News Archives - 2008
December 2008
- UT Extension Professor Recognized with National Award for Improving Early Childhood Education
Dr. Matthew Devereaux, associate professor and specialist with the University of Tennessee Extension Department of Family and Consumer Sciences, has been awarded the Early Career Achievement Award for the development and evaluation of innovative child care training programs.
- Holiday Express at the UT Gardens Adds New Year’s Day
Showing to Final Weekend
An additional showing of the Holiday Express at the UT Gardens will give visitors more time to see the exhibit during its final weekend. The Holiday Express will now be open 1-6 p.m. Thursday, New Year’s Day. It will also be open during the hours of 1-9 p.m. Friday, January 2; 1-9 p.m. Saturday, January 3, and during the final showing 1-6 p.m. Sunday, January 4.
- Time for UT Senior Bull Test Sale
Seventy-five performance-tested bulls will soon be sold at the University of Tennessee Bull Test Station, located at the Middle Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center. The Senior Bull Test Sale is scheduled for January 22, 2009 at 12:00 p.m.
- Keep it 'Real' for the Holidays
Some tips for folks who opt for the natural look of a real Christmas tree and live greenery to brighten their homes this holiday season.
- Mid-South Stocker Conference Set for February 24 and 25
“Stocker Solutions for Challenging Times” is the theme for the 2009 Mid-South Stocker Conference scheduled for February 24 and 25, 2009, at the Lake Barkley Resort Park Lodge near Cadiz, Kentucky.
- Local UT Extension Agent Filling Regional Role
Cannon County’s Carla Bush has stepped into a new role with University of Tennessee Extension. The family and consumer sciences agent has been temporarily assigned as UT Extension’s Central Region Program Manager for family and consumer sciences.
- UT Gardens’ Plant of the Month for December: Juniper
Go for the gold in your landscape with a juniper selection.
November 2008
- Investing in Greener, Safer Grass:
UT Atheletic Department to Support Turfgrass Research and Teaching
The University of Tennessee’s leading turfgrass management research and teaching program is expanding its faculty due to the generous support of one of its prime cooperators.
- Holiday Express at the UT Gardens November 26 through January 4
Garden Railroad Exhibit Features Miniature World of Wonder
Ten garden-scale model trains, thousands of lights and a miniature landscape featuring rivers, waterfalls and more than 100 buildings decorated for the holidays will delight visitors young and old at a new event that kicks off November 26 at the UT Gardens.
- Arboretum Society Increases Endowment
Ninety members of the University of Tennessee Arboretum Society attended the group's annual membership dinner on November 11, and as part of the program, UT Arboretum Society President Norm Dobbs presented a $5000 contribution from the Society for expanding the Arboretum Endowment.
- UT Gardens’ Plant of the Month for November: Dwarf Japanese Cedars
A beautiful species of conifer remains relatively unexploited in southeastern gardens, and offers much landscape appeal. Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica) is not a cedar at all but is in the same family as Bald Cypress (Taxodium), Taxodiaceae.
- UT Report: Entrepreneurship $23 Billion Strong in Tennessee
In recent years, entrepreneurs have generated as much as $23 billion in revenue in Tennessee, according to statewide research to be presented Nov. 18 as part of Global Entrepreneurship Week, an initiative to promote the entrepreneurial aspirations of young people worldwide.
- Tennessee Cattle Breeders and Producers Attend UT Bull Test Open House
Dozens of commercial beef producers as well as purebred cattle breeders recently converged at the Middle Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center for the 2008 Bull Test Open House. The event began with educational presentations from University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture Professors, Dr. Neal Schrick and Dr. David Kirkpatrick, as well as Kevin Thompson, the director of genetics for Tennessee Livestock Producers. The presentations focused on cattle herd improvement through good management, bull selection and striving for herd uniformity.
