Farm Bureau NewsISSN 1062-8983 • USPS 538960 Volume 90 Number 1 • January 2011

T E N N E S S E E

WHAT’S INSIDE:PagE 2 a letter from Julius Johnson

PagE 3UT names new president

PagEs 7-102010 Convention highlights

Farm Bureau NewsT E N N E S S E E

Official newspaper of Tennessee Farm Bureau

During the recent Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation’s 89th Annual Meeting Governor-elect Bill Haslam announced Julius Johnson, chief administrative officer for the Federation, as the 36th Commissioner of Agriculture.

“Julius is a perfect fit for the Department of Agriculture,” Haslam said in his announcement. “He’s been around farming and the Tennessee Farm Bureau all of his life, and he understands the issues inside and out.

“If Tennessee is to become the number one location in the Southeast for jobs, its largest industry – agricul-ture – must play a part in that, and Julius knows where the advantages are in rural Tennessee,” Haslam added.

Johnson has been the chief administrative officer for the Tennessee Farm Bureau for the past 15 years and has been employed with the Tennessee Farm Bureau for 37 years serving first as an agent with the organization’s insurance com-

pany in Morgan County and later as a regional field service director in the east Tennessee area of the state for the Farm Bureau state organization. He moved to the TFBF headquarters office in 1984, serving as director of public affairs and chief lobbyist before becoming the CAO of the nation’s larg-est state Farm Bureau.

“Julius Johnson has done a tremen-dous job for the past 38-plus years in all of his different capacities within the Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation,” said Tennessee Farm Bureau President Lacy Upchurch. “We are so proud Governor-elect Haslam has selected him to serve the state of Tennessee as the Commissioner of Agriculture and look forward to working with him in that capacity.”

The state board of directors of the Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation have selected Director of Commodity Activities Joe Pearson to replace Johnson as the chief administrative offi-cer (CAO) and have also named Director

of Public Affairs Rhedona Rose to the position of executive vice president.

“Joe Pearson’s dedication to agri-culture and rural life will continue to serve him well in his new role as CAO,” said President Upchurch. “He knows Farm Bureau and will help our organiza-tion continue to improve as we have for 89 years.”

After serving in the Army, Pearson began his career with Tennessee Farm Bureau nearly 34 years ago as an agent for the Hawkins County Farm Bureau Insurance Company before becoming a regional field service director and tran-sitioned to his current role as director of Commodity Activities in 1988.

Rose has been with the organiza-tion for 24 years. She has been the director of Public Affairs since 1995 and is highly respected by both the state legislature and farmers across the state. She will continue her duties as direc-tor while assuming additional duties in agricultural and public relations. t

Pearson

Rose

Pettus Read, EditorLee Maddox, Assistant Editor

Melissa Burniston, Feature WriterStacey Warner, Graphic Designer

Misty McNeese, Advertising

P.O. Box 313, Columbia, TN 38402-0313(931) 388-7872

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Send address corrections to: Tennessee Farm Bureau News Offices, P.O. Box 313, Columbia, TN 38402-0313.

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ISSN 1062-8983 • USPS 538960

Farm Bureau NewsT E N N E S S E E

2 Tennessee Farm Bureau News - January 2011 www.tnfarmbureau.org

Commodities John Woolfolk

Associate Director

Tiffany Howard Assistant Director

OrganizationBobby Beets

DirectorBryan Wright

Associate Director

Special ProgramsCharles Curtis

DirectorChris Fleming

Associate DirectorKristy Chastine

Associate Director

CommunicationsPettus Read

Director

Lee Maddox Associate Director

Melissa Burniston Assistant Director

Public AffairsRhedona Rose

DirectorStefan Maupin

Associate Director

Regional FieldService Directors

Hugh Adams, Jim Bell Melissa Bryant,

Eddie Clark, Ryan King Joe McKinnon

Board of directors Lacy Upchurch Danny Rochelle President Vice President

Directors-at-Large Jeff Aiken Charles Hancock

Catherine Via

District Directors Malcolm Burchfiel Dan Hancock James Haskew David Mitchell Eric Mayberry Jane May

Advisory DirectorsJamie Weaver

other officers and staffJoe Pearson

Chief Administrative OfficerRhedona Rose

Executive Vice President

Wayne Harris Tim Dodd Treasurer Comptroller

service companies

Tennessee Farmers Insurance Cos.Matthew M. (Sonny) Scoggins, CEO

Tennessee Rural HealthLonnie Roberts, CEO

Farmers Service, Inc.Tim Dodd, Director

Tennessee Livestock Producers, Inc.Darrell Ailshie, Manager

TENNESSEE FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

Dear All:

After working for Farm Bureau members for 37 years, it is a chal-

lenge to clean out the desk and move up the road to the Tennessee

Department of Agriculture. But I have tremendous comfort knowing

that the very passionate and capable president, board of directors

and staff will carry on without losing a beat. The Tennessee Farm

Bureau’s future is bright and great things will be accomplished for

Tennessee farmers and rural Tennessee.

I am excited about my future, also. Governor-elect Haslam’s first

priority is jobs for Tennesseans, including rural Tennesseans. Over

90 percent of farm families in Tennessee have off-farm income. They

often depend on off-farm jobs for family health insurance and to

ensure extra income to support the family. Having viable local indus-

tries and businesses provides local sources for employment, builds

the tax base and takes the pressure off farms to carry the cost of local

governments. It will be an honor for me to serve Governor Haslam.

The Ag Enhancement program is a tremendous rural development

program to replace the many tobacco production dollars taken out of

the farm economy by the global tobacco settlement and buyout pro-

gram. Tennessee must continue to reinvest and work to replace the

income potential that was jerked away from our farmers.

I thank the many leaders that volunteer to support the Tennessee

Farm Bureau. You are the fuel that makes this organization go. I will

be calling on you from a different vantage point to assist in accom-

plishing the TDA’s goals.

I look forward to the challenge and ask for your prayers.

Sincerely,

Commissioner of Agriculture - Designee

www.tnfarmbureau.org January 2011 - Tennessee Farm Bureau News 3

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UT elects DiPietro president, Mitchell UTIA interim chancellor

Joe DiPietro has been elected the 24th president of the University of Tennessee.

The Board of Trustees elected DiPietro during their fall meeting. He will replace Jan Simek, who has served as interim president since 2009.

The president of the University of Tennessee leads a system con-sisting of campuses in Knoxville, Chattanooga and Martin; the Health Science Center based in Memphis; the statewide Institutes of Agriculture and Public Service, and the Space Institute in Tullahoma, which is man-aged by UT Knoxville.

DiPietro currently is chancellor of the UT Institute of Agriculture, a posi-tion he has held since 2006. His title was changed from vice president to chancellor in July.

With the help of the search firm Witt/Keiffer, the University devel-oped several key qualifications and expectations of the next president. The president advocates for the University and is a spokesperson for all higher education in the state; works with state and federal legislators and promotes the University to secure appropriations and in decision-making that affects the University; is the chief fundraiser for the University; and has a connection to or prior knowledge of the University and the state.

As chancellor of the UT Institute of Agriculture, DiPietro oversees UT Extension, AgResearch, the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources and the College of Veterinary Medicine. DiPietro also served as dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Florida from 1997 to 2006.

He rose to tenured professor of veterinary clinical medicine and veteri-nary pathobiology at the University of Illinois, Urbana, and held administra-tive positions there including assistant director of the Agriculture Experiment Station and associate dean for research of the College of Veterinary Medicine.

DiPietro earned his bachelor’s, doctor of veterinary medicine and master’s degrees at the University of Illinois, Urbana.

DiPietro and his wife, Deb, have three children and six grandchildren. Deb DiPietro is a member of the Tennessee Museum Commission and a volunteer for a variety of organiza-

tions in Tennessee.DiPietro is the first candidate from

within the University to be elected president since Joe Johnson, who was president from 1991 to 1999. The University of Tennessee has named Buddy Mitchell, vice chancel-lor of the Institute of Agriculture, the interim chancellor for the institute.

Mitchell will replace DiPietro, who was elected president of the University of Tennessee in October by the Board of Trustees. Mitchell will begin his interim assignment Jan. 1, 2011.

A search for a new chancellor is

planned to begin before the end of the year and expected to be complete by July 1, 2011.

“I am grateful to Buddy for his long-term commitment to the Institute and the University of Tennessee as well as his willingness to serve in an interim capacity again,” Interim UT President Jan Simek said today in announcing Mitchell’s appointment.

Mitchell, who has worked at UT since 1984, also served as interim vice president of agriculture prior to DiPietro’s appointment in 2006 and beginning in 1998 during a search that

resulted in Jack Britt’s appointment as vice president of agriculture. The leadership title was changed from vice president to chancellor in June.

As vice chancellor, he oversees development and government rela-tions for the Institute of Agriculture. Mitchell has served in other adminis-trative roles at UT including associate vice president for federal relations.

