Expert: Avoid The Danger Zone While Grilling This Weekend
Keep your meat out of the “temperature danger zone” this weekend to prevent foodborne illness during Fourth of July activities. UT Extension Family and Consumer Sciences agent Piper Smith said the temperature danger zone exists between 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Smith said meat should never be left unrefrigerated for more than two hours, especially […]
Tennessee Native Gardening Bolsters Pollinator Populations
Local residents have a chance to play their own part in the pollination process this week during National Pollinator Week. Putnam County UT Agriculture Extension Agent Wayne Key said pollinators serve as the foundation for seed and fruit production. Key said creating habitats for native bees and butterflies in home landscapes directly impacts the food […]
Asian Ticks Trigger Upper Cumberland Livestock Losses
Invasive Asian Longhorned Ticks impacting livestock producers across the Upper Cumberland as the species establish a permanent presence. Fentress County UT Extension Director John Gunter said the tick species can produce up to 2,000 eggs at a time without a mate. Gunter said the ticks spread disease like a mosquito would, traveling from one animal […]
Local Ag Officials Keeping Eye On Texas Worm Outbreak
The U.S. Department of Agriculture working to contain an outbreak of the New World screwworm in Texas to prevent the invasive species from spreading to Tennessee livestock and wildlife. White County Ag Extension Director Scott Swoape said the number of active cases in Texas has already doubled. Swoape said pets and animals can be at […]
Governor Lee Makes 250 Celebration Stop In Spencer
Governor Bill Lee and First Lady Maria Lee visited Spencer Monday as part of America’s 250th Celebration. The governor stopped at the Ag Learning Center and UT Extension Building. Lee visited with local officials and talked about the county’s programs. Lee is visiting every county in the state as part of the nation’s birthday.
Putnam Master Gardener Program Grows Community Involvement
The Putnam County Master Gardener Program is helping residents grow their skills and give back through a University of Tennessee Extension-led initiative. The program relies on trained volunteers who learn horticultural skills and then give back through projects that support food production, landscaping, and education across the county. Wayne Key, UT Extension agent for agriculture […]
Wildlife Expert: Cicadas Do Not Lead To More Moles
After a second brood emerged in two years, some people wonder if cicadas lead to more moles, but a local wildlife expert said that it is not necessarily true. UT Extension Wildlife and Forestry Specialist Chris Graves said moles do like to eat cicada nymphs. However, Graves said there is not much research on if […]
Monterey Farmers Market Accepting Vendor Applications
The Monterey Farmers Market will continue to accept vendor applications all year long to encourage even more growth throughout 2024. The market opened its season Saturday. Assistant Cultural Administrator Johnathan Phillips said the application process is free and easy for anyone who is interested. Phillips said being a vendor at the market is a great […]
Overton’s Jason Garrett Receives Excellence Award From TN Association For Agricultural Agents
Overton’s UT Extension Agent Jason Garrett was named a recipient of the Hicks Award for Excellence by the Tennessee Association for Agricultural Agents. Garrett said he was one of three extension agents in the state to receive the recognition. He said the award recognizes his efforts in agricultural educational programming. “The benefit of my job […]
Spring Weather Can Begin Insect Pressure In Homes
The return of spring can also bring the return of insect infestations, also known as insect pressure, in your home. Putnam County Extension Agent Wayne Key said that insect pressure is whenever an influx of insects enter a space we don’t want them and they become a nuisance. He said that the most common in […]