- University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture Expert named to Governor's Economic Council on Women
Dr. Dena Wise, a family economics expert with the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture's Extension unit, has been named by Governor Phil Bredesen to serve on the Tennessee Economic Council on Women. The committee will address such issues as pay equity for women, job training, domestic violence, preventive health care and increased political participation.
October 2008
- UT Plateau Center to Hold November Cattle Sale
The University of Tennessee Plateau AgResearch and Education Center will host a fall sale of cattle from its herd on Friday, November 21, starting at 10:00 a.m. CST.
- Peace and Love at Petstock
The 1960s had Woodstock. Now the University of Tennessee
College of Veterinary Medicine is presenting Petstock, an animal aid
benefit concert and auction. The evening program, November 7 at
Hollingsworth Auditorium on the UT agricultural campus, will feature family
friendly music about animals by singer/songwriter Allen Levi.
- State Forestry Association Honors UT Extension Agent
Each year the Tennessee Forestry Association (TFA) recognizes the County Agent of the Year. The recipient of the honor for 2008 is University of Tennessee Extension Agent Sheldon Barker of Sequatchie County.
- UT Adjunct Professor Named Fellow
University of Tennessee Adjunct Professor of Plant Science and USDA Soybean Breeder, Dr. Prakesh Arelli has been elected to the position of Fellow by the Crop Science Society of America (CSSA), a prominent international scientific society. This honor places Dr. Arelli in an elite group, as less than one percent of CSSA members may be elected Fellow. Only outstanding members with distinguished professional achievements and commendable service receive this title.
- Tennessee Breaks Ground for
Innovative Cellulosic Ethanol Pilot Biorefinery
DuPont Danisco Cellulosic Ethanol LLC (DDCE) and the University of Tennessee (UT) Research Foundation, through Genera Energy, LLC, broke ground today for an innovative pilot-scale biorefinery and state-of-the-art research and development facility for cellulosic ethanol, or ethanol from non-food sources.
- UT’s First Pumpkin Field Day a Success
Organizers of the first University of Tennessee Pumpkin Field Day are calling the event a smashing hit. Pumpkin growers and pumpkin lovers from across the Mid-South recently participated in the hands-on educational sessions held at the West Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center. Researchers say the field day was beneficial for all who attended.
- Fall Color Guide Available from the UT Arboretum
It's that time of year when everyone likes to get outdoors and enjoy fall's magnificent colors. But just which tree is which?
- UT Arboretum Society to Hold Fall Plant Sale Oct. 11
The UT Arboretum Society’s Fall Plant Sale will be on Saturday, October 11th from 9:00 a.m. till 3:00 p.m. at the UT Arboretum, 901 S. Illinois Ave. in Oak Ridge. Follow the signs and drive up to the Program Shelter.
- Media Advisory
The groundbreaking for Tennessee's first of its kind pilot-scale cellulosic ethanol refinery will be celebrated with an official ceremony at the site of the future plant. Instead of the traditional ribbon-wrapped shovel, a local farmer, David Richesin, will join Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen and others in using a tractor and planter to initiate the biorefinery's construction. Richesin is one of 16 local farmers under contract to the UT Institute of Agriculture to produce switchgrass as a feedstock for the biorefinery.
- Delton Gerloff New Head of UT Department of Agricultural Economics
University of Tennessee Agricultural Economist Dr. Delton Gerloff is known for his expertise in farm and financial management and row crop marketing. Since February, he’s also been recognized for his leadership as the interim head of the Department of Agricultural Economics in UT’s College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources.
- UT Extension Agent honored with national service award
The National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences has honored University of Tennessee Extension Agent II Carla Bush as a national winner of a Distinguished Service Award in the 2008 NEAFCS Awards of Excellence Program.
- UT Hosts Bull Test Open House
The University of Tennessee Central Bull Test Station is hosting their annual Bull Test Open House on Tuesday, October 28, 2008, at the Middle Tennessee Research and Education Center in Spring Hill. The event offers cattlemen and others in the cattle industry an opportunity to learn about a number of hot topics in beef cattle production.