A native of McLemoresville, Tenn., Mitchell earned his bachelor’s degree in general agriculture at UT Martin and his master’s degree in agricultural eco-nomics at UT Knoxville. t

DiPietro

4 Tennessee Farm Bureau News - January 2011 www.tnfarmbureau.org

read all about it

Pulling together like Buddy the HorseI don’t know if you have ever tried to trace your ancestry, but it can get real interesting at times. Just recently, I found some old family photos that include several pictures of a gentleman made around the time following the Civil War. There were shots made on the grounds of the Hermitage and the gravesite of President Andrew Jackson, causing me to wonder what my family was doing with these old flashes from the past. After a week or two of going through family records, I found that the pictures were of my great uncle and a favorite of my grandfather when he was growing up. With some Internet investigation, I even found where he had been a member of the 18th Tennessee Infantry during the war and was a color bearer at the Battle of Murfreesboro along with other numerous engagements during those turbulent times in our country’s history.

Also, the reason his picture was made around the Hermitage was due to there being a Confederate Soldiers Home located near the grounds and he often visited there as well as attended several reunions. It was something to see what the grounds around the former President’s home looked like back in those days com-pared to today’s reconstruction and renewal efforts being done by the association that takes care of the

facilities now. Just like my old great uncle standing there in the photo holding his battle years saber near Rachael Jackson’s tomb during the years after his “cause” lost the war, the black and white picture shows the Hermitage grounds in a state of gloom as well.

But, locating this relative’s his-tory renewed my interest in tracing our family history. It reminded me of many years ago when I asked my grandfather, who was a county mag-istrate at one time, about our fam-ily history. I have always wanted to have the family history traced, but I couldn’t afford to spend a lot of money to do it. So, I asked him if he had any suggestions.

He had just finished a tough county election where his challenger had been pretty rough on him and worked hard at trying to dig up some skeletons from our family closet.

Grandfather answered me fairly quickly and merely said, “Yes, I have a suggestion for running down a fam-ily history. Just run for public office.”

After what we have all just gone through over the summer and the

fall with the campaigns around here, my grandfather’s advice was pretty much on target many years ago. Now with everyone attempting to pick up the pieces and get on with making our governments what the people want, maybe we can take a lesson from a story I heard several years ago about a farmer and his team of horses. It happened back when the

roads were dirt or somewhat grav-eled and many of them had grass growing in the middle. It was dur-ing the time when most of the early rural “expressways” could be classified as the roads less graveled, rather than the roads less traveled.

Late one evening around dusky-dark, an out-of-towner drove his big city car into a ditch on an out of the way little county road. But, lucky for him, a farmer by the name of Ben came to help the man with his big Belgium horse named Buddy.

Ben hitched Buddy up to the car and yelled, “Pull, Nellie, pull!”

Buddy didn’t move.Then Ben hollered, “Pull, Buster,

pull!”

Buddy didn’t respond to that either.

Once more Ben commanded, “Pull, Mac, pull!”

Still nothing happened and the out-of-towner started to get worried.

Then Ben nonchalantly said, “Pull, Buddy, pull!”

And the horse easily dragged the car right out of the ditch.

The out-of-towner was most appreciative, but was very curious about what he had just seen. He had heard some of the local folks call Buddy by his name and even heard Ben call him that when he first arrived at the accident scene. He asked Ben why he called his horse by the wrong name three times.

Ben pulled out his bright red bandana and wiped his brow as a mischievous grin spread across his face. He answered the man with this explanation, “Oh, Buddy is blind and if he thought he was the only one pulling, he wouldn’t even try!”

Let’s hope that what the future holds for our governments will be a whole lot more folks pulling like Buddy, but not having to be tricked to do so. It seems the people have spoken for what they want, but let’s not be blind to the fact that sometimes what you asked for is not necessarily what you really thought it would be, but is best in the long run. “Pull, Buddy, pull!” t

By Pettus ReadEditor

Tennessee 4-H director selected for national awardOf the four “H’s,” it was his “heart” that Steve Sutton gave away so willingly years ago to the youth of Tennessee.

Nearly four decades later, he is being recognized for his caring and committed effort to educate and serve thousands of young people from one end of the state to the other.

Sutton received the prestigious award - the U.S. Air Force Recruiting Salute Award - from the National Association of Extension 4-H Agents. He was nominated as Tennessee’s selection by its 150 NAE4-HA mem-bers, and then selected as the national winner among the 50 states.

“I’m tremendously humbled,” says Sutton. “To be selected by my peers on the state level, and then honored by our national organization among all the outstanding 4-H professionals, I’m really humbled to be considered wor-thy of this award,” he says.

Sutton has served for 37 years in Tennessee 4-H, currently as director and state 4-H leader at the University of Tennessee’s Institute of Agriculture. 4-H is the youth development pro-gram for UT Extension.

“Steve Sutton sets the standard when it comes to serving 4-H youth, and this is now being recognized nationally as he receives the top award presented to 4-H Youth Development professionals,” says Dr. Tim Cross, dean of UT Extension. “He grew up in 4-H, then served as a county agent, a state specialist, and now a state pro-gram leader. His lifelong dedication to positive youth development is an inspiration to us all.”

His list of innovative projects is lengthy. He was part of a team that implemented the “Seeds of Service” program to involve 4-Hers in com-munity service learning projects

statewide. He also provided leader-ship to the state 4-H “Know Your Government” program, where high school students participate in mock legislative sessions in the House and Senate Chambers in Nashville.

Sutton also founded the State 4-H Academic Conference. Here junior high 4-H members are afforded learn-ing opportunities in animal and plant

sciences under the leadership of UT professors and specialists.

After all these accomplishments, Sutton remains modest. “I have always just tried to do my job to the best of my ability,” he says now.

For the record, the remaining “H’s” are head, hands and health.

For more about 4-H, contact your county UT Extension office. t

Support4-H Youth Development

to learn more contact your local UT Extension office or the

Tennessee 4-H Foundationhttp://4hfoundation.tennessee.edu

865-974-7436

William (Bill) Newsom of Munford, Tenn., is one of only six individuals nationwide who received the National Association of Agricultural Educators (NAAE) Outstanding Teacher Award December 1 at the NAAE annual con-vention in Las Vegas.

Newsom says it was Mr. Warren, with whom he student taught, that first gave him the itch to want to teach and instilled in him the basis for his philosophy on teaching: students learn best when they also have a good time doing it. It is this piece of wisdom that Newsom has taken with him through a 34-year teaching career in agricul-tural education. He works daily to make sure that students are engaged, interested and learning. He teaches a variety of courses ranging from agri-culture mechanics to forestry and in all of these develops lessons that are relevant to students’ lives.

“I am very cognizant to the fact that I teach elective courses—no one has to take any of my classes to gradu-ate. This statement is exactly why I adhere to the philosophy that learn-ing should be fun. I want students to look forward to attending my classes,” he said.

The success of Newsom’s students is thanks in large part to the strong partnerships he’s been able to culti-vate with individuals and businesses in the community. Alumni members, agents from the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, USDA Farm Service Agency branches, the University of Tennessee-Martin, and Murray State University are all examples of those groups that have contributed to fur-ther learning for students.

“His sincere interest in agricul-

ture and students is why he is loved by our colleagues across the state of Tennessee,” Ann Turner Johnson, fellow agriculture teacher at Munford High School, said. “Bill Newsom is known from one end of our state to the other because of his proven success and dedication to agriculture education.”

Each of the six regional Outstanding Teacher winners received personal use of a Toyota Tundra pickup truck for two years, an expense paid trip to attend the 2010 NAAE conven-tion in Las Vegas, and a special awards dinner in their honor during conven-tion. Toyota sponsors the Outstanding Teacher Award as a special project of the National FFA Foundation. NAAE is the professional association for agricultural educators. Its mission is “professionals providing agricultural education for the global community through visionary leadership, advo-cacy and service.” The NAAE office is located in Lexington, Ky. t

The ag agenda

By Bob StallmanAmerican Farm Bureau President

www.tnfarmbureau.org January 2011 - Tennessee Farm Bureau News 5

A new lay of the land

COMMIssIONER OF agRICULTURE HONORED – Terry Oliver, of Gleason, Tenn., commissioner of agriculture, receives a plaque from Dr. Jerry Gresham, interim dean, UT Martin College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences, and chair, Department of Agriculture, Geosciences, and Natural Resources. The plaque recognized Oliver for his service to Tennessee agriculture and the university. The commissioner was the keynote speaker for the UT Martin Fellows Research Program and 4-H Centennial Celebration Recognition Dinner held Nov. 18 in the Boling University Center. The Fellows Research Program fosters and enhances undergraduate research through a mentored relationship with a department faculty member. Also pictured is Whitney Crow, of Atoka, sophomore agriculture major and a Fellows Research Program participant.

munford ag teacher wins national educator award

Newsom

November’s mid-term elections brought a lot of change to Capitol Hill. In the House of Representatives alone, approximately 80 new mem-bers were elected. That’s just less than one-fifth of the entire makeup of that legislative body.

