Tennessee Home & Farm Radio

As the summer grilling season kicks off, consumers are finding higher prices at the meat counter. As Chad Smith shares, those prices are not reducing demand.

From trade missions across the globe to meetings with international buyers, the Tennessee Department of Agriculture is working to create new opportunities for Tennessee products. Commissioner of Agriculture Andy Holt and Dr. Andrew Mohammad with UT Extention says the goal is simple — expand markets, increase demand, and help Tennessee farmers strengthen their bottom line.

John Hilemon III and his family have spent the past year and a half recovering after Hurricane Helene devastated their farm in Unicoi County. After months of work reseeding their hay fields, they are finally baling hay again for the first time, thanks in part to seed donations through the Seeds of Hope program from the Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation.

Thanks to votes by Tennessee congressmen John Rose and Matt Van Epps, the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act, has cleared the U.S. House of Representatives and now awaits Senate action.  President Trump has signaled his support of the legislation which would allow for year-round sales of fuels blended with 15% ethanol, known as E15.

Always a great field trip when you're a kid and you get to go to a farm.  And that's what thousands of elementary kids have gotten to do this spring as many counties host farm days.

Everyone is feeling the pressure of higher fuel prices, especially since the start of the conflict in Iran, but along with fuel, you can add the rising cost of fertilizer that our farmers are dealing with.  And this week, the U.S. Senate Ag Committee held a full hearing on the issue with several industry representatives including Kentucky Farm Bureau president Eddie Melton testifying with perspectives from his row crop and beef cattle operation.

James “Bubba” Roberson grew up on the farm in Wayne County and after retiring from a structural engineering career, he's now back on the farm in Fayette County where he and his family are earning a name for themselves called the Fancy Cow.

We all know what this Sunday is, or most of us should know that its Mother’s Day.  And Grainger County's Zalen Williams says he knows all too well what time of year it is because that's when his business is blooming.

The challenges facing farmers and ranchers can take a toll on mental health and well-being. Chad Smith has more on how to weather the storm.

Communities across Tennessee are facing the challenge of managing rapid growth while also protecting valuable farmland. Josh Suddath, Executive Director of the University of Tennessee Center for Local Government, is working to support these communities by providing guidance and resources to help them plan more effectively for the future.

Local primaries are taking place across the state today, as 52 of Tennessee's 95 counties are holding local primary elections. Tennessee Farm Bureau's Shelby Vannoy reminds voters of the importance of taking part in all elections.

Folks around Wilson County have appreciated long-time servant leader Stratton Bone and now thanks to the folks with the Wilson County and Tennessee State Fair, his legacy lives forever with the renaming of the Made in Tennessee Building to the Stratton Bone Made in Tennessee Building.

The Farm Bill passed the United States House of Representatives on Thursday in a 224–200 vote. Tennessee Farm Bureau President Eric Mayberry explains why this is a significant win for farmers and what comes next to get it across the finish line.

Farmers are feeling the pinch from sky-high fertilizer prices amid the conflict in Iran. Dr. Andrew Muhammad with UT Extension breaks down the latest developments in the fertilizer trade and explains why these elevated prices are likely to stick around, at least in the short term.

Farm Bureau is working to push the farm bill across the finish line in the House of Representatives. Chad Smith has more on why the time for passage is now.

Strawberry season is in full swing at Aubie Smith Farms in Ooltewah, TN, where crowds are lining up for fresh-picked buckets of berries. With nearly 17 acres of strawberries, Aubie is bringing the harvest straight from the field to consumers.

The money set aside for the Farmer Bridge Assistance Program has almost been entirely delivered, and Chad Smith has the details on where that money went.

Farmers are feeling the pinch from sky-high fertilizer prices amid the conflict in Iran. Dr. Andrew Muhammad with UT Extension breaks down the latest developments in the fertilizer trade and explains why these elevated prices are likely to stick around, at least in the short term.

he inaugural class of the Tennessee Agriculture & Forestry Leadership Program is set to wrap up later this summer. As the program concludes, several participants are reflecting on their experiences—sharing how it has impacted their personal and professional growth, and why they would strongly recommend it to others in the industry.

The recognition of earth day first started on April 22, 1970.  Since then a lot of changes to our world, no doubt.  But for farmers, often overlooked on the conversations of our earth, it truly is something they think about almost daily.

The Tennessee General Assembly has passed its massive $58 billion budget, and that usually means one thing—lawmakers are getting close to wrapping up the session. In this episode, we hear from Shelby Vannoy with the Tennessee Farm Bureau, who breaks down what this budget means for farmers and rural communities across the state. From key investments in agriculture to support for rural infrastructure and resources, Shelby highlights some of the big wins that could have a real impact on Tennessee agriculture.

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture is set to open the application process for farmers and foresters seeking relief assistance from the devastating impacts from Hurricane Helene that hit 8 East Tennessee counties in September of 2024.

In June, Dr. David Lockwood will retire as a fruit specialist with UT Extension. Lockwood has spent more than 50 years in the role, researching best practices for growing fruit and helping others learn how to do it in their own backyards.

The ride has been real good for the past couple of years for sure for our beef cattle producers.  Prices have been at record highs and that's good news for one of our state's largest commodities.

The American Farm Bureau Federation surveyed farmers regarding their long-term concerns about fertilizers. Chad Smith has more on the findings.

FFA and 4-H students had the opportunity to attend Preds Ag Night on Monday. The evening began with a career panel featuring professionals from a variety of agricultural fields and concluded with students attending the Predators game. It was a fun and engaging night that gave students the chance to learn more about potential careers in the agriculture industry.

The American Farm Bureau Federation is urging Congress to continue work on a new farm bill. Chad Smith has more.

As planters roll across fields throughout Tennessee, farmers are putting the 2026 crop in the ground. While most planting seasons are marked by optimism and the promise of a strong harvest, this year carries a heavier sense of uncertainty, with another year of losses forecasted for many producers. James Haskew, vice president of the Tennessee Farm Bureau, reflects on the many ups and downs he has experienced throughout his farming career. He emphasizes that even in challenging times, strong farm management remains essential to weathering difficult seasons and positioning operations for recovery.

The weather it seems is all clear for folks to get outside and start working in the dirt or the landscape.  Whether its bringing in new flowers or shrubs and whether that's at home or at your business, there's a lot of interest in nursery and landscaping that actually pays you back.

The Department of Agriculture released its latest estimates for the Food Dollar Series. Chad Smith has more on why farmers are getting a smaller share.

It's one of the busiest times of the year for our row crop farmers.  Now through June they'll be working to plant this year's corn, soybeans and cotton crops.  And as they manage the logistics in their fields, they have to account for even higher input costs associated with fuel and fertilizer prices.

The renewable fuels industry got some good news about the new Renewable Volume Obligations. Chad Smith has more.

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. USDA, NASS Prospective Planting Report

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.