September 2008
- UT's Northeast Beef Expo Scheduled for October 9
Cattle producers interested in protecting their investment during difficult times will want to attend the 2008 Northeast Tennessee Beef Expo. Scheduled for Oct. 9, the day-long event will be held at the University of Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center at Greeneville.
- Center at UT College of Veterinary Medicine Wins over $5M in Department of Homeland Security Grants
The University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine's Center for Agriculture and Food Security and Preparedness (CAFSP) at the UT Institute of Agriculture will have a key role in helping to ensure the safety of the nation's food supply and helping promote effective response to a disaster involving animals. Of only 11 grants the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) awarded, the veterinary college received two of them totaling nearly $5 million.
- UT AgResearch & Education Center Rings in Autumn with Spectacular House Made of Pumpkins
The colors of fall will soon be evident in our fields and forests as well as on the grounds of the University of Tennessee’s West Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center, as one of the largest exhibits of pumpkins in the country will once again be on display. For six weeks, a house comprised of more than five thousand pumpkins will grace the Center. UT horticulturalist Jason Reeves and his team designed this remarkable work of art that heralds the harvest season.
- University of Tennessee Hosts Pumpkin Field Day
The fruit of the fall season will take center stage at the West Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center on Wednesday October 8th, as the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture presents UT Pumpkin Field Day 2008. This “first of its kind” event will feature seminars on an assortment of topics involving the pumpkin.
- Ames Plantation Restoration Project Gets Recognition from Nationally Renowned Artist and Historian
A preservation project taking place at Ames Plantation is now receiving support from nationally known decorator and historian, Polly Forcier of MB Historic D écor. Forcier will visit Ames Plantation October 10-11, 2008 to examine restoration of the Stencil House and offer educational sessions on 19th century home decor during the 11th annual Heritage Festival.
- 10th Annual Fall Folklore Jamboree Comes to Milan
On Saturday October 18th, thousands of visitors will flock to the West Tennessee Agricultural Museum and UT AgResearch and Education Center at Milan for the 10th annual Fall Folklore Jamboree. Those in attendance at the all-day event can catch a glimpse of the past as more than 100 folk artists demonstrate rare and unique farming, cooking, and traditional skills. And the sounds of yesteryear will fill the air as award-winning gospel and bluegrass bands perform.
- UT Gardens To Hold Plant Sale Oct. 11
Fall is for planting! The UT Gardens is holding a fall planting sale on Saturday, October 11, featuring Pink Muhly Grass and other notable plants. All proceeds will support the UT Gardens.
- UT Gardens’ Plant of the Month for September: Purple Hyacinth Bean
For an inexpensive but showy climbing vine nothing brightens up the fall garden like the purple seed pods of the purple hyacinth bean (Lablab purpurea formerly Dolichos lablab). The University of Tennessee Gardens has used this annual vine for years for vertical interest, and it never fails to draw questions and admiration.
- West Tennessee Plantation Hosts 11th Annual Heritage Festival
Ames Plantation and The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture are proud to present the 11th Annual Heritage Festival and Antique Auction, a celebration of the unique cultural legacy of the mid-South.
- Dedication Ceremony of UT Gardens' 'Friendship Plaza'
offers activities for the whole family
In its 25-year existence, the UT Gardens had a little bit of
everything - stunning flowers, beautiful and exotic plants, even ornate
artwork and sculpture. What it did not have was an easily accessible and
welcoming entrance.
- Lesotho Implements UT No-till Practices
No-till cropping systems have been such a success in Tennessee that sometimes growers take them for granted. But the idea and technologies behind “spare the plow and save the soil” are a big success story to farmers in other reaches of the globe.
- UTIA Researcher named Fellow for Food Safety Organization
A worldwide group of scientists working to keep our food supply safe recently named a University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture researcher to a distinguished honor.
August 2008
- Veterinary College Offers Support for Grieving Pet Owners
Coping with the death of a pet can often times be a stressful
experience. Veterinary Social Work, a program of the University of
Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, is offering the Pet Loss Support
Group to help those experiencing the grief process.
