News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Two Upper Cumberland farmers will learn more about new opportunities in agriculture and help grow the local Ag community through the state’s Agriculture and Forestry Leadership Program.
Jim Bledsoe and Andy Davis will join some 50 people statewide in the program. Davis said he aims to bring valuable knowledge to the farm to bring new opportunities. Davis said being a crop farmer, he created his own motto going forward.
“Get green, stay green, there’s a lot to learn and I’m just looking forward to learning as much as I can,” Davis said. “Learning about different operations, learning about in-users, connecting with customers and that type of thing.”
Jim Bledsoe owns Fentress County’s Bledsoe Farms. He said the eighteen-month-long program will enhance operations by helping navigate new regulations and guidelines to produce food. Being 52 years old, Bledsoe said the program reminds him of school, and he values continuing his education no matter his age.
“I went back and got my masters in Natural Resource and Agricultural Management this last year so I’ve enjoyed school and trying to educate myself,” Bledsoe said. “And just helps me do a better job that what I do.”
Both Bledsoe and Davis hold masters degrees. Davis said he is excited about returning to the learning routine as he holds multiple degrees, including a Master of Business Administration.
“I wound up back on the farm as part of the family business so, I’ve got a lot of nice pretty pieces of papers on the wall I’ll say that,” Davis said. “But its gonna be fun to get back into the groove. You know, I love to learn and I’m ready to dig in.”
