Final report for STN23-002
Project Information
The proposed project will support the SARE program through multiple train-the-trainer opportunities, marketing and promotion of SARE activities, funding, and materials, and collaboration across the UT and TSU land-grant institutions. Train-the-trainer opportunities led by Tennessee State University Extension faculty and agents will focus on engaging extension agents, local officials, and farmers in educational opportunities on topics such as beginning farmer assistance, sustainable poultry production, and heirs’ property. These train-the-trainer programs will be evaluated and impacts will be reported. Other train-the-trainer opportunities in Tennessee and across the region will allow agents to enhance and diversify their knowledge of sustainable agriculture. Participating agents will provide reporting following these trainings focused on the material learned and how it will be incorporated into their future work with farmers. Marketing of SARE programs, funding, and materials will be implemented through Tennessee Extension events, events held by other nonprofit or private entities (i.e. USDA-NRCS, Tennessee Farm Bureau), social media, and newsletters to stakeholders. Tennessee State University will collaborate with the University of Tennessee through our existing MOU and successful experiences working together across the state. State coordinators and program assistants at both institutions will hold regular meetings throughout the year to identify potential training opportunities and will coordinate SARE program marketing to ensure a seamless and efficient process.
- Engage in train-the-trainer programming for agents, local officials, and farmers focused on sustainable poultry production.
The overall objectives are i) understand the feeding practices for small flock chickens (meat, egg-type and dual-purpose breed) and document the nutrient profile of mixed feed and feed ingredients that are commonly used by poultry producers in TN, ii) train county agents (and poultry producers) on the breed and age specific nutrient requirements and educate on feeding strategies.
A survey will be sent to small flock poultry producers in TN to understand feeding practices. Farmers will be identified through the database from TSU Small Farm Expo, TN New Farmer Academy and other producer trainings and Extension networks.
The findings of survey will dictate the type of chicken breed the producers rear, feeding practices, and feed and feed ingredient types utilized for their birds. Breed specific balanced feeding ration will be devised and proposed utilizing the commonly used feed ingredients by the small flock producers using formulation software Concept 5 or Brill. Feed ingredient proximate analyses for commonly utilized ingredients and mixed feeds will be conducted to identify updated and precise values for ingredients to feed the software. A train-the-trainer module will then be developed on nutrient requirements and balanced feeding strategies for egg-type, meat-type, and dual-purpose breeds. The module on feeding practices will be utilized to train 45 county agents and small flock poultry producers through training workshops held in West, Middle, and East Tennessee. The tentative topics of the workshops include breed specific nutrient requirements, feed and feed ingredients commonly utilized by TN small flock producers and understanding cost-effective feed formulation, and feeding strategies for egg-type, meat-type and dual-purpose breeds. Hands-on dietary formulation strategies will be emphasized in the training.
- Engage in train-the-trainer programming for agents, local officials, and farmers focused on heirs’ property.
The overall objectives of this project are to i) understand the specificities of heirs’ property issues in Tennessee, ii) train extension agents and limited resource farmers on how to address and prevent heirs’ property issues in Tennessee, iii) facilitate the connection between farmers and legal service providers on heirs’ property, iv) disseminate information to farmers on heirs’ property through fact sheets and short videos
A survey on heirs’ property will be conducted at the community level. The survey will address (1) needs expressed by farmers on heirs’ property and (2) impacts of heirs’ property issues on farm operations and success. This survey will be used to inform specific needs for the train-the-trainer workshops and will be provided as a community report to all Tennessee Extension agents with Agriculture and Natural Resources responsibilities. A train-the-trainer module will then be developed focused on the needs identified and implemented, one in each of the three regions of Tennessee to train 45 county agents and farmers. Other outputs include a fact sheet and video on heirs’ property, and a list of lawyers, legal services, and stakeholders working on heirs’ property that will be made available. It is expected that some of these professionals will serve as trainers during the train-the-trainer workshops. All materials will be made available to extension agents and farmers through the TSU Cooperative Extension Program website, the TSU Center for Regional Economic Development and Entrepreneurship website, and social media.
