If you’ve tried this and still can’t sign in, contact your local office or email info@richardsonmediagroup.net.
Weakley County’s John Chester Re-Elected to Serve on TN Farm Bureau
Tennessee Farm Bureau’s 103rd Annual Meeting Held in Franklin
More than 1,600 farmers from across the state gathered in Franklin December 7-10 for Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation’s 103rd annual meeting. The group recognized and presented awards to outstanding county Farm Bureaus, adopted policy resolutions for the upcoming year and elected the state board of directors.
“This is one of the most special events of the year for our organization,” said Tennessee Farm Bureau President Eric Mayberry. “Our volunteer leaders from all 95 counties come here to visit and catch up and do the important business of the Farm Bureau. We work on our policy year-round, but this is where we put the bow on it and get ready for the upcoming legislative session.”
Members of the state board of directors were also elected by voting delegates: vice president James Haskew of Marion County elected to his second term; directors-at-large – Todd Littleton of Gibson County, Charlie Hancock of Stewart County and David Richesin of Loudon County; district directors – John Chester of Weakley County (District I), Josh Ogle of Lincoln County (District II), Travis Tilley of Roane County (District III), Mike Scudder of Smith County (District IV) and Terry Snyder of Johnson County (District V); and state women’s chair Brenda Baker. Lee Bagwell of Robertson County was also selected as the new state Young Farmer and Rancher chair and will serve as an ex-officio director alongside Keith Carver, University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture senior vice president/vice chancellor.
“Being re-elected to serve on the Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation board of directors is exciting and an honor at the same time. Having the opportunity to fight for the interests of farmers in Weakley County, the state of Tennessee and across the America is something I enjoy and I strive daily to make sure their voices are heard,” Chester said.
Chester plans on continuing his efforts to guide and serve.
“As a member of the Board of Directors I will continue to help guide the Tennessee Farm Bureau and its service companies, Tennessee Farm Bureau Insurance and Tennessee Farm Bureau Health Plans, to ensure all faucets of the Farm Bureau offer service and support to our members and farm families of Tennessee. I hope to help make Farm Bureau better every day by ensuring our members and the farmers of West Tennessee are represented as best they can be,” Chester said.
During the annual business session, 238 delegates debated policy proposals and passed resolutions to guide and direct the organization in 2025 at the state and federal levels. Some of the topics discussed were farm policy related to private property rights, education and taxes.
“So many things have come and gone in 103 years,” said President Mayberry. “But here we are in 2024, and headed into 2025, remaining strong. Every aspect of our organization continues to garner respect and make our state a little bit better of a place to live.”
Session speakers included Nick Parker, cancer survivor and Parkinson’s patient; Matthew McClanahan, lawyer and national YF&R winner; individuals from the Beacon Center, Sycamore Institute and Tennessee County Services Association; State Representative Rusty Grills and Tennessee Governor Bill Lee.
“It’s not what we do at the governor’s office that matters, it’s what you do that truly matters in this state,” said Gov. Lee. “Farmers are hugely important to all Tennesseans because they are the biggest piece of our economy.”
