In your CORNer: The Farmers of TCGA featuring George McDonald
The Catesa Farms Crew
Inside the Tennessee Corn Growers Association (TCGA), there are farmers who are passionate about the corn they grow and market. These corn producers serve as a collective voice in creating a strong Tennessee corn industry today and beyond. They’re often the voice to answer critics of agriculture, to influence policy decisions, and to help consumers better understand corn farming. These are the farmers who deserve a little spotlight, and today’s farmer feature is George McDonald.
Along with his family, George operates Catesa Farms in Smith County – a family operation since 1927 beginning with his great grandfather. Today, they grow corn, soybeans, wheat, hay, watermelons, and strawberries.
George has been involved with Tennessee Corn since its inception more than three years ago. He currently serves as the Treasurer for TN Corn Promotion Council and Vice Chairman of TN Corn Promotion Board.
“I really enjoy meeting and visiting other corn growers from our state and learning about their operations, production practices and marketing,” said George.
Beyond his roles within Tennessee Corn, George has been a member of the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) since 1981. Participating in the NCGA’s Yield Contest year after year, he discovered the benefits of being both a member of NCGA and TCGA.
“The efforts done by Tennessee Corn and NCGA to promote corn usage adds so much value to the bottom line of all corn growers,” said George. “The Board specifically has a sole purpose to promote the corn we grow to put more dollars into every Tennessee corn grower’s pocket.”
George encourages other corn farmers to get involved with Tennessee Corn to help promote the corn they produce because of the benefits they will gain.
About Tennessee Corn:
TN Corn is made up of three organizations: the TN Corn Growers Association, the TN Corn Promotion Council, and the TN Corn Promotion Board. All three are farmer-funded and farmer-led. TN Corn exists to research and promote the future of corn products.