9/16/25

NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Department of Agriculture Division of Forestry’s (TDF) East Tennessee Nursery is accepting tree seedling orders until March 15, 2026, or while supplies last. More than two dozen tree and shrub seedlings are currently available for reforestation and conservation projects.

“Native species seedlings grown at our East Tennessee Nursery play an important role in the expansion and regrowth of our forests,” State Forester Heather Slayton said. “Grown from seed gathered no more than 50 miles from Tennessee’s borders, these seedlings are uniquely positioned to thrive in our state. Planting native species helps ensure the resilience and health of urban and rural southern forests.”

The East Tennessee Nursery cultivates millions of native trees and shrubs each year and sells seedlings in bulk to public, nonprofit, and private organizations, as well as individuals.

Several cost share and financial assistance programs are available to qualified landowners to provide financial assistance for seedling purchases. Sponsored programs include:
• The Beam Suntory program promotes the purchase of oak and hickory seedlings.
• The Promark (formerly D’Addario) program supports the sustainability of hickory and oak in Tennessee.
• The Huber Engineered Woods, LLC. Program funds purchasing loblolly pine 2.0 seedlings
• The Tree City USA program supports cities and towns seeking to grow urban and community forests.

Each program has its own eligibility requirements, and some require a forest management plan. Contact your local area forester at www.tn.gov/agriculture/forests/staff to learn more about these programs and their eligibility requirements, including forest management plans.

Landowners may also qualify for cost share opportunities for hardwood and softwood seedling purchases through the Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program (TAEP). For information, visit www.tn.gov/agriculture/forests/landowner-assistance/financial-assistance.html.

Please visit www.planttntrees.org to purchase seedlings online.

The Division of Forestry protects and promotes the responsible use of forest resources in Tennessee. Focus areas include assisting landowners with a variety of services, providing quality tree seedlings, supporting forest health programs, collecting forest inventory data, assisting forest industries, and fighting wildland fires. Visit www.tn.gov/agriculture/forests for more information.

 

9/16/25

NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) announces the promotion of Dr. Rahul Kumar to Agriculture Laboratory Administrator in the Technical Services Division. He will oversee the C. E. Kord Animal Health Diagnostic Laboratory and the L.H. “Cotton” Ivy Laboratory.

Kumar brings more than a decade of experience in academic, research, and diagnostic pathology and has been working as Veterinary Pathology Manager for the Kord Animal Health Diagnostic Laboratory. His work in animal agriculture is rooted in disease surveillance, pathology, and enhancing livestock health outcomes through diagnostics and research.

He is a member of the National Institute for Animal Agriculture Leadership Program—a collaborative initiative that broadens networks, deepens industry expertise, and actively shapes the future of sustainable, responsible animal agriculture.

Kumar earned his Ph.D. in Veterinary Pathology and Pathobiology from the University of Minnesota, and a M.S. and D.V.M. from India. Outside of his professional work, he enjoys reading and writing poetry, exploring nature, visiting museums, and contributing to research in disease investigations.

TDA’s Technical Services Division provides vital diagnostic and regulatory services that support Tennessee farmers, veterinarians, livestock, and consumers.

 

09/12/25

National Preparedness Month is recognized every September to remind everyone that preparing for emergencies and disasters can keep you, your families and your community safe. This September your Marshall County Office of Emergency Management office want Marshall County residents to be Ready to Recover. Being prepared isn’t just about surviving the disaster-it’s about recovering afterward.
First steps in being Ready to Recover:

*Plan for natural disasters such as tornadoes, floods, wildfires, severe storms, and even earthquakes. Know your local risks.

*Prepare financially and protect your assets. Review insurance, safeguard important documents, and know how to access aid.

*Every business has unique vulnerabilities and weaknesses. Your response plan is your roadmap to recovery. Go to #ReadyTN Business Toolkit today for tools to keep your business running after a disaster hits.