- Engage Extension agents in training focused on sustainable agriculture through current in-state and out-of-state programs. Additional program funds will be used to provide travel funding to agents to engage in other train-the-trainer opportunities, particularly in other states, to provide a diversity of knowledge on sustainable agriculture production methods. The specific subject areas will be based on agent and farmer needs as these needs and events are identified throughout the year. These programs will be evaluated by the individual agents with respect to the material learned and how the material will be incorporated into future trainings for farmers. They will also present their training experiences to other agents at their regional program planning meetings held within each region of the state.
- Engage in marketing of SARE grant funding opportunities, current and previous SARE projects in Tennessee, SARE materials through virtual and in-person methods. These will include the use of social media, newsletters, videos, and presentations and exhibits at trade shows, Ag days, conferences, and other meetings within Tennessee. The TSU program assistant position will engage in developing social media content using material from SARE publications in order to build upon existing networks, and expand the reach of SARE in Tennessee and abroad by providing relevant, important information on a daily basis. A monthly newsletter will also be created that will include digitally designed materials based on content from SARE publications, snapshots of current and previous SARE programs in Tennessee, and pertinent deadlines for SARE grant opportunities. The initial mailing list will include existing networks from TSU and UT such as Tennessee commodity groups, partners, organizations, and farmers via email databases from previous Extension events. Images, video, and content will be created and updated on a Tennessee SARE website. The TSU and UT program assistants and state coordinators will work together to provide presentations and exhibits across the state highlighting the SARE program and sustainable agriculture in Tennessee to increase awareness and engagement.
- Engage in collaboration with UT and other partners to ensure a seamless, efficient programming related to sustainable agriculture programs. Tennessee State University and UT SARE program assistants and state coordinators will meet regularly to discuss current SARE train-the-trainer programs and opportunities for agents and strategize on best methods for advertising the current programs and opportunities, utilizing the advisory committee, engaging partners, identifying new partners, collecting agent needs, and engaging in events across the state. Program evaluation and reporting from existing SARE programs will also be a part of these meetings. The Tennessee SARE team will also engage with the advisory committee to identify sustainable agriculture needs in Tennessee and assist with marketing and program promotion needs.
Advisors
Education
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Education & Outreach Initiatives
Objective 5: Engage in collaboration with UT and other partners to ensure a seamless, efficient programming related to sustainable agriculture programs.
Engage in collaboration with UT and other partners to ensure a seamless, efficient programming related to sustainable agriculture programs. Tennessee State University and UT SARE program assistants and state coordinators will meet regularly to discuss current SARE train-the-trainer programs and opportunities for agents and strategize on best methods for advertising the current programs and opportunities, utilizing the advisory committee, engaging partners, identifying new partners, collecting agent needs, and engaging in events across the state. Program evaluation and reporting from existing SARE programs will also be a part of these meetings. The Tennessee SARE team will also engage with the advisory committee to identify sustainable agriculture needs in Tennessee and assist with marketing and program promotion needs.
We have continued holding quarterly meetings online and coordinate the funding of different opportunities for Extension agents to engage in train-the-trainer workshops.
Objective 3: Engage Extension agents in training focused on sustainable agriculture through current in-state and out-of-state programs.
Two Extension agents were provided with travel funds to attend the Pick TN conference in February 2025 in Franklin, TN.
One Extension agent attended the Pick TN Conference 2024, provided valuable knowledge on specialty crop production, and cut flower production.
Two Extension agents attended the Michigan Horticulture educational tour, providing valuable knowledge on sustainable fruit and nursery production practices that can be shared with producers throughout Tennessee in August 2024.
One specialist attended the SE Regional Fruit & Vegetable Conference.
