UT TSU Extension - Knox County

Our County Director, Neal Denton, recently spoke with Alan Williams about kudzu in Knox County. You can check out the video below!

https://www.wvlt.tv/video/2026/08/04/going-my-way-how-kudzu-spread-across-east-tennessee/?fbclid=IwdGRjcATixMVwZG9mAWZkaWQWUMBdgH5phvfeFmUp2L1mSXkVtdY9l2V4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkCjY2Mjg1NjgzNzkAAR4N4SScVnW_Vc4kCLD0t8MnjPUC2yqcvTSt6IXMis_lN-FsXPjNsZgjkHpsog_aem_GpplgX3QSRiFbBUMi-5U5Q

Going My Way: How kudzu spread across East Tennessee Going My Way: How kudzu spread across East Tennessee

This week we are celebrating FCS Week, and today is Wellness Wednesday! Exercise is one of the most important things you can do to improve your physical and mental health. Studies show that being active for just 10 minutes a day can provide health benefits. Finding a type of exercise you enjoy can help motivate and empower your health journey. For questions and resources about exercise, nutrition, and healthy living, please contact our FCS Agent Lauren Woods at 865-215-3559!

From UT Gardens Knoxville:
Mark your calendars for this year’s
Fall Gardeners’ Festival on Tuesday, August 25th 9-3 CDT, located at 320 Experiment Station Rd., Crossville, TN. There are plenty of great gardening topics and several experts from across the state! Also enjoy vendors, educational displays, and a wagon tour of our research center. Registration begins at 8:00am, or save time and pre-register here:
https://forms.gle/PTk3aRqi2GStuZ5EA

A huge thank-you to Valley Dream Farm, and all those who attended our Cut Flower & Greenhouse Vegetable Production event! If you are interested in hearing more about events like these in the future, please contact our office at 865-215-3552 to be added to our mailing list.

Calling all Knox County 4-H'ers!

It's time to start thinking about the FAIR!

Lots of cool things to see, fun things to do, and PREMIUMS to win!

Please register on the Fair's website @ https://www.tnvalleyfair.org/ . After you are registered, you can start choosing the classes/lots you would like to enter (pay attention to the age groups!)

Entry drop off is on September 10th, starting at noon and running till 7pm. After which, entries will be judged and ready for opening day.

Some classes you will need to submit your materials earlier (Photography and Essay); please check the class in the catalog.

We hope to see you all there!
If you have any questions, feel free to call our office at (865)215-2340

Do you need your pressure canner tested, but can’t make it to our office? Our FCS agent, Lauren Woods, is now offering mobile pressure canner testing! She can meet you in a location that is convenient to you. To schedule a testing, give Lauren a call at 865-215-3559.

FREE EVENT OPPORTUNITY!!! Don’t miss out- RSVP required.

5th New Farmer Academy Class of 2026- ✔️

We had a great time! For our first stop, we visited UT’s ETREC Plant Sciences Unit, where soil and to***co specialist Paul Denton taught us about East Tennessee soils, soil genesis and usage, and soil conservation.

During lunch we learned from local beekeepers Andy Black and Lee Iglehart about beginner beekeeping information.

For our final stop, we visited Lee Iglehart’s farm and learned about the beekeeping yard, timber harvest, and cattle handling and facilities.

If you are interested in joining New Farmer Academy in 2027, contact our office at 865-215-2340!

Not many people know this, but our County Director (and fearless leader) Neal Denton is also known as “The Cow Whisperer”. These cows loved Neal! 🐄