Upcoming events
Southeastern Grain Gathering
Come join us for the Southeastern Grain Gathering, a lively event celebrating the wonderful world of grains! This in-person gathering will take place at Fasig-Tipton, located on Newtown Pike in beautiful Lexington, KY.
River Friendly Farms Grazing School
The Cumberland River Compact’s latest agricultural education series, the River Friendly Farms Grazing School, sprung from a desire to help local livestock farmers improve their land– and their economic outcomes– while protecting sensitive water resources. The Compact will host one-day Grazing School workshops in the spring and fall starting in May of 2024 to teach farmers how to implement managed grazing systems on their farms.
Reggie’s Urban Ag Day
Join Reggie Marshall and other guest speakers at 10:00am on Saturday, May 11th to learn more about how to get your start in urban agriculture today. Connect with peers, professionals, lenders, and local vendors. Explore all that urban agriculture has to offer.
The Ag Day will take place at The Nashville Food Project’s Mill Ridge Farm 12944 Old Hickory Blvd., Antioch 37013
The Future Of Food Conversation Series Kickoff: Futurist Mindsets And The Pursuit Of A Just & Regenerative Food Future
We can’t predict exactly what the future will look like, nor can we prepare ourselves perfectly for it. This is true of everything and especially for our future experiences with food. As Forum for the Future notes, “we can shape the future, and the best way to start is by imagining the future we want to see.”
Coordinated Production Planning Info Session (Virtual)
Farmers market managers, food hub coordinators, local food grocers and wholesale buyers of local food are invited to join us for a virtual workshop on Coordinated Production Planning (CPP). This event is hosted in by Southeast TN Young Farmers, Tennessee Association of Farmers Markets, and Tennessee Local Food.
Slow Your Roll: Plan Before YOu Plant - Orchard Production 101
This workshop will help growers and homeowners evaluate if orchard production is feasible as the title says, plan before you plant! Join us on June 7th, 2024, from 12:00 – 2:00 pm at Mt. Carmel 5050 Pickering Rd, Clarksville, TN 37043
Dinner & Music Under the Stars
Support our work by joining us for an evening of local food & beverages, live music, silent auction, and stargazing at the historic Vanderbilt Dyer Observatory.
TN Local Food Summit
A weekend of education, community connection, and organizing for a more resilient local food system.
Edible Nashville Spring Farm Dinner
Join Edible Nashville at our Spring Farm Dinner on McKinney Farm
Dine on a seasonal five-course meal prepared by Chef Skylar Bush, and the chefs of 1 Kitchen Nashville, Chris Crary, and Tyler Lee. Enjoy cocktails from Corsair Distillery and wine amidst a beautiful setting celebrating all things local. Featuring the soulful sounds of The Gubernaughts. We are Music City after all.
Webinar: Seeds of Success -Crop Insurance for Organic Farmers
Join us during the third session of Seeds of Success where OFA will explore Crop Insurance for Organic Farmers: What’s Working, What’s Not, and How We Can Make it Work for Us on April 16, 2024, at 2PM ET. The Organic Farming Research Foundation (OFRF), is partnering with the Organic Farmers Association (OFA), and National Organic Coalition (NOC) to host the Seeds of Success series of virtual farmer-to-farmer networking sessions.
Organic for Better Health
Hear from community members about the importance of farming and eating organically.
From Seed to Table: Strategies for a Healthier You
During this workshop, twin brothers, Obiora and Irucka Ajani, will discuss the diverse ways to improve soil health (and therefore plant health), and ultimately your health & drop knowledge on seeds. As engineers by training, they bring technical and scientific knowledge, along with Nature observations & an innate desire to help others re‐think how food is grown.
From Seed to Table: Strategies for a Healthier You
Exploring New Market Opportunities
Wholesale buyers care more and more about where their food comes from and who is producing it. Learn about FreshPoint’s interest in supporting and buying from small farmers, and hear from UT Extension agents about how to navigate GAP (Good Agricultural Practices), a certification required by many wholesalers.
Women Farmers of Middle Tennessee Annual Potluck
Hi everyone!
The Women Farmers of Middle Tennessee group is excited to gather for our annual potluck! Please save the date. We hope you can make it!
Date: Sunday, March 24
Time: 4:00 - 6:30pm
Location: The Nashville Food Project, 5904 California Ave
Please bring a dish to share. We don’t have an agenda beyond just catching up with each other.
Feel free to forward this email to anyone who may be interested. Although we’ve historically called ourselves “Women Farmers of Mid TN,” this group welcomes non-binary farmers as well!