- Make Plans Now for Ag Day 2008
Join in the fellowship and fun Saturday, Oct. 18, when Ag Day returns to the agricultural campus in Knoxville. Festivities start four hours before game-time between the Vols and Mississippi State Bulldogs.
- College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources to Host Workshop on Teaching Strategies to Match Student Learning Styles
Access to information is now instant and interactive. This contributes to the challenges of engaging students in the learning process. To assist faculty with strategies to fully engage students, the University of Tennessee College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources (CASNR) will present a campus-wide, faculty/staff workshop entitled “A Matter of Style: Matching Teaching Strategies with Student Learning Styles to Enhance Student Learning.” The workshop will be September 12, 2008, from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. in the Hollingsworth Auditorium on the UT Institute of Agriculture campus.
- Animal-assisted Therapy Program to Hold Meeting for Potential Volunteers
A free informational meeting for those interested in
becoming volunteers with Human Animal Bond in Tennessee (HABIT), an
animal-assisted therapy program, will be held at the University of
Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine Monday, August 25, from 6:30 p.m.-
8:30 p.m. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. for registration.
- University of Tennessee Gardens Lunchtime and Twilight Walks in the Gardens
The August Lunchtime and Twilight Walks of the University Gardens will
be led by Gardens' staff on Tuesday, August 19, at 12 noon and also at 6
p.m.
- UT Appoints New Dean for the College of Veterinary Medicine
The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture has named Dr. James P. Thompson as Dean of the UT College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM). Dr. Thompson's appointment is effective October 1, 2008. He will be the fifth dean of the college, which is one of only 28 such colleges in the United States.
- Eric Drumm to Lead UT Biosystems Engineering & Soil Science
Following a national search, Dr. Eric Drumm has been selected to lead the Department of Biosystems Engineering and Soil Science in the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources at the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture. His appointment was effective August 1.
- Three University of Tennessee Entomologists win awards
The Entomology Society of America has honored two faculty members and one graduate student in the University of Tennessee's College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources for their outstanding teaching and research.
July 2008
- UT AgResearch Steak and Potatoes Production Event
Seminars to be offered for cattle producers, fruit and veggie growers and landowners. Tuesday, August 5, is the date for the annual Steak and Potatoes Field Day at
the University of Tennessee Plateau AgResearch and Education Center in
Crossville. Registration begins at 8:00 a.m. CDT, with the program running
from 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. A sponsored lunch will be provided.
- 2008 Tennessee Small Farm Expo and Small
Farmer Recognition Program
The fifth Small Farm Expo and Tennessee Small Farmer Recognition Program will be held at the Tennessee State University Agricultural Research and Extension Demonstration Farm in Ashland City, Tennessee on Friday, August 8 from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. This year’s theme is “Healthy Soils-Healthy Farms-Healthy Foods.”
- DuPont Danisco and University of Tennessee Partner to Build Innovative Cellulosic Ethanol Pilot Facility
Fast-Track Pilot Plant Will Develop Commercialization Technology for Corn Stover and Switchgrass; Facility to Open in 2009. DuPont Danisco Cellulosic Ethanol LLC (DDCE) and the University of Tennessee (UT) Research Foundation, through its Genera Energy LLC, today announced a partnership to construct an innovative pilot-scale biorefinery and state-of-the-art research and development facility for cellulosic ethanol in Vonore, Tennessee.
- UT Gardens’ Plant of the Month for July: Purple Coneflower
One of the showiest garden plants to thrive in the heat and humidity of
summer is Purple Coneflower (Echinecea). Several species are
available, all of which are native to the eastern U.S., including the most
popular E. purpurea and one native to Tennessee - aptly named E.
tennesseensis. These beautiful perennials are wonderful additions to a
naturalized wildflower garden, the perennial or cut-flower border, and even
the herb or vegetable garden. They help create a cottage garden feel.
