Newsroom

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) and UDSA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) are teaming up to remind hemp producers of important deadlines.

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture’s Division of Forestry is issuing a public advisory for a salvage operation in Natchez Trace State Forest.

The Tennessee Forestry Commission will meet June 8, 2022 at Ellington Agricultural Center in Nashville, Tenn. The meeting will begin at 10 a.m. CDT in the Bruer Building conference room located at 406 Hogan Road. The meeting is open to the public to attend.

The Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance (“TDCI”) and the Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office join the Tennessee Department of Agriculture’s Division of Forestry to raise awareness among home and property owners regarding the importance of Wildfire Community Preparedness Day on Saturday, May 7, 2022.

A growing agricultural sector is being highlighted this month with a proclamation by Gov. Bill Lee. May is Wine and Grape Month in Tennessee.

As more warm spring days are in the forecast, Tennessee farms will quickly be offering fresh strawberries, greens, and even locally-grown cut flowers.

Pick Tennessee Products’ “Fill Your Grill” contest is back this year in plenty of time to plan your summer grilling menus. Winners will get to choose $200 in local meats from the Tennessee farm of their choice.

With a strong background in and commitment to the agriculture industry, Andy Holt has been appointed Assistant Commissioner for the Business Development Division at the Tennessee Department of Agriculture and special advisor to the Commissioner.

The Tennessee Wine and Grape Board will meet May 11, 2022 at Ellington Agricultural Center in Nashville, Tenn. The meeting will begin at 10 a.m. CDT in the Holeman Building conference room located at 424 Hogan Road. The meeting is open to the public to attend.

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture’s Pesticide Section will host three virtual industry meetings on May 16, 2022.

The state veterinarian confirms that a horse in Smith County has tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV). The 22-year-old horse has been euthanized.

The application period is now open for Tennessee animal shelters to apply for grants to provide low-cost spay and neuter services. Funds from Tennessee’s specialty license plate Animal Friendly - Spay and Neuter Saves Lives go to Animal Friendly Grants, a program administered by the Tennessee Department of Agriculture’s (TDA) Animal Health Division.

Cost share incentives for tree planting and forest stand improvement activities are currently offered in preparation for the May sign-up period. The Tennessee Department of Agriculture’s Division of Forestry (TDF) encourages family woodland owners to apply for technical and financial assistance to establish or enrich their forests. Loggers can apply to improve harvesting capacity and enhance protection of water quality.

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture’s (TDA) Agricultural Crime Unit (ACU) completed its investigation into the cause of two recent Sevier County wildland fires. “Based on the results of our origin and cause investigation, it was determined the two large wildland fires were caused by downed power lines,” ACU Captain Greg Whitehead said

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture’s Division of Forestry is funding urban forestry tree planting projects to help cities and counties, schools, and nonprofit organizations with conservation efforts. The Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program (TAEP) Community Tree Planting Program applications are now open to help increase and enhance urban and community tree populations.