What the Annual Meeting Is
The Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation Annual Meeting, also called the TFBF Convention, is where the organization sets policy, elects leaders and recognizes members. Voting delegates debate resolutions that guide the federation's positions for the year ahead. The meeting also hosts the Young Farmers and Ranchers (YF&R) convention and Discussion Meet, general sessions with outside speakers, a trade show and an annual banquet.
The most recent completed edition was the 104th annual meeting, held December 6-9, 2025, in Franklin. The next meeting is scheduled for December 5-8, 2026, also in Franklin.
How It Works: The Schedule
The 2025 program was spread over four days at the Marriott Drury Plaza and the Embassy Suites in Franklin.
| Day | What happened |
|---|---|
| Saturday, Dec. 6 | YF&R registration and Discussion Meet orientation; YF&R opening session with Agriculture Commissioner Andy Holt and Deputy Commissioner Ryan King; district meetings; Discussion Meet preliminary rounds 1-3 (2:00-4:00 PM); Excellence in Ag presentation and announcement of the Elite 8 (5:00 PM); Resolutions Committee (5:30 PM) |
| Sunday, Dec. 7 | Discussion Meet Elite Eight (9:00 AM); district caucuses (11:00 AM); YF&R business session and elections (1:00 PM); Market Square Trade Show (1:00-4:00 PM); Discussion Meet Finals, open to all (3:00 PM); Leadership Recognition Service (7:00 PM) |
| Monday, Dec. 8 | "Year in Review" panel (7:30 AM); General Session I with astronaut Butch Wilmore (8:15 AM); General Session II with political strategist Chip Saltsman (10:00 AM); business session with the President's Address (2:00 PM); annual banquet (6:30 PM) |
| Tuesday, Dec. 9 | District caucus breakfasts (6:45 AM); business session with the Governor's Address by Gov. Bill Lee (9:00 AM) |
Name tags were required for admittance to all events, and registration ran at the Marriott on Sunday afternoon and all day Monday.
The Discussion Meet
The Discussion Meet is a contest that simulates a committee meeting. Judges score how well participants exchange ideas on a set topic; productive thinkers do better than emotional persuaders, and strong participants also help the group plan how to carry out solutions and point to Farm Bureau's role. The state YF&R contest is held at the annual meeting in December.
- Application deadline: 11:59 p.m., November 15, 2026, through the online registration form.
- Requirements: a Tennessee Farm Bureau membership (the membership costs $30 per year per family), good standing with the county Farm Bureau, and the award recipient packet with a W-9 and ACH information.
- 2026-2027 topics: rural energy infrastructure and farmland protection; attracting and keeping rural and large-animal veterinarians; USDA-certified local meat processing; using youth agricultural organizations to recruit YF&R members; and science-based tools in response to public concerns about diet and modern agriculture.
At the 2025 meeting the Excellence in Ag winner was Alyssa Clements.
Who Takes Part
For the YF&R state convention, Tennessee Farm Bureau lists three ways to take part: as a voting delegate, a Discussion Meet participant or a general attendee. In 2025 more than 1,600 farmers attended, and 247 delegates debated policy proposals and passed resolutions on commodity programming, wildlife initiatives and land use planning for 2026.
Awards and Elections in 2025
- The inaugural Voice of Tennessee Agriculture Award went to State Senator Jack Johnson and State Representative Rusty Grills.
- Eric Mayberry of Humphreys County was re-elected president to a third two-year term; James Haskew of Marion County continued as vice president.
- Sherri Lay of Monroe County was elected a director at large, and Colton McClanahan of White County became state Young Farmer and Rancher chair.
- Dailey and Vincent closed the banquet evening.
Where
Franklin, Tennessee. The 2025 meeting used the Marriott Drury Plaza as the main meeting hotel and the Embassy Suites as the second hotel, with a bus schedule between them.
Questions
When is the next meeting?
December 5-8, 2026, in Franklin.
Can I compete in the Discussion Meet?
Yes, if you hold a Tennessee Farm Bureau membership, are in good standing with your county and apply by November 15, 2026.
Who do I call?
Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation, 147 Bear Creek Pike, Columbia: 931-388-7872.
Official Links
- Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation's 104th Annual Meeting: 2025 recap
- 104th annual meeting page: dates and program link
- 2025 Convention program: daily schedule
- Discussion Meet: eligibility, deadline and topics
- YF&R events: 2026 convention dates and contact
Other Upcoming Events Nearby
- Tennessee Cattlemen's Association Convention and Trade Show
Beef producers gather at the Williamson County Ag Expo Park in Franklin for the Tennessee Cattlemen's Association convention and trade show, scheduled for January 22-23, 2027.
- State Livestock Quiz Bowl Contest
Youth teams test their livestock knowledge at the State Livestock Quiz Bowl Contest in Franklin. Held each year; the most recent date was February 10, 2026.
Franklin, TN | Organizer: Tennessee 4-H Official event details - Tennessee Farm Bureau Grassroots Conference
Farm Bureau members and leaders met in Franklin at the Cool Springs Marriott and Embassy Suites for the 2026 Grassroots Conference on August 7-8, 2026.
- Middle Tennessee Hereford Association Fall Sale
Breeders and buyers meet in Cross Plains for the Middle Tennessee Hereford Association Fall Sale, dated November 21, 2026.
Cross Plains, TN Official event details - Farmington Angus Bull and Female Sale
Farmington Angus Bull and Female Sale is a Tennessee cattle sale in Normandy, set for November 21, 2026.
Normandy, TN Official event details
Listing checked Nov. 11, 2026 against this source. Details can change; confirm with the organizer.