As with any new Congress, such drastic change will carry both opportu-nities and challenges. But, as they say in Washington, that’s the name of the game, and it’s certainly nothing new to Farm Bureau members. As the 112th Congress settles in, we look forward to helping new congressional members get acquainted with agriculture.

a new farm BillThere will be many important leg-

islative issues relevant to agriculture in the new Congress. One of the most significant is the new farm bill, which will be written by new agriculture committee members who may not be that familiar with farm policy since more than half of the current commit-tee lost their re-election bids.

The biggest issue affecting the consideration of the new farm bill will be budget issues. Agricultural spend-ing, particularly spending related to farm programs, has always been a target and will be even a greater one in the economic environment that we face. Regardless, Farm Bureau will work with agriculture committee members, to help them understand the role of farm programs and devel-op a bill that provides an effective and responsive safety net for produc-ers across the country.

pros and consWhen it comes to tax, regula-

tory and most trade issues, the new Republican-controlled House should be more closely aligned with many Farm Bureau priorities. There will also likely be a congressional shift toward small business issues.

As businessmen and women, farm-ers and ranchers understand the need to foster economic growth and job creation. We will work closely with con-gress on tax issues, such as the estate tax and capital gains tax, as well as for common-sense solutions on environ-mental issues, like the Clean Water Act and greenhouse gas regulations.

I am optimistic the new Congress will brighten the outlook for trade opportunities. For example, passage of the stalled bilateral trade agreements with Korea, Panama and Colombia should have a much greater chance of being passed. Unfortunately, a trade issue that may be a little more difficult with the new House is opening up trade with Cuba. The new chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee has been an adamant opponent of the issue.

Renewable fuels will also likely face challenges. It may be difficult for the industry to get anything but short-term extensions of tax credits and incentives.

Most new congressional members know very little about the economics, production practices and environmen-tal regulations related to agriculture. But, we are looking forward to working with the new members to help them better understand agriculture – still our nation’s most vital industry. t

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6 Tennessee Farm Bureau News - January 2011 www.tnfarmbureau.org

Domestic kitchen certification program is growing

innovative agricultureBy Melissa Burniston

Assistant Director of Communications

As a rural Tennessean born and raised, it is ingrained in me to sup-port my local economy and buy from Tennessee producers when and as often as possible. I did not realize that while doing that, I might have been inadvertently purchasing an illegal product. Up until 2007, there were provisions in state law strictly prohibit-ing the retail sale of food processed in the home. Fortunately for all produc-ers and entrepreneurs out there, the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, in response to many inquiries from farmer’s markets managers and people wanting to sell food products legally from their home, came up with the domestic kitchen rules and regulations.

“It’s an exciting program. The rules are a cooperative effort and a

very positive move on the part of our department and I think it is a great opportunity for small farmers and entrepreneurs to get started in the food processing industry at minimal cost and test the waters for their product,” said John Sanford, food manufacturing administrator, Regulatory Services/Food Dairy Section for the Tennessee Department of Agriculture.

Sanford says the purpose of these regulations is to allow individuals, who previously weren’t able to legally sell their goods, to prepare, manufacture and sell non-potentially hazardous foods processed in the home while ensuring public health is protected. At the same time these rules may poten-tially lessen the liability of the food processor, as well as the places selling those items.

“The rules provide a level playing field for those smaller producers by promoting uniform enforcement and

compliance of public health standards for all farmers and entrepreneurs who desire to participate in Tennessee’s food industry,” Sanford says.

To participate in the domestic

kitchen program, you must do a couple of things: successfully complete the Tennessee Food Safety Certification Course put on by the University of Tennessee or an equivalent accepted by TDA, which is a one time fee of $100; be inspected by TDA yearly (recurring cost of $50); not exceed more than 100 units of sale of your product weekly; and prepare and produce “non-poten-tially hazardous food” such as jam, jellies, candy and baked goods. Foods are considered non-potentially hazard-ous if they don’t consist mainly of meat, poultry, liquid eggs, partially cooked egg products, fish, milk or milk prod-ucts, partially cooked bakery products or other ingredients likely at risk to the rapid growth of micro-organisms when stored above 45 degrees.

More than 800 people have com-pleted the food safety course to great response, Sanford says. “I’ve had com-ments from a great course to some saying they are far more conscious of even preparing their own meals at home now.”

The class teaches attendants about allergen training, packaging, labeling, safe food handling practices and much more.

“All it takes is a different per-spective than we’ve had before. The number one reason of recalls in the United States is undeclared allergens,” Sanford said, “The rules coupled with the class adequately address not only the realization of the potentials for chemical, physical, microbiological and allergen contamination of food being prepared in the home kitchen, but

more importantly how to prevent such from occurring.”

More than 100 domestic kitchens are under permit across the state, show-ing Sanford that they made the right

move when developing these rules for farmers and entrepreneurs to legally sell their wares.

Flying S Farm is one of those suc-cessful stories. In the past eight years, it has grown from ¼ of an acre to over ten acres of heirloom varieties of veg-etables. The Simmons family sell year round at the Franklin Farmers Market and at three others on a seasonal basis. They also offer CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) shares. Catherine Simmons and her husband have successfully navigated their way through developing their product from a domestic kitchen to now having a commercial kitchen of their own.

“We introduced frozen meatless soups to our markets last year and in order to do so we have to prepare those items in a commercial facility. We acquired a local establishment to do

this, but still have our domestic kitchen for preparing breads and jams. We are planning to build a commercial facil-ity on our farm in the near future to expand our value added products using produce grown by us on our farms,” Catherine Simmons said.

And she says the Tennessee Department of Agriculture’s rules are important for not only the consumer’s peace of mind, but their own.

“We like knowing where our food comes from or how it is prepared, and in turn want others to know also. It is very important to us that our customers know products they receive from us are prepared by us in an inspected kitchen or facility,” Simmons said.

And there are countless others across the state who no doubt feel the same as Simmons when it comes to providing a safe product for the public. The rules TDA began are a great way to allow consumers, like myself, to pur-chase locally produced foods with the same confidence in the food safety of that product as when they purchase any food in any retail food establish-ment in the state of Tennessee. t

www.tnfarmbureau.org January 2011 - Tennessee Farm Bureau News 7

Wow! This is all that can be said about the talent, excitement, and numbers of people attending the 2010 YF&R state convention. There were close to 250 Young Farmers from all across the state of Tennessee who gathered in Franklin for the annual event the first week-end in December. There were 26 applicants for the Outstanding Young Woman Contest, which is the largest contest to date, and the Discussion Meet had an amazing 23 contestants.

Mary Margret Chester of Weakley County took home the 2010 Outstanding Young Woman Award and was the winner from District 1. Mary Margaret was also awarded the Mabel Pattet Leadership Award, which was pre-sented by Jane May, Tennessee Farm Bureau Women’s Chairman. The Outstanding Young Woman Competition is awarded each year to a young woman that exhib-its leadership through the Farm Bureau, the agriculture industry, and her local community. Each woman must complete an applica-tion, and then the top ten women participate in an interview process.

The Discussion Meet was once again the highlight of the events that took place at the YF&R state convention. Twenty three partici-pants competed in two semi-final rounds, and then the field was nar-rowed to the final four.

Topics discussed in this year’s contest included – Do American’s truly appreciate the American farmer? How will food movements such as “foodie” and “locovore” influence national agriculture and federal programs? Has technology become essential for American Farmers, and should Farm Bureau influence and encourage all gen-erations of farmers, ranchers, and agriculturalists to embrace tech-nological opportunities? The final discussion round topic asked the final four competitors to discuss how to involve/influence other commodity groups to join with The American Farm Bureau in voic-ing concerns about agricultural issues. Matthew McClanahan was announced as the runner-up for the 2010 competition. Ben Moore, a row crop, beef cattle, and pork producer from Weakley County, was announced as the winner of the 2010 Discussion Meet. Ben, will rep-resent Tennessee at the American Farm Bureau Annual Meeting in Atlanta, January 7-12.

Several outstanding past and current YF&R members were induct-ed into the Order of the Golden Rule. The Order of the Golden Rule is a membership society housed within the Tennessee Young

Farmers and Ranchers program. The purpose of this group is to seek out and recognize individuals who exemplify service to others, strives to improve the quality of the YF&R programs, and to recognize indi-viduals who conduct themselves with a genuine spirit in elevating the needs of others above their own. 2010 Order of the Golden Rule Inductees included Melissa Lowery, Andy Holt, Vanessa Duren, Dan Strasser, Brandon Whitt, Bradley Richardson, Travis and Whitney Tilley, Bart Watson, Brian McLerran, Jim Clark, George Cline, and Lynn and Jessica Waters.

During the annual awards dinner a special presentation was made by current and former YF&R Committee members to show appreciation to the recently retired UT Extension Central Region Director Mr. Herb Lester, who had served as the YF&R Committee’s advisor for many years. The audi-ence was also blessed to hear a retiring address from outgoing YF&R Chair John Chester. Shawn and Vanessa Duren were presented their brand new John Deere Gator for winning the Excellence in Ag Contest earlier in the fall.

