Chairman of the Board Benjie Daniel addresses the crowd at the 2025 Tennessee Farmers Cooperative Annual Meeting.
Bound Together
Co-op community joins together to celebrate 80 years of cooperation
The 2025 Tennessee Farmers Cooperative Annual Meeting was held November 30 and December 1 at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Hotel in Nashville. Co-op directors, managers, and key members and employees came together to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the founding of TFC with the theme “Bound Together.” The theme was a nod to the anniversary quilt contest, in which farm families across the state submitted distinctive pieces that were stitched together to portray a home-spun picture of the state’s varied and diverse agricultural community. The theme also reflected the common thread of cooperation that binds TFC, the member Co-ops, and the farmers and communities served.
An elaborate display depicting the Co-op’s history was highlighted on a timeline of milestones from the past, and featured a rustic façade and dock display reminiscent of early Co-op stores along fascinating memorabilia from the past decades.
The celebration of the past 80 years, however, was tempered by an uncertain outlook for agriculture in 2026. Challenges over the last three years have persisted, complicated by ongoing inflation concerns and tariffs, along with fluctuating commodity prices. Keynote speaker Mike Pearson, a farm broadcaster from RFD-TV delivered an engaging address that offered hope for the coming year, while acknowledging the interwoven influence of those factors.
Noted Nashville Meteorologist Leland Statom from NewsChannel 5 also delivered an entertaining glimpse about how the weather forecasts are delivered. Leland is a 4-H alumnus from West Tennessee and has worked for stations in East and Middle Tennessee during his career.
Retired Greene Farmers Co-op Manager David Ooten was honored with the James B. Walker Cooperative Spirit Award, TFC’s highest honor’
Finally, at the concluding luncheon, donations to 4-H and FFA were presented from the Co-op Auction Barn event and the 25th Annual 4-H/FFA knife.
The following provides highlights from the meeting.
Annual Meeting participants saw a plethora of Co-op and agricultural memorabilia. From Co-op timelines and antiques to various collections and a homemade storefront, the 80th anniversary book practically came to life in a colorful platform of displays and life-size creations.
Santa and Mrs. Claus were on hand to visit with children of all ages, like 6-year-old Case Shaw from Greene Farmers Co-op and his best friend 9-year-old Luke Horne, who waited behind for his turn.
During a Town Hall discussion, Juston Stelzer, LiveAg Equipment general manager, discusses the current cattle market as, from left, Vickey Stewart, Stockdale’s chief retail officer; Joe Huffine, CEO of ProTrition; and Jeff Blair, CEO of GreenPoint Ag, look on. Also joining the panel were Jimmy Ogilvie, TFC Farm Hardware/TBA department manager; and Kirk Fischer, TFC chief financial officer.
Three statewide directors re-elected to three-year terms
Jason Cherry of Enville, representing Zone 1, Kevin Steelman of Mulberry, representing Zone 2, and Scot McDonald of Monroe, representing Zone 3, were all re-elected to the TFC Board for three-year terms. Their election was ratified at the 2025 TFC Annual Meeting.
Jason Cherry, along with his family, grows some 4,000 acres of row crops in Chester and Hardin counties and 250 acres of hay and pasture. The Cherry family also grow soybeans and corn and raise commercial cattle and registered Herefords in their cow-calf operation. Jason and his wife, Brandy, are members of First Farmers Co-op. Cherry is a former chairman of the First Farmers Co-op board and is currently serving as a director. He is also currently serving as secretary of the Tennessee Soybean Association and is a former chairman and director of the Tennessee Soybean Promotion Board.
Kevin Steelman farms 1,200 acres and raises commercial beef cattle in Lincoln County. Steelman is a past member of the Lincoln Farmers Co-op board, serves as a director for the Bank of Lincoln County, and is a former member of the advisory board for Farm Credit. He and his wife, Janet, are members of Lincoln Bedford Moore Farmers Co-op.
