Winter Storm 2026: Ag Impacts — Tennessee

Mike Knotts with the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association joined us with the latest on storm impacts, power restoration, and safety considerations following the ice storm.

NASHVILLE, TENN. (RFD NEWS) — A powerful winter storm has already moved through much of the country, leaving behind ice, power outages, and difficult conditions across parts of the South and Midwest. Ice storms can be especially damaging to electric systems, particularly in rural areas served by electric cooperatives.

Mike Knotts with the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association joined us on Monday’s Market Day Report from Nashville to provide an update on conditions across Tennessee following the storm.

In his interview with RFD NEWS, Knotts discussed the impacts electric co-ops are seeing statewide and explained how ice affects power lines and equipment differently than snow or wind, often leading to more widespread and longer-lasting outages. He also discussed safety issues for residents still without power, including precautions regarding generators, space heaters, downed power lines, and the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Finally, Knotts also shared guidance on how customers can stay informed and communicate with their local electric cooperatives if outages last longer than expected.

Related Stories
A bipartisan Senate delegation recently traveled to China ahead of President Trump’s meeting in Beijing.
Luke McCrea says his experiences in FFA and 4-H helped shape both his leadership skills and future career goals.
Trucking industry expert Lewie Pugh joins us to discuss rising diesel costs, challenges facing independent truckers, and the broader impact on agriculture and rural transportation.
RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney joins us to discuss the latest developments surrounding the Trump/Xi summit, what the negotiations could mean for U.S. agriculture, and
trade enforcement concerns.

Marion is a digital content manager for RFD News and FarmHER + RanchHER. She started working for Rural Media Group in May 2022, bringing a decade of digital experience in broadcast media and some cooking experience to the team.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Betsy Jibben with Ag Market Consulting takes us behind the scenes on report day with AgMarket.net.
A slimmed-down Farm Bill is back on the table in Washington, with lawmakers pushing for a deal by Fall 2025. Sen. Jerry Moran of Kansas weighs in with his outlook.
Foreign trade partners, such as China and the European Union, are still purchasing U.S. commodities, but are becoming more cautious as the Trump Administration’s tariff deadline approaches in August.
Demand for farm loans surged in the first quarter of the year, topping the previous record set in 2016.
Congress is seeking insight from meteorologists and weather researchers on how new technology can enhance safety and response times to severe weather and prevent future disasters.
Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer says the labor program will now be fully under her department, and consolidation will make the program more affordable and efficient for farmers and ranchers.