The Polk County FFA Chapter once again topped 32 teams in Tennessee Tech’s Annual Agricience Quiz Bowl Competition. Munford FFA finished second, followed by the team from Stone Memorial, and the Cookeville FFA Chapter. The Polk County Team was coached by FFA Advisor, Jamie Haynes, and his team was made up of Rosa Haynes, Burgundy Payne, Haley Merrell, and Tyler Riden.

The top five YF&R counties were announced and were from first to fifth place: Weakley, Lincoln, Dyer, Overton, and Maury counties.

A new State YF&R Committee was announced. Jamie Weaver will serve as the new 2011 state chair-man and Brandon Whitt, will serve as the vice chairman. The secretary will be Rose Mary Heaton, and the treasurer is Travis Tilley. Christy Brown will serve as the reporter, and other district representatives include Sara LaFever, Jimmy McAlister, Melody Rose, Doug Singletary and Joseph Smith.

On behalf of the new 2011 YF&R State Committee we hope to see many young farmers from across the state at the Tennessee Young Leaders Conference in Pigeon Forge, on Feb. 25-26. We are very excited to offer the opportu-nity to attend the Dixie Stampede this year as well as hear from several wonderful speakers, and network with agriculturalist from across the state. We wish everyone a very blessed start to the new year. t

Yf&r reportChristy Rogers Brown

2010 YF&R Reporter

2011 YF&R State Chairman Jamie Weaver from Coffee County addresses YF&R crowd.

Ben Moore sits atop his prize Massey Ferguson for winning the Discussion Meet.

Shawn and Vanessa Duren try out their new Gator and Stihl chainsaw as state Excellence in Agriculture winners.

Jane May awards Mary Margaret Chester as the 2010 Outstanding Young Woman.

Polk County FFA Chapter wins Tennessee Tech’s Annual Agriscience Quiz Bowl Competition.

8 Tennessee Farm Bureau News - January 2011 www.tnfarmbureau.org

2010 tfBf convention highlights

tfBf ended the year with 656,268 members.our 69th year of consecutive growth!

TFBF President Upchurch addresses voting delegates.

Gov. Phil Bredesen makes final address to Farm Bureau as governor.

Pettus Read presents Memorial Service message.

The Readyville Four sings inspirational hymns during this year’s Memorial Service.

2010 Outstanding secretary award winners: Front row from left - Joyce Monroe, McNairy County; Linda Kennon, Benton County. Back row - Debbie Briggs, Giles County; Judy Bean, Warren County; Loretta Rummel, Polk County; Cynthia Williams, Claiborne County.

Most Improved award: Joyce McBride, Henderson County; Jennifer Hancock, Stewart

Top seven Counties: From left - Mary Lou Woodlee, Van Buren County; Carolyn Powers, Fayette County; Judy Garrett, Overton County; Wynona Clark, Marshall County; Paula Carr, Robertson County; Virginia Breeding, Hamblen County; and Marilyn Harper, Montgomery County.

www.tnfarmbureau.org January 2011 - Tennessee Farm Bureau News 9

wrapping up a successful 2010

looking forward to 2011.

Agriculture is Life

Checking out this year’s tradeshow during Market Square.

Lincoln County YF&R member Josh Ogle sings during the Memorial Service.

TFBF President Lacy Upchurch makes special presentation to out-going Commissioner of Agriculture Terry Oliver, recognizing him for his service to Tennessee agriculture.

Dr. Joe DiPietro, newly selected UT president, was also recognized for his service to agriculture during his time as chancellor of UT Institute of Agriculture.

Making music during registration at this year’s opening of the convention.

Moore County voting delegate studies resolutions adopted during this year’s Business Session.

New to this year’s convention was the Internet Cafe giving delegates an opportunity to check out the new Tennessee Farm Bureau website at www.tnfarmbureau.org

Country music entertainer John Conlee put on an excellent performance for this year’s banquet attendees.

10 Tennessee Farm Bureau News - January 2011 www.tnfarmbureau.org

Five receive Distinguished service awardA Tennessee tradition like no other, the Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation is now in its 89th year of service to mem-bers. From its beginning, volunteer leaders across the state have stepped up to guide and direct the organiza-tion through its storied history. During the annual convention five more out-standing individuals, one from each district, received the Distinguished Service Award for their commitment and dedication to improving agricul-ture and rural life in Tennessee.

amY Kidd - tipton countYMrs. Amy Kidd was the fourth child

of eleven children born to Russell and Blanche Maxwell. She was one of six sisters and five brothers who grew up on the farm. Mrs. Kidd can remember picking cotton as early as four years old and the family raised cotton and corn for their cash crops and they had beef and dairy cattle, hogs and chickens for their meat and always had a big gar-den. She attended elementary school at Oak Grove and Burlison and completed the eighth grade at Garland. And while she did not attend high school, she has completed some college courses.

It was a couple of years out of school when she started dating Eugene Kidd, a young farm boy down the road. They had known each other from church and decided to tie the knot on January 5, 1951.

Soon after they were married, Mr. Kidd was drafted into the U.S. Marine Corp and was stationed in California. Mrs. Kidd joined her husband there for 18 months and that’s where the first of their three children were born. Today they enjoy time with their 7 grand-children. In 1954, they moved back to Tipton County to begin farming again.

Besides raising a family and work-ing long hours with her husband on the farm, Mrs. Kidd has also been active in the community, especially with the American Heart Association and the Carl Perkins Child Abuse Center. Her church has always been an important part of her life. For many years she’s been a dedicated leader at the Walnut Grove Cumberland Presbyterian Church, serv-ing in many leadership roles including Sunday school teacher, choir member, Bible school and today she’s still working with the children’s program.

For nearly thirty years she and her husband have been active leaders in Farm Bureau. They’ve both served on the Tipton County Board of Directors since 1984. Mr. Kidd served as president for six years and Mrs. Kidd has continued to be a strong leader with the Women’s Committee, serving as vice chairman and chairman for many years.

donald curtis - sumner countYMr. Donald Curtis was born on

August 15, 1926 near Hendersonville. He was the fourth of 11 children born to Martin and Earline Dorris Curtis. His father was the county judge and also had a farm that Mr. Curtis vividly remembers working on as a young boy.

Mr. Curtis attended elementary

school in Hendersonville and then was one of the first classes to graduate from the newly built Hendersonville High School in 1944. He continued working on his father’s farm and also purchased an adjoining dairy farm, but in 1957, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers was completing construction of Old Hickory Dam and much of the Curtis’ produc-tive bottom land went under water. By 1962 he moved his farming operation, including the dairy, to Portland.

It was in 1950 when he met his wife while she was working at the Sumner County Farm Bureau office. She was the former Beatrice Deasy. The Curtis’ were married on June 5, 1950 and had three sons. Today they have six grand-children and four great grandchildren.

Mr. Curtis milked his last cow in 1966 but continued raising replace-ment heifers and beef cattle and he always raised 6-8 acres of tobacco. For the past several years he was in partner-ship with his son and daughter-in-law in the nursery business.

He’s always been active in the com-munity, serving in the Lions Club for many years and for 30 years as presi-dent of the Sumner County Fair Board,

retiring just a couple of years ago. Since moving to Portland Mr. Curtis

has served in many leadership positions with the Portland Church of Christ and currently he’s serving on the Benevolent Committee. For the past 60 years, they’ve been active members of the Sumner County Farm Bureau. He’s been a member of the board of directors for nearly 50 years serving as vice-president and as president from 1998 until 2008. His service to Farm Bureau began as he helped to set up the county’s Young Farmers and Homemakers.

Jim pope - loudon countYMr. James Andrew Pope was the

youngest of four children born to A.H. and Virgie Mae Pope. The family farm in the Sequatchie Valley dates back to the 1830s. Mr. Pope attended grade school at Sunnyside Elementary and in the eighth grade moved to Bledsoe County High School and graduated in 1953. He then went on to graduate from Tennessee Tech University with a degree in animal husbandry in 1957. He then was hired as a 4-H Extension agent in Loudon County. After six years, he took a job with Production Credit Association,

retiring in 1990 after 26 years. It was back in Bledsoe County

when he began dating the former JoAnn Reel. They had grown up in church together and dated all the way through school. The Popes married on December 28, 1957. They settled in Loudon County and raised their two sons on the farm. Their oldest son passed away in 2008 and today they’re enjoying their four grandchildren.

Mr. Pope has always been an active leader in the community, serving on the Loudon County Planning Commission, the Lions Club and the Loudon County and state livestock associations for 52 years. He’s been a Volunteer 4-H Leader for 43 years and served one year as state president. He was named Shepherd of the Year twice by the Tennessee Sheep Producers Association. And since he can remember, church has been a cor-nerstone in his life. Today the Popes are active leaders at the Loudon Church of Christ where he is a deacon and secre-tary and treasurer.

