Memorials, Recognition - Farmers Helping Farmers -

114th Regular Session (2025-2026)

The bill publicly commends Farmers Helping Farmers and Dan Pearman for organizing hay convoys and relief for East Tennessee farmers after Hurricane Helene.

Signed by Governor.

#memorials #recognition

Overview

Type: Joint Resolution (ceremonial memorial)

Title: Memorials, Recognition - Farmers Helping Farmers

Purpose: To honor and commend the Farmers Helping Farmers initiative and its leader, Dan Pearman, for organizing relief efforts to assist East Tennessee farmers after Hurricane Helene (September 2024).

Status: Signed by the Governor (March 12, 2025), completing the legislative process. The resolution is a formal memorial from the General Assembly.

Introduced: February 24, 2025

Background and Context

The resolution highlights a community-driven relief effort sparked by a post from Dan Pearman seeking support for farmers in Cocke and Greene counties affected by Hurricane Helene.

It notes coordination among farmers in Claiborne County and substantial mobilization to aid Greene, Cocke, and Unicoi counties, including hay, feed, and other essentials.

Pearman was later recognized with the John Bartee Distinguished Service Award at the Tennessee Cattlemen’s Association convention for leadership in organizing hay convoys.

What the Resolution Commends

Recognition of leadership and collaborative, voluntary effort under the banner “Farmers Helping Farmers.”

Acknowledgment of the impact of the relief efforts on livestock producers and farming communities in East Tennessee.

Formal commendation of Dan Pearman and the initiative, and best wishes for continued success in future endeavors.

Key Provisions and Details Highlighted

Support and mobilization: About 500 rolls of hay and substantial feed and essentials organized; 15 trucks delivered supplies from Mays’ Loadout Barn (Highway 63) to Cocke County, with plans for additional convoys and future focus on Greene County.

Regional scope: Involvement across multiple counties — Cocke, Greene, Unicoi — with the documented participation of a broad community:

Approximately 125 people in Cocke County
Approximately 190 people in Greene County
Approximately 140 people in Unicoi County

Quantified impact: More than 130 loads of donated hay, feed, and other supplies provided to affected farmers.

Leader and recognition: Dan Pearman cited as a primary organizer and leader; honored with the John Bartee Distinguished Service Award at a state-level industry event.

Affected Parties and Beneficiaries

Beneficiaries: Livestock producers and farming families in East Tennessee counties affected by Hurricane Helene (Cocke, Greene, Unicoi). The broader farming community and volunteers who contributed time, hay, feed, and resources.

Recognized individuals: Dan Pearman, plus the organizing volunteers and participants in the Farmers Helping Farmers initiative.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Intro and action path: Introduced February 24, 2025; placed on House consent calendar; sponsor additions in early March; transmitted to Senate; Senate concurrence and signatures followed.

House/Senate actions: Concurrence and passage in March 2025; enrollment and signatures proceeded in early March; final governor signature on March 12, 2025.

Nature of measure: Ceremonial memorial; contains “Be It Resolved” language recognizing contributions and extending best wishes; no new law or fiscal appropriations.

Impact and Implications

This is a formal commendation and public recognition rather than a policy change.

It serves to document state-wide acknowledgment of community response to natural-disaster relief in East Tennessee and to highlight volunteer-led charitable efforts.

May influence public memory, press coverage, and future acknowledgments of community-led disaster relief initiatives.

Bill