2024 Southern Model State Program - Program Assistant for Tennessee State University

1. Engage in train-the-trainer programming for Extension agents and farmers focused on sustainable forages with specific focus on perennial wheatgrass (Kernza) as an alternative forage.

As a perennial crop with deep root systems, Kernza protects soil from runoff and nutrient leaching and can take up water and nutrients from deeper depths of the soil. It is important to seek alternative forages that can maximize forage production and add benefits related to ecosystem services while at the same time improving the production and management practices of existing forages in Tennessee.  Demonstration plots of Kernza will be established in a few farmer fields in Winchester, TN and at the Tennessee State University Agricultural Research and Education Center in Nashville, TN.  The location with the best established stand will be used as the site for the train-the-trainer program.  Agents and farmers will also have the opportunity to view a grass/legume system for comparison.  Overall, train-the-trainer program will train 25 Extension agents and farmers.  The participants will be trained on production practices of Kernza including planting time, seeding rate, potential legumes to grow with Kernza, and appropriate harvesting time of Kernza, and the potential uses of Kernza in Tennessee.

     2.  Engage in train-the-trainer programming for Extension agents and farmers focused on sustainable irrigation management with specific focus on precision irrigation tools and water management practices.

Long-term changes in weather patterns have signaled an increased risk of multi-year droughts, driving the demand for development of precision irrigation engineering in Tennessee. Various types of irrigation systems, including drip and sprinkler systems, will utilize different water resources such as groundwater and surface water. Overuse of these natural resources, combined with the application of inefficient irrigation systems, have the potential to stress aquifers and groundwater resources in the future.  A train-the-trainer field day will allow Extension agents and farmers to gain hands-on experience working with different sensors and observe real-time monitoring of crop water status using soil, weather, and crop sensing techniques to estimate crop water use and irrigation scheduling.  Overall, the train-the-trainer program will train 95 Extension agents and farmers.

     3.  Engage in train-the-trainer programming during the “Sustainable Agriculture In-Service” Training prior to and during the PickTN Conference.

This two-day training will be conducted and led by Troy Dugger with the University of Tennessee and Jason de Koff with Tennessee State University. Day one will consist of classroom instructions before touring small enterprise and acreage farms. These farms could include specialty crops important to Tennessee to include marketing and sustainable production practices. The second day of the training would allow Extension agents to participate in day one of the PickTN Conference, focusing on presentations related to sustainable agriculture. The PickTN Conference “provides educational programming and networking in a collaborative environment which fosters growth to sustain agriculture.” This training will be provided for up to 30 Extension Agents split between UT and TSU SARE Model State Program Funds.

     4.  Engage in train-the-trainer programming for Extension agents in integrated pest management using the Western SARE funded Pest Friends game.

This one day training will be conducted by Jason Thomas and Grant Loomis, creators of the Pest Friends game and Extension agents with the University of Idaho.  This unique learning opportunity will allow agents to understand the effects of different management practices on insect populations and potential crop and revenue losses using a fun, interactive board game system that includes an app to assist with classroom management and enhance learning.  Participants will have the opportunity to return to their respective counties with pre-purchased copies of the game to use in future stakeholder trainings.

     5.  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. The specific subject areas will be based on agent and farmer needs as these needs and events are identified throughout the year.  All 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.

     6. Engage in marketing of SARE grant funding opportunities, current and previous SARE projects in Tennessee, SARE materials through virtual and in-person methods.

The methods 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 continue to engage in developing social media content using material from SARE publications in order to continue to enhance 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 continued and 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 grants. It is expected that the initial mailing list will be expanded as additional users are identified through continued attendance at promotional events. Images, video, and content will continue to be created and updated on the 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.

       7.  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 continue to 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 incorporated. 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.