Along with his family and church, Mr. Pope has also been a dedicated leader in Farm Bureau. He’s been a member of Loudon County’s Board of

Directors for many years and now serv-ing in his 17 year as president. His roots in the organization run deep with his family back in Bledsoe County begin-ning with his father who was a charter member and served as president for twenty years. His brother, Hollis, served as president for 22 years.

roBert shanKs - putnam countYMr. Robert Shanks was the middle

child of five born September 3, 1930 to Walter Robinson and Eula Warren Shanks. Besides the farm, his father ran an old fashioned country store in Buffalo Valley. And Robert remembers well the chores he had but also the carefree life-style that went along with the times.

Mr. Shanks attended a one room school near the farm for his first eight years and then went to Baxter Seminary School and graduated in 1948. Soon afterward he would volunteer and was enlisted into the Navy in January of 1949 and along with in-active duty he would serve until he was discharged in 1955. But it was a few years earlier when he met the love of his life, the former Doris Lea Gillen of White County and they married on March 20, 1952.

Mr. Shanks would work one year in Detroit before moving back to the farm for good in 1954 and Mrs. Shanks started teaching third grade at Baxter Elementary and retired 42 years later. They had two daughters who also became teachers and they have 3 grandchildren.

Mr. Shanks’ farm continued to grow where he raised hogs and cattle and several acres of tobacco.

He has remained an active leader in several community and state orga-nizations. He served as chairman for almost ten years on the ASCS commit-tee. He’s been active on the Putnam County Livestock Association for over 50 years, serving as chairman for many years on the feeder calf and feed pig sales. He served on the county’s Election Commission for 32 years. In 1958, they joined the Baxter Church of Christ where he continues today as an active leader and elder.

Mr. Robert Shanks has devoted much of his life to helping further the Farm Bureau movement. He’s served on numerous committees over the years both at the local and state levels and he’s served on the Putnam County Board of Directors for over 40 years.

Blanche Bernard - greene countYMrs. Blanche Bernard was one of

two girls born to Bryan and Cora Dixon. She was born on June 6, 1925. Her par-ents were farmers near the Baileyton Community, not far from where she lives today. The family raised cattle, hogs and chickens, had a few dairy cows and also raised tobacco. Young Blanche remem-bers picking and selling blackberries and shelling walnuts for sale during the tough times of the 1930s.

Mrs. Bernard attended grade school at Union Temple Elementary and then graduated from Baileyton High School in 1941. She would work for a while at Eastman and then for several years at Berry and Hash feed store in Greeneville. But it was soon after graduation that she began dating her future husband, Mr. Kyle Bernard, who lived just down the road. The Bernards were married on November 28 1946. They had two children and today there are five grandchildren, two great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.

She has been active in the com-munity, volunteering at the Roby Adult Center and for many years she’s contin-ued to serve her church. The Baileyton United Methodist where she has been Sunday school teacher, held various offices in the Methodist Women’s Committee and for many years has been the pianist and organist.

Mrs. Bernard has also been an active leader in Farm Bureau. Prior to her husband’s death in 1982, he served for many years on the board of directors and Mrs. Bernard has worked hard on the Women’s Committee helping with Farm-City Days and Food Checkout. She’s been active for nearly 40 years, and has served as Women’s chairman since 1995. t

www.tnfarmbureau.org January 2011 - Tennessee Farm Bureau News 11

UT Bull Evaluation Center produces bigger, better bullsWhen the University of Tennessee Senior Bull Test Sale rolls around January 20, 2011, potential buyers can be sure they’ll find a superior selec-tion of more than 50 purebred Angus bulls from some of the top breeding programs in the region. What they may also notice is that the weight gain-ing ability of this class of bulls is one of the best in the history of the Bull Evaluation Center.

“When the center opened in 1980, the bulls grew at an average daily gain of 3.37 pounds per day, which was very respectable at the time,” says Dr. David Kirkpatrick, UT Animal Science professor. “The average daily gain for this year’s class was 4.80, which comes out to a 42 percent increase. This indicates a significant genetic improvement was realized by pure-bred breeders.”

The high-gaining honors for the 2011 class of senior bulls went to the consignment of Rainbow Angus in Piney Flats, Tenn. This TC Total 410 sired bull finished the test at a rate of 5.83 pounds per day and had an adjusted 365-day weight of 1353 pounds with a score of 6.7. Second place honors went to the consignment of Lynn Angus from Kingston Springs, Tenn., which finished the test at an average daily gain of 5.81 pounds per day and an adjusted 365-day weight of

1376 pounds.According to Kirkpatrick, the

UT Bull Evaluation Center not only provides a standard, post-weaning gain test that will furnish records for breeding programs, but it also serves producers as a place to see superior genetics firsthand, like at the Senior Bull Test Sale on January 20. To be eligible to enter the Senior Bull Test Sale, bulls must complete an 84-day test that monitors weight gain per-formance, as well as frame size and reproductive soundness. Senior bulls must also meet qualifications in aver-age daily gain and yearling weight. This year 58 bulls passed the strict requirements.

The sale begins at 12:00 p.m. at the Middle Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center in Spring Hill. The center is located on Highway 31 between Spring Hill and Columbia. Tele-video sites where bulls can be purchased over the telephone during the live auction will be available at the 4-H Camp in Greeneville and the Knoxville Livestock Center in Mascot.

To learn more about this year’s class of senior bulls you can view com-plete test reports at animalscience.ag.utk.edu/Beef/BullTestingProgram.html. A video copy of these reports will also be available online after Jan. 1, 2011. t

UT AgResearch sets 2011 Field Day schedule

University of Tennessee AgResearch will continue outreach efforts in 2011 with a long list of field days and other special events that mirror the diverse agricultural land-scape of Tennessee. From beef cattle, row crops and forestry to gardening, turf management and organic crop production, UT AgResearch field days cover topics important to our state’s farmers, landowners, and lawn and gardening enthusiasts alike.

Field days are typically devoted to a specific aspect of agricultural produc-tion and are held at the 10 AgResearch and Education Centers (RECs) scat-tered across the state. At these events, UT scientists along with experts from other universities and the private sec-tor present workshops on the featured topics. In addition to the educational presentations, field day visitors can also see agricultural studies first hand, tour research facilities and, at most events, enjoy an industry trade show.

The upcoming year will feature 11 field days and four special events:

• organic crops field tour

April 28, 7:30 a.m., East TN REC-Organic Unit, Knoxville

• Beef & forage field day June 9, 7:00 a.m., East TN REC-Blount Unit, Knoxville

• fruits of the Backyard June 14, 8:30 a.m., Middle TN REC,

Spring Hill• tobacco, Beef & more

June 23, 7:30 a.m., Highland Rim REC, Springfield

• summer celebration July 14, 10:00 a.m. West TN REC, Jackson

• steak & potatoes August 2, 8:00 a.m. Plateau REC, Crossville

• cotton tour Sept. 7, 8:00 a.m., West TN REC, Jackson

• turfgrass Sept. 15, 7:30 a.m., East TN REC-Plant Science Unit, Knoxville

• forest resources Sept. 27, 8:00 a.m., FRREC, Oak Ridge

• pumpkin field day Sept. 29, 1:00 p.m., West TN REC, Jackson

• northeast tennessee Beef expo October 13, 7:30 a.m., REC at Greeneville

• Blooms days May 7 & 8 (9:00 a.m. & 10:00 a.m., respectively) UT Gardens, Knoxville

• fall gardeners’ festival August 30, 10:00 a.m., Plateau REC, Crossville

• heritage festival October 8, 9:00 a.m., REC at Ames Plantation, Grand Junction

• fall folklore Jamboree October 15, 9:00 a.m., REC at Milan

All field days and special events

are open to the public and best of all, most are free.

More detailed information about each event will be available closer to the scheduled time. Check the events and activities list at agriculture.tennes-see.edu to learn more. t

Bowling green hosts 2011 mid-south stocker conferenceThe sixth annual Mid-South Stocker Conference is set for Feb. 21 and 22 at the Holiday Inn University Plaza and Sloan Convention Center in Bowling Green, Ky., and is sponsored by the Cooperative Extension Services of the Universities of Kentucky and Tennessee and each state’s Cattlemen’s Association, in partnership with Bayer Animal Health and BEEF magazine.

The conference begins at 1:00 p.m. Central with a new feature on Monday, Feb. 21 - a virtual tour of area cattle operations. The virtual tour will provide attendees an opportunity to learn about how local producers are being innovative to capture additional returns while be in a comfortable envi-ronment in the middle of February! A meat cutting demonstration show-casing new beef cuts, which add additional value to cattle, will be per-formed in the afternoon by Dr. Gregg Rentfrow. The day concludes with a reception and trade show at the lodge convention center.

The program continues Tues., Feb. 22, at 7 a.m. The formal program gets underway at 9 a.m. covering stocker cattle health, managing forages for

stocker cattle, and strategies to meet environmental regulations including a discussion on properly composting livestock mortalities. The afternoon program includes an update and outlook of the beef cattle industry by Cattle-Fax and wrapping up the con-ference will be a research update by UT and UK.

