UT Extension

04/20/2026

UT Extension is strengthening the senior leadership structure of the Tennessee 4-H Youth Development Program, reinforcing its commitment to expanding impact and opportunity for young people across the state. 🍀

Ryan Hensley has been named Executive Director, and Jamie Harris will serve as State Program Leader. Together, they will help advance statewide leadership for a program serving more than 151,000 youth in all 95 counties.

Learn more: utianews.tennessee.edu/ut-extension-announces-enhanced-senior-leadership-structure-for-tennessee-4-h

03/31/2026

Congratulations to the 2026 Tennessee Farmer of the Year regional winners!

We are proud to celebrate these outstanding producers for their leadership, innovation and impact across Tennessee agriculture.

Stay tuned as the overall winner is announced in June.

Overall winner to be announced in June

03/30/2026

Did you know many of the farming practices used in Tennessee are tested before they ever reach your field? That work happens through UT AgResearch.

Across the state, AgResearch and Education Centers test crops, livestock, soils, and production practices in real Tennessee conditions. Those results support local Extension agents and help farmers make confident, science-backed decisions.

From improving yields to managing risk, AgResearch helps answer the questions Tennessee agriculture faces every day. To learn more, visit agresearch.tennessee.edu/

03/28/2026

Raising crops is one thing. Making a living from them is another. The UT Center for Profitable Agriculture collaborates with local Extension agents to help Tennessee farmers find new opportunities and improve their farms.

The Center for Profitable Agriculture provides education, planning tools, and decision support for farms of all sizes. Whether it’s value-added products, farm markets, agritourism, or specialty crops, it offers workshops, personal assistance, and tailored tools. By supporting Extension agents, the Center helps farmers turn ideas into action and strengthen local economies.

To learn more, visit

Specialists at the Center may be able to help in the evaluation and development process through: Individual enterprise analysis Workshops and conferences Pu ...

03/26/2026

Ever wondered where new plants and growing ideas get tested? UT Gardens turn research into real-life learning.

These gardens serve as outdoor classrooms where researchers and Extension specialists test plants, study growing practices, and share what works best in Tennessee. The results support Extension programs and provide practical guidance for gardeners, growers, and green industry professionals.

Visitors can also explore the gardens, enjoy the beauty, and see research in action. It is a place to learn, get inspired, and slow down for a moment.

Visit a garden today! utgardens.tennessee.edu/

UT Gardens Knoxville | UT Gardens: Crossville, The Plateau Discovery Gardens | UT Gardens Jackson

03/25/2026

Rivers connect communities, and the Tennessee River tells an important story. Tennessee RiverLine brings people closer to the river through education, conservation, and community engagement.

Tennessee RiverLine supports learning about river health, outdoor recreation, and environmental stewardship. Programs help communities understand their waterways and explore ways to protect and enjoy them.

From classrooms to riverbanks, Tennessee RiverLine connects people to place and encourages care for one of the state’s most valuable resources.

To learn more, visit www.tnriverline.org/

03/23/2026

🚜 Got a soil sample?
🪴 A plant that is not looking quite right?
🐞Or a bug you cannot identify?
👩🏻‍🔬The UT Soil, Plant and Pest Center can help you find out!

The center provides services such as soil testing, nutrient analysis, and pest identification, giving you real answers rather than guesswork. You can bring samples to your local Extension office, where agents help you submit them, explain results, and offer practical advice you can use at home or on the farm.

To learn more, visit soillab.tennessee.edu/

03/20/2026

Food brings people together, and good food starts with safe practices. Whether you are preserving garden produce, planning a community food event, or running a small food business, UT Extension is here to help.

The Department of Food Science - University of Tennessee , Extension programs offer food safety training, home food preservation classes like canning and freezing, and guidance for commercial food processors. Education is delivered through local Extension agents, workshops, online resources, and hands-on classes across Tennessee.

From kitchen basics to food business know-how, Extension makes food science practical and useful. Visit your local extension office for class or learn more at foodscience.tennessee.edu/food-science-extension/.

03/19/2026

UT Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources brings hands-on learning to communities across Tennessee. Field days, workshops, and demonstrations help residents, producers, and landowners strengthen operations and care for natural resources.

ANR offers master certification programs, including Master Farm Manager, Master Beef Producer, Master Commercial Poultry Producer, and Master Dairy Producer.
Programs also support backyard producers, forage systems, and nursery crops for both residential and commercial needs. Delivered locally by Extension agents, these programs provide tools you can use right away.

To learn more, visit https://utextensionanr.tennessee.edu/

University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture | UT AgResearch

03/16/2026

Plants are part of life here in Tennessee—whether you’re growing a home garden, managing crops, or running a green business. The University of Tennessee Department of Plant Sciences connects people to practical, research-based programs that help plants and communities thrive.

Programs cover residential and commercial horticulture, crop production systems, environmental stewardship, and more. You can take part in Master Gardener classes, learn about commercial horticulture and row crop systems, or explore forage and plant sustainability topics that fit your goals.

To learn more, visit plantsciences.tennessee.edu/extension-and-outreach/