The Southern Association of State Departments of Agriculture, SASDA, hosted their annual meeting last week, and Commissioner Weathers is here to tell us more about it.

• SASDA 2025 was in Franklin, TN outside of Nashville and I really want to commend Tennessee Department of Agriculture for a wonderful conference.
• This conference is always a great opportunity to network with staff, hear about what is going on in our neighboring states, and see things in the host state.
• This year’s meeting was also important because there are 5 states including SC, that were affected by natural disasters in 2024. Those states had meetings to discuss programs specific to our producers.
• Some highlights from the meeting were:
  • Regional business and trade meetings
  • Tours of Commissioner Hatcher’s dairy farm, Callaway stables, agritourism destination and working farm Battle Mountain Farm, Tennessee Farm Bureau, Jack Daniels Distillery, and of course, the Grand Ole Opry
  • Speakers and panels including Congressman John Rose, Governor Bill Lee’s office, Senator Marsha Blackburn, representatives from University of Tennessee, and some members of the Tennessee Brewers Guild and the Tennessee Farm Winegrowers Alliance
  • John DeBerry, Senior Advisor to Governor Bill Lee had a very compelling message about the need for unity and common ground as we address many challenges facing our country, community and farmers. He reminded us of Jesus’ teaching in Matthew that a house divided will not stand
  • Shortage of rural veterinarians and the hope that Clemson’s new vet school will help that here in SC.