Tennessee

TN AgrAbility staff had the opportunity to attend the Heart of Champions Livestock Show for Hardin County special education students hosted by University of Tennessee Martin (UTM) Sigma Alpha Sorority and organized by Taylor Cantrell, UTM vet science major. Due to weather, the show was canceled, but that did not stop Taylor and Sigma Alpha. They presented "Ag in the Classroom" lessons about goats, cows, and butter. TNAP staff enjoyed watching Sigma Alpha members interact with the students, and the hugs made the day extra special. The purpose of the day was to give special education students an opportunity to enjoy a day of agriculture.

November 14 was recognized as National Usability Day. TN AgrAbility shared the importance of inclusive design and the work of disability centers in making technology accessible for all. TN AgrAbility believes that accessibility isn't a luxury: it’s a necessity to help TN AgrAbility farmers continue farming.

TN AgrAbility observed Veteran's Day to honor the brave men and women who have sacrificed for our freedom. As TN AgrAbility expressed gratitude through social media, it featured a local business, Honey Bee Mine Farm. This farm is committed to sustainable practices and community well-being. Nick Nicholls, co-owner, retired from the U.S. Army after 27 years of service. He began beekeeping as a teenager to help a Vietnam veteran neighbor. After retiring from the Army, Nick began beekeeping again to cope with post-traumatic stress. He participates in Hives for Heroes, a mentoring program for new beekeepers. He is a member of the Farmer Veteran Coalition of TN and proudly displays the Homegrown by Heroes/Pick TN Products logo on his products. Thank you to all veterans for their service and commitment to protecting our country!

Other News

Three hundred Fayette/Hardeman County 5th graders arrived throughout the day at the Somerville Livestock Sale barn for the 2024 Farm Fest. They attended stations dealing with animals, bees, money, and helmet safety taught by TN AgrAbility staff. TNAP staff demonstrated the importance of wearing a helmet using raw eggs as riders on a 4-wheeler. The majority of students answered, "Helmets aren't cool!" when asked why they didn't wear them.

TN AgrAbility introduced the 1st of four farm safety - "Being Safe on the Farm is Everyone's Responsibility," in-services in November for UT TSU Extension. Dr. John Cole, who has been teaching agriculture engineering technology courses at University of Tennessee at Martin presented on blind spots, ROPS, and the SAFE Farm Steward Program (https://safefarmsteward.org). Additional in-services in 2025 are scheduled for January 15, March 19 and May 21.

Submitted by Tennessee AgrAbility Project