Tennessee to Celebrate Agriculture Day

NASHVILLE– A governor’s proclamation is recognizing the contributions of farmers and forestland owners as part of national and state Ag Day activities. On March 22, state leaders and citizens will celebrate Agriculture Day in Tennessee with “Ag Day on the Hill.”

Farm animals and a variety of agricultural equipment will be on display at the entrance to the Legislative Plaza on 6th Avenue in Nashville. Representatives from agricultural organizations and agencies will be available to discuss programs and opportunities for those interested in farming and forestry in Tennessee.

At 10 a.m., lawmakers will compete in a corn shelling contest. The Farm and Forest Families of Tennessee organization will present a check to Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee in honor of contest participants.

The day’s activities will also include a sweet potato bagging project to benefit the Society of St. Andrew and a silent auction to benefit Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee and the Ag in the Classroom program. 

VIDEO/PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES:
* Silent Auction benefiting Second Harvest and Ag In The Classroom – 8 a.m. to Noon
* Corn Shelling contest between Senate and House Members – 10 a.m.
* Live Animals – horses, cattle, chickens, goats, sheep, pigs 
* Farm Equipment
* Sweet Potato Drop

INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES:
* Agriculture Officials
* Legislators
* Farmers
* 4-H and FFA Members

Agriculture is one of the top industries in Tennessee, contributing more than $74.8 billion a year to the state’s economy and employing more than 349,000 citizens. The state has more than 67,000 farms representing 10.9 million acres.