By Glen Liford

Tennessee Farmers Cooperative Chief Executive Officer Joey Caldwell announced September 7 that Co-op veteran Joe Huffine had joined the TFC Senior Staff as Chief Development Officer. In this role, he will lead marketing communications, training, education, and leadership development. His transition became effective August 13.

“These areas are foundational to the long-term success of our system,” said Caldwell. “With 38 years of experience and a lifetime invested in agriculture, including meaningful work with the Tennessee FFA and 4-H Foundation, Joe brings credibility and passion for the communities we serve.

“Strong cooperatives are built on well-equipped employees, informed board members, and financially sound operations. Joe has spent his career developing people and is uniquely prepared to strengthen these pillars across our system.”

Caldwell added that clear, consistent communication matters now more than ever.

“Under Joe’s leadership, our Marketing and Communications team will continue to elevate how we connect with our members and industry partners while supporting the success of our local Co-ops.”

Huffine had served as ProTrition Feeds Chief Executive Officer since the company was created in 2021 as a joint venture between TFC and Land O’ Lakes Purina. He oversaw construction of ProTrition’s new warehouse and office space, which celebrated its official grand opening August 25 (see story on page 6), as well as the consolidation of ProTrition’s Nashville feed mill with the La Vergne facility. ProTrition serves Kentucky and Tennessee with Purina and Triple Crown feeds. Its Co-op and Cumberland Mills feeds are also sold in those states, as well as Virginia, North Carolina, and parts of Georgia and Mississippi.

Raised on a farm in Jonesborough, Huffine graduated from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, with a double major in animal science and ag business. He previously served as branch manager of the Jefferson City store of Jefferson Farmers Cooperative, now part of AgCentral Co-op, and as general manager of Henderson-Chester Farmers Cooperative, now part of First Farmers Cooperative.

Since joining TFC, Huffine has served as Director of Training, Corporate Marketing Coordinator, and Member Services Manager. In 2013, he was named Division Manager for the Feed, Farm, Home and Fleet division.

Huffine and his wife, Trish, live in Murfreesboro with their daughter, Madison, and attend North Boulevard Church of Christ. He enjoys bicycling, fishing, and spending time on the family farm in East Tennessee.

John Romines, who served as Purina Vice President of Sales for nearly 15 years, has been selected as interim chief executive officer of ProTrition. He will serve until the ProTrition board of directors selects a permanent replacement.

Romines has held several roles in the cooperative farm supply industry, including previous service at Rutherford Farmers Cooperative in Murfreesboro. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in animal sciences from the University of Kentucky.

“John brings over 38 years of experience in the cooperative system,” said ProTrition Board Chair and TFC Chief Operating Officer Andy Woodard. “Throughout his career, John has built strong customer relationships, developed sales talent, and helped position organizations for long-term success. These same attributes will serve him well at ProTrition.”