*Resources and relationships are available to support long-term recovery. Recovery takes a toll on you mentally and physically. You can find support in your community at #ReadytoRecover. There is a Disaster Distress helpline at 1800-985-5990.

You can find more information and resources for the Ready to Recover campaign at www.tn.gov/tema/prepare. The Marshall County Office of Emergency Management and TEMA urge all residents to plan, build a kit, and stay informed throughout the year.

The local EMA office teaches a Citizen Preparedness academy for those who want to learn about survival tips, tools, and success stories to help residents and businesses bounce back after a disaster hits. For more information call 359-5810.

9/12/25

Three Duck River Electric linemen, Lucas Burk, Chase Cares and Cody McIlwain, joined 12 other volunteers from Tennessee’s electric cooperatives to bring electricity to two remote villages in Guatemala. Over the 17-days in Guatemala, the linemen, working alongside members of the local municipality, built 8 miles of electric line, set 34 poles by hand and connected 28 homes, two schools and one small business. The work was grueling: poles weighing up to 800 pounds were hauled by hand up steep trails, equipment was carried on dirt bikes, and holes were dug with hand tools instead of machinery. Yet every obstacle was met with determination, teamwork and grit.

The project was part of NRECA International, a program of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association that has, since 1962, partnered with co-ops across the U.S. to deliver electricity to underserved communities around the world. Volunteers, including linemen, engineers, managers and directors, donate their time, skills and resources to improve lives in countries such as Guatemala, Haiti, Costa Rica, Bolivia, the Philippines, South Sudan and Uganda.

For the DREMC linemen, the mission was more than stringing wire and setting poles. Their work is an extension of what they do every day at home. The Tennessee linemen didn’t just bring electricity to these villages for the first time — they brought hope and a better quality of life.

UT Gardens, Jackson, to Host Talks, Tours, Plant Sale and More

JACKSON, Tenn. – Home gardeners of all ages and skill levels are invited to one of the last horticultural events of the season. University of Tennessee Gardens, Jackson, is hosting its annual Fall in the Gardens plant sale and lecture series on October 2 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and October 3 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The first day of this free event will feature educational presentations on topics such as plant selection, landscape design and growing beautiful displays from seed, while hands-on demonstrations will showcase leaf pressing and leaf casting activities you can do at home. Attendees will also enjoy both walking tours of UT Gardens, Jackson, and wagon tours of the AgResearch Center, as well as local vendors and food trucks. Shoppers can browse hundreds of selections at the fall plant sale from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., with the second day of the event continuing with the plant sale only from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

This year’s guest speaker is Brie Arthur, world-renowned horticulturist, bestselling author and contributor to the Emmy-winning PBS television series “Growing a Greener World.” Arthur will host the presentations “Foodscape Fusion: Pioneering a New Gardening Era” at 12:30 p.m. and “Seeds of Enchantment: Unveiling the Art of Cottage Gardening” at 7 p.m. Reeves will speak in the morning at 10:30 a.m. on “Top Performing Plants” perfect for your garden.

Celeste Scott, UT Extension Western Region’s horticulture Extension specialist, says that Madison County Master Gardeners is excited to sponsor the guest speaker once again. “Brie Arthur is one of the most creative and inspiring voices in horticulture today, and we’re thrilled to bring her to Jackson. If you’ve ever wanted to hear her speak in person, this is the perfect opportunity to do so. Best of all, it’s totally free!”

UT Gardens, Jackson, is part of the West Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center, located at 605 Airways Boulevard in Jackson, Tennessee. A list of plants for sale will be available shortly before the event. For the full Fall in the Gardens schedule, visit westtn.tennessee.edu/other-events.

The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture is comprised of the Herbert College of Agriculture, UT College of Veterinary Medicine, UT AgResearch and UT Extension. Through its land-grant mission of teaching, research and outreach, the Institute touches lives and provides Real. Life. Solutions. to Tennesseans and beyond. utia.tennessee.edu.

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Contact: Tate Cronin, UTIA Marketing and Communications, 731-425-4768, tcronin5@tennessee.edu