“By investing in these 39 businesses across varied agricultural and forestry sectors, we’re expanding markets.”
Eleven Upper Cumberland entrepreneurs were selected to receive Agricultural Enterprise Funds (AEF),according tothe Tennessee Department of Agriculture.
“This year’s record number of Agricultural Enterprise Fund recipients highlights the strength and innovation of Tennessee’s agricultural and forestry entrepreneurs,” Agriculture Commissioner Andy Holt said. “By investing in these 39 businesses across varied agricultural and forestry sectors, we’re expanding markets, growing local economies and strengthening rural communities. Their success is Tennessee’s success.”
Upper Cumberland award recipients are:
- Barky Beaver, Clay County, cattle production facility
- Tim Eller, Macon County, feed mill operation
- Walnut Creek Timber, Overton County, forest products
- Cherry Creek Nursery, Putnam County, horticultural production
- Cecil Whitson, DBA Maple Glenn Farms, Putnam County, horticultural production
- Erwin Tupper DBA Tupper Tree Farm, Warren County, horticultural production
- Blankenship Farms and Nursery, Warren County, horticultural production
- Richard Faron Green, Warren County, horticultural production
- Trent Walker DBA Walker’s Sod Farm, Warren County, sod producer
- Bryce Caten DBA Morrison Mill, Warren County, feed mill operation
- Rusty Mangrum Nursery, Warren County, horticultural production
AEF has awarded nearly $23 million in funding to Tennessee businesses since 2018.
Other award recipients are listed below in alphabetical order by county:
- James Carden Trucking, Bradley County, logging operation
- Bill Surber, Claiborne County, feed mill operation
- Cul2Vate, Davidson County, food distribution
- TN Brew Works, Davidson County, brewery
- Bruce Alan Good DBA Rift Sawn, Davidson County, sawmill operation
- Volner Sawmill, Decatur County, forest products
- Crossroads Sod Farm, Franklin County, sod production
- JM Forest Products, Giles County, forest products
- Gilland Ag Services, Giles County, grain handling facility
- Clinch River Hardwoods, Grainger County, forest products
- Little Lou’s Creamery, Greene County, dairy producer/processor
- Tommy Johnson, Hamilton County, retail meat facility
- James Michael Osborn DBA Chili Pepper Ranch, Hamilton County, retail meat facility
- Hatchie River Lumber Co., Hardeman County, forest products
- CamAli Farms, Hardeman County, grain handling facility
- First Farmers Co-op, Henderson County, farmers cooperative
- B&B Sawmill, Henderson County, forest products
- Corey Schmidt DBA Corey Schmidt Lumber Co., Houston County, forest products
- Jeff Drake Logging Company, Madison County, forest products
- Old Stone Creamery, Maury County, dairy producer/processor
- Knight Enterprises, McNairy County, sawmill operation
- Havco, Monroe County, forest products
- Evans Plant Farm, Rutherford County, horticultural production
- Classic American Hardwood, Shelby County, forest products
- Albert Thomas DBA Thomas Farms, Shelby County, retail meat facility
- Jeffery Swift DBA Swift Sawmill, Stewart County, forest products
- Wayne Farmers Cooperative, Wayne County, farmers cooperative
- Hayden Stults, Wayne County, meat processor
For eligibility requirements and application details, visit Agricultural Enterprise Fund, TN Department of Agriculture.
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