The 1000 Farms Initiative generates full site inventories in various stages of regenerative adoption. They are analyzing key factors to show producers the health of their land, how their land compares with others, and how to incorporate regenerative methods into their agricultural production.

The program prioritizes equity by engaging traditionally underserved producers and meeting the growing demand for climate-smart textiles. It's still possible for cotton producers in Tennessee to apply.

Do you have a farm in TN/KY?  Do you fall into the USDA’s definition of a Historically Underserved Farmer, a “Beginning Farmer, or a Veteran Farmer? Randall Tomlinson is offering free grazing and pasture management mentorships to farmers in Tennessee and Kentucky.

Provides up to $1,500 per acre for silvopasture implementation and up to $1,000 per quarter acre for forest farming projects, depending on scale and scope. Open to individuals and organizations nationwide engaged in agroforestry practices.

Please help the National Park Service spread the word about a Gardener Position within the Stones River National Cemetery in Stones River National Battlefield in Tennessee.  The National Cemetery is historic landscape with mature trees, turf and ornamental plantings that need the care of a talented Gardener.  Please consider sharing the link or posting this email on a job board.

USDA Rural Development’s Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG) will include a number of updates in 2025. This follows the Rural Business-Cooperative Service’s final ruling in November to modernize several grant programs. To learn more about the updates and upcoming round of grant funding, you are invited to attend a VAPG 101 training hosted by the VAPG National Office for potential applicants!

From ATTRA: The Property and Environment Research Center (PERC) is accepting applications to the Virtual Fence Conservation Fund. This $250,000-dollar initiative aims to enhance wildlife conservation by empowering ranchers and conservationists to adopt virtual fencing technology on public and private lands. The fund is accepting applications from ranchers, landowners, and conservation organizations who seek to employ this promising technology to advance land, water, or wildlife conservation initiatives. PERC will award a series of grants ranging from $10,000 to $75,000 based on overall conservation impact and project size.

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.