New Board Members Appointed

Get to know our new board members:

Kim Sellers
Newbern, Tenn., Dyer County 
Representing Tennessee Corn Growers Association

Kim Sellers is a fourth-generation farmer from Obion County. He started farming in 1976 right after graduating high school. He presently farms with his son-in-law. They have approximately 1,000 acres of wheat, corn, and soybeans. Sellers is involved in the Cloverdale Community Center and is a member of the Dyer County Farm Bureau. He and his wife, Mary Beth, are members of the Parr Avenue Church of Christ in Dyersburg, Tennessee. They have four children and six grandchildren. Outside of farming, Sellers likes following University of Tennessee sports, watching drag racing and tractor pulls, and enjoys hunting and fishing. 

John Townsend
Paris, Tenn., Henry County
Representing Tennessee Farm Bureau

John Townsend is a Henry County native and long-time farmer. He currently has a row crop operation as well as a cow/calf operation. He graduated from the University of Tennessee at Martin in 1977 where he earned an agricultural degree. Townsend was an appraiser for Farm Credit Mid America for 34 years before retiring. He has been involved with the Tennessee Farm Bureau for many years, even serving as President for Henry County. Townsend has two sons, John David and Jamison, five grandchildren, and is a member of Sulphur Well Church of Christ. Agriculture holds a special place in his heart and he strives to promote agriculture in a positive light. His goal is to continue educating the public on agriculture’s importance. 

Tracy Vannatta
Bell Buckle, Tenn., Bedford County
Representing Tennessee Farmers Coop

Tracy Vannatta is a sixth-generation farmer in Bedford County, Tennessee, currently managing over 2,000 acres under the Vannatta name. Row crops of corn, soybeans and wheat are Tracy’s primary focus, with Angus cattle and broiler chickens rounding out the operations. The farm is committed to excellence in crop cultivation, practicing sustainable farming, and leaving a profitable and lasting legacy for future generations. The Vannattas were early adopters of no-till farming, with Tracy’s dad Bobby beginning widespread practice as early as 1980. Tracy has farmed his whole life and operates under the philosophy that “if you love your job, you’ll never work a day in your life.” Tracy and his wife Vida have a combined total of five children and six grandchildren, with at least a couple of future farmers in the group.