
08/19/2025
Secretary Rollins Visits Tennessee State Fair, Highlights Tennessee Walking Horse Industry
LEBANON, Tenn. – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins served as keynote speaker at the 10th Annual Tennessee State Fair FFA Ham Breakfast on August 18, 2025, where she was joined by Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Stephen Vaden of Union City, Tennessee.
Following the breakfast, Secretary Rollins and Deputy Secretary Vaden participated in the Producers Roundtable, which brought together leaders from Tennessee’s top agricultural industries. TWHBEA Senior Vice President David Williams represented the Tennessee Walking Horse industry during the discussion.
Secretary Rollins acknowledged the challenges faced by the Walking Horse industry and assured participants that she and Deputy Secretary Vaden would be addressing those concerns moving forward. The press conference and roundtable also included comments from U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn and Bill Hagerty, and U.S. Congressman John Rose. State Senator Shane Reeves, State Representative Pat Marsh, and Tennessee Department of Agriculture Commissioner Charles Hatcher also were in attendance and emphasized the significance of agriculture to Tennessee.
Both Secretary Rollins and Deputy Secretary Vaden, along with Rep. Rose and Senator Blackburn, specifically recognized the cultural and economic importance of the Tennessee Walking Horse industry, stressing the need to preserve its history and legacy for future generations.
Later in the day, Deputy Secretary Vaden, Commissioner Hatcher, and Rep. Rose met with 2024 World Grand Champion Cavender and trainer Tim Smith, watching Smith showcase the stallion on the fairgrounds.
Many of the officials in attendance at the State Fair, including Deputy Secretary Vaden, are also expected to attend the upcoming 87th Annual Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration in Shelbyville, Tenn., scheduled for August 20-30, 2025.
Photo: Tennessee Ag Commissioner Dr. Charles Hatcher, Mark Farrar, Warren Wells, Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden, Representative John Rose and Jeffrey Howard were on hand to welcome 2024 World Grand Champions Cavender and Tim Smith to the Tennessee State Fair.