Agriculture

Outstanding Fairs Honored at Annual Convention

Children at the Tennessee State Fair
Children at the Tennessee State Fair
NASHVILLE – Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) Commissioner Julius Johnson recently presented awards to 56 of the state’s top county agricultural fairs. They were recognized with the Merit Award for outstanding achievement during the 2011 fair season. More than 950 people attended the Fairs Merit Awards recognition dinner at the 90th Annual Tennessee Association of Fairs (TAF) convention held January 19-21, in Nashville. 

Tennessee Forestry Commission to Meet Feb. 8

NASHVILLE – Plans for the Tennessee Forestry Commission, originally scheduled to meet Feb. 8 at Ellington Agricultural Center in Nashville, have changed. The commission will still meet on Feb. 8 but will convene instead at Legislative Plaza, located at 601 6th Avenue North in Nashville.

The commission will make its annual presentation on Tennessee’s forest resource and the Division of Forestry to the Senate Energy and Environment Committee at 8:30 a.m. and to the House Conservation and Environment Committee at 12:30 p.m.

Haslam Extends Recently Suspended Truck Rules to Help Farmers

NASHVILLE – Gov. Bill Haslam recently extended an executive order to allow haulers of hay to carry larger loads in their trucks as long as they observe safety requirements. The order is in response to drought and extreme weathers conditions in Texas and across the Southeast, which has left some farmers without access to hay for livestock.

“Last year was a tough year for farmers across the Southeast, and we want to be responsive to their needs,” Haslam said. “This order will continue to ensure that much needed hay can be shipped safely and without delay through Tennessee and along our major interstate corridors.”

Emerald Ash Borer Discovered in Sevier County

Emerald Ash Borer
Emerald Ash Borer
NASHVILLE – Emerald Ash Borer, an invasive insect that destroys ash trees, has been found in Sevier County. The identification was made recently and has been confirmed by USDA.
 
“We will continue surveying the region to determine the extent of the infestation,” said Gray Haun, TDA Plant Certification Administrator. “We will be working closely with federal officials and other stakeholders to take steps to limit its spread and protect our forest resources and urban landscapes.”

Tennessee Agritourism Conference, Tennessee Horticultural Expo Convenes January 26-28

NASHVILLE – The 2012 Tennessee Agritourism Conference is being held in conjunction with the Tennessee Horticultural Expo Jan. 26-28 at the Nashville Airport Marriott in Nashville. The expo offers educational sessions, trade show exhibits, networking opportunities and association meetings for current agritourism operators and farmers interested in agritourism; fruit and vegetable growers; grape growers and wine makers; flower growers; and farmers market managers.

Haslam Announces Federal Farm Assistance for 14 Counties

Designation sought for four more counties

NASHVILLE – Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam announced today U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack has designated 14 counties natural disasters for agriculture as a result of drought and excessive heat in 2011.

Resolve Not to Try Too Hard When Making Biscuits This Year

Pick Tennessee Products Biscuit Recipe
Pick Tennessee Products Biscuit Recipe

NASHVILLE – Biscuits are the original fast food.

A convenience food back when there were no convenience foods, they’re best when made quickly. In fact, taking too much care and time with biscuit dough will leave biscuits flat and dry. The reason your grandmother made such terrific biscuits is that she simply didn’t have time to think about them; she just threw the ingredients into a bowl, mixed them as quickly as possible, and shoved them into the oven.

The result of such neglect was the fluffy, moist, versatile and quintessentially Southern biscuit we all crave. You can stick a piece of meat in one and call it breakfast. They are the natural dinner companions of steak, chicken, ham and of course gravy. A teaspoon of jelly turns one into dessert. Leftovers--if there are any--freeze well and can be toasted on some other cold morning.

Barnett Named Division Forester of the Year

Steven Scott and Gerald Eaton honoring Dwight Barnett.
Steven Scott and Gerald Eaton honoring Dwight Barnett.
NASHVILLE – Dwight Barnett was recently named the Tennessee Department of Agriculture Division of Forestry’s Forester of the Year. The award is presented annually to a division forester who exemplifies the highest level of professionalism in serving the citizens and forest landowners of Tennessee.
 
 “The citizens of Tennessee are fortunate to have such a dedicated individual working to improve the sustainability and quality of our forests,” said State Forester Steven Scott.

Ferrell Named Forestry Employee of the Year

NASHVILLE – Glenn Ferrell was recently named the Tennessee Department of Agriculture Division of Forestry’s Employee of the Year. The award is presented annually to a division employee who shows outstanding efforts and work accomplishments for a particular year.
 
“Glenn has been a tremendous asset in the Cumberland District. The technical and professional staffs there, along with the citizens they serve, are fortunate to have such a dedicated individual working with them,” said State Forester Steven Scott.

Tennessee Cattle Producers Vote to Support In-State Beef Promotion

Beef Referendum Tally
Beef Referendum Tally

NASHVILLE – The results are in and Tennessee cattle producers have voted to increase the assessment they pay to support in-state promotions of beef announced state Agriculture Commissioner Julius Johnson.

“In today’s competitive market, it’s important for farmers to reassess their efforts in the marketplace and how they can best reach today’s consumer,” Johnson said. “I’m pleased to have authorized this referendum and to have provided an opportunity for producers to have a say in determining their business future.”

Syndicate content Get RSS News Feed