.

UT Appoints Schrick Head of Animal Science Department

  The Department of Animal Science at the University of Tennessee has a new leader. Dr. F. Neal Schrick, a full professor in the department,...

Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Celebrates USDA’s 150th Year of Service, Highlights Ways the Every Day,...

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today marked the 150th anniversary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture and highlighted the positive impact that USDA has on...

After a total of 113 years of experience three TFBF employees to retire

Effective December 31, TFBF Communications Director Pettus Read, Special Programs Director Charles Curtis and Director of Organization Bobby Beets will retire following a career...

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 Mobile App Option Feeds Love of Local Foods

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture’s “Pick Tennessee” mobile app now offers followers an easy way to feed their love of local foods. Users can search for restaurants committed to serving ingredients sourced from the area, and access GPS mapping to the establishments.
The Robinson Family - TN Farmers of the Year

UT Extension Names Franklin County Farmer as Tennessee Farmer of the Year

Belvidere’s Mike Robinson receives honor of being named the Tennessee Farmer of the Year.

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...

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...

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...

Food and Agriculture Climate Alliance Announced

The Food and Agriculture Climate Alliance (FACA) consists of organizations representing farmers, ranchers, forest owners, the food sector, state governments and environmental advocates that are working together to define and promote shared climate policy priorities.

USDA Offers Disaster Assistance for Producers Facing Inclement Weather

Most of the nation is facing unusually cold weather, as a winter storm moved coast-to-coast over the weekend. Winter storms create significant challenges and often result in catastrophic loss for agricultural producers, especially for those raising livestock, row crops and vulnerable crops like citrus.

New Face to Farm Bureau Staff

The Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation proudly welcomes Thomas Capps to the Farm Bureau communications division.

New Promotional Opportunity for Agritourism Venues

The American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture is looking for orchards, pumpkin patches, corn mazes and more to showcase on a new app dedicated to connecting consumers with agritourism venues.

Senator Bill Hagerty Joins Tennessee FFA Sponsoring Committee

United States Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN) has accepted an appointment to the prestigious Tennessee Future Farmers of America (FFA) Sponsoring Committee. As a former FFA member himself, Senator Hagerty brings valuable perspective to the volunteer group that raises funds and support for the FFA program in Tennessee, the nation’s fifth largest FFA association.

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.

Is your favorite farm mom the next America’s Farmers Mom of the Year?

Behind every American farm family is the backbone of the operation: The American Farm Mom. Now's your chance to honor her contributions with the...

Classic Thanksgiving Dinner Costing More in 2011

 The retail cost of menu items for a classic Thanksgiving dinner including turkey, stuffing, cranberries, pumpkin pie and all the basic trimmings increased...

Join in the fun at Ag Day, Nov. 3

A three-hour festival in Knoxville on Saturday, Nov. 3, hosted by the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, promises events and excitement for everyone. Ag...

Governor Proclaims July Beef Month in Tennessee

Join Governor Bill Haslam and Tennessee's hardworking cattle farmers  in celebrating beef this July. More than just producing a tasty, nutritious product, the state's cattle...

American Farm Bureau President Stallman Announces Departure in January

American Farm Bureau Federation President Bob Stallman announced today that he will not seek reelection in January 2016 following 16 years at the helm...

Farmers’ Almanac Launches Farmer of the Year Contest

Farmers' Almanac, in partnership with the American Farm Bureau Federation, announces its search for three farmers or ranchers to be recognized as "Farmers' Almanac Farmer of the Year."

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...

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...

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...

New Leadership Roles within UT Extension

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture has chosen a familiar face across Tennessee agriculture to serve as an interim assistant...

A Message to Tennessee Dairy Producers and Milk Haulers

In recent weeks, Tennessee dairy producers and milk haulers who previously supplied Dean Foods received letters from ASK, LLP, a law firm representing Southern...

USDA Announces Additional Assistance for Cattle, Row Crop Producers

USDA announced more than $12 billion for the Pandemic Assistance for Producers, which will help farmers and ranchers who previously did not qualify for COVID-19 aid and expand assistance to farmers who have already received help.

Happy Birthday Tennessee Farm Bureau!

