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. […]
New State Campaign Preventing Livestock Disease Spread
With Upper Cumberland fair season coming this June, the Tennessee Department of Agriculture is launching a campaign to remind livestock owners to check for diseases before taking them to a show. State Veterinarian Dr. Samantha Beaty said livestock shows bring many animals from different farms together, increasing the risk of spreading contagious diseases. Beaty said […]
Parasitic Screwworms Could Impact Pets, Livestock In UC
The New World Screwworm, a parasitic fly, has been detected in Mexico and could soon enter the southeast. The Tennessee Department of Agriculture said screwworms present a threat to pets and livestock. University of Tennessee Agriculture Extension Agent Wayne Key said screwworms lay their eggs on an animals skin, and the larvae start feeding at […]
Rabies Prevention Crucial As Horse Cases Pop Across State
Rabies cases are popping up in horses across the state, making prevention and awareness as important as ever. Putnam County Agricultural Extention Agent Wayne Key said rabies in livestock is uncommon, but difficult to control. He said horses are curious animals, and most commonly contract rabies by coming into contact with infected wildlife. He said […]
Comptrollers Office Investigating Former Clay County 4-H Leader
A former Clay County 4-H Program Assistant is under investigation for improper use of county facilities and the disappearance of county property. The State Comptrollers Office investigation found the former employee had been using a barn and government-owned livestock equipment at the county fairgrounds. He did not have authorization from Clay County or the 4-H […]
Shade And Water Keys To Prevent Livestock Heat Stress
High temperatures in the Upper Cumberland can be cause for concern for livestock. Overton UT Extension Agent Jason Garrett said that the two most important factors for keeping livestock healthy are having plenty of water and plenty of shade. He said heat stress can lead to illness, shock, or sometimes death. “Most beef producers with […]
White Co. 4-H Holding Meeting For Students Interested In Livestock
White County 4-H hosting a livestock interest meeting this Thursday at 5:30 p.m. TSU 4-H Extension Agent Kiley Wilson said that she wanted to create the event to inspire more kids to get involved with agriculture, specifically livestock. “Basically what I’m wanting to go over is that since we’re such a rural county, I really […]
Fundraising Begins To Send Clay 4-H Livestock Judging Team To Nationals
The Clay County 4-H Livestock Judging Team needs help getting to the national competition in Kansas City, Missouri. 4-H Extension Agent Kristen Rich said the first fundraiser to reach the goal of $8,000 will be a pork loin lunch on August 6. Rich said the team placed in the state competition and has a tough […]
Agriculture Aid Available To Farmers As Costs Rise
The Coronavirus Food Assistance Program has opened signups to provide Upper Cumberland farmers aid. Chad Huddleston is County Executive Director for the USDA Farm Service Agency. Huddleston said up to $250,000 is available based on a farmers crops and the number of animals they own. “All input costs are going up,” Huddleston said. “Fuel, fertilizer, […]
Dekalb 4-H Offering Chick Program For Kids
The Dekalb County Chick Chain registration is open for kids looking to learn about raising livestock. Dekalb County 4-H Extension Agent Leigh Fuson said any 4th through 12th grader can register to receive and raise 15 baby chicks. Fuson said the chick chain gives kids a glimpse into the work it takes to raise an […]
