Tennessee Corn Checkoff Formed Through Collaboration
Nearly four years ago the Tennessee Corn Growers Association, led the development of a referendum to determine if Tennessee corn farmers were supportive of a checkoff. The Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation was instrumental in crafting the legislation that led to the referendum and passing of the vote for the checkoff to pass.
The Tennessee Corn checkoff came through deep collaboration among various agricultural organizations.
“Tennessee farmers are confident in the direction the Tennessee Corn Checkoff is heading. I’m proud of the work Tennessee agriculture has done to get this corn checkoff in place. It would not have been possible without collaboration among agricultural organizations both within Tennessee and elsewhere,” said TN Corn Promotion Council Chairman, Mike Brundige.
Mike Brundige planted his 45th crop this season. He has invested time throughout his career to serve in various capacities on agricultural boards. He sees the value of the checkoff and is grateful other Tennessee farmers share in his sentiments.
The first Tennessee corn checkoff was collected in 2019.
“We have invested in research projects, primarily with the University of Tennessee, with an emphasis on new uses of corn. We are developing a joint project with Kentucky Corn and other stakeholders to collaborate on ethanol projects,” said Tennessee Corn Executive Director, Carol Reed.
Being involved in Tennessee Corn is a great leadership opportunity for young producers. Almost every farm in Tennessee grows corn, and if you raise livestock, you need the corn. Everybody involved in agriculture is close to corn production in the state, and we welcome more Tennessee farmers to get involved in the organization,” comments Brundige. “We have an open-minded board, and we are going to do our very best to make those checkoff dollars have a good return.”
“Collaboration is essential to Tennessee Corn. We look forward to expanding these collaborative partnerships and growing the Tennessee Growers Association membership base,” said Reed.