Celebrating agriculture and America’s birthday

Governor Bill Lee kicked off the America 250 tour by celebrating Tennessee’s heritage in agriculture and the passing of the Farmland Preservation Act. This yearlong tour honors America’s 250th birthday, beginning on its 249th birthday. The governor will visit all 95 counties during this tour to recognize the milestone. As agriculture continues to be a cornerstone of our state, it was fitting to start this tour with a focus on the importance of farmland.

On July 1, 2025, Governor Lee visited three historic farms across the state. His first stop was Rocky Field Farm in Greene County, founded in 1796. In Middle Tennessee, he visited Gentry’s Farm in Williamson County, a seventh-generation family operation. He ended the day at Turner Angus Farm in Tipton County, which has been in the family since 1853. On this tour, the governor was joined by Commissioner of Agriculture Charlie Hatcher, Lieutenant Governor Randy McNally, Speaker of the House Cameron Sexton, and Eric Mayberry, president of Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation.

“Agriculture is the driving force of Tennessee’s economy — it has been since its beginning,” Governor Lee told the crowd at Turner Angus Farm. “But we’re also in a state where Americans have discovered that this is a really great place to live, and they’re coming here from all over the country.”

Governor Lee also pointed out that Tennessee is a great place for companies to invest.

“There are companies that are looking to come here from all over the world,” he said. “We’re grateful for that. In fact, our poverty rate is below the national average for the first time in our state’s history because of the prosperity of our state.”

Tennessee Farm Bureau President Eric Mayberry pointed out that the growth is coming at a cost and “we're losing farmland at a pace that's not acceptable.”

“Every hour, 10 acres of Tennessee farmland is lost,” adds Gov. Lee. “This is a staggering statistic when you recognize that agriculture drives our economy.”

The challenge of lost farmland has brought together lawmakers in the General Assembly, agriculture leaders, and farmers to find a solution. The Farmland Preservation Act was signed into law on May 12, 2025, establishing a $25 million fund to help farmers protect their land. According to tn.gov, “The Farmland Preservation Act establishes a permanent conservation easement and creates a grant fund to support farmers who voluntarily choose to protect their farmland.”

Gov. Lee explained that the Act incentivizes families to place their land in trust, to make sure that it will continue to be in agricultural production into perpetuity.

“At the end of the day, this is a solid first step toward the preservation of natural resources and farmland in this state, balanced with the continuance of economy development and growth in Tennessee,” he said. “We must recognize that this land is worth preserving.”

To note the significance of the bill, Gov. Lee had a ceremonial signing of the Farmland Preservation Act at each farm on his tour. Joining him at this event were Farm Bureau representatives and members, community leaders, various government officials, and 4-H and FFA members. Governor Lee will continue to celebrate Tennessee’s heritage as America’s 250th birthday approaches.