Showcasing agriculture’s rich contributions
Governor visits Sweetwater Valley Farm during his Tennessee America 250 Tour
By Glen Liford
Dairyman John Harrison, second from left, and his son, Charles, far right, greet Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, center, and, from left, Department of Tourist Development Commissioner Mark Ezell, First Lady Maria Lee, and Lieutenant Governor and Speaker of the Senate Randy McNally as they visit Sweetwater Valley Farm in Loudon County on January 30 as part of the Tennessee 250 Tour.
To showcase the state’s contribution to the rich history of the United States, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee and First Lady Maria Lee, are visiting every county in the state during the year-long America 250th celebration.
“We decided that we ought to help people remember America's 250 years,” said Governor Lee, explaining the reason for the visit and the goal of Tennessee America 250. “We decided we would go somewhere in every county — iconic Tennessee places, historic farms, old country stores, state parks, industrial sites, and cultural centers. And then ask people in the community to come together and remind everybody why America's great.”
On Friday, January 16, the tour stopped in Loudon County at Sweetwater Valley Farm in Philadelphia. Joining Governor Lee and First Lady Maria Lee were Lieutenant Governor and Speaker of the Senate Randy McNally and Department of Tourist Development Commissioner Mark Ezell. The contingent was joined by local dignitaries, community neighbors, and a host of locally based state employees. He remarked with fondness that Sweetwater Valley Farm was among his earliest stops when he began his campaign for governor and said it was a pleasure to return as he begins his final year in office.
Gov. Lee reminded everyone that agriculture and tourism are the state’s largest contributors to our economy. He noted that the visit was fitting as Commissioner Ezell was a leader in both his family-owned business, Purity Dairies, Inc., as well as Dean Foods, a Fortune 500 Company, where Ezell focused on brand development and achieved record profitability before coming to government service. He received national recognition for his work on campaigns, including the iconic “Milk Mustache – Got Milk?” campaign.
Sweetwater Valley Farm’s story of reliance and innovation, along with the family’s deep impact and history with the dairy industry, made it a deserving stop on the tour.
John and Celia Harrison purchased an interest in the dairy farm in 1987 and became the sole owners of the farm in 1992. They started producing cheese in 1998 using the milk from the dairy’s cows. In 2018, their herd numbered 500 cows and utilized robotic technology.
The Harrison operation now centers on the 1,700-cow dairy and the farmstead cheese operation, and sits in what Governor Lee referred to as the “epicenter of the state’s dairy industry.” While many neighboring dairies have exited business in the last several years, Harrison has a clear vision for the future of the operation and continues to invest in the venture to make it more efficient and competitive.
Currently, he is working with AgCentral Farmers Cooperative on a multi-million-dollar modernization project for the dairy that will include a 60-stall DeLaval rotary parlor that can milk up to 350 cows per hour and is equipped with milk meters and robotic post dippers. Charles Harrison, John’s son, explains that the investment will allow the dairy to expand to more than 2,000 cows.
Joining Governor Lee at the Sweetwater Valley Farm's Café were, from left, AgCentral Farmers Cooperative Dairy & Equipment Manager Eric Risser, Chief Executive Officer Brent Best, and Chief Financial Officer Jeff Crisp.
“It will increase our efficiency and make our management scheme a little bit easier,” he says.
The innovative project is the latest improvement to the dairy. Since adding the cheese operation, the Harrisons have also added a café where visitors can purchase various types of cheese produced on the farm and tour the cheese-making operation. The Harrisons have expanded the menu to include a variety of sandwiches featuring the farm’s cheeses as well as several flavors of delicious milkshakes.
While Charles acknowledged there are challenges ahead for dairy and farming in general, he emphasized the agriculture industry’s impact on the local economy. His dairy employs around 70 and impacts another 50 or so within the county, he said, noting that the milk he provides to Mayfield Dairy goes to thousands of Tennesseans.
“The ebbs and flows in milk prices can be very challenging,” adds Karen Hawkins, the director of member services for Dairy Farmers of America. “But I think there are still some promising spots. A lot of people want protein, and I believe that dairy is just on the cusp of continuing the turn to growth. Younger people are interested in reading ingredient labels. Dairy provides a lot of protein and a lot of good nutrition. So, I think the dairy industry’s future is bright.”
Sweetwater Valley Farm is located at 17988 W. Lee Highway, Philadelphia, TN, 37846. You can contact them at (865) 458-9192 or via email at info@sweetwatervalley.com. Visit their website for more information at sweetwatervalley.com.
You can learn more about Tennessee America 250 at tn250.com.
Story by Glen Liford,
Contact gliford@ourcoop.com
Sweetwater Valley Farm is working with AgCentral Farmers Cooperative on a multi-million-dollar modernization project that includes this 60-stall DeLaval rotary parlor that will allow the dairy to milk 350 cows per hour. The renovation will increase the operation’s efficiency.very first grader in Fentress County and says it’s a blessing to be able to visit and connect with children and senior citizens.
