Tennessee Corn leaders gathered at Tosh Farms on August 10 for annual board meetings. The meetings brought together farmer leaders, active members, and special guests from Tennessee Corn’s national partners, including the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) and the U.S. Grains and BioProducts Council (USGBPC), to review the past year and look ahead to the priorities and opportunities for Tennessee corn growers.

Tennessee Corn Growers Association Annual Meeting

Jon Miller, NCGA board member, presents at TCGA annual board meeting.

TCGA President Rob Holman opened the annual meeting by welcoming board members, active corn grower members, and special guests.

The meeting began with presentations from Jon Miller and Michael Granché of NCGA, who provided updates on recent national activities, the importance of grassroots advocacy, and ongoing work through NCGA’s Action Teams. They also presented a funding proposal for the upcoming year and discussed opportunities for continued collaboration between Tennessee Corn Growers Association and NCGA.

The Board also recognized two emerging Tennessee farmer leaders, Rad McDavid and Lane Partin of Obion County, who were selected to participate in NCGA leadership development programs. Rad shared his experience in the NCGA Leadership Academy, while Lane provided an update on his participation in the On Deck Program, including mentorship opportunities and meetings held throughout the year in Washington, D.C., and St. Louis.

Lane Partin and Rad McDavid are recognized for their participation in NCGA leadership development programs.

Tennessee Corn Growers Association is proud of these emerging leaders and appreciates their willingness to represent Tennessee agriculture and invest in the future of the corn industry.

Shane Burchfiel was also recognized with a new Top Kernel Award for going above and beyond in supporting Tennessee Corn’s 40th Anniversary celebration. His efforts in securing sponsorships and helping make the event a success were greatly appreciated.

Following the presentations, the Board conducted the business portion of the meeting, including a review of financials, approval of additions to the state policy book, and election of officers for the 2026–2027 year.

2026–2027 Tennessee Corn Grower Association Officers

Karl Forsbach – President
Rad McDavid – Vice President
Logan Meeks – Secretary/Treasurer

Stella Qian of USGBPC presents at the TCPB annual board meeting.

Before the meeting adjourned, incoming Vice President Rad McDavid thanked outgoing President Rob Holman for his two years of service to the Tennessee Corn Growers Association. During his tenure, Holman helped advance the organization’s priorities and led the development of the Association’s policy book.

Tennessee Corn appreciates Rob’s leadership and commitment to Tennessee corn growers and looks forward to his continued involvement with the organization.

Tennessee Corn Promotion Board Meeting

Chairman John Townsend welcomed Tennessee Corn Promotion Board members, special guests from the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, and representatives from the U.S. Grains and BioProducts Council.

Chairman John Townsend passes the gavel to incoming Chairman Shane Burchfiel.

Stella Qian and Rebecca Starrett of USGBPC presented an overview of the Council’s work and shared a funding proposal to continue Tennessee Corn’s partnership in market development efforts focused on expanding opportunities for corn and ethanol products in global markets.

Chairman Townsend then led the business portion of the meeting, which included a review of financials, approval of bylaw updates, and the formation of a Research Committee to provide strategic direction for the board’s upcoming research cycle. The Board also held elections for the upcoming year.

2026–2027 Tennessee Corn Promotion Board Officers

Shane Burchfiel – Chairman
Willis Jepson – Vice Chairman
Mark Spradlin – Secretary

At the conclusion of the meeting, Chairman Townsend passed the gavel to incoming Chairman Shane Burchfiel. Burchfiel thanked Townsend for his two years of service as the Promotion Board Chairman and his commitment to Tennessee corn producers.

View more photos from the board meetings:

Tennessee Corn Leaders Gather for Annual Board Meetings

Tennessee Corn Growers Association Annual Meeting

Tennessee Corn Promotion Board Meeting