Harvest Takes Off
In this last week of Summer, farmers all across the state are in full harvest mode with good yields anticipated.
Supporting Our Own
Several state and local officials gathered recently on the campus of Middle Tennessee State University as MTSU's Creamery was the first processor in the...
Tennessee’s Largest Agricultural Classroom
More than 1300 students came to the Tennessee State Fair recently to the state's largest agricultural classroom.
Milking It for All Its Worth
At the Tennessee State Fair, lawmakers and Nashville news celebrities participated in the annual "celebrity milking contest."
Hamming it Up
The two top Blue Ribbon Country Hams at the Tennessee State Fair each were auctioned off for $5000 to benefit the Tennessee FFA Foundation.
“The Heart of Tennessee”
The Tennessee State Fair, now in its 112th year at the current site, is up and running this week in Nashville with lots of...
25th Tennessee Soybean Festival
The 25th annual Tennessee Soybean Festival is underway in Martin, TN and what a festival it has become.
USDA Farm Income Forecast Confirms What Farmers Already Know
The new USDA forecast for 2018 farm income confirms and fills out the details of what many farmers already know. USDA’S Gary Crawford has...
USDA Preparing to Assist Farmers
Tennessee state director of USDA's Farm Service Agency Dennis Beavers wants farmers to know the agency is prepared to begin distribution of the Market...
Ag Labor Reform Ready for Action
Action on a bill that would ease the regulatory burden of agricultural labor is possible as Congress returns this week.
Expanding the Broadband Reach
Expanding broadband service to rural areas is a priority for many and the recent announcement from Middle Tennessee Electric Cooperative will help several under-served...
It’s Hot Now, but Wait a While
According to the latest predictions from the Farmers Almanac, contrary to some stories we've seen on the internet, their forecast shows a very long,...
President, USDA Backing our Farmers
It seems the Trump Administration is following up on its promise to take care of the nation's farmers when it comes to trade and...
Interest Grows for the Walking Horse
The Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration is taking place this week in Shelbyville for their 80th show.
Cooperative 101
The Tennessee Council of Cooperatives hosted their annual Cooperative 101 Training at the Farm Bureau headquarters in Columbia, where Dr. Bob Cohen, an ex...
Introducing a New Crop
Robert Elliott and his family farm in Robertson County, and thought it might be best to try out a new crop this year -...
Grassroots Leadership
Tennessee Farm Bureau policy development meetings have been happening across the state for the past month, where farmers gather to make their voices heard...
Packing Your Child’s School Lunch? Pack Some Nutrition in it
An expert says if we are packing a school lunch for our kids, we should make sure there's enough nutrition in that lunch. USDA’S...
Farming Economic Snapshot
USDA's annual reports focused on the value of ag land, what producers pay for expenditures, and the amount of cash rent, are now out....
Looking for an Edge in the Field
Several mid-state farmers attended the Farm Journal Yield Tour held at Hutchinson Farms in Murfreesboro.
Resiliency is the Answer
Marty Matlock is the Executive Director for the Office of Sustainability at the University of Arkansas Resiliency Center. Matlock recently attended our annual Presidents...
Sustainability in Beef
Sustainability is a buzz work used a lot these days, but how do you know if something is sustainable for generations to come?
Governor Candidates Seeking the Farm Vote
The Democratic and Republican candidates for governor made their appeal to farm leaders during the Tennessee Farm Bureau's Presidents Conference in Franklin.
Farm Leaders Hear from Senate Candidates
Hundreds of farm leaders attending the Tennessee Farm Bureau Presidents Conference meeting in Franklin got to hear addresses from both U.S. Senate candidates.
Kitchen Divas a Hit at Summer Celebration
One of the largest gardening shows in the mid-south, the Summer Celebration, held on the grounds of the West Tennessee Research and Education Center,...
Looking for High Cotton
Tennessee's cotton crop is looking really well says University of Tennessee Cotton and Small Grains Specialist Tyson Raper.
National Roundtable for Livestock Producers
Members of Congress and other agricultural leaders are gathering in North Carolina today to denounce frivolous nuisance lawsuits that threaten the livelihood of livestock...
New Growth for the Tennessee Department of Agriculture
David Arnold was appointed as the new Tennessee State Forester for the Department of Agriculture on August 1st.
A Marketing Advantage
The Tennessee Beef Alliance has been a successful marketing effort for Tennessee beef producers for over two decades.
Blessed to Serve
University of Tennessee President Dr. Joe DiPietro attended the Milan No Till Field day and reflects on his job of overseeing the statewide university...
Discussing Important Agricultural Issues
The Collegiate Discussion Meet was held for students from several universities across the state to compete in. The state winner was Coty Vannoy from...
Milan No-Till Field Day
It is the 30th anniversary of Milan's No-Till Field Day and new technologies for farmers is still the goal.
Tennessee 4-H Round Up
375 4-H members from across the state are gathered at the University of Tennessee at Martin for the Tennessee 4-H Round Up and All...