Hope you're all doing well!
Lizzie Wright & Caroline Hutchins
CONFERENCE: Regenerating Appalachia
Join us at Kentucky State University for Regenerating Appalachia, a groundbreaking FREE conference dedicated to addressing the unique needs of underserved producers in the Appalachian region as they navigate the challenges posed by a changing climate. This one-day event will bring together a diverse array of experts. Our speakers will delve into crucial topics including whole-farm planning for conservation, integrating renewable energy on family farms, and empowering small-scale producers through the transformative potential of emerging technologies.
Tennessee New Farmer Academy
Starting on March 18th, The Tennessee New Farmer Academy is a seven-month certificate program designed for those with an interest in becoming agricultural entrepreneurs. Ideal candidates for this program include those who are new to agriculture, those who wish to transition into agriculture from another field such as military service or private sector work, or those who are looking for a post-retirement opportunity.
Elevate Your Farm Brand Workshop
The Elevate your Farm Brand workshop will delve deep into the fundamentals of successful branding. Participants will gain valuable insights into: Developing a compelling brand narrative; Identifying and capturing your niche; Crafting a memorable brand identity; and Creating effective communication and marketing strategies
Rural Energy for America Program Workshop
A Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) workshop will be held on February 27, 2024, at the Rutherford County Extension Office, 315 John Rice Blvd., in Murfreesboro. The workshop will be conducted starting at 10AM and concluding at 2PM Center Time. There is a $20 registration fee, lunch will be provided, preregistration is required and the workshop is limited to 50 participants.
Participants will learn what is needed to develop a successful REAP application. Participants will also learn what is involved in completing the application and how the proposals are reviewed and scored. In addition, a past recipient of the grant will discuss their experiences with this program and how it was used in their operation.
Visit this link to register for the upcoming workshop and to learn more about the program.
PSA Grower Training
This is a great way to get your TAEP educational requirements fulfilled in one fell swoop! The PSA Grower Training satisfies part of the TAEP educational requirement for the Fruit and Vegetable Sector, as does the Pick TN Conference.
Mid TN Growers Winter Gathering
Time to celebrate 11 years of small to mid-size farming in Middle TN with this year's gathering on February 5, Monday, from 9:00-12:30. This marks the first year that the TN Local Food Summit will be the host. The TLFS is a 501c3 with a governing board and broad financial support whose goal is to Support, Educate and Connect a sustainable Mid-TN food system - matching the function the Mid-TN Growers has served.
WEBINAR: Demystifying the National Organic Standards Board - What it is, How it Works, and How it Impacts Your Farm
Demystifying the National Organic Standards Board - What it is, How it Works, and How it Impacts Your Farm. We are excited to announce that we have three fantastic farmer presenters who will be leading this webinar: Steve Ela, Former NOSB Chair, NOC NOSB Specialist, Organic Producer at Ela Family Farms, Harriet Behar, Former NOSB Chair, NOC Advisor, OFA Farmer Services Consultant, and Organic Producer at Sweet Springs Farm, Amy Bruch, Current NOSB Vice Chair and Organic Producer at Cyclone Farms
Pruning Field Day
The Pruning Field Day is scheduled for January 26, 2024 from 9:30 AM - 3:00 PM. We will start at the Beachaven Vineyards at 1100 Dunlop Lane, Clarksville, TN, and have lunch at Mt Carmel UMC at 5050 Pickering Rd. After lunch will go over to Head's Peach Co., on Mt Carmel Rd. This class will cover the do's and don'ts of pruning as well as why we do certain things during pruning.
WORKSHOPS: Developing a Strong USDA Value-Added Producer Grant Application
Register now for this educational program to teach farmers with value-added enterprises how to develop a strong application for the USDA Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG). Attendance at one of the three workshop sessions will fulfill a Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program (TAEP) special requirement in the Value-Added Producer Diversification sector.
Movie Screening: "Feeding Tomorrow"
Join Edible Nashville for a screening of a new thought-provoking movie, Feeding Tomorrow, on Monday, January 22, 6pm-9pm at The Blue Room. Drinks and music start at 6. Movie at 7. A Panel of thought leaders at 8:15.
DEADLINE: Racial Equity Within Sustainable Agriculture OrganizationS
The cohort learning exchange will intersperse learning sessions with planning and practice. At the end of the learning exchange, your team will have actionable next steps for your journey for equity and racial justice in your work, and strong relationships with several other organizations working on their own next steps.