Scot McDonald of Overton County farms 1,700 acres and raises 400 beef cattle, maintains a cow-calf herd, and grows 400 acres of corn and soybeans. He is a construction consultant for Twin K. Construction, a member of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, and a member of the Tennessee Cattlemen’s Association. He and his wife, Kim, are members of Ag1 Farmers Co-op.
Re-elected directors, from left, Jason Cherry, Scot McDonald, and Kevin Steelman look forward to another three-year term on the TFC board. Combined, the group of nine directors are varied with different backgrounds and ages.
Weather or not … changes are forecasted
NewsChannel 5 icon Lelan Statom provides an inside look at meteorology to Annual Meeting attendees
Annual Meeting participants were treated to an address by Emmy Award winning NewsChannel 5 meteorologist and co-host of Talk of the Town Lelan Statom at the 2025 80th anniversary TFC Annual Meeting. A 4-H alumnus and self-proclaimed 4-H fan since his elementary school days in West Tennessee, Lelan told the group that he had served on the Tennessee 4-H Foundation Board, is the parent of a former 4-Her and an FFA member and is well-versed in farming.
“I’m proud of what you do,” he told attendees. “I am the grandson of a sharecropper and spent a lot of time on the farm as an elementary and middle school student. I was often riding the back of a tractor, too, with my grandfather, who we called ‘Big Daddy.’ He had a large operation, so I understand some of the challenges of farming. We thank you very much for what you do for us every day to keep food on the table.”
Lelan spoke about his “home away from home” every morning — Studio B at NewsChannel 5 — and how he begins his day at 3 a.m. and gets to work at 4 a.m. to prepare for the 5-7 a.m. news segment before returning at 11 a.m. for Talk of the Town. He explained that as a meteorologist, he goes in early to look at the weather charts and data, and then based on what he sees, puts together his forecast.
“My job is to help you plan for the day,” he said. “The big joke is that people usually don’t remember your forecast unless you’re wrong. Then you get lots of feedback.”
Lelan then provided an extended forecast and showed various weather patterns on the large screens behind the stage. He explained that heat is the No. 1 severe-weather killer (No. 2 being flooding) and that people underestimate the power of heat on their body. He said that many look at Tennessee as having an overabundance of tornadoes but said ‘tornado alley’ is still to the west of the state.
“Some 20 years ago, our average freeze in the fall would happen around October 28, but is now closer to November 5, which allows for a longer growing season for farmers,” he pointed out. “That also means more allergy days, mosquitoes, and tornadoes.”
He said a trend of more “big weather events” like tornadoes, storms, hurricanes, floods, and forest fires has steadily increased over the past 40 to 50 years.
“For instance, in 1980, we may have had 100 days between big weather events whereas now, that number has dwindled to 15 to 20,” he said. “Less time between billion-dollar-damage events means we typically end up with higher insurance premiums.”
Lelan also discussed how AI technology is helping to fine-tune forecasts. He cautioned using AI formats for everything but said he finds it helpful in streamlining his forecasts for use in different platforms, like NewsChannel 5, NewsChannel 5.com, their X platform, their Facebook platform, and TikToc.
Daniel highlights Co-op successes and encourages unity
Speaking at the Tennessee Farmers Cooperative’s (TFC) 2025 Annual Meeting, Board Chairman Benjie Daniel addressed members with a message of resilience and unity during a time of transition and challenge.
Daniel acknowledged the recent leadership change, which occurred as former CEO Shannon Huff departed in October after more than 37 years of service. Expressing gratitude for Huff’s contributions, Daniel emphasized his confidence in Chief Risk Officer John Cain, who was tapped to serve as interim CEO during the transition while the board conducts an exhaustive search for a permanent successor.
“This is a critical time in our history,” Daniel pointed out, pledging a thorough process to find the right leader.
Celebrating TFC’s 80th anniversary, Daniel reflected on the cooperative’s origins in 1945, when farmers came together as they sought reliable access to basic supplies and services. Today, he noted, Co-op remains relevant despite a vastly different marketplace. He highlighted partnerships with organizations like the Tennessee Farm Bureau and University of Tennessee as key to TFC’s enduring success. He also said that the Co-op system’s reputation for unparalleled service and care for the farmers continue to be among the cooperative’s competitive advantages.
