Tennessee Department of Agriculture

05/29/2026

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) is pleased to celebrate the completion of Phase II of the Lytle Creek Restoration Project, which was recognized this month in partnership with the Tennessee Environmental Council (TEC).

With support from an EPA Section 319 Nonpoint Source Pollution Grant, TEC and dedicated volunteers have spent nearly a decade working to restore Lytle Creek in Rutherford County. The project helps stabilize streambanks, improve water quality by reducing runoff from nearby developments and slow erosion along the creek.

Section 319 grants, administered through TDA, are available to soil and water conservation districts, nonprofit organizations, local governments and universities.

Applications are accepted annually, with proposals due by December 1. To learn more, visit www.tn.gov/agriculture/farms/conservation.

05/29/2026

We’re starting the celebration early! 🥛🐄

Tennessee kicked off with a special celebration recognizing the hardworking dairy farmers, families, students and industry partners who help keep Tennessee agriculture strong.

From farm to fridge, dairy plays an important role in our communities, our economy and our everyday lives.

Thank you to The Dairy Alliance for partnering with us to celebrate Tennessee’s dairy industry and the people behind every glass of milk, scoop of ice cream and slice of cheese.

Here’s to a great June Dairy Month ahead! 💙

05/28/2026

I enjoyed visiting with Randy Stubblefield at United Farmers Co-op in Maury County this week to see firsthand how thier new feed mill will serve farmers in the region.

Through our FARM and AgTrack grant programs, the Tennessee Department of Agriculture is proud to support projects that strengthen local infrastructure, expand access to important resources and help producers do what they do best: feed and fuel our communities.

I’m proud to see this project taking shape and even prouder from the farmers it will serve.

United Farm & Home Co-op

05/28/2026

NASHVILLE — Two Tennessee men are behind bars following a joint investigation by the Tennessee Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Crime Unit (ACU) and the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office into the theft of more than $114,000 worth of cattle.

A Franklin County Grand Jury indicted Carl Dwayne Lynn of Franklin County and Nicholas Carl King of Grundy County on charges of theft of property valued between $60,000 and $250,000 and criminal conspiracy. The investigation found that 94 cattle were sold over a period spanning from March 2022 through November 2025 without the owner’s permission.

According to the victim, Lynn had worked for his family for more than 20 years and was entrusted with managing portions of the cattle operation.
RELEASE IN COMMENTS

05/28/2026

Cotton is more than a crop in Tennessee. It is farm income, rural jobs and a key part of our state’s agricultural economy.

Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced The Great American Cotton Plan, a new effort to strengthen domestic cotton consumption, expand market opportunities, support U.S. textile manufacturing, improve trade and protect growers from emerging risks.

Here in Tennessee, cotton plays an important role in our agricultural economy. In 2025, Tennessee harvested 190,000 acres of cotton, with a production value of more than $96 million. Tennessee also played a major role in cotton exports, with more than $703 million in cotton exported from the state last year.

How can you help? Choose plants, not plastic. Make cotton part of your everyday choices: clothing and towels, to bedding and everyday household goods. Choosing natural fiber supports farmers and America’s cotton industry.

We look forward to working with USDA and industry partners to highlight the value cotton brings to our state, our producers and American consumers.

Learn more from USDA: https://www.usda.gov/about-usda/news/press-releases/2026/05/28/usda-launches-great-american-cotton-plan-revitalize-cotton-farm-economy

The Great American Cotton Plan puts farmers first. 🚜🇺🇸

Through the Working Families Tax Cuts Act and targeted policy wins, the Trump Administration is reviving the U.S. cotton sector, supporting rural communities and lowering costs on everyday essentials.

Here’s how we're doing it ➡️ https://www.usda.gov/about-usda/news/press-releases/2026/05/28/usda-launches-great-american-cotton-plan-revitalize-cotton-farm-economy

05/28/2026

Yesterday, we celebrated United Farmers Co-op Feed Mill in Maury County as one of our FARM and AgTrack grant recipients. The Tennessee Department of Agriculture is committed to supporting agricultural operations to further grow and support the industry.

This celebration was joined by State Representative Scott Cepicky, State Senator Joey Hensley, Mt. Pleasant Mayor Bill White as well as Commissioner Andy Holt, Deputy Commissioner Ryan King and Ag Input staff.

United Farm & Home Co-op

05/28/2026

What a week! 🌲 Last week, 65 technicians and forestry aide 2s from the Tennessee Department of Agriculture Division of Forestry (TDF) headed to Montgomery Bell State Park for the 2026 Technicians Academy.

They spent the week sharpening forest management skills, tackling team building challenges and hearing from TDF leadership on everything from water quality and communications to forest health and wildland fire.

Commissioner of Agriculture Andy Holt even stopped by to say hello — and stuck around to join in on the forest management exercises!

05/27/2026

May is Mental Health Month. We recognize the stress carried by farmers, farm families and rural communities.

Farming can bring financial pressure, unpredictable weather, long hours, isolation, crop or livestock losses and family strain. Good health includes mental health, and no one should have to carry heavy burdens alone.

If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988 for free, confidential support through the Su***de & Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7. You can also text TN to 741741 to reach the Crisis Text Line.

To Tennessee’s farmers and rural neighbors: your work matters, your well-being matters and support is available.

Learn more: tspn.org/farmers-and-suicide

05/27/2026

We’re hiring a Director of Communications for the Tennessee Department of Agriculture.

This Nashville-based role will lead communications strategy, social media, campaigns, storytelling, media outreach, publications, executive communications and brand management for the department. The position is located at Ellington Agricultural Center. Applications close June 8, 2026.

Apply today: https://stateoftn-careers.ttcportals.com/jobs/17771371-director-of-communications-77996

05/22/2026

Memorial Day weekend is almost here, and many Tennesseans are heading outdoors to camp, gather and enjoy time around the fire. Before you pack up the firewood, remember: don’t move it. 🌲🔥

Transporting firewood from one place to another can spread invasive insects and diseases that threaten the health of Tennessee’s trees and forests. Instead, buy firewood where you burn it or gather it on-site when permitted.

This weekend, small choices can help protect the places we love.

Buy it where you burn it. Don't Move Firewood