USDA Announces $12 Billion in Trade Assistance
AG Secretary Sonny Perdue announced plans this week to assist farmers in response to trade damage from unjustified retaliation.
Teal’s Named Young Farmers of the Year
A.J. and Valerie Teal of Coffee County have won the Tennessee Farm Bureau's Young Farmer and Rancher Achievement award for 2018.
Crops Better than Average
For Tennessee row crop farmers, summer rains have been plentiful for the most part.
Empowering Young Farmers
Tennessee young farmers between 18-35 are headed to Columbia this weekend to the headquarters of the Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation for the Young Farmer...
Protecting the Future
Making sure agriculture's future has farmers coming on to tend to the land and livestock, Farm bureau at the local, state and national level...
The Weather Challenge
It seems every year we have a different weather pattern moving across our farms and this year, again, no different.
Kicking Off Our Policy Development Meetings
Farm Bureau is a grassroots organization where our members direct our policy, and one way we are able to do this is through our...
Superbowl for Agriculture Teachers
800 Career and Technical Education teachers have gathered in Nashville for their annual Institute for CTE Educators. This is the first conference of the...
Farming Forever
Farming land for food has been part of life for as long as any of us can remember. Farming provides us with food, clothing...
Getting More for Our Corn
All across Tennessee, corn farmers have been benefiting from scattered rain showers and they also hope to benefit later this summer from a vote...
Tennessee Jr. Sheep Expo
Hundreds of 4-H and FFA members are showing off their skills and sheep at the Tennessee Jr Livestock Expo Sheep events in Cookeville.
Tobacco’s Hope for the Future
If we flashback to April of this year, we remember an announcement from Alliance One on their decision to not purchase some 5,000 acres...
4th of July Picnic Tips
When we cook outside for the Fourth of July, what are the biggest mistakes many of us make? USDA's Gary Crawford has the story.
Renewable Energy Opportunity for Farmers
The Southeast Tennessee Resource Conservation and Development Council has teamed up with Ensave to offer free renewable energy assessments to Tennessee farmers and rural...
TN Farm Bureau Applauds Senate Passage of Farm Bill
With the recent passage by the Senate of the Farm Bill, the legislation moves closer to the finish line. AFBF's Michael Clements has the...
Utilizing New Technology
As everyone in society continues to embrace technology to stay up-to-date on all the latest information and trends, farmers are doing the same.
It’s Fair Time in Tennessee
As July approaches, so does fair season. This means your county fairgrounds will be hosting their annual fair, which includes a host of activities...
Prices Down. Positive Outlooks.
U.S. agriculture's financial health is dependent on exports. As a country, we export 50% of major crops, 70% of fruit and 25% of pork....
A Fresh Look at GMOs
A Fresh Look is a farmer founded campaign made up of farmers across the U.S. who want to help answer the questions and concerns...
Learning in the Summer
The Tennessee Governor's School for the Agricultural Sciences hosted at the University of Tennessee at Martin is half-way through their 2018 summer term.
House Passes Farm Bill
The House reconsidered and then proceeded to narrowly pass their Farm Bill with a vote of 213-211 Thursday afternoon.
Melon Pride
Northern Middle Tennessee has gained a new cooperative strictly for melon farmers. Melon Pride Cooperative is made up of farmers from Robertson County and...
Field Day brings Producers and Residents Together
The 10th Annual Fruits of the Backyard Field Day was held at the Middle Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center.
Helping our Bees and Pollinators
This week we are celebrating National Pollinator Week. USDA's Gary Crawford has more.
Getting Closer to a New Farm Bill
There could be more movement this week in Congress for the nation's farm policy.
4-H Fun at Academic Conference
While it may not sound like a lot of fun attending an academic conference in the Summer for Jr. High students, it was for...
Ripe for Harvest
Farmers across Tennessee have been busy this Spring planting corn, cotton and soybeans. They’re also now looking to harvest their winter wheat crop.
Lone Oaks Dream
Lone Oaks Farm is continuing to take shape into becoming a premier 4-H Conference Center.
Shooting Hunger
Hundreds show up in Carroll County for the 2nd Annual Shooting Hunger event to benefit hunger relief in Tennessee.
Preparing the Future
While most kids are out of school for the Summer break, there are some teachers already prepping for the return to the classroom by...
It’s Still Nature’s Most Perfect Food
Denise Jones of the Dairy Alliance says despite all the challenges the dairy industry is under, there’s still no denying the health benefits of...
Future Leader in the FFA
As National FFA Convention is approaching, Tennessee has selected their 2018 National FFA Officer Candidate.
Educating our Future
Teachers from across the state attended a training to learn new interactive ways to teach their students.
Working for that Goal
During the June Dairy Month Kickoff Luncheon former Tennessee Titan NFL football player George Wilson helped to inspire the Tennessee 4-H students attending with...