Daniel acknowledged mounting pressures on agriculture, including tariffs, low commodity prices, and demographic shifts, but urged members to see opportunity amid adversity. Quoting Einstein, he said, “In the midst of difficulty lies opportunity,” and encouraged members to be open to new ideas and to continue the system’s core strength of collaboration.
Bright spots in TFC’s portfolio include its thriving CFS credit services, the growing LiveAg joint venture, and important services like cost-effective insurance programs. Still, Daniel warned that structural changes, including local Co-op consolidations, will continue.
“We can’t continue along the path we are on,” he cautioned, stressing the need for adaptability to remain viable for the next 80 years.
Closing on an optimistic note, Daniel invoked Henry Ford: “If everyone is moving forward together, then success takes care of itself.”
He called on members to commit to cooperation and vision as TFC seeks to adjust to the changing market conditions and focus on its continued mission to serve the farmer.
On hand for the million-dollar announcement were, from left, TFC Foundation Executive Director Claire Hill, TFC Board Chairman Benjie Daniel, State FFA President Weston Brown, Jessup & Associates and W.R. Case & Sons Cutlery Co. representatives Maury Ford and Edward Jessup, State 4-H President Alex Snodgrass, TFC Farm Hardware/TBA department manager Jimmy Ogilvie, and ProTrition CEO Joe Huffine, who helped launch the project in 2001.
Knife program tops $1 million
Bonus contribution sets new milestone
Tennessee Farmers Co-op (TFC) celebrated the 25th anniversary of the Tennessee 4-H and FFA Case Knife Program in 2025. Sales of the silver anniversary edition of the knife brought a record-setting $202,500 for the single year alone for Tennessee FFA and 4-H members, bringing the total amount raised by the program to an impressive $956,220. A check for the amount was presented to 4-H and FFA representatives at the final luncheon at the 2025 TFC Annual Meeting at Gaylord Opryland.
The effort is a true partnership with Jessup & Associates, the sales team for W.R. Case & Sons Cutlery Co. Edward Jessup, president and CEO, and Maury Ford, executive vice president of sales of Jessup & Associates and W.R. Case & Sons Cutlery Co., were on hand at the meeting to help make the monumental presentation.
“Since we are so close to that million-dollar mark for the program, Jessup & Associates would like to donate an extra $45,000 to push us over a million dollars raised,” said Maury Ford, executive vice president of sales. “On behalf of Ed Jessup and the 300 employees at Jessup Sales and W.R. Case & Sons, I’d like to thank everyone for allowing us to be a part of this program. We started this program as a way to give back, but I don’t think anyone could have envisioned how great this has become. Twenty-five years later, 83,000 knives have been sold through the Co-op system. We want to commend all the energy and effort that Tennessee Farmers Co-op and all the member Co-ops have contributed to get these knives sold.”
“Case is a great American company,” he added. “We’ve made knives for 136 years. But it takes an awesome network of folks to make something this special happen. It looks like there’s nearly 200,000 members of the combined organizations promoting the sales of these knives and promoting agriculture, development, education, and leadership. It brings a great sense of joy and pride to be part of that. There’s always a lot of great uses for a Case knife, but I can’t think of anything better than serving two great organizations like FFA and 4-H in the state of Tennessee.
In addition to the proceeds from the knife sales and the generous donation from the W.R. Case team, an additional $63,217 as raised from the Co-op Auction Barn event, Checks for the amounts were presented by Benjie Daniel on behalf of TFC and its member Co-ops to Tennessee 4-H State Council President Alex Snodgrass of Jefferson County and Tennessee FFA President Weston Brown of Greene County.
“We want to thank everyone who had a part in contributing to the success of the Co-op Auction Barn and the sales of the commemorative knives,” said TFC Foundation Executive Director Claire Hill. “And a big thank you to Jessup Sales and W.R. Case & Sons for your generous support. We’re grateful for the relationship that we have and look forward to continuing this work together.”
