Childress recognized as 2025 Precision Farmer of the Year

Bogota farmer Wally Childress (R) is seen here with Tennessee Governor Bill Lee (L) at a reception where he was named the 2025 John Deere Precision Farmer of the Year by Quail Forever.

Photos/Rachel Townsend

RACHEL TOWNSEND

Managing Editor

Bogota landowner and farmer Wally Childress was named the 2025 John Deere Precision Farmer of the Year by Quail Forever following a ceremony held Tuesday, August 27, at the Bogota Community Center.

Childress is seen here alongside wife, Tracy.

Photo/ Rachel Townsend

The event was attended by Tennessee Governor Bill Lee as well as representatives from the Tennessee Wildlife Reservation Association (TWRA), the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the National Resource Conservation Service (NRCS). Childress was also joined by numerous family, friends and agricultural colleagues.

The annual award recognizes the innovative use of precision ag technology and the utilization of data to identify profitable solutions for agriculture and wildlife on working lands throughout America.

Those in attendance were treated to lunch followed by a ceremony hosted by Quail Forever National Program Manager Andy Edwards.

Childress said he appreciated the relationship forged between himself and Precision Ag and Conservation Specialist Jacob Taylor, as well as all Quail Forever representatives and partners.

In 2021, Childress was appointed to serve on the Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission. Noted by NRCS representative Robin Mayberry, Childress’ efforts encompass “community-based conservation efforts.”

Taylor commended Childress on creating 1,400 acres of wetlands preserve, returning row crops to wither in their natural state, creating 14 acres of CRP weapon restoration, creating 120 acres managed for early succession, practicing the rotational burning of crops, cover crops, and no-till farming, just to name a few.

Childress was also noted for his dedication to his community, service as a board member of the Soil Conservation Water District Board, Quail Forever member, and strong advocate for conservation as a whole.

Other speakers included Jason Maxedon of the TWRA, Quail Forever State Coordinator Brittney Viars, and Quail Forever Biologist Collin Stanley.

Childress will be announced again as the 2025 Precision Farmer of the Year during next year’s Quail Forever’s Pheasant Fest and Quail Classic event.

To learn more about Childress Farms, the outdoors, or life in Bogota visit the Bogota Boys podcast at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7lQBe7O1kDPXx4LWFdoPUw.