Tennessee Home & Farm Radio

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.

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.