“It takes an awesome network of folks to make something this special happen,” said Maury Ford to the crowd.
Collaboration is key
TFC Interim CEO acknowledges agricultural challenges and calls for Co-ops to innovate and work together
At the Annual Meeting, Interim CEO John Cain delivered a candid address urging unity and innovation to secure the future of Tennessee agriculture.
Cain, who stepped into the interim role after six years as chief risk officer, acknowledged the mounting pressures facing Co-ops.
“Agriculture is facing serious challenges,” he said, citing low commodity prices, high input costs, climate variability, labor shortages, and trade policy uncertainties as key obstacles. “The Tennessee 2024 Economic Report notes that our state is losing approximately 86,000 acres of farmland every year, placing Tennessee third in the nation for farmland loss.”
While recent legislation like the Farmland Preservation Act offers incentives for conservation, Cain stressed that “there is still much work to be done to combat the loss of our valuable agricultural land.”
Reflecting on TFC’s 80-year history, Cain praised the cooperative’s strong brand and dedicated workforce but warned against complacency.
“We are extremely proud of our past,” he said. “However, I am concerned that we too often live in that past. It’s my view that we need to continue adapting to evolving business landscapes and consumer behaviors.”
Under the meeting’s theme, “Bound Together,” Cain called for renewed collaboration among local Co-ops, TFC leadership, and farmers.
“Now more than ever, we must unite to better serve this system,” he urged. “It’s time to set aside differences and collaborate.”
Quoting Winston Churchill, Cain reminded attendees, “To improve is to change; to be perfect is to change often.”
Cain concluded his address with optimism.
“Together, we can ensure a vibrant future.”
Union Farmers Cooperative representatives, from left, David Cox, Manager Ben Wilmoth, Jordan Campbell, and Jim Greene look over the financial pages.
2025 financial highlights
Tennessee Farmers Cooperative (TFC) Chief Financial Officer Kirk Fischer reported the financial results of 2025. Consolidated gross sales for the cooperative were $239 million, an increase of $101.2 million from last year that was driven by the acquisition of Faithway Alliance on August 1st, 2024. Gross margins amounted to 21.6 million, an increase of $8.8 million. Farm Hardware sales totaled $118 million, down 10% from last year. Ag Equipment totals equaled $18.9, down 22% from 2024, and fuel sales totaled $80.9, down 17% from last year. Consolidated net margin before income taxes amounted to $4.3 million.
Operating expenses amounted to $43.7 million, and other income totaled $26.5 million, which included income from GreenPoint Ag, ProTrition, Co-op Financial Solutions (CFS), and other administrative services.
CFS provided over $549 million in financing for our 48 members this year. CFS net income was $7.2 million. There are over 21,000 active account holders as of 7/31/25. CFS paid $2.3 million back to our members in patronage for 2025.
Total assets increased in 2025, from $360.4 million to $414.1 million, but working capital decreased from $52.9 million to $39.4 million. This was mostly due to liabilities assumed as part of the Faithway acquisition.
In total, TFC was able to return $7.2 million in cash to its membership via patronage, redeemed allocated reserves, and member programs. Other results: TFC’s investments in GreenPoint Ag, ProTrition, and LiveAg had a net impact of $7.2 million on TFC’s bottom line in 2025. Our members purchased $372.8 million from GreenPoint Ag — buying $86.5 million in seed, $74.4 million in crop protection, and $211.8 million in fertilizer. ProTrition tonnage increased in 2025 with TFC members purchasing $76.4 million in animal nutrition products. LiveAg sold 30,174 cattle in its first partial year ended 12/31/24. In 2025, more than 171,000 cattle have been sold and LiveAg is exceeding its budget.
Transition, service, and commitment
Chief Operating Officer Andy Woodard addresses a year of change
Andy Woodard, Chief Operating Officer of Tennessee Farmers Co-op, spoke about transition, service, and commitment at the statewide meeting, noting that 2025 was a year of change for TFC Operating Departments. From opening a new Ag Equipment building in October 2024 to bringing Farm Hardware/TBA back to TFC, he said these actions centered on serving member owners.
