Tennessee Home & Farm Radio

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.

A new year means the state legislature will soon be back in session. Shelby Vannoy with the Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation’s Public Policy Division offers a preview of what to expect in both chambers, Governor Lee’s vision in his final year in office, and what to expect in the upcoming elections.

As 2025 draws to a close, Chad Smith has a look back on some of the key moments for U.S. agriculture.

Tennessee Commissioner of Agriculture Andy Holt is looking ahead to a full year as commissioner in 2026. He outlines some of his goals for the new year and how he hopes the department will continue to engage with farmers across the state.

Founded in 1932 by Ray Hurt’s great-grandfather and grandfather, Hurt Seed Company is now run by Ray Hurt and his brother. Based in Halls, Tennessee, the company supplies about five percent of the seed used nationwide. Ray says he’s proud to help be a part of feeding the world.

The Department of Agriculture announced new funding focused on regenerative farming practices. Chad Smith has details.

Christmas celebrations ring out across our state today as we hear from farmers enjoying this Christmas day with family and friends.

Coty Vannoy of Lawrence County was the winner of the Tennessee Farm Bureau’s Young Farmers and Ranchers Discussion Meet contest. He bested 16 competitors for the title at the Farm Bureau state convention recently.

Two Tennesseans, Lane Mitchell and Hudson Bolton, recently took part in the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas. Competing on one of rodeo’s biggest stages, both athletes shared what it meant to represent their home state at the national level. They described the experience as unforgettable, saying that simply qualifying for the prestigious event is a major accomplishment and a dream come true in the sport of rodeo.

A key piece of legislation aimed at growing healthier kids in American classrooms took a big step toward becoming law. Chad Smith has details.

John Morton recently retired from a career in home construction and service in the Marine Corps. Now, he and his wife are embarking on a completely new career in farming. Morton believes that with fewer farmers than ever, the need for more people to get involved in agriculture is greater than ever.

State Senator Jack Johnson of Williamson County has been awarded the inaugural Voice of Agriculture Award by the Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation. Johnson said he is honored to receive the recognition and remains proud to support Tennessee farmers through his work in the legislature.

State Representative Rusty Grills of Newburn, Tennessee, has been named the inaugural recipient of the Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation’s Voice of Agriculture Award. Grills says he is honored to receive the recognition for representing an industry that has played a significant role in his life.

Tennessee native Butch Wilmore has dedicated his life to service, spending his entire career in the U.S. Navy and with NASA. He captured worldwide attention when a test mission to the International Space Station unexpectedly extended, leaving him in space for nine months. In this powerful account, Wilmore reflects on the challenges of his prolonged stay in orbit—and shares what sustained his sense of peace, purpose, and contentment throughout the ordeal.

Farmers’ participation in the political process is more important than ever, especially as the farm economy continues to struggle. Political strategist Chip Saltsman emphasizes that even though farmers are not the majority, their voices still carry significant weight in shaping policy and politics.

Colton McClanahan of White County is the new 2026 Tennessee Young Farmers & Ranchers State Chair. McClanahan explains why he ran and what it means to him to be selected for this position.

Sherri Lay of Monroe County is the newest member of the Tennessee Farm Bureau Board of Directors. She was elected as one of the three Directors at Large. Sherri explains what it means to be elected and why she feels called to serve.

Tennessee Governor Bill Lee addressed the voting delegates at the 104th Tennessee Farm Bureau Annual Meeting. Lee reaffirmed his commitment commitment to agriculture in his final year in office.

There are 247 voting delegates this year from all 95 counties setting Tennessee Farm Bureau policy for 2026. Every one of them are farmers. A few of the delegates say being part of this more-than-100-year tradition feels special. It’s a chance to speak up for their communities, make sure farmers’ voices are heard, and help guide the future of agriculture in Tennessee.

Farm Bureau leaders are back together for their annual meeting at the Cool Springs Conference Center in Franklin to hear from industry and political leaders and discuss and decide policy that will guide the organization in the coming year.

Christmas tree farms across Tennessee are in full swing. Jaimie Faircloth, president of the Tennessee Christmas Tree Association, runs Pinewood Christmas Tree Farm in Franklin with his wife and says they’re seeing record interest this season.

Governor Bill Lee’s America 250 tour continues to sweep across Tennessee, uncovering the stories that make our state unforgettable. This week, he stopped at Wes Ashe’s farm in McNairy County, a place where Tennessee tradition and American pride run deep.

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall recently discussed the challenges facing farm country with the Secretary of Agriculture. Chad Smith has more on the conversation.

Fifteen years ago, wild hogs were a serious problem in Tennessee. That’s why members of the conservation, wildlife, and agriculture communities came together to form the Wild Hog Eradication Team. Most of Tennessee is hog-free now, but a few pockets remain where they are still abundant.

The U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree is now being prepared for its lighting December Second after arriving in Washington DC after its journey from its home state of Nevada.

Farmers across Tennessee are celebrating Thanksgiving in a variety of ways this week. Several shared their special traditions and what they’re thankful for.

Thanksgiving is one of the busiest times of the year for USDA’s Meat and Poultry Hotline with several food questions associated with cooking the holiday turkey. Rod Bain has the details.

As we pause to give thanks this Thanksgiving, farmers across Tennessee are finding their own special ways to celebrate. We caught up with a few to hear about their traditions and what they’re thankful for this year.