History bears repeating
As Tennessee Farmers Cooperative celebrates its 80-Year Anniversary, it’s worthwhile to consider the organization’s beginning
By Glen Liford
Serving on the 1944 committee that visited cooperatives in other states as formation of TFC was contemplated were, seated from left, N.C. Warren, Fred Bacon, and A.L. Jerdan. Standing are L.O. Upton, Clyde York, O.R. Long, and Tom J. Hitch.
As Tennessee Farmers Cooperative commemorates its birthday on September 27, 2025, the Co-op community is getting ready for a celebration. As we reflect on our 1945 beginning, it's also time to consider what may lie ahead for this cooperative that has played such a role in the success and livelihood of the member Co-ops, the farmer-members, and the employees who carry out its mission, and, of course, the industry of agriculture and the communities where our Co-ops are located.
It’s an understatement to say that things have changed since 1945. Our Co-op system has grown into something that those incorporating directors could hardly have imagined. Likewise, agriculture has evolved. Could our Co-op forefathers have imagined the decline of the dominance of dairying and the diminished acres of tobacco? The growth of vegetables and truck crops and the development of the concept of agritourism? The sprawling Co-op stores that offer a wide selection of inputs and products for both professional farmers and those who love the rural lifestyle? The ability to grab a smart phone and order farm inputs without setting foot in a store?
With so much difference and distance between today and 1945, why is it important to look back at those days and the conditions that led to the formation of TFC and the development of our system?
Combing through the Tennessee Farmers Cooperative archives in preparation for the celebration of the 80th Anniversary, The Cooperator staff found numerous examples of the retelling of TFC’s origin story.
Some early and little-known details lie in a simple typewritten memo found in those archives. The undated memo came from Tom Phillips, who was appointed as assistant to J. Franklin Nix, TFC’s second general manager/chief executive officer. It was directed to TFC leadership with instructions to share with the many employees that had been added to the TFC roster in the years since 1945 to give them background and perspective on how the organization was developed. It would appear to have been sent in the mid 1950s, and it detailed the role that the Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation played in the early days of the cooperative farm supply business.
Phillips provided details on the conditions of the cooperative purchasing efforts prior to the establishment of TFC. The cooperative movement in Tennessee began slowly with just eight associations in 1900, growing to 47 by 1939, he explained. Many of those early cooperatives failed due to weak adherence to cooperative principles like democratic control, member investment, and sound management.
In 1923, the Tennessee Cooperative Supply Association (TCSA) was formed as a subsidiary of the Tennessee Farm Bureau. It had limited impact due mainly to poor capitalization and lack of support from local Co-ops, as it handled only an estimated 8% of total cooperative purchasing. It was transitioned to the control of TFC in 1946.
“By 1938, 44 counties had active Farm Bureau-related co-ops; some were incorporated, while others operated directly through the Bureau,” explained Phillips.
By the early 1940s, he said, farmers and leaders recognized that a broader, well-capitalized, farmer-controlled wholesale cooperative was needed. It was hoped that the new organization would better support the member Co-ops and provide a more stable source of farm input basics like high-analysis fertilizer, seed, and feed, in addition to other needed supplies.
Early Co-op representatives gather at the dock area of TFC's second Nashville location on 808 Lea Avenue. Supply and demand needs continued to grow at the member Co-ops.
TFC Communications Department Manager Jerry Kirk provided commentary on the next steps of the process that led to the formation of TFC to fill that void in a section of the 1995 TFC annual report in a section called “Tapestry of Success.” Much of that copy was gleaned from the book, “Tapestry of Success,” written by Forest Bradley. The book was created in conjunction with the 50th Anniversary Celebration.
Kirk explained how “on April 27, 1944, the Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation’s board of directors created a committee to make a study of farm supply cooperatives in other states to determine which type would be appropriate for Tennessee. Serving on the committee were N.C. Warren, Dyer County, cotton and livestock farm, who was chairman; Fred Bacon, Hamilton County dairy farmer; O.R. Long, executive secretary of the Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation; L.O. Upton, Giles County livestock and grain farmer; Tom J. Hitch, Blount County farmer; Clyde M. York, assistant county agent in Jefferson County; and A.L. Jerdan, marketing specialist with the University of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service.
“The committee left Knoxville on Sept. 12, 1944, and over the next three weeks, visited cooperatives in North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, New York, Illinois, Ohio, and Indiana. The committee recommended that a federated system, similar to those operating in Indiana and Ohio, be established Tennessee. After its board accepted the recommendation, the delegate body of the Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation gave authorization in November of 1944 for organization of the cooperative.
“Each of TFC's 33 charter organizations, which were Farm Bureau supply associations, had an incorporating director to serve until a permanent board could be elected to direct the new regional cooperative.
“On the afternoon of September 27, 1945, during the first meeting of TFC’s members, a director to represent each of the state’s seven designated districts was elected to the board. With that election — at 1:05 p.m. Tennessee Farmers Cooperative was born.”
