What the Grassroots Conference Is
The Tennessee Farm Bureau Grassroots Conference is a leadership gathering for Farm Bureau members and leaders. The first one, billed as the inaugural Grassroots Conference, ran August 7-8, 2026, at the Cool Springs Marriott and Embassy Suites in Franklin. Tennessee Farm Bureau described its aim as growing leaders, building connections and strengthening the foundation of Farm Bureau and Tennessee agriculture.
The program mixed four general sessions on the farm economy and the beef business with a presidents meeting, a trade show, recognition programs and an Agriculture in the Classroom benefit auction. Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation organizes the event. The most recent edition was the August 2026 conference, and a date for a next edition has not been announced.
How It Worked: The Timeline
Friday, August 7, 2026
- 8:00 AM: registration opens.
- 9:30 AM: presidents meeting.
- 11:00 AM: lunch, with attendees asked to wear orange.
- 1:45 PM: General Session 1, a U.S. beef business update from Colin Woodall, CEO of the National Cattlemen's Beef Association.
- 3:15 PM: General Session 2, a farm profitability panel on profitability, financial tools and sustainability. Panelists were Les Humpal of UT Institute of Agriculture, Kevin Kuper of Farm Credit and Alice Rhea of Farmers Service, with Chris Buie as moderator.
- 6:00 PM: dinner at Jim 'N Nick's Bar-B-Q.
Saturday, August 8, 2026
- 6:00 AM: breakfast buffet opens.
- 7:00 AM: registration opens.
- 8:00 AM: General Session 3 with Michelle Miller, "The Farm Babe."
- 9:45 AM: General Session 4, "Thriving in Economic Chaos," with Dr. David Kohl of AgriVisions, LLC.
- 11:15 AM: closing lunch with Zippy Duvall, president of the American Farm Bureau Federation.
Mike Keith, the radio play-by-play voice of the University of Tennessee Volunteers and the voice of the Tennessee Titans from 1999 to 2024, was also on the speaker list.
Trade Show, Recognitions and Auction
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Trade show | Friday 9:00 AM to 3:15 PM; Saturday 9:00 to 11:15 AM |
| Agriculture in the Classroom | Recognition program |
| Farm Bureau Women's AITC benefit | Live auction |
| Special recognitions | Part of the program |
| Shuttle buses | Friday 7:30 AM to 9:30 PM; Saturday 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM |
Where
The conference was held at the Cool Springs Marriott and Embassy Suites in Franklin. Meeting rooms were split between the two hotels, including the Marriott's Salons and the Embassy Suites' Junior and Grand Ballrooms. Saturday breakfast was served at the hotels, Friday dinner was at Jim 'N Nick's Bar-B-Q, and a bus schedule ran both days.
Questions
Was this the first Grassroots Conference?
Yes. Tennessee Farm Bureau called the August 2026 event the inaugural Grassroots Conference.
Who spoke?
Colin Woodall (NCBA), Michelle Miller ("The Farm Babe"), Dr. David Kohl, Zippy Duvall (American Farm Bureau Federation) and Mike Keith, plus a three-person farm profitability panel.
Was there a trade show?
Yes, open Friday from 9:00 AM to 3:15 PM and Saturday from 9:00 to 11:15 AM.
Who do I call?
Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation, 931-388-7872, or your county Farm Bureau office.
Official Links
- 2026 Grassroots Conference: Tennessee Farm Bureau announcement
- 2026 Grassroots Conference program: session times, speakers, meals and trade show hours
- 2026 YF&R Summer Conference program: Farm Bureau calendar of upcoming events
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.
- Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation Annual Meeting
The Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation held its 104th annual meeting in Franklin, with policy setting, a Discussion Meet and YF&R contests. Held each year; the most recent dates were December 6-9, 2025.
- 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 - 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.