Crop Report Deadline Set; Filing Ensures Farmers Aid Eligibility
With acreage dates set, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency crop reports are due by July 15. Local Executive Director Chad Huddleston said crop reports record how many acres of a certain crop were planted. Huddleston said corn, wheat, and soybeans, or any crop produced on a commercial level should be reported. Huddleston […]
Cicadas Arrive By Late May; Putnam, Cumberland Worst
The Upper Cumberland preparing for a new round of cicadas within the next six weeks. This year’s expected cicada brood emerges every 17 years. The cicada sounds distinct, but the damage caused? Tennessee Tech Horticulture Professor Douglas Airhart said trees will be most impacted. “The females lay their eggs on stems that are about pencil […]
Putnam Schools Bidding Out CTE Barn For Vet Science
Putnam County Schools looking to bid a barn that would provide real-world experience for Upperman High School’s Veterinarian and Animal Science CTE Program. Putnam County Schools CTE Supervisor Jackie Vester said the barn is part of the third year of the system’s Innovative School Models Grant Program. She said animals provided by the school’s agriculture […]
District Helping Landowners With Environmental Impact
Overton County’s Soil and Water Conservation District is providing landowners with a way to improve their land through environmental improvements. District Conservationist Robert Halfacre said the district is a county organization that helps landowners design and fund projects that will have a positive environmental impact on the land. Halfacre said the program is a strong […]
Some Dekalb Citizens Petitioning Against Plans For New Justice Center
Some Dekalb County residents have put together a petition to prevent the construction of a new justice center in Smithville. The Dekalb County Commission is considering several pieces of land for such a facility. One is a 38-acre lot currently used for agriculture. Petitioner Terry Mahle said the property should be left available for private […]
Dry Weather Impacting Farmers Across Upper Cumberland
October is usually the driest month of the year and we are entering the month coming off a dry September, something that could impact grass and cattle. This is the time of year where grass is sewn but without rain it could dry out and die. The same goes for pastures where cattle graze. Overton […]
Lee Lauds York Institute Programs As A “Model” For Districts Statewide
Governor Bill Lee paid a visit to York Insititute Thursday morning celebrating the school’s strong CTE and agriculture programs. Department of Education Commissioner Penny Schwinn called the school a “national model” for all the programs they offer. Lee said that he couldn’t agree more. “There are so many things happening there,” Lee said. “You see […]
Putnam County UT Agriculture Extension Offers Mowing Advice
Mow often and mow high. That is the mowing advice from the Putnam County UT Agriculture extension to keep your yard healthy. Extention agent Wayne Key said the most common mistake he sees is people mowing their grass too short. He said having thick tall grass can help to prevent weed seeds from germinating and […]
State Departments Partner To Boost FFA Programs
A local ag educator excited that two state departments have teamed up to boost Tennessee’s agricultural education programs through FFA. The State Department of Agriculture and the State Department of Education will work to increase FFA enrollment and opportunities for learning inside and outside the classroom. Van Buren FFA Instructor Lance Smith: “On a local […]
Early Fall Dryness Could Lead To Agriculture Struggles During Driest Month Of The Year
An early fall dry spell could create issues for the agriculture world as it continues with the driest month of the year. Van Buren County Agriculture Agent Chris Binkley said October is traditionally the driest month in the Upper Cumberland. He said September was drier than normal, which might hinder farmers looking to stockpile cool-season […]
