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The TSU East Tennessee New Farmer Academy

Extension Education

Jenni Goodrich
Extension Agent
Tennessee State University
Wartburg

Abstract

The East Tennessee New Farmer Academy is part of the TSU Tennessee New Farmer Academy Program that was designed to support beginning farmers, retirees and veterans as they explore agricultural opportunities and enterprises.

The E TN NFA is an 8-month program that meets one day per month March through October and focuses on teaching the basic agricultural concepts, providing research based information, facilitating the hands on experiences and building the relationships and connections necessary to allow participants to create solid and viable agricultural enterprises and businesses in East Tennessee.  The program was designed to utilize the hands on kinesthetic, bisual, logical and social teaching styles that work best with this particular group of learners.  Participants in the course will evaluate opportunities, set goals, and create thier own farm plans.  They will also be introduced to the "Agricultural Players" in our region and learn what those different organizations and individuals provide to the industry.  Participants attend a diverse variety of field trips and look at the best management practices and the real world economic snapshots of each of the agricultural enterprises we focus on during the series.  One on one site visits to the participant farms to assist with specific needs are also significant to the program. 

We have graduated 67 participants who have completed the entire 8-month series in East Tennessee.  The TN New Farmer Academy program originated in Middle Tennessee with Mr. Finis Stribling and expanded East and West in 2018.  TN NFA has graduated over 280 participants statewide since its inception.

Of the 67 E TN graduates who completed the entire 8-month program, 46 of them have expanded thier livestock operations, 40 have purchased land, 12 have implemented value added enterprises, 18 have built greenhouses, 36 have worked with NRCS on conservation projects for thier farms, 17 have recieved TN Dept of Ag grants, 2 have recieved FVC grants and many have joined thier local agricultural organizations.  We continue to check in with our graduates to track thier growth and successes and suport them as they move forward.

Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC

This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.

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Authors: Jenni Goodrich
  1. Goodrich, J. Extension Agent, TN State University, Tennessee, 37887-0325