The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture and the Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation are pleased to announce the regional winners of the 2026 Tennessee Farmer of the Year competition. From tulips, strawberries, melons, cattle and pigs, to wheat, soybeans, corn and pumpkins, these three producers represent the best of Tennessee’s broad agricultural and forestry production.
The East Tennessee regional winner is Aubie Smith of Aubie Smith Farms in Ooltewah. The Middle Tennessee regional winner is Willis Jepson of Jepson Family Farm in Orlinda, and the West Tennessee regional winner is James Roberson representing Roberson’s Family Farm in Somerville.
The competion is a new collaboration of the Tennessee Farm Bureau and UT Extension to recognize the leadership, innovation and individual contributions of our state’s producers to Tennessee’s agricultural prominence. From these three regional honorees, one exemplary producer will be named the 2026 Tennessee Farmer of the Year.
Justin Rhinehart, dean of UT Extension says, “The new Tennessee Farmer of the Year program brings needed recognition to the state’s top producers and top industry. UT Extension is proud to support those who work in agriculture and natural resources businesses with resources that assist with sound management decisions that support their families, communities, our environment and our state.”
Eric Mayberry, president of the Tennessee Farm Bureau, adds, “The Tennessee Farm Bureau is proud to partner with UTIA to showcase Tennessee’s most important industry through this competition. We congratulate the three regional finalists and look forward to naming the Tennessee Farmer of the Year in June.”
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