NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee and Tennessee Department of Agriculture commissioners out-shelled the competition from the House and Senate at the state’s Ag Day on the Hill celebration last month. The event is held each year at the end of March and is a reminder of the huge impact agriculture and forestry have on Tennessee’s economy, way of life, and future.

The annual Ag Day highlights Tennessee farmers and the state’s agriculture industry, in addition to featuring a lighthearted competition. Competitions in years past have included hay ball tossing and cow milking. This year’s competition featured corn shelling.

 State legislators, judicial members and state executive leadership competed in this corn shelling contest. The winning team included Gov. Lee, Commissioner Charlie Hatcher and Deputy Commissioner Andy Hold, who earned a commemorative award and bragging rights.

The Farm and Forest Families of Tennessee organization presented a $1,000 check in honor of the contest winners to the Shooting Hunger Backpack program.

 “This is one issue that most everybody in this state appreciates and believes in,” Lee said, referring to the importance of Tennessee’s agriculture industry. “They know that we have to come together to collectively support it.”

 “Agriculture and forestry are Tennessee’s number on industry, driving not only our economy but also our way of life,” Agriculture Commissioner Charlie Hatcher said. “Agriculture and forestry contribute more than $81 billion annually to Tennessee’s economy and employ hundreds of thousands of Tennesseans, making them essential to the state’s success.

 “Ag Day on the Hill gives us the opportunity to celebrate the incredible work being done by farmers, forest landowners and all those who support our industry. It also underscores the importance of empowering out youth to continue this vital work in the future,” Hatcher said.

 While some current leaders spent time advocating the importance their industry has on the state, some of tomorrow’s ag leaders came along to take care of their feathered and four-legged friends.

 M.K. Shirley a 12-year-old 4-H member from Rutherford County introduced Gov. Lee to four day old Orpington chicks. “He told me about how he raised chickens when he was a kid living in Williamson County,” Shirley said. “And he asked about chickens that I raised at my home.”

Abigail Wicker, an FFA member, showcased sheep she raises in Wilson County. “Next year I’ll be a freshman in college and I hope to study ag business and organizational communication, and hope to be part of shaping policy in the future,” she said. “Maybe one day I’ll be here at the Capitol, but not sure yet.”

Attendees enjoyed biscuits with pork, chicken and steak prepared by Tennessee FFA and 4-H members. The Diary Alliance provided milk from Middle Tennessee State University.