Kirk interviewed the last two living incorporating directors from the 33 charter organizations for the story — Hugh J. Moser, an incorporating director and first president of Jefferson Farmers Cooperative, and Hubert Taubert, an incorporating director of Fentress Farmers Cooperative. Both men were proud of the role they played, but modest when talking of their contribution.
“A lot of people worked hard to get TFC started,” Taubert said. “Just like it was when we started our local Co-op, it seemed like interest was slow in developing — sorta like a cat licking a grindstone.
“But once we saw what could happen when we all stuck together, it was a great thing. Sometimes it’s a challenge, but we all have to face change and make the right decisions if we are to make it as a farmer or a Co-op. That’s what keeps us growing.”
Moser agreed, adding that “Co-op business and farming are alike in that when you quit changing, you are going out of business. Changes are bound to come, and, and farmers and Co-ops have to be ready for them.”
Both men would probably be amazed at the growth and change that the system has undergone since the 50th anniversary. The number of Co-ops peaked in 1961 at 88 members. By 1995, consolidations and mergers had decreased that number to 73. In 2025, there are 45 member Co-ops in Tennessee and 27 associate members in nearby states. Our Co-ops serve more than 50,000 members and countless customers in the communities they serve.
“One thing that hasn’t changed since the beginning of TFC is our commitment to the farmer,” says TFC Chief Executive Officer Shannon Huff. “TFC is still designed to support our member Co-ops and everything we do is with the farmer in mind.”
Our TFC Communications Team has been working on a history book for our 80th Anniversary for nearly two years now. It will debut at the TFC Annual Meeting in November, and details will be released soon. This 144-page volume will feature numerous pictures from throughout the Co-op system’s history, providing a “Face of Co-op” as we reflect on the stories and personalities that make up the Co-op community. The pictures that illustrate this story are taken from that work.
A Co-op sign is unveiled at TFC’s third annual meeting in February 1948 in Nashville. Maintaining a strong identity has, from the first, been a priority of TFC and its member Co-ops.
An early location for Marshall Farmers Cooperative on West Commerce Street between the Gizmo restaurant and the ice plant features a Co-op sign on the right and the cooperative’s name on a period Coca Cola advertisement.
Jefferson Farmers Cooperative Manager Floyd Gray, right, helps a farmer with corn selections during an on-the-farm visit.
80th Anniversary Quilt showcases Tennessee Farmers Cooperative
Squares highlight how Tennessee agriculture and Co-op are bound together
From row crops and canned goods to iconic orange and white checkerboard, the 80th Anniversary Quilt truly showcases Tennessee agriculture, and our Co-ops across the state. Tennessee Farmers Cooperative (TFC) hosted a “Patchwork of Progress: TFC’s 80th Anniversary Quilt” contest to celebrate the cooperative’s 80 years of service to Tennessee Farmers and communities.
The contest invited Co-op customers across the state to submit original 10-inch by 10-inch quilt squares showcasing the rich history and significance of agriculture in Tennessee, as well as the pivotal role played by farmer cooperatives like TFC.
“We were overwhelmed by the incredible creativity and craftsmanship displayed in the quilt square submissions,” said Tennessee Farmers Cooperative Foundation Executive Director Claire Hill, organizer of the contest. “Each square beautifully captures the patchwork of progress that has defined TFC’s 80-year journey, and we are honored to incorporate them into a commemorative quilt that will be displayed in our conference room in La Vergne."
Of the many entries received, 39 squares were chosen to be expertly stitched together to create a one-of-a-kind quilt that will serve as a testament to the enduring spirit of Tennessee’s farming community and the cooperative principles that have guided TFC since its founding in 1945.
Due to the exceptional quality and quantity of the quilt squares submitted, additional quilts have been crafted and will be offered for sale at the 2025 Co-op Auction Barn event this fall, as Tennessee Farmers Cooperative celebrates its 80th anniversary.
"This quilt project is a wonderful way for us to celebrate our 80th anniversary and recognize the invaluable contributions of our customers, communities, and our partners in the agricultural industry," said TFC Chief Executive Officer Shannon Huff. "We are incredibly grateful to all the participants who shared their talents and helped bring this 'Patchwork of Progress' to life."
Each square represents something special such as the livestock and crops grown across Tennessee and the hand-stitched symbols of Co-op pride. Together, they celebrate 80 years of Tennessee Farmers Cooperative.
Look for 80th Anniversary Videos on TFC’s Social Media
Throughout the past year, we have been gathering stories and testimonials to help celebrate TFC’s 80th Anniversary. Focusing on farmers throughout our trade area, the videos feature testimonials from farmer members who rely on their local Co-ops for their operations, and why those relationships are so important for their business. They also share details about their family and farming operation and reflect on the changes they have seen in agriculture. These short videos provide a lively look at some of the neighbors in our Co-op community, while showcasing the importance of our Co-op connections. To see the playlist, please visit: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLR9-H3aE8T7lXb0LPCZ-lyAOPhP3Cm6Xj
Story by Glen Liford,
Contact gliford@ourcoop.com