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Coffee County UT Extension County Director Amy Willis Prince recognizes Jeremy and Megan Jernigan as Rotary Farmer of the Year during a recent club meeting at the Mercantile Café.

-Photo provided

 The Rotary Club in partnership with the UT/TSU Extension-Coffee County has named Jeremy and Megan Jernigan, owners and operators of Jernigan Farms, as the 2025 Farmers of the Year; an honor recognizing their innovation, community service, and expanding contributions to local agriculture.

They operate a cow/calf operation and manage 450 acres of row crops. Beyond their own farming enterprise, they serve as an essential resource to producers across the area. Each year, they spray approximately 30,000 acres for local farmers and provide customer planting and harvesting services, making them a trusted partner during the busiest seasons.

In 2023, Jeremy and Megan expanded their operation by introducing a large market garden and several acres of sweet corn, giving the public direct access to fresh, locally grown produce. Their commitment to diversification didn’t stop there. The couple also established a dedicated pollinator area where their children grow and sell cut flowers, an effort that highlights both family involvement and environmental stewardship.

Last year marked another milestone as they remodeled a mini barn and added a small greenhouse to officially open Clara Mae’s Produce, their on-farm store. Continuing their pursuit of sustainable growth, they partnered with the USDA in 2024 to construct a 30-by-96 foot high tunnel, allowing them to extend their growing season and increase production for local consumers.

The Rotary Club cited their diversified operation, service to fellow farmers, and commitment to community-centered agriculture as key reasons for selecting the couple for the 2025 award.  Jeremy and Megan say they are honored by the recognition and excited to continue growing, both their crops and their impact, across the community.

Community members can follow their journey and farm updates at Jernigan Farms LLC on Facebook.