Tennessee Home & Farm Radio

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.

The U.S. House Committee on Agriculture has been discussing, the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026” this week in Washington, otherwise known as the Farm Bill.

For more than 25 years, the West Tennessee AgStar program has been shaping the next generation of agricultural leaders, equipping young adults with the knowledge and confidence to advocate for their industry. This year, 10 dedicated participants are celebrating the completion of the program — ready to put their skills and passion for agriculture into action.

Cotton has been part of life in Tennessee for generations. For many farm families, it’s more than just a crop — it’s a tradition. But lately, growing cotton hasn’t been easy. Farmers are feeling the squeeze from every direction. The cost of seed, fertilizer, fuel, and equipment keeps climbing, while the price they’re getting for cotton hasn’t kept up. For some growers, the math just isn’t working anymore. That’s why more farmers are either stepping away from cotton entirely or looking at other crops that might offer a steadier return. Still, there’s some hope in the industry. Brad Williams, president of the National Cotton Ginners Association and a farmer from Tipton County, believes better days could be ahead. He says new markets and the right kind of support from Congress could help turn things around for American cotton producers. While the challenges are real, many in Tennessee’s cotton community are holding on to the belief that with the right changes, cotton can remain an important part of the state’s agricultural future.

The Tennessee Young Farmers and Ranchers, in partnership with the Tennessee Council of Cooperatives, recently hosted their annual Young Leaders Conference—an inspiring event dedicated to shaping the future of agriculture. Designed to equip the next generation of agricultural professionals, the conference empowers young leaders with the skills, knowledge, and confidence they need to make a lasting impact in their farms, businesses, and communities.

Hardin County’s Alex Forsbach was recognized this week at the Commodity Classic in San Antonio with the American Soybean Association’s 2026 National Conservation Legacy Award.

Downtown Memphis will once again see thousands of farmers at the Renasant Convention Center for the Mid-South Farm and Gin Show.

Its National FFA Week and Tennessee’s state officers are traveling across the state on their Goodwill Tour

The U.S. Supreme Court overturned a broad swath of tariffs implemented by the Trump Administration. Chad Smith has the details.

The Senate Finance Committee hosted a hearing on the importance of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement. Chad Smith has more.

Nearly 300 4-H and FFA students experienced an unforgettable UT Ag Night hosted by the Tennessee Farm Bureau earlier this week. From stepping onto campus and touring iconic Neyland Stadium to cheering on the Vols at a men’s basketball game, students got a true taste of college life. The evening also featured an inspiring career panel, where industry professionals shared insights and opportunities available in the field of agriculture.

Breeding beef bulls with dairy cows to produce calves better suited for beef production has grown in popularity in recent years. Since 2016, the number of beef-on-dairy calves in the United States has increased from about 2.5 million to around 5 million. Dr. Charlie Martinez with UTIA is addressing beef-on-dairy production at the USDA’s 102nd Annual Agricultural Outlook Forum, as well as the need for improved methods to track these cattle for market purposes.

Nick Patterson and his wife, April, farm in Clay County. They have both been heavily involved in agricultural organizations that advocate for the industry and believe it’s vital to get involved and fight for agriculture.

Today’s farmers are constantly looking for ways to improve their operations, whether its new technology or ideas that have proven to help others. And recently at the Top Producer Summit held in Nashville, a company called GRIPP out of Wisconsin was there on behalf of AgLaunch of Tennessee to showcase how a simple idea is helping farmers keep better records.

The U.S. House Agriculture Committee has released its latest attempt to get congressional support for a new farm bill.

Beekeepers in Middle Tennessee are helping veterans rehabilitate by teaching them how to become beekeepers. The program is called Hives for Heroes, and you can support this worthy cause..

Tennessee’s newly-elected 7th District Congressman Matt Van Epps has hit the ground running and this week a small group of his farmer constituents made a whirl-wind visit to his office in our nation’s capitol to share their insights on agricultural issues.

The latest farm bankruptcy data serves as another indicator of a struggling farm economy. Chad Smith has more.

The Tennessee Cattlemen’s Association gathered in Franklin for its annual meeting, where cattlemen discussed the importance of meeting face-to-face and how TCA represents producers across the Volunteer State.

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was in Nashville this week, speaking at both the State Capitol and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association convention. During his remarks, he highlighted the Trump administration’s health care policies and promoted the new food pyramid, which emphasizes a high-protein diet.

Many televisions across America will be tuned into the big game on Sunday. Chad Smith has more on the role farmers and ranchers play in your Super Bowl spread.

This week the nation’s cattle industry has descended upon Middle Tennessee for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association’s Cattle Con in Nashville and now the Tennessee Cattlemen’s Association will hold their annual meeting Friday and Saturday in Franklin.

