Dynamic youth leadership took center stage at the 2026 Wilson County-Tennessee State Fair as Tennessee 4-H and FFA hosted fundraising events at the Farm Bureau Expo Center in Lebanon to support agriculture programs.

At the Tennessee 4-H Picnic at the Fair, silent and live auctions featuring items such as a University of Tennessee football game-day experience and a state fair-winning apple pie raised about $9,500. Combined with other contributions, the 2026 total amount raised exceeded $110,000 for the statewide 4-H program.

The Tennessee FFA Foundation’s annual country ham breakfast also set a fundraising record, raising a historic $250,000 through its auction and community support. Tennessee 4-H Picnic at the Fair Held Friday, August 14, the 4-H Picnic was hosted by Dr. Keith Carver, senior vice chancellor and senior vice president of the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture. Fair President Randall Clemons welcomed attendees to “the state’s largest outdoor agricultural classroom,” noting more than 18,000 State Fair entries from 4-H members representing all 95 counties.

A new tradition was introduced with the inaugural Alice Ann and Harry Moore Heart of 4-H Camping Award, honoring outstanding 4-H camp staff. Anna Platts, kitchen manager at the Clyde York 4-H Center, received the first award for her organization, quiet leadership, and role in providing safe, high-quality meals.

Ellianna Surface, a sixth-grade 4-H member from Sumner County, shared how a Tennessee 4-H Picnic at the Fair Camp Scholarship gave her the opportunity to attend camp for the first time. She thanked Farm Credit Mid-America and other sponsors and described how activities such as zip lining, fishing, nature hikes, arts and crafts, glow dances and campfire stories built her confidence, friendships and lasting memories.

Gov. Bill Lee, a lifelong 4-H alumnus, reflected on his own experiences with public speaking, livestock projects, camps and 4-H leadership programs. He emphasized 4-H’s role in developing confident, future leaders and noted a historic state investment of more than $45 million in Tennessee’s 4-H camping program. Tennessee FFA Ham Breakfast The Tennessee FFA ham breakfast on Monday, August 17, brought together more than 1,200 agricultural stakeholders, elected officials, community leaders and Tennessee FFA members. Led by Tennessee FFA State President Emma Hummer of Erwin, the program highlighted agriculture’s economic importance, youth leadership and public-private partnerships.

Gov. Lee emphasized FFA’s transformative impact on young people and the importance of investing in youth agriculture while recognizing agriculture as Tennessee’s leading economic driver.

Senator Bill Hagerty connected his FFA background to his work opening international markets for Tennessee farmers, while U.S. Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Stephen Vaden stressed the need to support a new generation of farmers. He noted that only 9% of U.S. farmers are 35 or younger, while less than 2% of the population feeds the nation.

A keynote conversation featuring Former U.S. Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, M.D., FFA State Sentinel Baylea Walton of Covington and FFA Advisor Steve Stephens of Hendersonville focused on stewardship, innovation and agricultural storytelling.

The event concluded with the grand champion ham auction. Wayne and Steve Hunt of H&R Agri-Power and George McDonald of Catesa Farms placed the winning $47,000 bid for the country-style ham. Frist and his wife, Tracy, won the packer-style ham with a $42,000 bid.

Frist summed up his support on Instagram: “FFA helps to pass down knowledge, develop skills, build leaders, and give the next generation a reason to see a future for themselves in agriculture. We believe deeply in that future.”