Beginning October 15, a free burn permit from the Tennessee Department of Agriculture Division of Forestry (TDF) is required prior to burning leaves or natural vegetation, including debris generated by Hurricane Helene.

Tennessee’s agritourism farms offer more than you may expect during the fall season. From pumpkin patches and corn mazes to educational classes and fun food experiences, Tennessee farms have something for everyone.

Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program (TAEP) applicants in nine storm-affected Tennessee counties will have an additional period to apply for cost share funds. Due to the impact of Hurricane Helene, the Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) is making accommodations for TAEP applicants who live in counties designated by Governor Bill Lee in his Expedited Major Disaster Declaration.

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture’s Division of Forestry (TDF) is amending and extending the temporary usage restrictions at Pickett State Forest located in Pickett and Fentress Counties. Public motorized vehicle use and camping will continue to be prohibited in the northwestern portion of the forest through Feb. 1, 2025, while foot traffic and horseback riding will continue to be permitted.

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) is accepting grant proposals for projects that will help improve water quality by reducing nonpoint source (NPS) pollution in the state. “This cost share funding is a direct investment in improving water quality across Tennessee,” said Commissioner Charlie Hatcher, D.V.M. “By supporting projects that reduce pollutants in our natural water sources, we’re not only protecting the environment but also promoting the health of people and wildlife. Our focus is on watershed restoration and raising awareness about nonpoint source pollution.”

Public access to the Tennessee Department of Agriculture Division of Forestry’s (TDF) East Tennessee Nursery for recreational purposes is temporarily suspended while contractors execute a hydrology project on the property. Recreational use is expected to resume in April 2025.

Federal Emergency Management Agency designates 14 Tennessee Counties as primary natural disaster areas due to severe storms, straight line winds, tornadoes, land slides and mud slides.

Governor Bill Lee has recognized Rachel Greene of the Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) with the Governor’s Excellence in Service Award. Greene was named Assistant State Forester, Director of Forest Management in the TDA Division of Forestry in February of this year. In this role, she oversees the Forest Inventory and Analysis, Forest Health and Sustainability, Reforestation, and State Forests Units.

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA), in collaboration with the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service, is excited to announce the launch of a new Tennessee Direct Hay Report. This tool will provide comprehensive insights into hay pricing and trends across the state, helping Tennessee’s farmers and producers make informed decisions.

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture Division of Forestry’s (TDF) East Tennessee Nursery is accepting tree seedling orders until April 1, 2025, or while supplies last. More than 30 species of tree and shrub seedlings are currently available for reforestation and conservation projects.

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture Division of Forestry (TDF) offers two funding opportunities to expand tree canopy coverage and support sustainable urban ecosystems statewide.

Public access to Franklin State Forest in Franklin and Marion Counties will resume on Aug. 26, 2024, following a temporary closure that facilitated a still-ongoing investigation into vandalism and theft of state-owned equipment on the forest.

Access to Martha Sundquist State Forest in Cocke County via Gulf Road will be temporarily altered to facilitate the first two phases of a bridge replacement project on the forest.

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture is excited to announce that the Pick Tennessee Products Experience at the Wilson County-Tennessee State Fair is back for 2024.

Tennessee's state forests are undergoing a comprehensive inventory aimed at promoting sustainable forest management.