UTCVM Alum (’84) Serves Tennessee’s Farmers and Foresters as the State’s 38th Commissioner of Agriculture

Can you please tell us about the agricultural legacy of your family and why you chose to pursue a career in agriculture?

I am a tenth-generation farmer, deeply rooted in the agricultural traditions of my family. My childhood was greatly influenced by the time spent with my grandfather, Colonel George Hatcher MD, on the family farm. Those experiences inspired me to become both a farmer and a veterinarian. The Hatcher family has been farming in the Arno/College Grove, Tennessee, area since 1819, after relocating from Virginia. For generations, Hatchers have been dedicated to dairy farming. A significant portion of the land I currently live on was acquired by Octavius Hatcher in 1847. We even have the original milk license issued by the State of Tennessee to my grandfather in 1926. It’s safe to say that whole milk runs in my veins.

Can you describe the course of your career and how it led to your appointment as Tennessee’s 38th Commissioner of Agriculture?

For over two decades, I worked predominantly as a livestock veterinarian, specializing in dairy and beef cattle. One of my notable clients was the Triple L Ranch, a beef cattle farm owned by Bill Lee and his family. My work with the Lee family seemed to leave a positive impression, as when he later became governor, Bill Lee believed I would be well-suited for the role of Tennessee’s Commissioner of Agriculture. This appointment was a significant milestone in my career, allowing me to leverage my extensive veterinary and farming experience to serve the state.

What does a typical day working in the Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) look like, and can you describe some of your responsibilities?

A typical day in my role as Tennessee’s Commissioner of Agriculture involves extensive travel, numerous meetings, and constant phone calls addressing various challenges and opportunities. My primary responsibility is to serve, support, and promote agriculture and forestry throughout the state. TDA has a significant impact on every Tennessean, influencing everything from the fuel they use to the food they eat and the clothing they wear. The tough part of this job is providing good customer service with the right balance of regulatory function.

What do you enjoy most about the work you do?

What I enjoy most about my work is helping farmers and foresters. It’s incredibly rewarding to support the hardworking individuals who sustain our agricultural and forestry industries.

How would you describe your experience attending the UT College of Veterinary Medicine (UTCVM)?

Attending the UT College of Veterinary Medicine was a life-changing experience. It was challenging but ultimately rewarding and allowed me to establish lifelong relationships and friendships.

How did your time at UTCVM impact your life and your career?

My time at UTCVM set the foundation for my veterinary career. Veterinarians are natural problem solvers, and the skills I developed during my studies have been invaluable in my role as Ag Commissioner. Being able to tackle complex issues effectively has been crucial in my professional journey.

What advice would you give to current or prospective UTCVM students?

I would advise current or prospective UTCVM students to expose themselves to as many aspects of veterinary medicine as possible. Find a good mentor, learn from your mistakes, challenge yourself, help others, and never become complacent.

What is your proudest accomplishment?

My proudest accomplishment is that my entire family lives on the dairy farm and is involved in agriculture every single day. It’s a meaningful legacy that we all contribute to and cherish.

What do you like to do outside of work and/or what is a fun fact about yourself?

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time on the farm. On some days, I’ll accumulate over 20,000 steps just from working on the farm, which keeps me active and connected to my roots.