Rooms at the Holiday Inn University Plaza are available at the special rate of $89.99 per night. The pre-registration fee for the confer-ence which includes the virtual tour, meat cutting demo, reception, meals, proceedings and access to the trade show, is $95 per person or $150 per couple. You can find additional confer-ence information and register online at www.midsouthstocker.org or con-tact John Bartee, with UT Extension’s Montgomery County office at 931-648-5725, jbartee1@utk.edu. Registration after Feb. 14 and on-site at the confer-ence will be $125.

If you have any questions about the conference, please call Jim Neel, 865-974-7294; Roy Burris, 270-365-7541, ext. 208 or Jeff Lehmkuhler, 859-257-2853. t

12 Tennessee Farm Bureau News - January 2011 www.tnfarmbureau.org

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Farm Bureau Insurance has affordable life insurance plans to make sure your farm will live on after you.

Talk to your Farm Bureau Insurance agent today.

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Get a free life insurance quote any time at fbitn.com

Tennessee Turns To Us sm

TPPa annual meeting set for JanuaryAll Tennessee pork producers who pay into the Pork Checkoff are stakehold-ers in the Tennessee Pork Producers Association and are encouraged to attend the TPPA Annual Meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2011 beginning at 2:00 p.m. at the Doubletree Hotel in Murfreesboro, Tenn.

Annual meeting attendees will vote on plans for the upcoming year. The agenda will include review of the 2010 TPPA Pork Checkoff financial statement and programs, discussion on Pork Checkoff activities for 2011 and election of the TPPA Executive Committee. The Executive Committee will then elect officers during the meeting. If you are a pork producer and interested in serving as a candi-date for the Executive Committee, please contact the TPPA office (615-274-6533). Make plans to attend and be a part of the Association in 2011.

On Tuesday the 18th at 4:00 p.m., Ernie Barnes of the National Pork Board will provide an update of national pork programs for 2011. And, members of the Farm Animal Care Coalition of Tennessee will be on hand to visit about this newly chartered organization and how individuals can be a part of this group.

The Taste of Elegance Chefs’ Competition also takes place on Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2011. Chefs present new pork entrées to a panel of judges in this activity. The winner is invited to participate in the National Taste of Elegance experience which includes a trip to the Napa Valley Culinary Institute in California. This pork pro-motion highlights new ways for chefs to include pork cuts on the menus of America’s restaurants. The reception for invited guests begins at 5:30 p.m.

Activities for youth in the market hog project will take place on Tuesday and Wednesday, Jan. 18-19, 2011 as a part of the annual TPPA activities. The State Junior Market Hog Show takes place Wednesday, Jan. 20 at the Tennessee Livestock Center on the campus of Middle Tennessee State University. Youth participating in the hog show are invited to a pool/pizza party at the Doubletree Hotel on Tuesday, Jan. 18, at 5:30 p.m.

The pork industry trade show will take place on Wednesday, Jan. 19 at 8:00 a.m. All are invited to come and watch the Junior Market Hog Show and visit with those involved in Tennessee’s pork industry – 188 youth from across the state are scheduled to show during the day.

For any questions on the above activities, please contact the TPPA office at 615-274-6533. t

tnfarmbureau.org

Alliance groups provides unprecedented opportunityThe American Farm Bureau Federation recently called the formation of the U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance an “unprecedented initiative and new opportunity” for agricultural produc-ers to engage with key audiences.

“This is a historic joining together of farm organizations,” said AFBF President Bob Stallman. “We are com-mitted to developing a well-funded, long-term, coordinated campaign to increase consumer trust in agricultural producers and the food system.”

Stallman said the group was formed because of the “deeply-felt need among all the organizations to coordinate and amplify messages about the benefits of our food system in the face of numerous attacks.”

“There is a growing and immedi-ate need to build consumer trust and gain the recognition among stake-holders that food producers must have the freedom to operate in an economically sustainable and respon-sible manner,” Stallman emphasized.

Joining Stallman on the alliance board are Philip Bradshaw, chairman of the United Soybean Board; Austin Brown of the Beef Checkoff; Scott George of the Federation of State Beef Councils; Forrest Roberts, chief execu-tive officer of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association; Bart Scott, presi-dent of the National Corn Growers Association; Dale Norton, of the National Pork Board; Dallas Hockman, of the National Pork Producers

Council; Gene Gregory, president of United Egg Producers; and John Starkey, president of the U.S. Poultry and Egg Association.

The other organizations that joined the alliance include the American Egg Board; American National CattleWomen; American Sheep Industry Association; American Soybean Association; American Sugar Alliance; National Association of Wheat Growers; National Cotton Council; National Milk Producers Association; Southern Peanut Farmers Federation ; United Fresh Produce Association; USA Rice Federation; U.S. Grains Council; U.S. Soybean Federation; and Western Growers Association. t

animalscattleFOR SALE: Longhorn bull calves - purebred, not registered, out of Wichita Wildlife Refuge stock. Good calves for first calf heifers. Assorted colors. One black. Chris Rule, Dandridge. 865-607-2468

angus (Black)Angus bulls - 14 months, A.I. sired, excellent EPDS, weaning, yearling weights; bred Angus heifers, cows. Win Vue 423-235-2525Angus bulls for sale - eight months to 24 months. 931-668-3131, cell 931-808-0474FOR SALE: Registered Black Angus Bulls - 13 months. 865-740-7303FOR SALE: Angus bulls - 20 months old and ready for service. Low birth weights and milk in their genetics. Good selection to choose from. Norman Amonett, 99 Amonett Lane, Byrdstown, TN 38549. 931-864-6481FOR SALE: Registered Black Angus bulls and heifers, excellent bloodlines. Rock Haven Angus, Lewisburg, TN. Day Time 931-703-9894; 931-364-3670 after 6PM

FOR SALE: Registered Black Angus bulls, open heifers - A.I. sires Net Worth, TC Total, Mytty In Focus, Pendleton, Image Maker & others, EPDs available. 931-729-3864Registered Angus bulls - Centerville, TN Ship’s Bend Angus Farms 931-729-0017 Registered Black Angus bulls, Heifers, Cows - easy calving, high milk. Ronnie Taylor, Hohenwald TN, 931-628-6946

angus (red)Bulls & heifers - weaned or breeding age, poplar AI sires. Located near Watts Bar Lake, Hwy. 58. Mercer Farm, Ten Mile, TN. 423-334-3649 or 334-5433Registered Red Angus- Service Age Bulls and bred Heifers available. Low birth weight, gentle, lots of milk. Shady Bottom Ranch, Crossville, TN 931-200-0036

BeefmasterPolled Bulls/heifers. I guaranteed for 30 years: If after the sale of his first calf crop you are not satisfied, return any bull purchased from us for full refund. HUDSON BEEFMASTER, 3140 Buffalo Road, Lawrenceburg, TN 38464. 931-829-2637; 931-629-9246 cell

Good, gentle BBU bulls & heifers for sale. Visitors welcome. James & Carolyn Vaughn, 9512 Bates Trail, Lyles, TN 37098. 931-670-4605

BrangusFOR SALE: Open $750, bred $1000. Registration papers available. 423-332-3698

charolaisCharolais Bulls and. Woodbury, 615-563-8996

chiangusChiangus bulls and heifers. 865-856-3947

gelbvieh60 Gelbvieh & Balancer bulls (18 months old) sell Feb. 5th in conjunction with Tennessee Livestock Producers bred heifer sale in Columbia TN. For more information, contact David Bates 931-209-5053; Scott Sorrells 931-993-9680 or Seedstock Plus toll free 1-877-486-1160 to request a catalog.FOR SALE: Gelbvieh & Balancer Bulls, Heifers - black, polled, excellent bloodlines, gentle disposition, TAEP qualified. 931-433-6132; cell 931-625-7219FOR SALE: two red Gelbvieh bulls - born Mar. 2010, excellent bloodlines. 615-446-5351; 931-623-0023

hereford (polled)FOR SALE: Registered Polled Hereford bulls and heifers. Good selection. Practical cattle for prac-tical cattlemen. Earl Moore, 3594 Craig Bridge Road, Williamsport, TN 38487. 931-583-2353Registered Polled Hereford bulls - herd certified and accredited, priced reasonably. Stan Webster, Chestnut Mound, 615-897-2333Registered Polled Hereford bulls. Quality Sires, great EDP’s, Herd improving genetics. KBee Herefords, Shelbyville, TN 931-684-6582; kbart-ley@bellsouth.net

limousinFOR SALE: Registered Limousin and Lim-Flex bulls and heifers, black and homozygous black. Calls and visits welcome. Prichard Limousin Farm, Brush Creek, TN, 615-683-8310; CEPB@DTCcom.net; www.prichardlimousinfarm.comFOR SALE: Limousin bulls and heifers - black, red, polled and homozygous black. Riverside Valley Farm, Hohenwald, TN, 931-796-1638; 931-628-6730Limousin Bulls: Registered, black, polled pure-breds and commercial. Proven pedigrees, balanced EPD’s. Dreamtime Limousin Farm Mosheim, TN 423-422-6099; bullroarer1@peo-plepc.com

santa gertrudisDOUBLE-POLLED gentle Santa Gertrudis, regis-tered bulls and heifers. kelsoclough@aol.com 256-566-7878Santa Gertrudis - Myers Farms - Poll bulls & heif-ers for sale. 144 Sub-Station Road, Unionville, TN 37180. 931-294-5653

shorthornPolled, Asterisk free Shorthorn or Durham red bulls - service age. 423-337-7447Registered Shorthorn bulls and heifers for sale - top international blood lines, EPDS available. Charles Curtis, Rickman, TN. Home 931-498-2847; office 931-388-7872, ext. 2215

horsesFOR SALE: 102 horses - all sizes, ages, colors. Responsible owners only needed. $25 to $300. 615-654-2180

goats & sheep

HORSE SALES

AUCTION MARKET SERVICES

Darrell Ailshie, General ManagerP.O. Box 313 • Columbia, TN 38402 • 931-388-7872

tennesseelivestockproducers.com

Management provided for Lower Middle Tennessee Cattle Assoc.

