Tennessee Department of Agriculture

Tennessee Department of Agriculture Our mission is to serve, support, and promote agriculture and forestry in Tennessee.

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture promotes local produce and products and ensures safe and dependable food and fiber for all while conserving our natural resources. Farming and forestry not only preserve a time-honored way of life, but they also fuel the state's economy. Agricultural production generates more than $2.8 billion annually in farm cash receipts and nearly $300 million generated

by timber sales. The Department touches the lives of Tennesseans everyday through the food we eat, the fuel we pump, the clothes we wear, the wood products we use and the land we enjoy. TDA reserves the right to delete or hide messages that are obscene, threatening, discriminatory, harassing, or off topic. TDA also reserves the right to ban a person if his or her messages are obscene, threatening, discriminatory, harassing, or off topic

It has been a great few days at TDA welcoming some of Tennessee’s outstanding youth leaders in agriculture!Today, we hos...
06/18/2026

It has been a great few days at TDA welcoming some of Tennessee’s outstanding youth leaders in agriculture!

Today, we hosted the 4-H Top Five State Council Members as part of the 2026 Ambassador Tour. Last week, we welcomed Tennessee FFA students during the 2026 Tennessee FFA Star Tour.

These visits are always a highlight. The students who visit our department are sharp, driven and passionate about agriculture. They represent the future of this industry, and after spending time with them, we can say that future is in good hands.

The Farm to Fair Feast & Fundraiser is coming up June 30 at 6 p.m. inside the Made in Tennessee Building at the Wilson C...
06/17/2026

The Farm to Fair Feast & Fundraiser is coming up June 30 at 6 p.m. inside the Made in Tennessee Building at the Wilson County Fairgrounds in Lebanon, and tickets are still available for a limited time!

Guests will enjoy a hearty, Tennessee-inspired meal served in Lodge brand cast iron skillets, featuring:

Pork loin
Chicken breast
Mac and cheese
Bush’s Baked Beans
Potato salad
Bay’s Bread rolls
Apple cobbler

Best of all, your meal supports a great cause. All proceeds benefit the Tennessee State Fair Association, a 501(c)(3) directed to the Blue Ribbon Foundation for the Youth Development Program dedicated to raising the next generation of agricultural leaders.

Join us for good food, great company, and a celebration of Tennessee agriculture. Reserve your spot today: https://www.wilsoncountytnstatefair.com/p/media/special-events/farmtotabledinner

06/15/2026

58 FFA students just spent a week without air conditioning, waking up at 6 a.m. and learning why Tennessee’s forests matter. 🌲

That’s Tennessee Forestry Camp — and this year, the program celebrated its 75th anniversary at Fall Creek Falls State Park.

Campers spent the week in the field learning about forest management, fire protection, forest health and wildlife. Along the way, dedicated counselors and staff helped guide, teach and encourage students through long days of hands-on learning.

But beyond the curriculum, campers walked away with something harder to teach: a genuine appreciation for the forests that make up 52% of our state.

For 75 years, this camp has helped turn curious students into future foresters and conservation stewards. The Tennessee Division of Forestry is proud to partner with FFA and the Tennessee Forestry Association to keep that tradition going.

Learn more about Tennessee’s forests at TN.gov/Agriculture/Forests.

Congratulations to Willis Jepson of Robertson County, named the 2026 Tennessee Farmer of the Year by Tennessee Farm Bure...
06/15/2026

Congratulations to Willis Jepson of Robertson County, named the 2026 Tennessee Farmer of the Year by Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation!

A seventh-generation farmer, Jepson continues a family legacy that began on the same land in 1806. His family’s diversified operation and commitment to conservation stewardship reflect the best of Tennessee agriculture.

TDA is proud to celebrate Willis Jepson, his family and this well-deserved honor.

Who knew such a big story could grow from such a small tree? 🌳This weekend, the Tennessee Agricultural Museum opened its...
06/13/2026

Who knew such a big story could grow from such a small tree? 🌳

This weekend, the Tennessee Agricultural Museum opened its doors for a special Saturday event featuring the Nashville Bonsai Society, and visitors enjoyed learning about the art, patience, and skill behind these incredible living works of art.

