Local Ag Agent Said Planting All Clear Due This Week
Have we reached the point where you are safe to plant new pieces in your yard and garden? Pickett County Extension Agent Billy Garrett said by the end of this week, you should be good to go. But Garrett said you still have to be mindful of chilly nights across the region. “There’s some people […]
Ag Agent: Sheep, Lamb Increasingly Part Of UC Ag Landscape
Facing a beef market that is unpredictable, local ag experts said farmers have turned to sheep and lamb to diversify their meat products. Clay County Ag Extension Agent Wyatt Montooth said farmers in the Upper Cumberland are purchasing more sheep and lamb livestock than they ever have. “Sheep is getting to be really more common. […]
4H Chick Chain Auction Teaches Kids About Poultry Farming
The Overton County 4H Chick Chain Auction Saturday will help teach young people the ins and outs of the poultry farming business. Overton County Extension Agent Nicole Bettencourt said participants raise a handful of young chickens until they are laying eggs. At least three of the birds return to be auctioned off each fall. Bettencourt […]
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 […]
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 […]
Warm, Humid Summers Good Recipe For Plant Mildew
A local Agricultural Expert said frequent rain and high humidity might increase the chances of mildew on your plants and crops this summer. Warren County Ag Extension Agent Heath Nokes said mildew in plants comes from a fungal attack of leaf tissue. Nokes said plant leaves are responsible for photosynthesis, which gives them energy to […]
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 […]
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 […]
Motlow Adding Tech-Based Ag Course, Partnering With Warren Schools
Motlow State Community College is starting a course this fall to prepare students focused on agriculture for the future. The course is agronomy, it focuses on the science and technology side of agriculture. Motlow State Community College President Michael Torrence said starting the course is about giving students in rural communities the skills to garner […]
Farmers Expecting Good Hay Crop This Year
Experts say good weather and a good spring season has led to a great hay crop for the Upper Cumberland. Warren County Agricultural Extension Agent Heath Nokes said that most farmers he has spoken with is either already harvesting or just about to harvest their hay. “Turned up a little dry now, but we had […]
