Extension serves to educate farmers, homeowners, and all other agricultural and horticultural producers on the latest management practices needed to solve problems, improve production, and drive successful marketing. A primary objective is to educate Tennesseans on how to protect the environment and improve the management, marketing, and use of natural resources. Extension faculty provide educational programs that assist rural community development, including helping communities in economic transition, improving networking among policy makers, and strengthening the decision-making skills and knowledge of community leaders.
For more detailed information about the programs listed below, click on any subject heading to be directed to the related website.
Please call our office at 865-397-2969 if you have any questions.
Ag Enhancement (TAEP)
The Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program (TAEP) was established in 2005 to provide cost share dollars to agricultural producers for the purpose of making long-term investments in Tennessee farms and communities. Participation allows producers to maximize farm profits, adapt to changing market situations, improve operation safety, increase farm efficiency, and make a positive economic impact in their communities.
Having BQA Certification, provides 35% cost-sharing reimbursement.
Having BQA & Master Beef Producer Certification, provides 50% cost-sharing reimbursement.
Beef Quality Assurance Certification
Beef Quality Assurance is a nationally coordinated, state implemented program that provides systematic information to U.S. beef producers and beef consumers of how common sense husbandry techniques can be coupled with accepted scientific knowledge to raise cattle under optimum management and environmental conditions. BQA guidelines are designed to make certain all beef consumers can take pride in what they purchase – and can trust and have confidence in the entire beef industry.
Individual sessions will be delivered by your local UT Extension Office, call for more information.
Tennessee Master Beef Producer
Over 23,000 certifications have been issue for the Master Beef Producer Program, The program is designed to leverage success into an even more productive beef industry in Tennessee by improving a profitability, position in the industry, and to be competitive with other states. The Tennessee Master Beef Producer Program uses a combination of hands-on experiences and classroom teaching.
Individual sessions will be delivered by your local UT Extension Office, call for more information.
Pesticide Applicator Training
Pesticide Safety and Education Program (PSEP) in Tennessee is a statewide educational program with an overall goal to protect the environment and the public health from improper use of pesticides by providing applicator and public education. The primary target audience includes certified and non-certified pesticide applicators of all kinds, farmworkers, and the general public.
Individual sessions will either be delivered by your local UT Extension Office or online through TDA’s Website, call for more information.
Soil Plant and Pest Center: Soil and Forage Laboratory
Need a soil or forage test? Come to our office for supplies and to submit a sample for analysis. All samples are submitted to The Soil, Plant, and Pest Center for analysis in order to help homeowners, farmers, nursery growers and researchers to manage their land according to its needs.
Agriculture
Our programs are designed to educate farmers and other agricultural producers on the latest management practices needed to solve problems, to improve production, and marketing. Programs also help Tennesseans protect the environment and improve the management, marketing and use of natural resources.
Farm Management
Improved management helps not only individuals, but also develops a stronger Tennessee economy. Extension faculty provide farmers with information on how to improve production through innovative methods in cultural techniques and livestock management practices. They also educate farmers on how to be more efficient in their use of labor, equipment, land and other resources.
Tennessee AgrAbility Project
Information to help Tennessee’s farmers, farm workers and their family members who have disabilities. The Rural Rehabilitation Specialists are UT Extension area specialists that provide education and on-farm assistance to farmers and their family members, as well as a variety of disability awareness education programs for agricultural and medical professionals and the general public.
Coordinator Eileen Legault, elegault@utk.edu
Agriculture Economics
The University Of Tennessee Extension Service offers a variety of programs to assist producers with finance and management
Animal Science Programs
Beef, Horse, Sheep Educational programs are provided in breeding and genetics, reproduction, nutrition and forage utilization, production and management and marketing that involve beef cattle, sheep and horses. Extension Animal Science faculty also provide support to the Tennessee 4-H program by providing literature for 4-H Animal Science projects and conducting beef, sheep, horse, poultry, dairy and market hog shows for 4-H’ers.
Beekeeping in Tennessee
UT honeybee Extension efforts focus on supplying accurate research-based information to Extension Agents and Beekeepers to improve the beekeeping industry, promote pollination of fruits and vegetables and help Beekeepers “keep” their honeybee colonies alive.
UT Extension Publication: Beekeeping In Tennessee
Learn More at: Tennessee Beekeeper’s Association
Agriculture and Natural Resources
Important Links
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Tennessee Department of Agriculture
Tennessee Cattleman’s Association
Pollination Requirements for Trees and Small Fruits
