Star Staff Reports
Earlier this month, Lee Jones, of Jones Orchard in Millington, received a Distinguished Service Award at the Tennessee Farm Bureau’s Federation 102nd Annual Convention outside of Nashville.
Located 10 miles north of Memphis, the Jones’ family farm has been providing fruits to Millington and the Mid-South for more than eight decades.
Jones Orchard has grown more than 600 acres in production. It all started with H. L. “Peaches” Jones in 1940.
“We offer three pick-your-own locations, two roadside markets, three farmers’ market booths, a robust jelly business, and a fall harvest celebration complete with a huge corn maze and three haunts sure to delight and scare,” according to the Jones Orchard website.
The award from the Farm Bureau is a high honor. More than 1,600 farmers from across the state gathered in Franklin from December 2-5 for Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation’s 102nd annual meeting. The group recognized and presented awards to outstanding county Farm Bureaus, honored board and staff retirees and adopted policy resolutions for the upcoming year and elected the state board of directors.
“It was so great to see all our folks from across the state at our 102nd annual convention,” said Tennessee Farm Bureau President Eric Mayberry, who was re-elected for his second term as state president. “Our grassroots leaders showed up and it was such a special time to be thankful and reflect on our successful year but also look forward to what is ahead for our organization in 2024.”
Session speakers included Icey-Tek President Patrick Mudge, State Rep. Rebecca Alexander, State Rep. Johnny Shaw, State Comptroller Jason Mumpower, Secretary of State Tre Hargett, State Treasurer David Lillard and University of Tennessee at Knoxville Associate Vice Chancellor Dr. Lynne E. Parker. Tennessee Governor Bill Lee also addressed the group and shared his appreciation for the organization’s values and influence on Tennessee’s number one and most important industry, agriculture.
“I’m grateful for the philosophy and belief system this organization stands on,” said Lee. “It matters a lot. It matters a lot to the people of Tennessee and it means a lot to the future of this country.”
During the annual business session, 255 delegates debated policy proposals and passed resolutions to guide and direct the organization in 2024 at the state and federal levels. Some of the topics discussed were farm policy related to private property rights, education and taxes.
