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.

Hear from community members about the importance of farming and eating organically.

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

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.

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. 

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Save the Date: January 12th, 2024, UT/TSU Extension Montgomery County will host a workshop for producers considering transitioning to organic production.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 - 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)

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.

Learn from experienced vegetable, herb, and seed growers Ira Wallace and Pam Dawling during this afternoon of workshops and a book signing.

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.