Organizers of the Tennessee Farmer of the Year program remind all Tennessee farmers that the application window for this prestigious award is open through March 1, 2026. Those who know deserving Tennessee Farmers are also encouraged to submit nominations for the award.
Redesigned in November 2025, the competition is a team effort by the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture and Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation to honor the state’s rich agricultural history across all three regions of Tennessee while recognizing the state’s top farmers.
From 1990 through 2024, UT Extension was honored to support Tennessee farmers through a regional farmer-of-the-year competition. Beginning in 2026, the Tennessee Farmer of the Year program will be elevated and celebrated here at home. Tennessee Farm Bureau and UT Extension have collaborated to recognize outstanding producers from East, Middle and West Tennessee, honoring their leadership, innovation and contributions to our state’s agricultural prominence. From these regional honorees, one exemplary producer will be named the Tennessee Farmer of the Year.
Justin Rhinehart, dean of UT Extension, says the award is definitely a fitting recognition. “The Tennessee Farmer of the Year program will honor the hard work and dedication of Tennessee’s top producers and top industry: agriculture. All across the state, everywhere you look, you can see Tennessee farms committed to excellence in agriculture, and UT Extension is proud to support their efforts with educational resources that assist them as they make sound farm management decisions that support their families, communities, our environment and our state.”
Source : tennessee.edu