TN New Farmer Academy

Welcome to the Newsletter!



Join the Pick Tennessee Products Experience at the Wilson County-Tennessee State Fair

Sign-ups are now open for the Pick Tennessee Products Experience at the Wilson County–Tennessee State Fair, and we would love to have you be part of it! Now in its fourth year, the Pick TN Store continues to grow and create new opportunities for Tennessee producers to connect with thousands of fairgoers from across the state. With expanded shelving, more display space, and added presentation and sampling areas, this year’s experience is designed to help your products stand out and make a lasting impression.

Whether you are returning or joining us for the first time, this is a great opportunity to introduce your brand to new customers, share your story, and be part of something that continues to build momentum each year.

Please review participation details, logistics, and guidelines at picktnstore.com/questions. Keep in mind that alcohol and other regulated products cannot be sold in the Pick TN Store.

For questions and signup information, contact [email protected].

Deadline to sign up: July 27, 2026



Save the Date: The Farm to Fair Feast & Fundraiser



Gather around the table for the Wilson County Farm to Fair Feast & Fundraiser on Tuesday, June 30, at 6:00 p.m. at the Wilson County Fairgrounds! This special evening brings neighbors, friends, and fairgoers together to celebrate Tennessee agriculture with a delicious farm-inspired meal featuring flavorful pork loin or chicken, Bush’s baked beans, made-from-scratch macaroni and cheese, Bay’s breads and beverages, and a delicious apple cobbler served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Proceeds support the Tennessee State Fair Association and the Blue Ribbon Foundation’s Youth Development Program, helping raise up the next generation of agriculture leaders. Individual tickets are $60, and tables for six are $360.





Join the Tennessee Farm to School Network

Are you interested in strengthening local food connections in Tennessee? If yes, then join the Tennessee Farm to School Network, a statewide community dedicated to bringing schools and local producers closer together.

Members enjoy:
• Collaborative meetings that build communication between schools and producers.
• Access to shared resources, training, and grant opportunities
• A space to voice needs and help shape the future of Farm to School in Tennessee

Join us to grow connections, expand local procurement, and support a healthier, more resilient food system for Tennessee students.





Create & Compete: The Junior Chef State Fair Challenge is Taking Applications


The Tennessee Department of Agriculture is excited to invite middle and high school students to take part in the 2026 Junior Chef State Fair Challenge! This fun and flavorful statewide recipe contest encourages students to create an original, fair-inspired portable dish featuring at least one locally grown Tennessee ingredient. Students may enter individually or in teams of two, showcasing their creativity, culinary skills, and love for local foods.

Entries are open now through June 19, 2026 (11:59 p.m. CT), and winners will be celebrated at this year’s Wilson County–Tennessee State Fair with special recognition and prizes. It’s a wonderful opportunity for young chefs to highlight their talents and celebrate Tennessee agriculture, so don’t let them miss out! Help us spread the excitement by sharing this opportunity with any student you know who loves to create in the kitchen and take on a delicious challenge.

For more information about the challenge, prizes, eligibility requirements, and the application process, please visit the Tennessee Farm to School webpage and click on the “Junior Chef State Fair Challenge” tab.





TDA Grant Opportunities

Check out our grant opportunities below! Visit the links for more information and details. Reach out to Rachel Sullivan ([email protected]) with any questions.

AgTrack
• 25% cost share
• Projects must impact local farm income, access to markets, increased capacity, or agricultural innovation.
• Minimum project capital expenditure: $500,000
• Maximum payout: $1 million
• Applications are accepted on a quarterly basis.
• Deadline to apply is June 30, 2026

Agricultural Enterprise Fund
• 25% cost share
• Projects must impact local farm income, access to markets, increased capacity, or agricultural innovation.
• No minimum project cost
• Maximum payout: $499,999
• Applications are accepted on a quarterly basis.
• Deadline to apply is July 10, 2026







Website Listings

Do you need to update your listing on the Pick Tennessee Products website? Send your edits to [email protected], and we’ll make it happen!

Social Media Content

We are always looking for content for social media. As you have events, new produce, fresh products, etc. on your farm, please share with us! We would love to be able to highlight you on our social media. Please email high-resolution photos and the relevant information to [email protected].

*Upon receiving photos, you are granting TDA permission to use your photos.



Interested in Exporting?

Are you looking to expand and explore exporting to international markets? If so, the Southern US Trade Association (SUSTA) has you covered. SUSTA helps small companies in the Southern United States promote value-added U.S. food and agricultural products to foreign markets. SUSTA offers multiple educational programs throughout the year, a 50% cost-share reimbursement program for eligible marketing expenses, and the opportunity to meet foreign buyers at home and abroad through its global events program.

If you are ready to take your business to the next level, please contact Christina Slater for more information. You can reach her at [email protected].

Event Highlight
• International Buyers at America’s Food and Beverage Show
The America’s Food and Beverage Show is a major international trade event that brings together food and beverage companies, buyers, distributors, and industry professionals from across North, Central, and South America. Designed to promote global trade and showcase new products, the show features exhibits from a wide range of sectors, including specialty foods, beverages, organic and natural products, and innovative food technologies. It’s known for creating strong business connections, offering educational sessions, and highlighting emerging trends shaping the food industry. This year, SUSTA will bring in international buyers from African, Caribbean, and South American markets.