They are also great for attracting bees, butterflies, and birds (especially
goldfinches) to the garden.
- Lots to See, Hear at 25th Milan No-Till Field Day
If the tradition holds, then thousands of producers, agribusiness
representatives, and interested participants are expected to attend the
25th Milan No-Till Crop Production Field Day. Scheduled for July 24 at the
University of Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center at Milan, the event
promises 19 tours featuring the latest developments in topics ranging from
no-till crop management, bioenergy crop production, and agritourism.
June 2008
- Summer Celebration to Sizzle Once Again
Organizers of the 19th annual University of Tennessee
Summer Celebration expect this years event will please casual lawn and
gardening enthusiasts and backyard experts alike. The educational expo,
Jacksons premier lawn and gardening event, is scheduled for Thursday, July
10, at the UT West Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center (WTREC) on
Airways Boulevard.
- Lifetime achievement award bestowed upon UT veterinary entomologist
In recognition of a career of outstanding contributions to animal health and productivity through veterinary (livestock) entomology, Bayer Animal Health and the international Livestock Insect Workers Conference have bestowed a Lifetime Achievement Award on Dr. Carl J. Jones, professor and head of the University of Tennessee’s Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology.
- Educational Tour Planned for Agritourism Entrepreneurs
Tennessee agritourism entrepreneurs are invited to pack their bags and join a classroom on wheels.
- UT Reports on Progress of Biofuels Initiative
In a routine update to the University of Tennessee Board of Trustees, UT Executive Vice President David Millhorn today reported that the Universitys much celebrated Biofuels Initiative remains on track to construct and open a biorefinery in 2010.
- UT Wildlife Professor Honored With Conservation Award
For his dedicated work in shaping Tennessee Valley Authority land management policy, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has honored William G. Minser with a Southeastern Regional Director’s Conservation Award.
- Herbicide Approved for Switchgrass
Growing grass got a little easier this week, as the Tennessee Department of Agriculture and the United States Environmental Protection Agency approved the use of herbicide AAtrex 4L for weed control in switchgrass that is grown for the production of biofuels.
- New Online Directory Can Help Producers with Value-Added Agriculture
Farmers interested in enhancing their bottom line have a new tool. Courtesy of the University of Tennessee, a new online directory catalogs resources available to help producers with their value-added enterprises, like agritourism or selling finished products such as salsa along with the produce.
- UT Gardens Blossom Into Independent Program
A gardener plants a seed, then watches over it, giving it water and fertilizer to encourage it to grow. It’s been 25 years since the University of Tennessee Gardens were first planted, and like a seed, after a lot of labor on the part of numerous UT faculty members and local gardening enthusiasts, the Gardens has taken on a life of its own.
- UT Gardens’ Plant of the Month for June: Coreopsis
Twenty-eight of the more than 30 species of Coreopsis, also know as Tickseed, are native to America. The flowers are usually yellow with a toothed tip and can be seen throughout summer and early fall. The name is derived from the Greek word koris, meaning Bedbug. This plant should be a staple in every sunny garden as these plants are easy to grow and usually problem free. Their cheery flowers can find a home in any spot in your garden.
May 2008
- UT To Host Field Day at Highland Rim Research and Education Center
Tobacco and beef production will be the focus of the June 26 field day at the University of Tennessee Highland Rim Research and Education Center in Springfield. Bioenergy crops and fruit, vegetable and forage production will also be discussed.
- New Dean Named for UT Extension
Well known in agricultural circles across the state, Dr. Tim Cross has been named as Dean of University of Tennessee Extension. UT Extension is the outreach unit of the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, with programs in agriculture and natural resources, family and consumer sciences, youth development, and resource development.
- New Event Announced for Homeowners, Fruit Growers
“Fruits of the Backyard” is a new educational event hosted by the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture for homeowners and others interested in making better use of their outdoor space. Commercial fruit growers may also benefit from the seminars put on by experts from UT’s Agricultural Research and Extension programs.