Columbia - Every 2nd & 4th FridayJan. 14, 28; Feb. 11, 25mar. 11, 25; april 8, 22

SHEEP & GOAT SALESGraded Sales every Tuesday in Fayetteville

Weaned Sale, Columbia - 1st & 3rd ThursdaysFayetteville Cow Sale - Feb. 19, Mar. 19

Columbia Cow Sale - Feb. 5

SEE wEbSitE For currEnt liSt

SPECIAL SALES

Tennessee Livestock ProducersHwy. 64E, FayettevilleSale Every Tuesdaybobby Eslick, manager931-433-5256/931-433-4962

VIDEO CATTLE SALES

Consignment information contact: Darrell ailshie 931-388-7872Frank Poling 931-212-9962

2011 Sale Dates - 9 AM CentralJan. 21; mar. 4; apr. 1; may 6; June 3aug. 5; Sept. 2; oct. 7; Nov. 4; Dec. 2

H.m. Eslick 931-433-5256Frank Poling 931-212-9962bobby Eslick 931-433-5256David alexander 615-300-3012

ORDER BUyING PRODUCER GENETICSAlliance Development, Herd Sire Purchasing,

Cattle Breeding & Marketing Consultation

Richard brown 931-239-9785John Woolfolk 931-388-7872

Somerville Livestock MarketHwy. 59, SomervilleSale Every TuesdayDon Terry, manager901-465-9679/731-695-0353

Columbia Livestock Center1231 industrial Park Rd.Cattle Sale Every Thurs.Sheep/Goat 2nd & 4th. Fri.Frank Poling, manager931-223-8323/931-212-9962

SomERvillEFor 2011 - As Announced

Name ________________________________________________________________

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there are two tYpes of classified ads:

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price, phone number, e-mail address and website count as one word each. ads not accompanied BY paYment will Be returned to sender.

ads received in our office after deadline will Be held for next issue.

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please print the copy for your ad in the spaces provided. clip this form and mail with correct payment to:

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14 Tennessee Farm Bureau News - May 2010 www.tnfarmbureau.org14www.tnfarmbureau.org January 2011 - Tennessee Farm Bureau News 13

Classified Ads

14 Tennessee Farm Bureau News - January 2011 www.tnfarmbureau.org

Classified AdsFor Sale Purebred Kiko goats, bucks and does available. 931-987-2826 Culleoka, TN Gilliam Boer Goat Farms. Quality fullblood regis-tered bloodlines including CODI/PCI. Bucks and does for sale. Walland TN, 865-982-2129. www.gilliamboergoats.comGOAT/SHEEP SALE: 2nd & 4th Friday each month. Tennessee Livestock Producers, Columbia, TN. 931-388-7872 x 2235

hogsFOR SALE: Purebred Duroc, Yorkshire and Landrace boars and gilts. Bart Jones, Lafayette, TN, 615-666-3098

Birds

exotic & other BirdsBlack & mute Swans, Oriental Pheasants. Woodbury 615-563-8996

dogsBarger Stock Feist pups available - from proven crosses of squirrel dogs, NKC registered, $300 each. Bill Barger 865-882-5425; wwwbargerdogs.com

catsPersian kittens - exotic shorthair, mulit colors, CFA registered, health guaranteed. Kitten pets $350; show breeder $1200 up. Leave message 423-790-4108

Border Collies - registered, trained and started dogs. Individual training available. Imported blood lines. Call for prices. Call Mike 615-325-0495. View at stockdogexchange.com. FOR SALE: Registered Border Collie pups - excel-lent stock dogs and pets. $250.00 Dan Vickers, 931-939-2426; 931-607-2426Ladybug Kennel Big Sandy TN. Border Collie and Dachshund puppies Registered W&S, $200 each. 731-593-3807. For pictures e-mail: bettyewatkins@bellsouth.net

exotic animalsALPACAS 20 years in business - breeding stock and pet quality; Some bargains available now. FROSTGLEN 865-458-5194, leave message; bill@frostglen.com

plantsgrassesFor Sale Sericea Lespedeza Seed. 931-934-2745

haY & strawFor Sale: Round bale hay - 5x5 1/2, weighing approx. 1700 lbs., orchard-grass mixture, $30 bale, 10 plus $25 bale; rye-grass wheat mixture - same size, $18; square bale hay - orchard-grass mixture, clean, dry, tight bales, no mold, $3 bale; straw - clean, tight bales, $3.50 bale, 100 plus $3. Crossville area 931-863-4791FOR SALE: Vaughn’s Hybrid Bermuda Grass Hay. Horse quality, small squares or 4x5 round bales. Jerry Roach, Linden, TN. 931-593-2673Hay for sale - 4x5 rolls, $40; square bales, #3. Strawberry Plains 865-932-2269

Top Quality Horse and Alpaca Hay. Square bales, barn kept Bermuda, Tiffany Teff, mixed grass. Located in the Lebanon/Carthage/ Hartsville area. Contact Jim 615-390-2787; 615-374-4029Wheat Straw - clean, $3.00 a bale. 931-668-8227

vegetaBles & fruitsANTIQUE APPLE TREES - Summer, Rambo, Virginia Beauty. Yellow Transparent. Catalog $3.00. Write: Urban Homestead, 818-G Cumberland Street, Bristol, VA 24201. www.OldVaApples.com. 01-13FREE SWEET POTATO PLANT catalog for 2011. Shipping 26 years. Online ordering for 2011 or call with three major credit cards. 731-587-9477; tatorman@frontiernet.net; www.tatorman.com

Yard & gardenMorton’s Horticultural Products, Inc. Free Catalog - Greenhouses & Growers Supplies. Drip Tape, Irrigation Supplies. We Manufacture our Greenhouses. Online Catalog - www.morton-products.com 800-473-7753; mortonprod@blomand.net 01-07

forestrYPanther Creek Forestry: Forestry, Timber, Wildlife Managers. Receive top timber prices. Hunting leases available - Cumberland Plateau & Land Between the Lakes. 931-668-7280; benmyers@panthercreekforestry.net 01-17

equipmenttractors & implementsFord Tractor - 8N, 1951, new tires, runs good, $1795, OBO. 615-735-7231

16th Annual BoPat Farms “Bulls and More” sale

50 Performance Tested Yearling Angus Bulls40 Registered Angus Cows (most with calves)

12 Open Commercial Angus Heifers

Saturday, March 5, 201112:30 P.M. at the Farm

140 Milan Hwy. • Bradford, TN 38316For more information or a catalog call or e-mail larry Patterson

Cell: (731) 420-2697 • e-mail: bopat@tennesseetel.net

MF 4235 - w/cab, w/bush hog, QD loader bucket & spear, 2600 hours, 1 owner, $23,000. 423-332-3698Wanted: Farm tractor - Deutz, 50 HP or less. 615-505-3841Wanted: Old Super A Farmall Tractor or Equipment running or not. 731-783-3037

trucKs & trailersBig Valley 18’ gooseneck horse trailer - paneled, sleeping area, tack storage, very good condition, $4000 firm. 731-587-4046

other equipment0-0 Frick Sawmill - 54” Simon Saw blade, edger, Planter diesel engine. 865-740-7303FOR SALE: JD 7720 combine - 1983 model, 3600 hours, hydrostatic, dial-a-matic header control, heat & air, feed house reverse, straw chopper, several parts replaced, combined 500 acres Fall season, good condition, $12,000; 4 wheel drive unit, $1500; JD 444 corn head - 4 row wide, good condition, $1250; JD 444 corn head - 4 row wide, very good condition, $1750; JD 216 Flex-head - dial-a-matic head control, stainless steel bottom, fair condition, $1400; JD 216 Flex-head - dial-a-matic, stainless steel bottom, new rebuilt cutter bar, very good condition, $1900. Buy all for $18,000. 931-863-4791; 397-6790FOR SALE: John Deere 1700 Conservation no-till planter - 8 row wide, dry fertilizer, heavy duty, down pressure springs, insecticide boxes, Firmers, swing-around-end transports, excellent condi-tion, $4800. 931-863-4791; 379-6790Parting out - F-2 Gleaner combine & 855 New Holland baler, good air bags, good tires & hydrau-lic cylinders. 731-614-1033Used portable sawmills! Buy/Sell. Call Sawmill Exchange 800-459-2148; US & Canada; www.sawmillexchange.com 01-01

