ROTM | Advocating for Agriculture: Why Farmers’ Voices Matter

In this episode, we sit down with Rutherford County Farm Bureau President Trey Smith to talk about why it’s more important than ever for farmers to have a voice in the legislative process. From Tennessee Farm Bureau’s annual legislative visits to the State Capitol to the real impact of building relationships with lawmakers, Trey shares why advocacy isn’t optional—it’s essential for the future of agriculture. We also dive into some of the biggest challenges facing farmers today, including the ongoing loss of farmland and the pressures of rapid growth in rural and developing areas. As communities expand, what does that mean for the farms that feed us—and what can be done to protect them?