Bill Johnson has a rich history in Tennessee agriculture. He previously served at President and CEO of Farm Credit Mid-America, and now is a professor at the Herbert College of Agriculture at the University of Tennessee. Johnson was recently recognized by the Tennessee Council of Cooperatives for his support for co-ops and training for the next generation.

Thomas Capps
Recognition for dedication to cooperatives and rural Tennessee. Hello, and welcome to Tennessee Home and Farm Radio, I'm Thomas Capps.

Bill Johnson
If you want things to be better, you have to be involved. Bill Johnson

Thomas Capps
Bill Johnson's roots in Tennessee agriculture runs deep. He recently served as president and CEO of Farm Credit Mid-America, and now he's a professor at the Herbert College of Agriculture at the University of Tennessee. He teaches business strategy there. Johnson was recently recognized by the Tennessee Council of Cooperatives at the Young Leaders Conference for his years of support of cooperatives, and to the ag industry.

Bill Johnson
When you're recognized for something that you really love to do, and that's to help young people become leaders. It's very humbling. But if much as anything, it just draws light to what this program really means, and the support it has across all phases of the industry. And I think that's something that you know, the people they meet the experiences they have the perspective they gain from very diverse speakers is something that will make them again, better farmers and ranchers but also better citizens of Tennessee.

Thomas Capps
Johnson now working with young people at UT sees how critical it is to train up the next generation of agriculturalists. He sees great value in programs like the Young Leaders Conference and the Tennessee Farm Bureau, Young Farmers and Ranchers.

Bill Johnson
We think about the future of agriculture, and the future of agri businesses. Learning how to lead, understanding our role in the communities and this program not only teaches important skills for their farming operation, but it teaches them to be even better citizens. And one of the things I think Tennessee really has going for it with this program, and they make lifelong friends will be at conferences, and they'll reminisce about when they were in the Young Farmer program, and how much it meant to them and their family. And what it's done for them really in their career.

Thomas Capps
For Tennessee Home and Farm Radio. I'm Thomas Capps. Thanks for listening and have a great day.