propertYreal estate14.71 acre horse farm with 42x74 horse barn for sale in East Tennessee, Greeneville. View listing online at www.mlw.easttennesseerealtyservices.com/289264.htl or call anytime at 423-639-6395 01-23Easttennesseefarmsforsale.com View online list-ings for farms, homes, mountain land in North East Tennessee. East Tennessee Realty Services, Greeneville TN 423-639-6395 01-22

vacation rentalsBeautiful Smoky Mountain log cabins - near Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge. Jacuzzi, hot-tubs, porches and rockers, on trout stream, stone fireplaces, cable TV, fully furnished, hiking, $85 nightly and up. www.moorecabins.com; 423-487-5615 01-11CABINS ON COSBY CREEK - Gatlinburg, Smokies area. Hot tub, Jacuzzi, fireplace, kitchen, porches, CATV. Comfy! Cozy! Clean! 423-487-2646; www.cosbycabins.com 01-08Cozy country cabin or rustic farm house - located in the Smoky Mountains, stone fireplaces, hot tubs, fully equipped kitchens. Rent from the owners, no fees. www.backintimerentals.com 865-740-6707 01-18Farm House - near Rock Island Park - furnished, daily-weekly rates. 931-668-4554; 931-235-8054; www.vrbo.com/89925 01-12GULF SHORES CONDO- 2BR, pool/beach access. Spring $600/week, Summer $800/week, Fall $500/week. 931-296-4626 01-19PIGEON FORGE cabins, chalets, cottages, units sleeping 1 to 36 people. Near Dollywood. Middle Creek Rentals, 1-800-362-1897; www.mcrr93.com 01-14

SMOKY MOUNTAIN vacation chalets and cabins in Pigeon Forge near Dollywood, spacious, fire-place, views, $75/$85 nightly. 1-800-382-4393; www.pantherknob.com 01-10

hunting leasesHunting Lease Wanted: 2 responsible hunters need to lease farmland or timberland in Middle Tennessee for deer and turkey hunting. 865-982-4522Responsible hunter would like to lease land for deer and turkey hunting. 423-479-4149; 423-715-8936

home improvementconstructionATTENTION MOBILE HOME OWNERS: Take a punch at inflation with our super insulated roof over system by Roof King. No more leaks, never roof coat again, save $$ on heating and cooling costs, maintenance free, 100% watertight guaran-teed. Call 1-800-276-0176, Roof King. 01-06

Businessinsurance stocKBuying TN Farmers Life and Assurance stock. 731-285-1424Wanted to buy TN Farmers Life and Assurance Stock. 931-381-3580

financial servicesCASH! Holding a mortgage on property you sold? Sell it for CASH! 615-898-1400 Murfreesboro; 1-800-862-2744 nationwide 01-05

help wantedEarn $60,000/yr part-time in the livestock or equipment appraisal business. Agricultural background required. Classroom or home study courses available. 800-488-7570 www.amagappraisers.com 01-04

miscellaneous2008 Braun Entervan (wheelchair) Chevy Uplander - silver, 35,000 miles, XM radio, On-Star, keyless entry, $29,900. 931-363-1610; 931-638-3681 cell25,000 mile oil and filter change: www.lubedeal-er.com/rust 01-20Agricultural Websites - let the agricultural special-ists build your farm website. Starting at $8.00 per month. www.bryangroup.net 865-230-8993 01-21BUYING old comics and old toy collections. 615-897-2573Chairs, Tables, Steeples, Baptistries. CISCO, 615-351-3120; nationalpublicseating.net;steeplesandbaptistries.com; elibraryshelving.com 01-16CURRENTLY FARMING WITH A DISABILITY? The Tennessee AgrAbility Project is a state-wide non-profit service that provides assistance to agricultural workers with disabilities. For further information, please call West TN 866-248-1747; East TN 423-452-0130; Middle TN 931-477-0133.LEAKING OIL??? Positively STOP any rubber oil seal leak in engines, transmissions, power steer-ing or hyd. System with Seal Lube Seal Expander. Guaranteed! Works in hours - lasts for years! An 8 oz. bottle treats up to 10qt. Of oil. $14.95 + $5.25 S&H. Call now... 800-434-9192; www.seallube.com. VISA/MC/Amx/Check. NEW TECH INTL., Box 26198, Fraser, MI 48026 01-09“LEARN CHORD PLAYING”. Amazing, new book. Piano, organ, keyboard, $12.50. Davidsons, 6727 HTT Metcalf, Shawnee Mission, KS 66204 01-03New Norwood SAWMILLS- LumberMate- Pro handles logs 34” diameter, mills boards 28” wide. Automated quick-cycle-sawing increases efficiency up to 40%! www.NorwoodSawmills.com/651 Free Information: 1-800-661-7746 Ext: 651 01-15“PLAY GOSPEL SONGS by ear!” Add chords. 10 easy lessons $12.95. “LEARN GOSPEL MUSIC”. Chording, runs, fills - $12.95. Both $24. Davidsons, 6727 HT Metcalf, Shawnee Mission, KS 66204 01-02

Storage and Road Trailers: For Sale or Rent. Delivery Available. 615-714-3894WANTED: I collect World War I and II military relics - American, German, Japanese. Helmets, met-als, knives, bayonets, guns, swords, daggers, etc. 423-842-6020WANTED: Old millstones, cash paid, will pick up. 423-727-6486WANTED: Old Tennessee license plates. Motorcycle (1915-1965); car, taxi, dealer, national guard, THP (1915-1956). Special plates: yellow on black, state shaped, name of city, county or event (no date) big bucks paid. 931-455-3368

Panama Canal Cruise & Tour. Vacation Packages $995-$1295. Call 1.800.CARAVAN. Visit Caravan.com.

com

Escorted Tours Since 1952

2.25w.1h4C8.21.10.Farmers.indd 1 10/12/10 3:46:54 PM

Join Other Farmers for the

“Best of Alaska”Agricultural Tour & Cruise

14 days from $2499*pp(Add $299 Tax and Port Charges)

DENALI NATIONAL PARK VIA TRAIN; 7-DAY INSIDE PASSAGECRUISE; ALASKA STATE FAIR; TOUR ACTUAL FARMS IN ALASKA!

Departs August 23, 2011Travel to the agricultural community of Palmer and visit a local farm and

Palmer Botanical Gardens. Enjoy a visit to the Great Alaska State Fair, whereyou view monster-sized vegetables. Board the Alaska Railroad for your sce-nic journey to Denali National Park and overnight. Then on to Anchorage andSeward before boarding the Holland America “Ryandam” for a seven-nightcruise on the inside passage and Glacier Bay, with stops in Haines, Juneauand Ketchikan. From Vancouver, transfer to Seattle for overnight and citytour.

Call for low-cost airfare prices. Space is very limited and will sell out fast!$100 deposits are due now to reserve your tour.

*Per person, dbl. occ., plus $299 taxes, services, gov’t fees, visitor’s tax. Based on limitedinside staterooms. Upgraded cabins are available. Airfare is extra. Space is limited, so calltoday! OPEN SUNDAYS. $100 deposits are due now to reserve your tour. For information,reservations, and itinerary, call YMT Vacations...

Providing affordable fun-filled travelsince 1967!

www.tnfarmbureau.org

14 Tennessee Farm Bureau News - May 2010 www.tnfarmbureau.org14www.tnfarmbureau.org January 2011 - Tennessee Farm Bureau News 15

Classified Ads

MUSCADINESGrow Half-dollar size

Muscadines and BlackberriesFree Color Catalog. We offer over 200 varietiesof Fruit & Nut Trees, plus Berry & Vine plants.

(800) 733-0324Ison’s Nursery & Vineyard (since 1934)

P.O. Box 190, Brooks, GA 30205.www.isons.com Grower Direct

official notice of

annual meetings tennessee farmers

insurance companies

Tennessee Farmers Mutual Insurance Company, Tennessee Farmers Life Insurance Company and Tennessee Farmers Assurance Company will hold their annual meetings on Friday, March 25, 2011, at the Franklin Marriott Cool Springs in Franklin, Tennessee, beginning at 10:00 a.m. (Central Time)

The meetings are for policyhold-ers of Tennessee Farmers Mutual Insurance Company and stock-holders of Tennessee Farmers Life Insurance Company and Tennessee Farmers Assurance Company.

Farm Bureau TAX SERVICE

Tennessee

®

16 Tennessee Farm Bureau News - January 2011 www.tnfarmbureau.org