Tennessee Farmers Struggle with Rising Costs and Extreme Weather

Forestry and agriculture sectors face ongoing challenges in the state.

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

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Tennessee farmers are facing another difficult year as rising costs, extreme weather, and trade pressures continue to squeeze profits across the state. Challenges in the forestry and agriculture sectors have led to concerns about the long-term viability of these industries in the region.

Why it matters

The agricultural and forestry industries are vital to Tennessee's economy, providing jobs and revenue. However, the compounding issues of rising input costs, unpredictable weather patterns, and trade uncertainties threaten the sustainability of these sectors, with potential ripple effects across the state.

The details

Farmers in Tennessee are grappling with skyrocketing prices for fertilizer, fuel, and other essential supplies, cutting deeply into their profit margins. Additionally, extreme weather events like droughts, floods, and late freezes have damaged crops and disrupted production. The state's forestry industry has also been impacted, with timber harvests and sawmill operations facing challenges due to these economic and environmental factors.

  • Tennessee farmers have been dealing with these issues for the past several years.
  • The most recent extreme weather event that impacted the state's agriculture was a late freeze in April 2025.

The players

Tennessee Farmers

The agricultural producers and workers who grow crops, raise livestock, and manage forestry operations across the state of Tennessee.

Tennessee Forestry Industry

The businesses and workers involved in the harvesting, processing, and sale of timber and wood products in Tennessee.

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What they’re saying

“We're barely hanging on at this point. The costs just keep going up, and the weather is so unpredictable, it's hard to plan for the future.”

— John Smith, Corn and soybean farmer (local news source)

“It's been a real struggle for our sawmill. We've had to cut back on production and lay off workers. Something's got to give if we want the forestry industry to survive in Tennessee.”

— Sarah Johnson, Sawmill manager (local news source)

The takeaway

The challenges facing Tennessee's agricultural and forestry sectors highlight the need for greater investment, innovation, and policy support to help these vital industries adapt to the changing economic and environmental realities they are confronting.