Tennessee Farmers Cooperative was recognized for their 50th year of membership in Cooperative Research Farms (CRF) during the recent 2015 CRF Summer Research Meetings June 15-17 in Rosemont, Illinois. CRF is one of the largest privately owned research networks, and has been dedicated since 1954 to providing the latest nutritional technology for beef, dairy, poultry and swine producers, as well as horse owners.

“Tennessee Farmers Cooperative has taken an active leadership role in CRF since 1965,” said David Ott, CRF general manager. “By joining CRF, they were an innovator then, taking the steps to solidify their commitment to members who produced livestock and poultry or own horses. TFC has continued that commitment for the past 50 years, and today TFC has several individuals serving in key leadership roles in the CRF organization.”

As a member of CRF, Tennessee Farmers helps determine the research direction and long-range plans, designing specific trials to achieve the members’ objectives, networking with industry experts in nutrition and feed production, and contributing to CRF’s patented technology and trademarks. Participation in CRF gives the Co-op system access to thousands of proprietary research trials.

“It wouldn’t be possible to quantify the pounds of milk or beef or added years on a horse’s life, but undoubtedly CRF has benefited our customers and our industry,” says Dr. Paul Davis, nutritionist and manager of TFC’s Feed and Animal Health Department. “It’s a perpetual influence, with each nutritionist who comes on board making it part of what we do. CRF has certainly left its mark.”