In his final State of the State address, Governor Bill Lee laid out a nearly $58 billion budget for lawmakers. As in past years, his proposal highlights several priorities, including continued investment in agriculture and rural Tennessee.

A massive winter storm blanketed East Tennessee with heavy snow and bitter cold temperatures this past weekend. Despite the harsh conditions, farmers are braving the elements to care for their livestock.

More than 7,000 are expected to attend the NCBA convention being held in Nashville this week. Russ Uselton of Bedford County has served as NCBA Region II Vice President for three years. He’s excited to have the convention in his own backyard and showcase Tennessee’s beef cattle industry.

It might not feel like time to garden in the middle of winter, with bitter cold temperatures—but as Rod Bain reminds us, it’s never too early to start preparing for those summer tomatoes.

More than 100,000 Tennesseans remain without power as of Wednesday after ice from Winter Storm Fern swept through the state. Beef cattle and poultry farmer Phillip Berry of Wayne County is among those still without electricity. He has been pulling double duty—working to keep his family warm while also ensuring his livestock are fed—while battling bitter cold temperatures.

Lillie White was named the 2026 Grand Champion of the Tennessee Junior Market Hog Show, adding another chapter to her family’s remarkable legacy. With her win, White joins her twin brother and older sister, who have also previously earned top honors in the Market Hog Show.

A tough few days and still more to come for farmers and rural folks hit by winter storm Fern across the Volunteer State.

A new Market Intel illustrates that, despite recent assistance payments, the U.S. farm economy is still in trouble. Chad Smith has the story.

Farmers across Tennessee are preparing to care for their livestock as a winter storm expected to impact the entire state—and more than 40 others—moves in. Kevin Thompson with UT’s Middle Tennessee AgResearch Center shares key tips for keeping livestock safe and warm in harsh conditions.

The American Farm Bureau Federation is sounding the alarm on the economic crisis in rural America. Chad Smith has the details.

USDA Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden continues his passion of protecting and promoting Tennessee and American agriculture.

The Department of Agriculture recently announced payment rates for the Farmer Bridge Assistance Program, but there are still some gaps. Chad Smith has more.

Since 1996, the West Tennessee River Basin Authority has been managing water resources across West Tennessee, focusing on flood control, erosion reduction, and watershed restoration. Now, they’re sharing their strategies and successes with the neighboring state of Arkansas.

More than a thousand people are attending this year’s Pick Tennessee Conference. The three-day event moved from Franklin to Lebanon and is focused on promoting Tennessee-made products while giving attendees the chance to learn how to grow and create new things.

Lawrence County’s Coty Vannoy and Lauderdale County’s Robert Hill are fresh off a big national spotlight after competing in the Young Farmers and Ranchers contests at the American Farm Bureau Convention in Anaheim, California. They describe what it means to have had this chance to compete and represent Tennessee well.

The 107th American Farm Bureau Convention concluded in Anaheim, CA with the voting delegates voting on 2026 policy. AFBF President Zippy Duvall explains why this policy is still so important and why he has hope for 2026.

Alyssa Clements of Clay County finished second in the national American Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers Excellence in Agriculture competition. Competing against contestants from all 50 states, Clements says it was an honor to represent her state and earn a second-place finish at the national level.

Thousands of farmers and industry representatives, including well over a hundred from Tennessee have gathered in Anaheim, California for the 107th American Farm Bureau annual meeting.

If you hadn’t already heard by now, Pick Tennessee Products is a big deal for our state’s agricultural industry. And this next week, January 15-17, you can expect another big Pick Tennessee Conference at the Wilson County/Tennessee State fairgrounds in Lebanon.

For well over a century now, this Tennessee treasure known as Bush Beans has been a staple on family tables across America.

2025 was a tough year for U.S. row-crop farmers, with many facing record losses for yet another consecutive year. Trade has emerged as a key part of the solution to getting the agricultural economy back on track, as new trade deals could open additional markets for U.S. commodities. Ted McKinney, who previously served in the first Trump administration as USDA Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs, now leads the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture. Having traveled the world negotiating trade agreements on behalf of the administration, McKinney says the president has always kept American farmers front of mind when pursuing new trade deals. He details what’s ahead in trade negotiations in 2026.

In this new year, farmers and industry representatives are hopeful for better days in the ag sector. It’s been challenging for many to say the least. And that’s partly why each year the Farm Bureau has been bringing folks together for an agriculture industry partners meeting.

The U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement is up for review in 2026. Chad Smith tells us updating the agreement has the potential to benefit farmers.

Congressman Matt Van Epps is still new on the job. After winning the special election for Tennessee’s 7th congressional district, Van Epps pledges he will fight for Tennessee farmers in Washington.