Tennessee Corn Growers Association Celebrates 40 Years
Past Tennessee Corn Growers Association presidents recognized at 40th Anniversary event; Rob Holman, John Townsend, Carl Schultz, Jimmy Bell, Jimmy Tosh, John Cloar, Mike Holman.
Buchanan, Tenn. - The Tennessee Corn Growers Association (TCGA) celebrated 40 years of advocating for Tennessee’s corn producers during a special anniversary gathering on Monday, August 10, 2026, at the Lodge at Paris Landing in Buchanan, Tennessee.
Since its founding in 1986, TCGA has worked to make sure Tennessee corn growers have a voice on the issues that affect their farms, families, and livelihoods. Over the past four decades, generations of growers have stepped away from their farms, traded their boots for suits, and traveled to meetings, the state capitol, and Washington, D.C., to represent Tennessee agriculture at both the state and federal levels.
The 40th Anniversary Celebration brought together growers, agricultural leaders, industry partners, and friends of the organization to recognize TCGA’s legacy and thank the individuals and families who have helped shape TCGA into what it is today.
Q&A panel with Logan and Bobby Lee Hanks, Talk Dirt to Me podcast hosts; moderated by Lee Bagwell, TCGA Board Member.
“It was an honor to recognize the incredible work of our farmer leaders and Carol Reed, and the impact they have made on Tennessee agriculture over the past 40 years,” said Amy McNeil, Executive Director of Tennessee Corn. “The room was filled with the past, present, and future of Tennessee agriculture, and we are proud to carry forward the grassroots work that has built this organization and continues to advance the corn industry—not only in Tennessee, but beyond our state. We are incredibly grateful to our members, sponsors, partners, and advocates who have helped make this legacy possible and who will help carry Tennessee Corn Growers Association forward for the next 40 years.”
The evening began with an invocation from Brooks Parker of Paris FFA, followed by a Q&A panel with Logan and Bobby Lee Hanks, hosts of the Talk Dirt to Me podcast.
Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Stephen Vaden shared special remarks with attendees by video, and Tennessee Department of Agriculture Commissioner Andy Holt and Jon Miller of the National Corn Growers Association also joined the celebration as guest speakers.
The evening concluded by honoring TCGA’s past presidents in attendance, along with former Executive Director Carol Reed.
Guest speaker Andy Holt, Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Agriculture.
For 40 years, the Tennessee Corn Growers Association has relied on producers willing to give their time, share their perspectives, and advocate for their fellow farmers. The anniversary celebration was a great opportunity to look back on their contributions and recognize their commitment, their families, and the agricultural partners and supporters who made that work possible.
As TCGA enters its next chapter, it remains committed to representing Tennessee corn growers and ensuring their voices are heard on the issues and opportunities shaping the future of agriculture.
The Tennessee Corn Growers Association also extends appreciation to the sponsors whose support helped make the event possible.
Gold Sponsors: Tennessee Farm Bureau, WinField United, GreenPoint Ag, Tennessee Farmers Cooperative
Silver Sponsors: Nutrien Ag Solutions, Farm Credit Mid-America, FMC
Bronze Sponsors: Tennessee Department of Agriculture, Poet
Friends of Tennessee Corn Sponsors: Valley Ag, RCIS, Southeastern Seed Company, Tennessee Pork Producers Association, Mid-Valley Irrigation, Tennessee Poultry Association, Simplot, H&R Agri-Power, AgriGold, Titan Ag, Barker Farms & Seed
Legacy Sponsors: BR Knuckles Insurance Agency, Ervin Feed & Grain, Dyer County Farm Bureau, Obion County Farm Bureau
View more photos from the event:
