The Senate Agriculture, Energy & Natural Resources Committee and the Commerce & Labor Committee convened on February 4 to address the difficulties and potential solutions for row crop farmers in Tennessee. Testimony was provided by industry experts, including representatives from the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), who relayed concerns gathered from members across Orlinda, Primm Springs, and West Tennessee.
Agriculture Commissioner Andy Holt described a challenging period for row crop farming, citing two consecutive years of losses due to drought-reduced yields and rising input costs such as fertilizer, seed, chemicals, and energy. He explained that additional challenges include trade pressures, capital-intensive operations, and higher credit costs. According to Holt, these factors led to a combined loss of $192 million in 2025 for cotton, soybeans, corn, and wheat/soybeans producers in Tennessee.
While some federal assistance is available to affected farmers, Holt said he is considering state-level initiatives to provide further support. These measures include launching the TN Roots Tour to collect feedback from agricultural producers statewide; increasing business development partnerships; and collaborating with the Farm Profitability Working Group—which includes organizations like the Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation—to identify strategies for improvement.
Holt also highlighted several value-added projects aimed at strengthening agriculture’s future in Tennessee: “Improving oil-crushing infrastructure,” “Building large-scale beef processing,” “Increasing low-value wood fiber utilization,” and “Expanding agricultural and forestry education at state fairgrounds.” He stated that expanding access to international markets remains crucial for long-term growth.
An immediate priority discussed was investment in the Bunge Road Project in Dyer County. Holt noted that periodic flooding along the Mississippi River frequently impedes market access for row crops. Stefan Maupin of the Tennessee Soybean Promotion Council echoed this concern: “Things are just different now,” Maupin said. He stressed that improvements to “road, rail, and river (access)” are essential due to evolving market pressures intensified by current geopolitical conditions.
The hearing concluded with NFIB expressing appreciation to Agriculture Chair Shane Reeves and Commerce Chair Paul Bailey—both NFIB members—for organizing the session.