One Extension agent attended cut flower workshops to learn more about this area and provide information to her stakeholders in her new county. She is planning to host a field day related to cut flower production and had previously hosted a field day on this topic in her former county.
The second Extension agent identified the following:
Workshops and Presentations attended during the pick TN Conference 2025
- How sweet corn production from the ground up.
- Vegetable Diseases Management in pathogen's Paradise'
- Introduction Advanced Technology for the Future of Fruit and Vegetable Crops Production.
- Business Essential: Market Ready
- How to start a Commercial Beekeeping Business
What was learned from these workshops:
- New varieties that commercial corn growers could try.
- How to control grasses and insects in sweet corn.
- One of the biggest challenges was planting on time and planting dates for the market.
Updates on vegetable diseases were discussed with some of the same disease problems that most producers have been experiencing in vegetables. The key talk was how to manage plant diseases and how to control insects that are eating away your profits.
There are a lot of new technology that small and limited resource growers can use to advance their vegetable production. Bookkeeping and Record Keeping was discussed to help the producers when purchasing equipment, fertilizers and chemicals that could enhance their operation.
Plans for implementation in Extension activities from my participation in Pick TN:
Plans are to continue some of the demonstration garden that already ongoing. To conduct a training workshop with small commercial growers and small gardeners of which one workshop already has occurred.
Follow up with information that was presented during the training workshop to measure outcome.
What has been incorporated into trainings for stakeholders:
By attending this training, stakeholders are receiving updated information and are aware of new ideas that could benefit their production. Beekeeping has become more popular with growers. By attending the Beekeeping Workshop, connections with area beekeepers were made to improve their beekeeping business.
One Extension agent explained that attending the Pick TN Conference provided valuable knowledge on specialty crop production, cut flower production, and season extension, and small fruit production that can be shared with producers in Hardeman County and throughout West Tennessee. The information gained will be used to educate growers on production practices that improve efficiency, encourage farm diversification, and expand opportunities for specialty crop production.
Workshops and Educational Programs Attended
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Sustainable Blueberry Production
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Pruning practices for improved disease and pest management
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Canopy management to improve air flow and light penetration
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Improving fruit quality and yield
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High-Density Apple Production
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Trellis production systems
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Intensive pruning techniques
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Efficient pesticide application methods
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Orchard management practices
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Pawpaw Production and Research
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Pawpaw cultivar development
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Tissue culture propagation
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Grafting and rootstock improvement
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Specialty fruit production opportunities
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Sustainable Nursery Production
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Flood floor irrigation systems
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Water conservation strategies
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Labor-saving technologies
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Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
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Greenhouse Technology and Innovation
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Robotic propagation systems
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Biological pest management
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Predatory mites and beneficial nematodes
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Sustainable greenhouse production
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What was Learned from These Workshops
The educational tour provided practical knowledge on sustainable fruit and nursery production practices that can improve profitability while reducing production costs. Proper blueberry pruning improves air circulation, reduces disease and insect pressure, increases fruit production, and lowers pesticide use. High-density apple production systems increase fruit production while improving spray efficiency and reducing labor requirements.
The training introduced emerging opportunities for specialty crops such as pawpaw through improved genetics, tissue culture, and propagation techniques. Sustainable nursery practices, including recycled water irrigation systems, labor-saving automation, and integrated pest management strategies that reduce pesticide dependence while improving greenhouse efficiency were learned.
Plans for Implementation in Extension Activities
The knowledge gained from this educational tour will be incorporated into Extension educational programs, producer consultations, workshops, and on-farm demonstrations throughout Tennessee. I plan to educate Using this information, fruit and nursery producers will be trained on sustainable production practices that improve efficiency, reduce input costs, and increase profitability.
Educational programming will include:
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Blueberry pruning demonstrations.
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High-density apple orchard production education.
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Specialty crop opportunities, including pawpaw production.
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Sustainable nursery production practices.