We’re excited to offer more special Saturday events throughout 2026, giving Tennesseans additional opportunities to explore the museum beyond our regular Monday–Friday hours.

What Saturday programs would you like to see at the museum? Let us know in the comments!

06/12/2026

June Dairy Month is the perfect time to visit Cruze Farm Dairy in Knoxville.

In our first video recognizing the International Year of the Woman Farmer, meet Colleen Bhatti, owner of Cruze Farm Dairy, and Camden Hoots, herd manager, as they share how passion, hard work and innovation are shaping the future of agriculture in Tennessee.

From the dairy barn to ice cream made with their farm’s milk, Cruze Farm Dairy is a sweet example of Tennessee agriculture at work.

More stories from this series are coming throughout 2026.

Pick Cruze Farm Dairy. Pick Tennessee Products.

🐝State Apiarist Mike Studer recently presented "Beekeeping" at the Tennessee Rehabilitative Initiative in Correction (TR...
06/12/2026

🐝State Apiarist Mike Studer recently presented "Beekeeping" at the Tennessee Rehabilitative Initiative in Correction (TRICOR) program at Bledsoe County Correctional Complex.🐝

The program provides inmates with hands‑on training in beekeeping and currently maintains six honey bee colonies, along with building equipment used in the State Park Pollinator and beekeeping programs active in about 30 Tennessee State Parks. TDA began working with TRICOR in 2016.
State Apiarist Studer (right) is pictured with TRICOR Farm Manager Tom Burns.

What’s the buzz? Honeybees! Participants at today’s Summer Friday program at the Tennessee Agricultural Museum learned a...
06/12/2026

What’s the buzz? Honeybees! Participants at today’s Summer Friday program at the Tennessee Agricultural Museum learned about pollinators, hive roles and even the famous bee “waggle dance.” We love seeing young Tennesseans connect with agriculture in such a hands-on way.

06/10/2026

Last week, Century Farm families from across Tennessee gathered at the Tennessee Agricultural Museum for a special celebration of the Tennessee Century Farms Program.

The June 2 reception honored families whose farms have remained in continuous agricultural operation and family ownership for 100 years or more. Today, the program includes more than 2,300 farms representing all 95 Tennessee counties.

We were proud to celebrate these families and the generations of hard work, stewardship and commitment to the land that have strengthened Tennessee agriculture.

The event also marked the launch of Dr. Carroll Van West’s new book, Tennessee’s Frontier Century Farms: An Enduring Legacy of Family, Farming, and Community, which highlights the lasting legacy of Tennessee farm families and rural communities across the state.

Thank you to the families who joined us, the Tennessee Agricultural Museum for hosting, and our partners at MTSU’s Center for Historic Preservation for administering the Century Farms Program and helping preserve Tennessee’s agricultural heritage.

View the full photo album: 139218170@N08/x40s0X8Y8J" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://www.flickr.com/gp/139218170@N08/x40s0X8Y8J

TDA staff enjoyed spending time with this year’s AgTech class at Agricenter International in Memphis today.Business Deve...
06/10/2026

TDA staff enjoyed spending time with this year’s AgTech class at Agricenter International in Memphis today.

Business Development Coordinator Colleen Coury provided an overview of TDA and the ways the department serves Tennessee agriculture. Animal Health Technician Kayla Cochran shared insights into animal health programs and protecting livestock.

AgTech is a summer program for students in grades 10-12 that introduces participants to the many facets of agriculture while building financial literacy, STEM knowledge, life skills and workforce readiness. Through hands-on demonstrations, field trips and guest speakers, students gain valuable exposure to career opportunities across the agriculture industry.

Thank you to AgTech for inviting us to be part of this year's program and for helping inspire the next generation of agricultural leaders!

Address

Ellington Agricultural Center
Nashville, TN
37220

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8am - 4:30pm
Friday 8am - 4:30pm

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