GRAINGER COUNTY, TENN. — Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee visited the Stratton Farm in Grainger County on Monday as one of the final stops on a tour of all 95 counties in the state. The tour is part of the nation's 250th anniversary celebration.

During the visit, the Stratton family discussed rising production costs and other challenges facing farmers. Luke Stratton is the fourth generation in his family to grow tomatoes on the farm, and his sons represent the fifth generation to do so. The family aims to produce another successful tomato crop and ensure future generations will have a harvest.

"With us here on the family farm and in the business, the high cost of fertilizers and fuel has really gone up significantly lately," Stratton said.

"It's a great honor knowing you have a governor wanting to come by, visit and speak with me and my family," he said. "It's good to know they are concerned when they come out and visit local farms throughout the state to hear their voices."

Lee, whose family raises cattle, said the conversation with Stratton offered a look at an unfamiliar side of agriculture. "I was talking to Mr. Stratton, and my family is in the agriculture business — we're in the cattle business," the governor said.

"You can know a lot about one kind of agriculture and very little about another. While I've grown tomatoes in a garden before, this is a whole different level. It's fascinating, the size and scope of what they do," he said.