One of the many highlights of the convention is the announcement of conservation award winners. Please view the other award winners by clicking the pictures and video tabs below.

Over 250 guests attended the TACD 71st Convention held at the Double Tree Hotel in Jackson, Tennessee February  22nd - February 24th. The theme of the convention was "Soil Health Yields Natural Resource Wealth."

Guests were able to attend several informative meetings including an open forum with Dave Brandt, a Soil Health Farming Pioneer from Ohio, who was joined with two Tennessee Soil Health Farmers, Matt Griggs and Marty Hinson.

Other speakers included Scott Schoefernacker, representing the Groundwater Institute, and Harbert Alexander; Author, Historian, and one of Tennessee's Premier Story Tellers. He entertained SCD supervisors with snippets of his stories from his latest book Autumn Memories.

Dr. Larry Steckel presented an update on Herbicide Resistant Weed Research and how producers can use cover crops to effectively control weeds.

David Salyer; Executive Director, West Tennessee River Basin Authority, presented an update of his agency's work.

The convention concluded with an awards banquet where Kellye Cash Sheppard, Miss Americian 1987, brought the house down with her spirited vocals and showmanship. Kellye has performed with her uncle, the Country music legend Johnny Cash, Lee Greenwood, and the legendary Bob Hope. She has had numerous TV appearances including, "The Today Show," "Good Morning American," "The David Letterman Show," and "Hollywood Squares." Kellye has a concert schedule that includes the music of Patsy Cline, Johnny Cash, gospel favorites and show tunes. She has played the part of Patsy Cline in nine productions and/or tours of the musical. The Fall of 2013 Kellye starred in "Ring of Fire" at Cumberland County Playhouse in Crossville, Tennessee & this past summer she played to sold out houses as "Annie Oakley" in Annie Get Your Gun" at CCP.

Sponsors

The groups below helped to make the 2015 TACD Convention possible. We want to express our sincere appreciation to these sponsors for assisting us in recognizing contributions in the soil and water conservation efforts in Tennessee.



Tennessee Department of Agriculture



Farm Credit Mid-America Mid-America

 

Tennessee Pork Producers Association



Tennessee Farmers Cooperative



Tennessee Valley Authority



Natural Resources Conservation Service