Trade Shows
• European Inbound Trade Mission to Raleigh, NC, and New York, NY (6/25-27)
• Mexico Inbound Trade Mission to Atlanta, GA, and New York, NY (6/25-27)

https://www.fsa.usda.gov/resources/programs/assistance-specialty-crop-farmers-ascf-program?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers (ASCF) Program | Farm Service Agency Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Good morning, everyone-

The next episode of TN Turf Tuesday is scheduled for Tuesday, June 2nd from 11:30 am – 12:30 pm EDT. In this episode, we will be joined by Bill Marbet and Ryan Storey, two leaders in athletic field management. We’ll discuss current trends in turfgrass and pest management on playing fields used for sports such as football, soccer, baseball at all levels of play – from the county level to the pros!

All attendees will receive one TN pesticide re-certification credit (C3, C10, or C12), as well as many CEUs from other states and professional organizations. More information on this episode (as well as credits offered) can be found on the event website.

I would greatly appreciate it if you could make this opportunity available to interested individuals within your counties. All attendees will be required to register for the event using the link below:

REGISTER FOR TN TURF TUESDAY ON JUNE 2nd

Welcome! You are invited to join a webinar: June 2nd – Sports Turf Management Across Tennessee. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the webinar. Athletic field management plays a key role in many Tennessee communities. In this episode, we are joined by Bill Marbet and Ryan Storey, two leaders in athletic field management. We’ll discuss current trends in turfgrass and pest management on playing fields used for sports such as football, socce...

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Kerj12B4i/

Good evening!

I hope that you are doing well. I am excited to announce that the Groundwork Fellowship Program is now open at our farm! The Groundwork Fellowship Program is a five-month, hands-on experience designed for new and emerging growers who want real-world experience in agriculture.

This program is designed for those ready to grow with intention—gaining clarity, strengthening their mindset, and building a solid foundation for what’s next.

As a fellow, you will:
• Receive a $500 stipend to start your own garden and/or agriculture-based business • Learn directly from expert growers through hands-on sessions • Build business acumen and gain the skills needed to take your crops to market

If you’re pivoting, starting fresh, or ready to elevate, this is your opportunity to step into purpose with a supportive community behind you.

Spots are limited—do not wait.
👉 Apply today: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc5MRBtPwihXXLYM5R21C1yByRbXVobInDXDPRkKGJkw2g8cw/viewform?usp=header

Moreover, if this isn’t just for you, please share it with someone who’s ready for their next level.

With intention,

Ashley

Ruby’s Happy Farm
Ruby’s Happy Farm Foundation

CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE This e-mail, including attachments, may include confidential and/or proprietary information and may be used only by the person or entity to which it is addressed. If the reader of this e-mail is not the intended recipient, the reader is hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or copying of this e-mail is prohibited. If you have received this e-mail in error, please notify the sender by replying to this message and delete this e-mail immediately. Thank you.

Mark your calendar for the 2026 Tennessee State University Small Farm Expo and Small Farmer of the Year Awards Luncheon.
The Small Farmer Award nominations are now open!
Below is the link for online registration, exhibitors, and award nominations:
https://www.tnstate.edu/smallfarm

Middle TN TSU New Farmer Academy-April 20th, 2026

Middle TN TSU New Farmer Academy-April 20th, 2026
At our second meeting of the season our group had a fantastic and educational visit to Rising Glory Farm in Lewisburg, TN. Touring a facility that balances high-level equestrian amenities—like that massive 28,000 square foot indoor arena—with regenerative livestock practices offers a unique perspective on local agriculture. Established in 2000, their facilities include our 28,000 square foot barn with a lighted 60' x 240' indoor arena, close to 30 stalls, along with an 150' x 250' outdoor arena, 60' round pen, plus fields and woods to ride through. RGF offers horse lovers boarding, clinics, competitive events, and lessons in horseback archery. While touring the farm we learned about Dexter Beef Cattle, Red Wattle Pork and Pasture Raised Chickens.
As you can see in the pictures and video’s we observed every aspect of chicken production from egg laying to slaughter. One thing I learned is that you hang chicken, similar to beef, for 36 hours and during that process the meat becomes more tender. The detail about aging poultry for 36 hours is a great takeaway. While we often associate aging with beef, allowing chicken meat to rest through rigor mortis is the "secret" to ensuring pasture-raised birds are tender rather than chewy.
It was impressive to see a farm committed to a non-GMO and soy-free diet for their Red Wattle hogs and Dexter cattle, as those specific feed choices significantly impact the omega-3 fatty acid profiles of the meat.
A big thank you to Chris Carlough who is the owner and 2023 graduate of the Tennessee State University-Middle TN New Farmer Academy.
https://rgf.eatfromfarms.com

Videos:
https://share.icloud.com/photos/083u8g6_FU85fROuC3RLqdXww
https://share.icloud.com/photos/009aU9KlqMQxtYx06_L9DiWQg
https://share.icloud.com/photos/066DXPT-lpNEXm43ZPW9HG3SQ
https://share.icloud.com/photos/0f92Ng49QhZwDlbAvWD8b7rEQ

Pictures in next post...

Apr 20, 2026 1 Video

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18fgc2ypMe/

Don't forget to sign up! Let's see what opportunities await!

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CkdzVNwnv/

For farmers who cannot scan and access the QR code to register for the poultry class, here is the link to register:

https://forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=BZVTfCnxrkamz-yvQTuLDUMJe8ROaXBNjOZ6E2W5DlpUOFhUS1RQSDdYRU5LODFCR0pDVDRXT0k1Uy4u&origin=QRCode