All of Tennessee’s 15 state forests are now certified to the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) Forest Management Standard. The Tennessee Department of Agriculture’s Division of Forestry announced that all state forests—covering 168,359 acres—passed the third-party audit for forestry management practices. This independent certification assures that forests are managed sustainably, which is essential for clean water, wildlife habitat, and market access.

Farmers markets are opening across Tennessee and offering fresh, local food. Whether you’re looking for meat, produce, or artisan products, a farmers market near you provides easy access to local, quality products. Shopping at farmers markets also serves as one of the best ways to keep your money in your community.

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee and Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation Commissioner David Salyers today announced the winners of the 2020 Governor’s Environmental Stewardship Awards.

The Tennessee Forestry Commission will meet June 10, 2020 at the Ellington Agricultural Center in Nashville, Tenn.

The Tennessee Wine and Grape Board will meet June 3, 2020 at 9:30 a.m. CDT. In accordance with Governor Bill Lee’s Executive Orders 16 and 34, the Tennessee Wine and Grape Board will meet and conduct business by electronic means.

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) is warning livestock producers about a potential scam. Several Tennessee cattle farmers have recently been contacted by a person or persons indicating they want to buy cattle. The supposed buyer reaches out via text, claiming that a cashier’s check will be sent as payment with money added for shipping, and that the seller should contact the buyer once the payment is received.

Summer is meant for grilling and Tennesseans have a chance to win local meats with the Pick Tennessee Products “Fill Your Grill” contest. For more than thirty years, Pick Tennessee Products has connected farmers directly to consumers. Between June 1 and 15, you can register to win $200 worth of local meats from your choice of Tennessee farms participating in Pick Tennessee Products.

The Tennessee State Fair and Exposition Commission will meet by electronic means June 1, 2020 at 2 p.m. CDT.

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) is reminding citizens that illegally importing livestock to Tennessee can have wide-reaching negative effects for us all. Livestock producers, dealers, and citizens must adhere to state and federal import requirements for any livestock shipped into Tennessee.

Consumers now have more opportunities to connect to local farms and food businesses than ever before. The Pick Tennessee Products mobile app has expanded its services to include all businesses listed within the program’s directory.

The Tennessee Fair and Exposition Commission will meet by electronic means May 13, 2020 at 2 p.m. CDT.

Forest landowners who want to establish or enhance their woods and loggers looking to improve harvesting capacity can get financial assistance to enhance forest health and sustainability. Multiple cost share opportunities are currently open for application through the end of May.

The Tennessee Dairy Promotion Committee will meet via conference call May 7, 2020 at 11:30 a.m. CDT.

Farmers across Tennessee say sweet and juicy strawberries are ready for harvest despite the COVID-19 effect on consumers. While picking your own berries from the field will not be the same this year, you will still find the freshest fruit by going straight to the source.

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, farmers are still raising livestock and planting and harvesting crops. At this time, the Tennessee Department of Agriculture sees no evidence of agricultural shortages in Tennessee.