There are moments that make up a life. Some are simple. Others extraordinary. These moments touch our hearts and bring us together. They connect us to nature and to our roots. And every day, Tennesseans share these moments through social media. 

So here is something to consider: would these moments be possible without agriculture? Picture a wedding without the cake or flowers; a musical performance without the wooden instruments; or your child’s first soccer game without a safe field to play on. Think about football Saturday without food for tailgating, the team shirts or even the football itself.  

Agriculture’s impact on our lives can be seen everywhere. It graces our landscape and provides us the “magic” that makes up our lives. It is also an economic driver for Tennessee, providing $66 billion in total economic impact and 338,000 jobs. Agriculture and forestry make up 13 percent of our state’s economy. 

In 2013, Governor Bill Haslam charged the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation, and University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture to develop a strategy for ensuring the growth and prosperity of agriculture and forestry over the next decade. While this challenge highlights a number of important initiatives, the underlying message is a need to increase the awareness of the industry’s contributions to the health, welfare and economy of our state. The Governor’s Rural Challenge provides a platform for sharing the agricultural message to all Tennesseans, and especially those not associated with our industry.  

That’s why we’re proud to launch a new statewide public awareness movement called “TN Magic Moments.” This is a grassroots effort through social media and speaking engagements to expose our citizens to agriculture and its impact on our daily lives.  We’re asking everyone—no matter who you are, what you do, or where you live—to help recognize the many contributions of Tennessee farmers and the industry by share your “magic moments’” with the hashtag #TNMAGICMOMENTS. 

Be a part of the conversation and join us in this effort. Please follow TN Magic Moments on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. To find out more, visit www.tnmagicmoments.com. Using the power of social media, we believe we can begin to show the important connection we all have with agriculture every day.  

So this season, when you are out enjoying a day at the pumpkin patch with your children or grandchildren; savoring the smells and tastes of a homemade Thanksgiving dinner; or sitting back watching your favorite sports team in action, consider this: what would your life be like without agriculture? 

It’s hard to do because, after all, there would be no mAGic without AG. 

Commissioner Julius Johnson
Tennessee Department of Agriculture