Tennessee Home & Farm Radio

This weekend, Christians across the world are celebrating Easter. Matthew McClanahan of Cumberland County lives on his family’s beef cattle farm and is a full-time attorney. He also serves as an associate pastor in his community. This Easter, McClanahan reminds us of the powerful message and gift that is available to each of us through the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus.

Tractors across Tennessee are already in the fields planting, or soon will be. Warm, dry weather is allowing for an early start to the season, which is projected to be another financially challenging year.

The eight newly elected Tennessee State FFA Officers are still riding high after being selected at the 98th Annual State FFA Convention. After going through a competitive process, each officer is excited to step into their new role and get to work. They’re looking forward to meeting members from across the state, building connections, and giving back to the organization that’s given them so much. Most of all, they’re ready to make the most of the year ahead and serve Tennessee FFA in a meaningful way.

Carter Major of Watertown, TN, has been named the 2026 Tennessee FFA Star Farmer. A proud third-generation member of his family’s dairy farm, Carter is continuing a strong agricultural legacy and looks forward to returning to the farm full time after graduating in May.

President Donald Trump and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins welcomed farmers from all across the country to the White House on Friday for what they called “The Great American Ag Celebration.” Eric Mayberry, president of the Tennessee Farm Bureau, was there and said it meant a lot to see the nation’s farmers recognized in such a meaningful way.

The eight new state FFA officers are still riding high after being selected for their roles at the 98th Annual Tennessee FFA Convention. All three regional vice presidents are eager to get to work and serve FFA members across the state.

Eight new Tennessee State Officers were selected at the 98th annual Tennessee FFA Convention on Wednesday. The new officers detail what it means to be selected and what they hope to accomplish in their year of service.

The 98th Annual Tennessee FFA Convention continues in Gatlinburg, where Sapana Das of Greene County was named State Star in Agribusiness on Tuesday.

During the 98th Annual Tennessee FFA Convention in Gatlinburg Wyatt Erwin of the Wilson Central FFA Chapter was honored with the Star Greenhand Award and Bill Newsom of Munford FFA Chapter was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award.

The 98th state FFA Convention is underway in Gatlinburg as more than 4000 members are expected in those iconic blue corduroy jackets.

Farmers from across Tennessee had a strong presence at the State Capitol during the Tennessee Farm Bureau Legislative Visits. They met with their lawmakers to share the challenges and needs facing the agriculture industry.

The proposed merger between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern Railroads is causing concern. Chad Smith tells us analysis from the American Farm Bureau Federation shows the merger could mean higher prices and fewer options for America’s farmers.

Lawmakers and farmers came together at the State Capitol in Nashville for the annual Ag Day on the Hill, where this year’s event featured lively livestock exhibits and even a spirited log-sawing competition between branches of government

National FFA Southern Region Vice President T. Wayne Williams, of Cannon County, was recognized on the floors of both the state House and Senate. During the honor, Williams thanked lawmakers for their continued support of FFA and highlighted the vital role the youth agricultural organization plays in developing the next generation of leaders in agriculture.

You can almost count on it every year. Spring-like temperatures wake us up from a cold winter and then Mother Nature reminds us Ol Man Winter is still around and that’s what peach and strawberry farmers are up against now with this latest cold snap.

For the first time in 36 years, Bill Walker of Fayette County says they will not plant any cotton this year.

Washington County farmer and former president of the Tennessee Farm Bureau Jeff Aiken received the Friend of 4-H Award during the 79th Annual Tennessee 4-H Congress this week in Murfreesboro.

Three new student leaders have been elected by their peers at Tennessee 4-H Congress, an annual event that brings together youth from across the state to learn about leadership and the legislative process. Sadie Holland was elected Speaker of the Senate, Colson Kelley was chosen as Governor, and Ayden Holton will serve as Speaker of the House. Each officer was selected by fellow 4-H members participating in the statewide gathering, where delegates take part in mock legislative sessions, leadership activities, and civic engagement experiences.  

More than 300 4-H students from across Tennessee are gathering in Middle Tennessee this week for 4-H Congress, where they’re getting a firsthand look at how state government works. During the event, students step into the role of lawmakers, taking part in mock legislative sessions inside the Tennessee State Capitol. As they debate bills, practice parliamentary procedure, and vote on legislation, the students gain a deeper understanding of the legislative process and the responsibilities of elected officials. The experience gives young leaders the opportunity to build confidence, strengthen their public speaking skills, and learn how they can play a role in shaping their communities and the future of Tennessee.

As its well documented, its been extremely tough for our farmers here in Tennessee and across the country. But they keep trying to respond to the challenges as they always have. And that’s the same for Justin Pope of Gibson County as he heads into another crop season this spring on his family’s century farm that dates back to 1866.

Agriculture is no doubt still the driving force of our state’s economy and despite the loss of farms and farmland, that’s still the case for East Tennessee’s Blount County.