WORKSHOPS: Implementing Risk Management and Marketing Plans
Starting January 13, 2024, New Farmer Academy and Small Farms present a course, Implementing Risk Management and Marketing Plans. In this workshop for growers, participants will attend ALL workshops: Two In-person and Ten Virtual Webinars. Space is limited, thus Pre-registration is encouraged. There is no cost to attend. Tuition and books are free. Travel cost reimbursed at $0.655/mile, with a maximum of $60 per person, workshop attended.
WORKSHOP: Transitioning to Organic Production
Save the Date: January 12th, 2024, UT/TSU Extension Montgomery County will host a workshop for producers considering transitioning to organic production.
Terra Firma: A Six-Session Course to Build Your Farm Business on Solid Ground
On January 9, 2024, We are excited to introduce a new business-intensive course under the River Friendly Farms umbrella: “Terra Firma: A Six-Session Course to Build Your Farm Business on Solid Ground.” With this new course, the Cumberland River Compact demonstrates a commitment to helping our region’s farmers succeed not only in their conservation initiatives but also in their business goals.
Value Ag Virtual Bootcamp
CETAgLaunch, the Knoxville Entrepreneur Center (KEC), and other partners throughout the region are hosting a Value Ag Virtual Bootcamp in January and February 2024. A few more spots are available before the cohort starts on January 8th. We are seeking to reach farms and value-added ag enterprises throughout the Southern Appalachian region (KY, TN, VA, NC, SC, AL, and GA). Registration closes when the class reaches capacity or by Sun., Jan. 7th, whichever comes first.
Organic Regulations for Horticulture Crops
Are you interested in starting an organic farm, or transitioning to become certified organic? Join us for this webinar where we will cover the basics of organic regulations for horticulture crops. NCAT Sustainable Agriculture Specialist Ann Baier will be leading this webinar. Questions? Contact Felicia Bell at feliciab@ncat.org.
Tennessee Farm & Ferment
Register now for this educational program geared towards farmers and beverage producers, to be held on Monday, January 8th in Murfreesboro, TN. The goal of the third annual Tennessee Farm & Ferment is to bring brewers, distillers, winemakers, farmers, and industry partners together for a day of learning and networking.
2023 Tennessee Local Food Summit
Join us for education, networking and community building at the 2023 Tennessee Local Food Summit happening December 1-3, 2023 at Cumberland University in Lebanon, TN.
"Getting Down On The Farm” at Old School Farm
Join us in celebrating a decade of empowerment, inclusion, and community betterment at Old School Farm's 10th Anniversary Fundraising Event, "Getting Down On The Farm - featuring The Lone Bellow". Mark your calendar for November 10th for an unforgettable evening that merges heartwarming camaraderie with soul-stirring music, all in the name of a cause that changes lives.
CATTLE HOT TOPICS - Zoom & in-Person
On Tuesday, October 26th, come learn more about herd health and antibiotic regulation at this year’s cattle hot topics. This year’s speaker is Dr. Lew Strickland, UT State Veterinarian. Dinner will be provided for those in person. You are welcome to join the Zoom event as well. WHEN: October 26, 2023 at 5:30 for in-person and 6 pm for zoom WHERE: Highland Rim Research and Education Center 3181 Experiment Station Rd., Springfield, TN 37172
WORKSHOPS: postharvest handling, sanitation & production water
WORKSHOPS: Postharvest Handling & Sanitation - We are hosting several in-person production and produce safety workshops this fall on both postharvest handling and sanitation and on production water.
All workshops are free to attend, but please have attendees email Brooke (skeadle@vols.utk.edu) at least one week before to register so we have a head count.
List of dates and locations: Oct. 17th- Crossville, PREC (production water), Oct. 25th- Clarksville, extension office (postharvest handling), Oct. 26th- Nashville, Cul2vate (postharvest handling), Nov. 28th- Greeneville (postharvest handling)
GRANT WRITING BASICS FOR FARMERS
On Tuesday, October 17th and Thursday, October 19th, UW-Madison Division of Extension will host webinars to introduce farmers and agricultural professionals to grant opportunities in agriculture. Both webinars will start at 11:30 am and run one hour, with an additional half hour at the end for questions.
Growing Community Resilience with ira wallace and pam dawling
Learn from experienced vegetable, herb, and seed growers Ira Wallace and Pam Dawling during this afternoon of workshops and a book signing.
Reggie's Urban Ag Day
Meet us this September 21, 2023 for Reggie's Urban Ag Day at TSU. Join industry leaders to learn about food production in our urban communities, the Center for Profitable Agriculture about agritourism, and urban agricultural marketing methods. This is a fantastic opportunity to learn from Reggie Marshall about regenerative and sustainability methods.