- UT Beef and Forage Field Day Scheduled for June 12
Cost share programs and best management practices for cattle operations will headline the topics to be discussed at the 2008 Beef and Forage Field Day. The event is being held on June 12 on the grounds of the University of Tennessee East Tennessee Research and Education Center - Blount Unit.
- UT Gardens' Plant of the Month for May: Kousa Dogwood
Kousa dogwood, also known commonly as Chinese or Japanese dogwood is an exceptional small landscape tree with four-season interest. Botanically named Cornus kousa, this dogwood produces a multitude of showy, long-lasting, white flowers in late spring, after our common flowering dogwood (Cornus florida) has finished blooming.
April 2008
- Tennessee Veterinary College Celebrates Expansion
The University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine has celebrated the completion of its small animal teaching hospital expansion with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Construction on the $10 million, expansion began winter 2007.
- Mascoma and UT Join in $26 Million DOE Grant
The development of a sustainable biofuels industry in Tennessee has taken another leap forward. The U.S. Department of Energy has announced that Mascoma Corporation, with the University of Tennessee, is among the recipients of a $26 million grant for the development of biomass conversion technology
- Three Field Days Headline UT’s June Calendar
June is the month for the official start of summer, and three University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture events are scheduled to herald the occasion.
- Milan No-Till Field Day Celebrates 25th Anniversary
The latest developments in no-till crop management will be showcased during the No-Till Crop Production Field Day on July 24 at the UT Research and Education Center at Milan. The event marks the 25th No-Till Crop Production Field Day at Milan.
- UT Gardens' Plant of the Month for April: Trillium
An eye-catching woodland plant, trillium is a great addition to the spring garden. It is among the first plants to bloom in the spring.
- Watch for Blue Mold in Tobacco Float Beds
Tobacco growers should be on the alert for symptoms of blue mold in their plant beds.
A plant pathologist with University of Tennessee Extension, Steve Bost, says says if blue mold is found at this stage of the season, it could be disastrous for growers.
March 2008
FEBRUARY 2008
January 2008
- Switchgrass Production Meetings Draw Many Area Farmers
More than 180 potential switchgrass growers attended production interest meetings that were held January 14-18 in Blount, Loudon, McMinn and Monroe counties, far exceeding expectations for turnout.
- Forums to Examine Youth Development
Business and government leaders, educators, students and community citizens will meet February 19 in Clarksville to discuss ways for Tennessee to develop its greatest resource: youth.
- UT Research Foundation Distributes Funds to Drive Further Development of Technologies
The University of Tennessee Research Foundation (UTRF) has selected 10 UT researchers or research teams to receive technology development grants for 2008, including several from UTIA. Grant funds will allow researchers to further develop or "mature" their technologies so that they are better positioned for licensing and commercialization.
- UT, TSU to Cooperate with Agricultural Educators in Small African Nation
A recent memorandum of agreement signed between UT, its cooperating agricultural Extension partner Tennessee State University, and the National University of Lesotho will allow UT and TSU researchers and Extension professionals to help the students and farmers in Lesotho.
- Weather, Profitability Headline Topics at Middle Tennessee Grain Conference
Drew Lerner of World Weather, Inc., will once again be the keynote speaker for the Middle Tennessee Grain Conference in Manchester. This year's conference is scheduled for January 31.
- University of Tennessee Announces Improvements in Personnel Policies for Ag Workers
To improve compensation packages and standardize work schedules across the state, the
University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture has informed personnel at its 10 research facilities
that the University will no longer classify them as “agricultural workers” under the Fair Labor
Standards Act (FLSA).
- UT Gardens' Plant of the Month for January - 'Feelin Blue' Deodar Cedar
Winter is when evergreen trees and shrubsthey can be particularly colorful and showy. ‘Feelin Blue’ Deodar Cedar will fit into any landscape because of its prostrate and compact growth habit.
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