Catherina Via, Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation director-at-large, announced today to Tennessee Farm Bureau Board of Directors she will not be seeking re-election at the annual meeting in December. Catherine’s decision marks the end of a remarkable tenure filled with dedication and service to the agricultural community.
“Serving on the Farm Bureau board has been a true honor,” said Via. “This experience has been an incredible journey working with such a wonderful community of dedicated folks, and we are forever grateful to have been a small part of the ‘Farm Bureau Family.’”
Catherine and her husband, Ross, have managed a highly successful diversified agricultural operation in Crockett County. Their expertise in raising cotton, soybeans, cattle and timber has been a testament to their commitment to sustainable and responsible farming practices. Along with serving on the state board of directors for the past 14 years, Catherine has also been involved in the organization on the local level, serving on the Crockett County Farm Bureau Board of Directors and as the county’s Farm Bureau Women’s chair.
“Catherine has been a steadfast and influential leader within our organization, and her dedication to the betterment of Tennessee agriculture is truly commendable,” said Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation President Eric Mayberry. “We extend our heartfelt appreciation for her significant contributions and wish her and Ross, along with their family, all the best in their future endeavors.”
Although Catherine has displayed exemplary service to Farm Bureau, her impact extends far beyond the organization and agriculture community. In Crockett County, she has held various roles through the years, including supervisor of continuing education as well as a member of the Crockett County Chamber of Commerce/Leadership Committee, UT Extension Advisory Committee, the Tennessee Valley Authority Regional Stewardship Resource Committee and the Steering Committee for Governor’s Rural Challenge for Agriculture and Forestry. Alongside her professional and academic pursuits, the couple takes immense pride in being parents to three children: Candi, Ruste and Cherri, as well as seven grandchildren. The Via family is also actively involved in their local Baptist church community.
“Farm Bureau has been a major part of our family for more than 50 years,” said Via. “This decision is bittersweet, but we look forward to continuing our relationship to the agriculture community for years to come.”
As director-at-large, Catherine Via brought unwavering commitment and a deep passion for agriculture to Tennessee Farm Bureau. Her contributions have been invaluable in advancing the interests of farmers and enhancing the overall strength of the agricultural sector, and as she concludes her tenure on the board, her legacy of service and dedication will continue to inspire and guide future generations of agricultural leaders.
A new director-at-large will be elected by the voting delegates of the 102nd annual meeting in Franklin, December 3-5, 2023.