Spotted Lanternflies Cause Problems, Not A Local Threat
Specially trained dogs are now sniffing out the invasive spotted lanternfly, but the bugs have not made their way into the Upper Cumberland. Putnam County Ag Extension Agent Wayne Key said the lanternflies cause problems because of their potential impact on fruit plants. Key said lanternflies were first spotted in the state near Nashville a […]
White County Farmer Adcock Wins State Fair Hay Title
A White County farmer wins this year’s Hay Champion Award at the 2025 Tennessee State Fair for having the best orchard grass in Tennessee. Farmer Dwight Adcock said he grew up on a farm and has been around agriculture his entire life. Adcock said he has cattle, which means he has to produce hay. Adcock […]
Plateau Ag Institute Hosting Steak And Potatoes Day
Experts on all things beef, fruit, and vegetable production will be on hand for the Plateau Ag Research and Education Center’s Steak and Potatoes Field Day Thursday. Center Director Walt Hitch said this event will feature speakers on multiple cattle and crop production-related topics. Hitch said producers can benefit from expert insight about increasing profitability […]
Warren County FFA Farmers Market Teaches Ag Business
Warren County FFA Students getting a first hand look at the business side of agriculture with their bi-weekly farmers market. Warren County Schools Communications Coordinator Sarah Cantrell said the school’s FFA chapter is very active. Cantrell said as a CTE program, FFA is always looking for ways to prepare future producers for their careers through […]
ZWT Ranch Hosting Family Friendly Agriculture Event
Overton County’s ZWT Ranch will host Tennessee Angus Field Day Saturday to celebrate beef cattle and the beef industry. Farm Manager Wil Mayes said the event is meant to be informative and educational for beef produces of all ages, and he hopes it gets more kids excited about agriculture. “It’s you know, getting harder every […]
Hay Season In Full Swing, Rain Both Positive And Negative
The abundance of rain this spring and summer has helped hay production, but hurt the harvesting process. Overton County Ag Extension Agent Jason Garrett said the rain delayed the spring crop harvest. Garrett said cool season grasses are better when harvested earlier because of their nutrients. “Everybody was behind,” Garrett said. “Which affected the quality […]
Fire Ants Highly Aggressive, Can Sting, Common In Area
You may have seen the mounds or the piles or dirt. Fire ants are the little-but-mighty insect that can bring trouble to yards and pastures. Clay County Ag Extension Agent Wyatt Montooth said fire ants can be identified by their red coloring that gets darker near the tail. Montooth said fire ants tend to congregate […]
Higher Beef Prices Leading Some UC Farmers To Sell Off, Retire
Beef Month celebrates the Upper Cumberland’s most popular commodity each July, but the industry is changing. Overton County Ag Extension Agent Jason Garrett is a beef producer. He said beef cattle remains the primary income stream for many farmers in the region. But Garrett said price increases have challenged beef farmers locally and nationally. “When […]
Invasive Hammerhead Worm Spotted In Fentress County
The hammerhead worm, an invasive pest native to Southwest Asia, has been spotted in Fentress County. The hammerhead worm is a flatworm with a shovel-like head. Fentress County Ag Extension Agent John Gunter said hammerhead worms prey on earthworms. Gunter said earthworms are needed to help regulate the dirt. “We have the potential to have […]
Crop Report Deadline Set; Filing Ensures Farmers Aid
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 […]
