Tennessee Department of Agriculture Announced Record Number of Agricultural Enterprise Fund Recipients

NASHVILLE — The Tennessee Department of Agriculture announced the latest recipients of funding through the Agricultural Enterprise Fund (AEF).

“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.”

AEF has awarded nearly $23 million in funding to Tennessee businesses since 2018.

Award recipients are listed below in alphabetical order by county:

James Carden Trucking, Bradley County, logging operation
Bill Surber, Claiborne County, feed mill operation
Barky Beaver, Clay County, cattle production facility
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
Tim Eller, Macon County, feed mill operation
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
Walnut Creek Timber, Overton County, forest products
Cherry Creek Nursery, Putnam County, horticultural production
Cecil Whitson DBA Maple Glenn Farms, Putnam County, horticultural production
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
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
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. The next AEF application deadline is April 10, 2026.