AgTech founders from across the globe are gathering in Memphis to offer solutions to critical farmer-facing challenges. With technologies spanning robotics, biologics, climate-smart, genetics and animal health, these 21 early-stage startups are seeking one of up to 10 spots in AgLaunch365. Startups that made it to AgLaunch365 Challenge were downselected from a broad pool of applicants by farmers, who will hear their pitches and decide who will be participating in AgLaunch365.

Tennessee State University Department of Agricultural Science and Engineering invites applications for the position of Project Coordinator. This position plans, implements, and reports Extension educational programs for transitional, organic crop growers. Other responsibilities include: Developing and implementing innovative educational programs, Assessing regional needs, issues, and trends in the horticulture area preparing situational data as a basis for program development, and more.

National Young Farmers Coalition has a fall update on new tools, new rules and system changes, loan programs and borrower services progress.

Virginia Tech and Virginia Cooperative Extension’s project team conducted 11 semi-structured interviews and conversations across Virginia to learn and better understand farmers’ and ranchers’ agroecological motivations and overall values related to the protection and conservation of water resources.

TAEP (Tennessee Ag Enhancement Program) is a cost share program for Tennessee residents run through the Tennessee Department of Agriculture. Cost share means that you will be responsible for purchasing the items first, and then TAEP will reimburse up to their 50% cost share max. The application period is October 1 - October 7 of 2024.

The Tennessee Agriculture and Forestry Leadership Program (TAFLP) works to advance agriculture and forestry in Tennessee by providing leadership and networking opportunities for farmers, foresters and the agriculture community. Participants enhance communication, leadership, critical thinking, entrepreneurial, and strategic planning skills.

Within the past few weeks, many Tennessee strawberry growers have received notice from plant suppliers regarding potential disease problems in their plants. This notice comes at the worst possible time since growers have long since ordered plants and many paid deposits on them. They have been preparing land for the new plantings – often including fumigation, constructing raised beds and laying plastic on them, and getting irrigation systems ready for use at the time of planting. Depending on location, planting for plasticulture systems is done from mid-September through mid-October.

Two Quick Cut Greens Harvesters from Farmers Friend - $300 each, BCS Compost Spreader - $1900, and a Single Row Jang Seeder - $300

The program provides guaranteed loan financing and grant funding to agricultural producers and rural small businesses for renewable energy systems or to make energy efficiency improvements. Agricultural producers may also apply for new energy-efficient equipment and new system loans for agricultural production and processing.

The Development Director leads the development and fundraising work of Young Farmers, providing vision and guidance in the creation and implementation of fundraising strategies to raise $4.5 million annually across foundation, corporate and individual funders.

Are you a start-up interested in working with farmers on trialing your technology? AgLaunch is still accepting applications for its AgLaunch365 accelerator and farm trial program. This unique opportunity is open to agtech startups in row crop, livestock, and specialty crop sectors. Applications are due by August 5th.

Does anyone need a place to keep 2-4 pigs for the year? I have a good 1/2 - 3/4 acre I need rooted out with plenty of shade but I don't want to raise my own pigs this year. I can trade space for your pigs for you teaching me about pigs. I'm not asking for any of the meat in exchange for the space.

USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) announced that by allowing enterprise units by organic farming practice, adding enterprise unit eligibility for several crops, and making additional policy updates. These updates, which are detailed online, are effective beginning with the 2025 crop year.

USDA has unveiled a new rural energy resource guide that will make it easier for rural communities to identify federal funding for clean energy. Bright Ideas: Federal Resources to Boost Energy Efficiency in Rural America showcases USDA Rural Development programs that are helping individuals and organizations finance renewable energy systems and infrastructure across rural America.

Researchers at Dartmouth University found that farmers’ motivations for adopting regenerative agriculture were not entirely monetary. Their study revealed that many farmers view improving soil health as a way to improve their quality of life by reducing their dependence on outside inputs. In addition, some farmers indicated that using regenerative practices made their work more enjoyable and interesting.