Columbia, TN (May 13, 2012) We respect Governor Haslam’s decision and appreciate his due diligence in considering the various aspects of the Livestock Protection Act (SB1248 Gresham and HB1191 Holt).  Although we are disappointed, we are appreciative of his recognition that well-established, long-accepted agricultural practices on farms are vulnerable to unfair attacks through misrepresentation and deception.  We also appreciate the sponsors and all those members of the General Assembly who believe in and support Tennessee farmers.

For the farm community this bill was all about protecting animals by stopping abuse quickly and ending the exploitation for sensationalism. Our farmers take the responsibility to care for animals very seriously. We will continue to be optimistic that we can care for animals and work to prevent animal cruelty.

Looking forward, our farmers will continue to display the relationship between farmers and their animals that was eloquently captured by Paul Harvey in his 1978 speech to the National FFA Convention. As caretakers, farmers have many times stayed up all night to care for a weak newborn…only to watch it die. “Then the farmer dries his eyes and says, ‘Maybe next year.’…… So God made a farmer.”

This article was found and is credited to http://www.tnfarmbureau.org/ Tennessee Farm Bureau online resource for Agricultural News and Events in Tennessee

Mother’s Day Guide: How to Choose the Best Gift for Her (438)

(NewsUSA) – Last year, flowers and jewelry topped the list of popular Mother’s Day gifts — naturally. Many women enjoy the warmth that fresh flowers add to a room, almost as much as supplementing a never-ending jewelry collection.

But if you honored Mom with tried-and-true gifts last May, show your appreciation by exercising a few creative muscles this year. Do something different — seize the opportunity to show unflinching love and gratitude.

Need a little help? The gift experts at RedEnvelope (www.redenvelope.com) — a trusted source of ideas and inspiration for any occasion — compiled suggestions about how to find the best present for the moms in your life.

For the traditional mom: Traditional moms rarely stop working for their families yet never ask much in return. Whether she relishes a new book, long baths or champagne brunches, she deserves it all. Give her a reason to schedule some “me time” with a home spa treatment, like a Lavender Relaxation Spa Set and a new spring robe. Or if she likes to share with friends, indulge in a Champagne Treats Basket from Shari’s Berries (www.berries.com).

For the contemporary mom: Whether it’s your sister, daughter wife or mother, the contemporary mom maintains a stylish home and makes strollers look fashionable. While her glamour may appear effortless, reminders don’t hurt. Brighten up her office or desk with a Mother and Child Orchid Garden (www.proflowers.com). If you’re brave, consider a pair of Enamel Stud Earrings, only offered at RedEnvelope. The big, bold enamel earrings have a versatile feel that can be both retro and mod.

For the gourmet mom: The gourmet mom tends to throw the best dinners, perhaps a result of restaurant experience or just a deep-rooted love of good cooking. Either way, her taste buds deserve some treats she didn’t make. If she has a sweet tooth, Shari’s Berries delivers handmade Mother’s Day chocolatey-covered strawberries and Cake Pops. For the potluck regulars, customize a glazed Stoneware Casserole dish with a nickname or favorite phrase at Personal Creations (www.personalcreations.com).

For the entertaining mom: If it’s possible to have a monopoly on holiday parties, leave it to the entertainers. Entertaining moms are the first to send out a Google group invite to Sunday “Fun-day” at their house. Even though we can’t attend every single one, they are admittedly some of the best parties. Surprise her with a lavish token of love, like a box of gourmet dipped berries one day, followed by two dozen rainbow roses the next. New Personal Creations picture frames allow for collage cut-outs reading anything from “I Love Mom” to “Family.”

Thursday, May 2^nd Direct from Nashville

Omaha, NE, (www.rfdtv.com) – RFD-TV will be carrying the George Jones funeral “live” from the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, Tennessee on Thursday, May 2nd, beginning at 11am (EST) /10am (CST), and then repeat this entire broadcast again at 10pm (EST).  FamilyNet will be carrying the George Jones tribute and funeral on May 2nd, at 2pm (EST) /1pm (CST), and again in prime time at 8pm (EST)