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Water conservation and integrated pest management strategies.
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Greenhouse technology and labor-saving innovations.
What Has Been Incorporated into Trainings for Stakeholders
The information gained from this educational tour has strengthened research-based recommendations to producers, including better preparation to educate growers on practices that improve fruit production, reduce disease and pest pressure, conserve water, and increase operational efficiency.
As a result of this training, producers will be encouraged to adopt sustainable production practices such as improved pruning methods, high-density orchard systems, integrated pest management, and water conservation technologies. Specialty crop opportunities, including pawpaw production, will be introduced to growers interested in diversifying their operations and expanding into new markets.
Overall, the knowledge gained will help producers improve profitability, adopt more sustainable production methods, and strengthen Tennessee's fruit and nursery industries.
Pick TN 2024
One Extension agent attended the Pick TN Conference, which provided valuable knowledge on specialty crop production, cut flower production, season extension, and small fruit production that will be incorporated into Extension programming in Hardeman County. The training increased the agent's understanding of production practices and emerging opportunities for specialty crop growers.
Workshops and Educational Programs Attended
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Specialty Crop Production
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Cut Flower Production
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Season Extension Strategies
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Small Fruit Production.
What Was Learned from These Workshops
The Pick TN Conference increased knowledge of specialty crop production, cut flower production, season extension techniques, and small fruit production including practical production practices that can help producers diversify their farming operations, improve crop production, and expand market opportunities. The conference also provided ideas for supporting the growing interest in homesteading and specialty crops in Hardeman County.
Plans for Implementation in Extension Activities
The knowledge gained from the conference will be incorporated into future Extension workshops, field days, and educational programs focused on cut flower production, homesteading, specialty crops, and season extension. Research-based information and practical production techniques will be implemented that support farm diversification, improve production practices, and increase market opportunities for local growers.
What Has Been Incorporated into Training for Stakeholders
The information gained from the Pick TN Conference has strengthened educational programming for producers interested in specialty crops and cut flower production. The knowledge gained will help to develop field days and workshops that provide practical production strategies, encourage diversification, and help producers adopt practices that improve profitability and sustainability. By sharing these research-based practices, strengthen agricultural programming can be strengthened and support the continued growth of specialty crop production in West Tennessee.
SE Regional Fruit & Vegetable Conference
The first day included a session titled “From Wings to Yields: The Power of Bee and Insect Conservation” focused on conservation approaches such as wildflower habitats and managing natural areas for the purpose of improving pollination services. After covering the pollination services, hands-on identification of beneficial insects (particularly pollinators) was performed among the participants by providing individual microscopes. On the second day, the session on “Developing Pollinator habitats and warm season cover crops for Georgia” mostly covered the pollinator habitat development on farms as well as some warm season cover crops. The session “Which Soil Health Values Actually Matter? Interpreting Tests for Better Management” on the last day of the conference discussed soil health tests and what growers need to look for.
These trainings will be used to study pollinators in forage systems for comparison among grass monoculture, grass-alfalfa mixture, and alfalfa monoculture in Tennessee.
Objective 2: Engage in train-the-trainer programming for agents, local officials, and farmers focused on heirs’ property.
To increase the knowledge and capacity of Extension agents, local officials, and limited-resource farmers to understand, address, and prevent heirs' property issues in Tennessee by providing education, legal resource connections, and practical training.
This initiative focuses on educating Extension agents, local officials, and farmers about heirs' property and its impact on farm ownership, family land retention, and agricultural operations. A community-level survey will identify the specific needs of Tennessee farmers and assess how heirs' property affects farm operations and long-term success. Survey findings will be used to develop a train-the-trainer curriculum that will be delivered through three regional workshops across Tennessee. Educational resources, including fact sheets, short videos, and a directory of attorneys, legal service providers, and stakeholders, will also be developed and shared through the TSU Cooperative Extension Program website, the TSU Center for Regional Economic Development and Entrepreneurship website, and social media. The program aims to strengthen partnerships between farmers and legal professionals while expanding Extension's ability to provide education and support on heirs' property issues.
