NASHVILLE — The Tennessee Department of Agriculture announces the recipients of the Agricultural Enterprise Fund (AEF) Livestock Market Improvement Initiative.

This initiative strengthens Tennessee’s livestock economy by supporting upgraded infrastructure, equipment and technology that enhance safety, animal welfare and operational efficiency at livestock markets. Eligible projects may include improvements to livestock handling facilities, pens, scales, loading areas, roofing and technology systems that support market operations.

“Livestock markets play a critical role in connecting Tennessee producers to our state’s livestock industry,” Agriculture Commissioner Andy Holt said. “Through the AEF Livestock Market Improvement Initiative, we’re investing in the facilities and infrastructure that keep these markets safe, efficient and competitive.”

In Middle Tennessee, the impact of these investments is expected to be especially meaningful for producers in nearby counties such as Marshall and Warren, both of which maintain strong ties to Rutherford County’s agricultural economy. Facilities like the Lewisburg Livestock Market in Marshall County and Warren County Livestock serve as key regional hubs where farmers regularly bring cattle and other livestock to market. Improvements funded through the initiative are likely to enhance not only the safety and efficiency of these operations, but also reduce travel burdens for Rutherford County producers who rely on nearby markets. As these upgrades take shape, the strengthened infrastructure across adjacent counties is expected to further integrate the regional livestock network, supporting more competitive pricing, improved animal handling standards, and long-term sustainability for local agriculture.

Award recipients are listed below in alphabetical order by county:

• Dickson Regional Livestock West, Carroll County

• Wilson Livestock Market, Cocke County

• Dickson Regional Livestock, Dickson County

• Trenton Regional Stockyard, Gibson County

• Pulaski Stockyard, Giles County

• Volunteer Stockyard, Greene County

• Knoxville Livestock Auction Center, Knox County

• Browning Livestock Market, Macon County

• Lewisburg Livestock Market, Marshall County

• Midsouth Regional Livestock Center, Maury County

• United Producers, Maury County

• Athens Regional Stockyard, McMinn County

• Crossville Stockyard, Putnam County

• Smith County Commission, Smith County

• Warren County Livestock, Warren County