CMA FEST Banner.jpeg

‘An apple a day...’ for good music all day! CMA Fest kicks off in Nashville

RFD-TV’s own Tammi Arender was down on Broadway covering all the action at CMA Fest when she stumbled upon some apple farmers from North-Central Washington selling a new, must-try apple variety.

Thousands of visitors are flooded the streets of Nashville on Thursday for CMA Fest. This year marks the 50th in the history of the popular summer country music festival.

RFD-TV’s own Tammi Arender ran into some apple farmers from North-Central Washington when she was covering all the action at CMA Fest. The Sugar Bee Apple Orchard, set up right in the middle of Broadway, were offering a healthy snack option to the 200,000- 300,000 country music fans expected to descend on Music City over the weekend.

“The Sugar Bee is a newer variety that was created by the Sugar Bee when it landed on a honey crisp blossom and pollinated it with another variety, and we got this juicy, delicious, amazing apple — and we wanted to share it with you guys!” Said Ashley Rowe, a grower from Sugar Bee Apple Orchard. “We’ve heard from so many people say, ‘Oh, this is the best apple I’ve ever tasted!’ It really is the best apple!”

We will continue our coverage of the 50th CMA Fest through the rest of this week, so stay tuned to RFD-TV on-air and across all of our social media accounts for more from Music City U.S.A!

Related Stories
We spotlight a student from Illinois who is helping to launch a middle school chapter and teaching younger students about the impact of agriculture in their communities.
FarmHER Annaliese Wegner joined us to dish about her episode of Dirt Diaries, talk about her own podcast, and other exciting moments ahead for Ag’s Most Okayest Farm Girls.
Delaware FarmHER Katie Evans turns “ugly” produce into delicious treats through her nationally recognized brand, The Frozen Farmer
On Champions of Rural America, Rep. Dusty Johnson underscores the Western Caucus’ ongoing commitment to advocating for farmers and rural communities.
Consumer demand for regional food systems is strong, but the challenge lies in scaling production and infrastructure to meet that growing need.
American Coalition for Ethanol’s Ron Lamberty shares the significance of California’s approval, opening up the country’s largest gasoline market to a cleaner-burning, often lower-cost fuel option.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Wed, 2/18/26 – 7:30 PM ET
While access to China remains uncertain, U.S. beef exporters are finding resilience and opportunity in other global markets, which could help maintain industry value and expand export opportunities.
American Farmland Trust shares guidance, research, and policy solutions to help farmers navigate the growing threat of PFAS, or “forever chemicals,” contaminating U.S. farmland.
Dr. Jeffrey Gold, president of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, joins us on Rural Health Matters to discuss winter safety reminders and preparedness.
ASFMRA’s Dennis Reyman discusses farmer sentiment, land values, and how global and financial pressures are shaping decision-making in the ag land market.
Rural Lifestyle & Entertainment Shows
Brought to you by Gus Arrendale & Springer Mountain Farms, join dynamic bluegrass duo Dailey & Vincent as they welcome scores of fabulous bluegrass, country, and gospel music acts as special guests. Loads of laughs, your favorite guests galore, and lots of good times are guaranteed. Don’t miss all the fun!
Twisted Skillet brings a straightforward, hands-on approach to kitchen television, rooted in food and fire. Hosted by Texas chef Sean Koehler, the series explores open-fire outdoor cooking techniques, regional ingredients, and the people who raise, prepare, and inspire the food found across America.
Enjoy traditional country music from modern-day troubadours The Malpass Brothers. Each episode stars the brother duo of Chris & Taylor Malpass along with a featured celebrity guest– and loads of clever humor.
FarmHER + RanchHER on RFD-TV is working to change how people perceive a farmer by sharing the stories of the women who live and lead in agriculture.
Join popular polka performer Mollie Busta as she hosts the weekly “Mollie B Polka Party” on RFD Network! The one-hour program features the nation’s top polka bands and a wide variety of ethnic styles, recorded on location at music festivals across the country.