Learning Outcomes
Agents will:
- Increase their understanding of heirs' property issues and their impact on farmers, families, and agricultural operations.
- Gain knowledge of available legal resources and organizations that assist with heirs' property concerns.
- Improve their ability to educate farmers on strategies to prevent heirs' property issues.
- Increase confidence in discussing heirs' property with farmers and community stakeholders.
- Become familiar with educational materials and resources that can be used in future programming. These outcomes are consistent with the workshop evaluation, which measured increased understanding of heirs' property and improved preparedness to engage in related discussions and planning.
Action Outcomes
Agents will:
- Conduct local educational programs on heirs' property.
- Connect farmers with attorneys and legal service providers.
- Share fact sheets, videos, and resource materials with farmers and community members.
- Integrate heirs' property education into existing Extension programming.
- Encourage farmers to pursue estate planning and succession planning to reduce future heirs' property issues.
Impact of the Initiative
This initiative will improve Extension's ability to educate and support Tennessee farmers on heirs' property issues. By increasing awareness, strengthening partnerships with legal professionals, and providing practical educational resources, the program will help preserve family-owned farmland, improve access to agricultural programs, support farm sustainability, and reduce the long-term impacts of heirs' property on Tennessee's farming communities. Two in-person trainings were held and one online training. This included 20 farmers and Extension professionals in-person and around 30 individuals who participated online.
Objective 4: Expand Marketing and Outreach for SARE Programs.
To increase awareness of SARE programs and funding opportunities, new marketing and educational materials were developed to support Extension outreach efforts.
New marketing materials were developed to increase awareness of SARE programs and funding opportunities. A floor banner highlighting SARE-funded projects, a tabletop display featuring a successful SARE grant recipient, and a monthly SARE newsletter (currently in production) were created to support outreach efforts. These resources will be used at workshops, conferences, field days, and other Extension events to educate producers, promote sustainable agriculture practices, and encourage participation in SARE grant programs.
Objective 1: The overall objectives are i) understand the feeding practices for small flock chickens (meat, egg-type and dual-purpose breed) and document the nutrient profile of mixed feed and feed ingredients that are commonly used by poultry producers in TN, ii) train county agents (and poultry producers) on the breed and age specific nutrient requirements and educate on feeding strategies.
This project focused on providing new knowledge for extension agents and poultry producers related to poultry nutrition and feeding strategies.
Agent trainings were conducted across three regions in Tennessee to support extension education and outreach. In East Tennessee, a training was held on October 31, 2024, with a total of six (6) participants representing the counties of Knox, Blount, Claiborne, Cocke, Hancock, and Scott. Middle Tennessee hosted its agent training on November 12, 2024, with thirteen participants (13) from the counties of Robertson, DeKalb, Wilson, Williamson, Davidson, Sumner, Putnam, Coffee, Rutherford, and Moore. In West Tennessee, three (3) agents participated in a regional training, representing Hardin, Fayette, and Decatur counties. These trainings were given jointly by Dr. Maharjan (TSU Poultry Extension Specialist) and Dr. Tom Tabler (UT Poultry Extension Specialist). The topics covered were Feeding Management, Poultry Drinking Water Quality Management, and Biosecurity and Disease management practices.
In addition to agent trainings, several poultry workshops were conducted for farmers in early 2025 where Dr. Maharjan provided education on poultry production topics. A “Farming Fundamentals” workshop was held in Giles County, while a “New Farmer Academy” workshop took place in Middle Tennessee. Additionally, a “Master Backyard Poultry” workshop was delivered in Davidson County. Participant numbers for these farmer workshops were varied from 6-25 participants.
Educational & Outreach Activities
Participation summary:
Learning Outcomes
Project Outcomes
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Face of SARE
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