Agriculture Can’t Afford to Be Silent — Why We’re Heading to the Tennessee State Capitol
Next week I’ll be walking into the Tennessee State Capitol not just as an advocate, but as a farmer, business owner, and mother who believes deeply in the future of agriculture.
Agriculture is the backbone of our communities. It feeds our families, drives rural economies, and connects generations through the land. But the reality is that many farmers today are navigating challenges that previous generations never had to face — workforce shortages, rising costs, limited access to resources, and growing pressures on land stewardship.
That’s exactly why the National Women in Agriculture Association (NWIAA) is bringing leaders, farmers, and policymakers together in Nashville for a town hall focused on real solutions.
This event is about one thing: making sure agriculture has a voice where decisions are made.
During this event we will be discussing the proposed Tennessee Sustainable Science Academy and Farmer Assistance Act, a framework designed to strengthen agriculture through education, outreach, innovation, and support for farming families.
The proposal focuses on several critical areas:
• Expanding farmer outreach and technical assistance
• Supporting conservation and ag-technology innovation
• Addressing farmer mental health and family wellness
• Creating youth agriculture development pathways beginning as young as six years old
• Establishing a Sustainable Science Academy and Ag-Technology Innovation Center
Together, these initiatives represent a long-term investment in the future of agriculture and the people who make it possible.
The conversation will include leaders from across the state, including Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell, Memphis Mayor Paul Young, Tennessee State Representative Justin Jones, along with agricultural leaders and advocates who are working every day to support farming communities.
But what makes this event truly important is not the titles in the room — it’s the people behind them.
Farmers. Ranchers. Agricultural educators. Community leaders.
The people who wake up every morning thinking about how to grow food, steward the land, and keep rural communities strong.
Agriculture deserves a seat at the table when policies are being shaped. Too often, decisions affecting farmers are made without farmers in the room. Events like this help change that.
If you care about the future of agriculture, I encourage you to join us.
Even if you cannot attend in person, you can participate virtually and be part of the conversation.
You can register to attend the event here:
The future of agriculture will not be decided in silence. It will be built by people willing to show up, speak up, and work together.
Next week, that’s exactly what we intend to do.