Celebrating and Promoting June Dairy Month
One of the largest June Dairy Day events in the southeast was just held at Battle Mountain Farm in Williamson County where about 200...
From the Farm to the White House
For the past year, Ray Starling has served President Donald Trump as his Special Assistant for Agriculture, Trade and Food Assistance at the White...
Still Hope for a Farm Bill
Farmers here in Tennessee and across the country are still hopeful Congress will consider and pass a Farm Bill.
We Must Never Forget
As we celebrate Memorial Day we must never forget those service men and women who have given the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms.
Importance of House Ag Committee
Many people may not realize what the United States House Agriculture committee impacts, but their reach is far beyond policy.
WOTUS Rule Still a Threat
Even though WOTUS isn’t a hot topic right now, the threat isn’t gone, and action is still needed by many agricultural advocates to push...
Dairy Farmers Hear from Administrator
Recently the Tennessee and Kentucky Farm Bureau’s hosted a meeting in Knoxville for USDA dairy officials and farmers to address some of the industry...
Farm Bill Voted Down, Not Out
After multiple listening sessions and hearings across the country for the House Agriculture Committee, the full House voted down the Farm Bill.
Rural Innovation Conference
Tennessee Tech University’s Center for Rural Innovation is hosting its first ever conference to really showcase what it can offer to the community and...
No Farms, No Food, No Future
A new report from the American Farmland Trust shows alarming numbers on how much land is taken out of farm production because of development.
Billions Could Be Lost from China Soybean Tariff
While Tennessee farmers are busy planting more than a million acres of soybeans across the state this spring, many are wondering what might happen...
Dairy Farmers Form New Co-op
Recently several dairymen from southeastern states came together to form their own Appalachian Dairy Farmers Cooperative with Piedmont Milk sales to market their milk.
Working for His Farmers
Tennessee 8th District Congressman David Kustoff says all American’s and especially members of Congress need to understand the important contributions of our farmers and...
FFA Plant Sales a Great Mother’s Day Gift Idea
Mother’s Day is fast approaching, and a unique gift you may not have thought of will also help your local FFA chapter.
Favorite Field Trip of the Year
Learning all about farm life was the focus this week as more than 1100 elementary kids attended the annual Knox County Farm Day at...
Farmers Need Certainty From Trade Talks
Farmers and ranchers are looking for certainty in trade from talks on NAFTA and China. Micheal Clements has more.
A Dwindling Buzz
Staggering loses have been reported by Tennessee beekeepers once again and this should concern everyone.
Looking for New Markets
Yes, trade disputes with China may hurt U.S. ag sales there, but there are many other potential markets to explore. Stephanie Ho has the...
Madison County Farmer Named Farmer of the Year
36 year-old Johnny Verrell of Madison County has been named Tennessee’s Farmer of the Year by the UT Extension Service and he will represent...
Contact Lawmakers Now to Support the Farm Bill
Now is the time to let legislators know how important the farm bill is to rural America.
Finally Good Planting Weather
Its been a long time coming but it looks as if the weather will cooperate for a while for Tennessee row crop farmers as...
Perdue Says Farm Bill Likely This Year
As Tennessee farmers continuing planting this year’s crops, many are hopefull Congress will continue moving the Farm Bill through to passage.
Ag Broadband Connectivity Bill Will Close Connectivity Gaps
The Senate Commerce Committee recently passed the Precision Agriculture Connectivity Act of 2018, WHICH IS designed to deliver broadband service, crucial for operating today’s...
30 Years of Service
Rep. Steve McDaniel, a long-time member of the state House of Representatives is looking forward to going home at the conclusion of this legislative...
Helping Our Neighbors
While Oklahoma is several hundred miles away, they’re still a neighbor in need and 18 firefighters from the Volunteer State and the Tennessee Division...
Extension Vital to All
The University of Tenn. Extension Service is still the one place that farmers and all consumers can go in each county to the information...
TPP Talks Return
Speculation grows about a possible U.S. return to the Trans Pacific Partnership and what that may mean for the American ag sector.
Farm Bill Moves Ahead
The American Farm Bureau Federation says this week’s party-line vote on the farm bill is a standard practice for agriculture legislation.
Sec. Perdue Covering the State
Ag Secretary Sonny Perdue was back in Knoxville yesterday meeting with Farm Bureau and Coop leaders as part of a Tax Day event where...
Growing Food, Growing People
Cul2vate is a non-profit organization at Ellington Agricultural Center in Nashville with two goals, growing food for hungry people and growing people for those...
Sec. Perdue Back in Middle Tennessee
Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue had the chance to meet with a group of diversified farmers in Tennessee last week as he toured the...
Finally Weather to Plant
Corn planters are finally starting to roll across the Volunteer State after a wet Spring has held many producers up from getting to their...
Getting Some Respect for Alfalfa
Alfalfa is now one of the top U.S. crops in terms of value, but some would say not in terms of attention. USDA’S Gary...