APPLY: Specialty Crop Funding Program
he United States Department of Agriculture announced the new Marketing Assistance for Specialty Crops (MASC) program last week with applications due by January 8, 2025. Administered through the Farm Service Agency (FSA), the program aims to help specialty crop producers expand markets and manage higher costs.
HIRING: Three Positions at Crabtree Farms
Crabtree Farms is more than just a farm; it’s a community. We invite you to join us on this incredible journey towards a more sustainable, connected, and healthier future. Whether you’re a volunteer, supporter, or simply someone who appreciates fresh, locally grown food, there’s a place for you at Crabtree Farms.
HIRING: Landscape Stewardship Apprentices
Please help the National Park Service spread the word about two Landscape Stewardship apprentice positions at Andrew Johnson National Historic Site in Tennessee. The positions will work on rehabilitating the historic landscape of the National Cemetery, involving tree and turf rehabilitation, among other preservation activities. These are six-month positions that will receive training, mentoring and lots of professional work experience. They can lead to eligibility for a permanent position with the NPS or other federal resource management agency.
UTIA Wins Grant to Advance AI Education
Future farmers and leaders in agriculture need to understand and implement technologies that use artificial intelligence. A team of University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture (UTIA) faculty are working toward creating new curriculum to train the next generation of agriculture students.
CASE STUDIES: Lessons in Regenerative Grazing
ATTRA - Sustainable Agriculture: In our three-year journey across four southern states we learned that regenerative grazing looks different in different contexts. What works in Texas doesn't necessarily work in Mississippi or Virginia or Arkansas. Today, we share a case study that provides a snapshot of the real-world experience of Mississippi producers, illuminating the importance of networks for providing peer support and illustrating how regenerative grazing is slowly gaining ground with small farmers in Mississippi.
SURVEY: Assessing Digital Technology Adoption Level Among Southern US Farmers
The purpose and goals of this study are to explore the digital tools used in your farm operations or activities, examine the effectiveness of these digital tools, and identify any limitations or challenges encountered while using these digital tools.
AgLaunch365 Challenge
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.
HIRING: Project Coordinator at TSU Department of Agricultural Science and Engineering
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.
APPLY: TNLFS Scholarships
At Tennessee Local Food, we are committed to building a more equitable and just food system for Middle Tennessee. To support this mission, we are offering full conference scholarships to growers, food system stakeholders, and individuals passionate about creating an equitable food ecosystem. Priority will be given to applicants who are new and beginning farmers, those who identify as Black, Indigenous, Latino/a, People of Color, veterans, women, and agricultural students.
National Young Farmers’ Fall Update
National Young Farmers Coalition has a fall update on new tools, new rules and system changes, loan programs and borrower services progress.
Soil for Water Video Case Studies
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.
APPLY: TAEP (Tennessee Ag Enhancement Program)
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.
APPLY: Tennessee Agriculture and Forestry Leadership Program (TAFLP)
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.
Neopestalotiopsis in Strawberry Plants
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.
FOR SALE: Various Items at Pig and Leaf
Two Quick Cut Greens Harvesters from Farmers Friend - $300 each, BCS Compost Spreader - $1900, and a Single Row Jang Seeder - $300
UPDATE: The Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2024
The Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2024 recently passed by the House Agriculture Committee does not serve the new generation of farmers and ranchers in this country. Young Farmers opposed the bill when it was initially released and mobilized hundreds of advocates in direct and grassroots action to encourage House Agriculture Committee members to vote against it.
Rural Energy for America Program Renewable Energy Systems & Energy Efficiency Improvement Guaranteed Loans & Grants
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.
HIRING: Development Director at The National Young Farmers Coalition
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.
APPLY: AgLaunch365 Accelerator and Farm Trial Program
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.
SPACE AVAILABLE: 2-4 Pigs for the year
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.