July 30, 2021 marks exactly 100 years since Tennessee Farm Bureau was formed and the voice of Tennessee agriculture was first heard. Join Tennessee Farm Bureau in celebrating #TFBF100!

USDA Begins Accepting Applications for $1.15 Billion in Loans and Grants to Help People...

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the Department has begun accepting applications for up to $1.15 billion in loans and grants to help people in rural areas get access to high-speed internet.

State Veterinarian Lifts Avian Influenza Control Zone Restrictions

The state veterinarian is announcing that commercial poultry farms in Obion County that were part of a control zone to monitor for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) are no longer restricted.

U.S. Rep. John Rose Submits Bipartisan Amendment to National Defense Authorization Act to Safeguard...

U.S. Rep. John Rose (TN-6) submitted a bipartisan amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) of 2023.

Secretary Vilsack Highlights Efforts to Decrease U.S. Dependence on Foreign Oil During Tennessee Visit

 Nashville, Tenn., May 23, 2011 "“Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today highlighted the importance of moving toward a clean energy economy and breaking our...

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....

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...

TN Young Farmers of the Year Winners Receive Their Prize

Greene County young farm couple Mark and Cindy Klepper won Tennessee Farm Bureau's Outstanding Young Farmer and Achievement Award at the Tennessee Young Farmer...
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.

Tim Cross Named New UTIA Chancellor

The UT Institute of Agriculture has a new chancellor after a called Board of Trustees meeting Thursday afternoon. Trustees approved President Joe DiPietro’s recommendation that Tim Cross be appointed the next UT Institute of Agriculture chancellor.

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...

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...

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...

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.

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.

Tyson Investment a “Shot in the Arm”

With the ribbon-cutting of its latest poultry complex in Humboldt, Tyson Foods continues its nearly 50-year commitment to Tennessee agriculture. “We’re pleased to add to...

Governor Lee Proclaims October Cooperative Month

October is Cooperative Month in Tennessee, celebrating the approximately 200 member-owned organizations that employ more than 6,000 individuals, impacts our state’s economy by more than $1.2 billion, and provides a wide array of products and services to member-owners.

NRCS Announces Application Deadline for FY2022 Conservation Stewardship Program

The United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) strongly encourages Tennessee agricultural producers who want to enhance their current conservation efforts to apply for the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP)-Classic, formerly known as CSP-General. The deadline to apply is February 4, 2022.

Tennessee’s Largest Business and Agricultural Trade Associations Team up for 5th Congressional District Candidate...

Tennessee Chamber of Commerce & Industry and Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation are co-hosting a 5th Congressional District Candidate Forum Agriculture and Commerce on Thursday, July 7th in Franklin, the heart of the redrawn district.

State Senator Mike Bell Named Senior Advisor at TWRA

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) has named State Senator Mike Bell (R-Riceville) as the agency’s new Senior Advisor for Legislative Affairs and Policy.

‘A Day in Agriculture’ Slated for Thursday, Sept. 29

Farmers and ranchers are invited to be a part of AgWeb's "A Day in Agriculture" set for Thursday, Sept. 29. The first-ever event, sponsored...

First Mobile App for Landscape and Nursery Professionals Developed by a Team of Plant...

Green Industry professionals often find themselves in the field needing immediate access to pest and plant disease information and plant care recommendations. Or, they...

TN Farm Bureau 92nd Annual Meeting

The 92nd annual meeting of the Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation will be held December 7 - 10, 2013. Farmers, agribusiness leaders and volunteer leaders...

New Leadership in Tennessee Youth Ag Leadership Programs

New leadership to serve youth agricultural leadership programs 4-H and FFA were recently elected at the Tennessee State FFA Convention and Tennessee 4-H Congress...

Milan No-Till Field Day Set for July 28

The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture will host the Milan No-Till Crop Production Field Day on Thursday, July 28, 2016 at the AgResearch and Education Center at Milan.
broiler chicken poultry

State Veterinarian Releases Avian Influenza Control Zone

The state veterinarian has released the control zone surrounding two Lincoln County poultry farms affected by highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). The statewide poultry health advisory is also lifted, and poultry owners can now resume regular activity.

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...

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...

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...

