KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Farmers across Knox County plan to meet Tuesday with lawmakers to talk about the future of farming. More than 69,000 farms cover almost 40% of the land in the state. But farmers say that the footprint of family farmers is shrinking.
In Knox County, more than 28,000 people are part of the Farm Bureau. That's the group leading this legislative visit. They represent farmer's rights statewide, with the challenges that these farmers face to be presented to lawmakers.
For 35 years, Barry Lyke has operated River Bluff Farm where he raises animals such as cows and calves. One key food staple he needs for his livestock is hay, but he says with droughts and farmland being lost, it's getting harder and more expensive to get it.
"To have more hamburger, you got to have more space to have for cattle to grow and produce," Lyke said.
According to the Tennessee Farm Bureau, the agriculture production value in the state is more than $5 billion. The majority of it is from crops and livestock.
"We're not only just feeding our families, but we're feeding their families. And we're feeding families across the state," Pamela Stoutt said, another farmer in East Tennessee.
She says some of the major concerns farmers face right now range from land loss to a low supply of hay from droughts.
"It not only affects our farmers, but it also affects us as consumers when we go to the grocery store," Stoutt said.
In a statement, Republican State Senator Becky Massey said, "Agriculture is an important industry in Tennessee. I’ve worked closely with the Knox County Farm Bureau in the past and appreciate our farmers’ contributions to our economy and community. I look forward to meeting with farmers from Knoxville this week to share my appreciation for the work they do and to continue working together to ensure their needs are met."
"We want our lawmakers to understand the importance of agriculture," Stoutt said.