March is UT Extension Month!

Best-kept secret? NO MORE! UT Extension provides a gateway to the University of Tennessee as the outreach and engagement unit of the Institute of Agriculture.  Follow any road in Tennessee and you will find people whose lives have been influenced by our educational programs. There are nearly 300 county Extension Agents working in every county across the state, Tennessee Extension has 136 subject matter specialists working to bring the latest research from the University of Tennessee to communities across the state. Our local Extension office has a wide variety of programming that is research based and conducted by our educated staff.

Warmer weather means the countdown is on to the opening of farmers markets! These markets dot our communities offering the shopper locally grown or produced items. They are also often a gathering place to socialize and meet friends and neighbors. Our Ag agent, Drew Vannatta has been very successful in opening this market up in 2021 and keeping it going since! Each year we have a wide variety of goods and vendors that become family. Be sure to visit our Farmer's Market this year beginning May 30, 2024. For all your farm questions or more information on the Farmer's market, reach out to Drew @ [email protected].

Only 7% of Tennesseans meet the American Dietary Guidelines for fruit and vegetable consumption. Yet, we know education alone is not always motivating enough. That's why our nutrition programs strive to create healthy families AND healthy communities. We offer free nutrition education classes and partner with sites to implement healthy changes in the environments Tennesseans live, work, shop and play. Gena Powers is our TNCEP Program Assistant and works hard to ensure children and adults are aware of the healthier options and provides methods to incorporate into meals. For more information on how to obtain nutrition information, whether for yourself or workplace, please contact her @ [email protected].

The mission of Tennessee 4-H is to provide research-based Extension educational experiences that will stimulate young people to gain knowledge, develop life skills, and form positive attitudes to prepare them to become capable, responsible, and compassionate adults. Whitney Dixon does a great job overseeing our 4-H Youth Development program and collaborates with several partnerships to help children recognize the importance of being a positive, productive citizens. You can reach out to Whitney to find out how to get your child more involved @ [email protected].

Beautiful outdoor activity is approaching and Walk Across Tennessee is among one of our many health and fitness programs offered by our Family & Consumer Sciences agent, Shelly Ray. Shelly ensures program opportunities for every season to improve the overall well-being of residents in Lewis County. For more information on health and fitness programs, please contact her @ [email protected].

For more information on any type of educational programming you wish to see or want additional information about, please contact our office @ 931-796-3091.

The University of Tennessee offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, religion or veteran status and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. UT extension offers equal opportunities in programs and employment.