Farm Bureau Survey: Thanksgiving Dinner Cost Down 4%

Thanksgiving celebrations will look different for many Americans this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Gatherings are likely to be fewer and farther between,...

Pick Tennessee Products Celebrates Refreshed Look

Consumer interest in purchasing local is at an all-time high, and the long-standingPick Tennessee Products program announced a refreshed logo for Tennessee food businesses, farmers markets, and agritourism.

Market Insights and Resources to Help Producers Celebrate National Beef Month

To mark National Beef Month this May, USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is introducing new resources to help producers understand and get the most benefit from the wealth of LMR data available.

Financial Assistance Available to Tennessee Streamside Landowners

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) and the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) today announced the Tennessee Riparian Incentive Program. This program is a ten-year agreement between TDA and TVA, and it will provide incentive payments to streamside landowners to help restore and protect Tennessee waters.

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.

New iFarmiVote Logo

Tennessee Farm Bureau has released a new iFarmiVote logo in honor of the upcoming election season. This campaign encourages agriculturists from every occupation to practice their right to vote, and it capitalizes on the unique voices of the agriculture industry and the impact they can have on elections.

Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program Applications Now Available

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture has released the 2011 application for the Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program. Applications can be submitted June 1-7 and should...

New UT Equine Extension and Research Center to host open house

The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture is opening a new facility devoted to horse farm management.  The Equine Extension and Research Center...

Summer Picnic Still Costs Less Than $6 per Person

An all-American Fourth of July picnic of the nation's favorite foods including hot dogs, cheeseburgers, pork spare ribs, potato salad, baked beans, lemonade and...

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...
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...

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.

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...

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...

UT Extension Helps Parents Prepare for Home-based Virtual Learning

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – “Well, I guess we’ll just figure it out…I’m not prepared for this!” These are the thoughts and emotions of many parents...

New COVID Package Helps Farmers Previously Left Out of Aid

Congress agreed on a $900 billion COVID stimulus package, which will include up to $13 billion in funding that directly benefits agriculture. Nearly $1...

Congress Extends PPP Application Deadline

Congress recently approved Farm Bureau-backed legislation that extends the Paycheck Protection Program application deadline by two months, from March 31 to May 31, helping more farmers participate in the loan program.

Grant Award to Stimulate Tennessee Wood Products Success Internationally

Funds to research exports of Tennessee’s hardwood will benefit the wood products industry statewide and strengthen international markets. The Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) has been awarded an Emerging Markets Program (EMP) grant from the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service to study Tennessee hardwood viability in Vietnam.

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.

United Producers, Inc. Announces Appointment of New Tennessee Board Member

United Producers, Inc. (UPI), the Midwest’s largest livestock marketing cooperative, is pleased to announce the hiring of John West. West will serve on its board of directors representing Tennessee. He was appointed to serve a one-year term by the board Directors to fill an at-large seat.

University of Tennessee Names Linda C. Martin Interim Chancellor for UT Southern

University of Tennessee System President Randy Boyd announced that Linda C. Martin will serve as interim chancellor for the University of Tennessee Southern.

Weather Challenges Reflected in Latest USDA Crop Report

 A challenging weather year for farmers and ranchers all across the country is clearly reflected in  a recent  crop report released by the...

UT AgResearch and USDA Release New Soybean Line

The United States Department of Agriculture along with University of Tennessee AgResearch have recently released a new soybean germplasm line that is resistant to...

Oklahoma Farm Bureau Reaches Out To Storm Victims

Throughout much of the history of this great state, the family members of Oklahoma Farm Bureau have worked together, sharing the joys, and the...

Tennessee FFA Member Selected as FFA’s National Southern Region Vice President

Students from Georgia, Arkansas, Colorado, Tennessee, Kentucky and New Mexico have been elected by delegates from throughout the United States to serve on the...
Tom Womack

Womack Named Deputy Commissioner for the TN Department of Agriculture

With nearly 30 years of experience working for the state, Tom Womack will continue his service in a new role as Deputy Commissioner of...

Tennessee Young Farmers Win National Honors

During the 98th Annual Meeting of the American Farm Bureau Federation in Phoenix, Arizona the Tennessee Young Farmers & Ranchers took home honors in...