The Vannatta Legacy

A brief history

Founded in 1850

Established by James and Jerusha Vannatta in 1850 with the original 100 acres, the founders grew wheat, cotton, and corn, and managed a herd of cattle. Notably, the land was also the site of the local post office.

Second generation

James’ son George W. Vannatta became the farm’s second generation owner, who built and operated the first cotton gin in the 5th district.

third generation

The founders’ grandson, William Cleveland Vannatta, was the third owner of the family farm. W. C. increased the acreage to 320 acres and operated one of the first wheat threshers in Bedford County. Vannatta also assisted in the construction of the first road between Murfreesboro and Shelbyville.

fourth generation

W. C. wed Ophelia Hardison, and their son Marvin (Pete) Vannatta was the farm’s fourth operator. Pete, his wife Elizabeth Walls and their four children introduced new crops such as crimson clover, began a dairy business, and purchased the county’s first cotton picker.

fifth generation

In 1964, Pete’s son Bobby W. Vannatta became the fifth owner when he acquired the farm’s original 100 acres, to which he added over 750 acres of land. Bobby wed Linda Joyce, and the couple went on to have three children. Bobby, the great-great-grandson of the founders, incorporated the farm’s operations in 1980.

The legacy of Bobby Vannatta

Throughout his lifetime, Bobby Vannatta recognized that, in order to be a successful modern farmer, Vannatta Farms must balance the embracing of new technology with an appreciation and respect for the land and its continued sustainability. He was a pioneer in no till farming and crop rotations to build soil fertility. In addition, Bobby enriched his community by serving on several committees and boards, including:

• Deputy Commissioner of Agriculture for the State of Tennessee

• Director of the American Soybean Association

• Director at large for the Tennessee Farmers Co-op

• Chairman of the board for the Bedford County Solid Waste Authority

• President of Shelbyville Jaycees

• Board member of the Duck River Electric Membership Cooperation

• Bedford County Commissioner for 19 years

A natural leader, Bobby was always effective at making positive change through decisive actions. He was an advocate of U.S. farm products and traveled the world as a representative of modern agriculture.

The Vannatta Family today

sixth generation farmer

Since Bobby’s death in 2012, the farming operations have been under the control of Bobby’s wife Linda and their three children, Sharon V. Edwards, Tracy H. Vannatta, and Troy W. Vannatta, which make up the VFI Board.

Now the sixth generation of Vannattas to carry on the farming tradition, Tracy began building his own operation along side the VFI entity and serves as the farm manager. Currently, over 2000+ acres of land are farmed under the Vannatta name.

Farming for the future

Seventh generation & beyond

Seventh & eighth generation Vannattas are ready to continuing the legacy of sustainable farming practices. Vannatta Farms is always looking to the future for the next in farming technology.