A grand opening for the Ag Equipment building was held in June, allowing members, vendors, and guests to tour the facility. The move required relocating all whole goods, parts, tools, and equipment while staff continued serving customers.
Ag Equipment also supported First Farmers Co-op and Obion Farmers Co-op with their new fertilizer buildings by providing recommendations and quotes on hard assets used to move bulk fertilizer.
Woodard reported that the TFC Fuel Department delivered about 32 million gallons of fuel in 2025—over 65% diesel—while partnering with two new carriers to speed deliveries. Remote monitoring systems were added statewide to help customers track on-farm inventory.
He highlighted the reintroduction of TFC Hardware/TBA under Jimmy Ogilvie’s leadership, rebuilding the department through renewed vendor engagement and member focus. Woodard emphasized that strong Co-op support is essential to continued improvement and success.
A half century of service
Walker Award winner David Ooten dedicated 52 years of effort to the success of his Greene County neighbors and farming community
Greene Farmers Cooperative retired manager David Ooten was honored as the 24th recipient of Tennessee Farmers Cooperative’s James B. Walker Cooperative Spirit Award at the TFC Annual Meeting on December 1 at the Gaylord Opryland Resort in Nashville.
The Walker Award — TFC’s highest honor — recognizes individuals whose contributions have had a lasting impact on the Co-op system, Tennessee farmers, and state agriculture. It has been presented annually since 1999, except for 2020–2022 due to the pandemic.
David, a soft-spoken and successful manager, led Greene Farmers Co-op from 1975 until his retirement in 2017. During his tenure, he served farmers and customers in the county where he grew up.
Born to J.D. and Myrtle Lee Ooten, David was the youngest of three siblings. His father operated a small East Tennessee farm, milking cows by hand and selling milk in Greeneville. Over time, J.D. expanded into chickens, hogs, and eventually a full-time dairy operation.
David graduated high school in 1964 and attended the University of Tennessee, majoring in agriculture. As a senior, he married his high school sweetheart, Phyllis, in 1968. He had begun work toward a master’s degree when he received an Army draft notice on Christmas Eve that year.
After basic training at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, David trained as a preventive medicine specialist at Fort Sam Houston in Texas. He served through 1969 and 1970, then returned home, attended school under the GI Bill, and helped his father farm. During this time, the Ootens sold calves to TFC General Fieldman Lafayette Williams, who recommended David to James Walker for Co-op employment.
“Mr. Walker was a unique guy,” David recalls. “He put me at ease and made a great first impression.”
David joined the TFC Training Program at Greene Farmers Co-op — unusual since trainees were typically placed outside their home counties. The manager then was Vernon Glover, who later became TFC’s CEO.
“I got my share of handling rail-car loads of six-foot posts and hundred-pound bags of soybean meal,” David says with a laugh. The program tested resilience and work ethic while teaching Co-op culture.
After nine months, David accepted the manager position at Montgomery Farmers Co-op in Clarksville in 1973. He served there for two and a half years before returning home as Greene Farmers Co-op manager when Vernon moved to Middle Tennessee.
Over the years, David guided the business through major agricultural changes. When milk companies stopped buying Grade B milk, the Co-op lost significant feed tonnage. Soon, Grade A dairies declined, and the tobacco buyout removed another pillar of the local farm economy.
“The agriculture of the county changed completely,” David says. “It took a lot of readjusting.” The Co-op shifted from serving small farms with bagged fertilizer to handling bulk fertilizer as operations evolved. As dairy declined, service needs changed, and the Co-op explored opportunities like orchard production and diversified farming.
David worked closely with the board to continually adjust strategy. Despite losing dairy and tobacco, Greene Farmers Co-op recovered and remained stable thanks to his patience, planning, and determination.
“It’s been nearly eight and a half years since I retired,” David says. “I’d like to think the Co-op was in better shape when I left than when I got there — and that it’s still able to serve the county and remain successful.”