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Programs - Agriculture and Natural Resources
Listed below are programs offered through the
Smith County Extension. For more detailed information
about the program contact the person listed with the program or the
Smith County Extension. |
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Beef
Contact: David K. Glover
Smith County ranks 18th in beef production in Tennessee with over 16,000 cows. The typical farm is a cow-calf operation with an average of about 15 cows. Many producers also work off the farm.
Since feed is a primary expense of beef production, efficient forage production is a priority program. Fertility, weed control and the use of warm and cool season forages to extend the grazing period are among the topics being addressed through winter meetings, test demonstrations, farm visits and mass media.
Increasing income through more effective marketing strategies and the use of controlled breeding and calving seasons and improved genetics is also a priority.
Forage Challenge 2002 is a unique educational effort to make producers more aware of various recommended forage production practices. Nineteen producers are signed up to win prizes for completing the most practices. Awards will be made at the Smith County Cattlemen''''s Association 2003 annual meeting.
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Tobacco
Contact: David K. Glover
Burley tobacco has long been the primary cash crop in Smith County accounting for about $3.5 million in sales in 2001.
Blackshank disease and low pH are two of the primary tobacco yield reducing problems in Smith County. These problems are being addressed through the use of test demontrations, winter meetings, farm visits and mass media.
A fertility test/demonstration was conducted this year to show the value of using the UT soils lab for testing and application recommendations.
Weed, disease and insect pest identification is available through our office by the use of distance diagnostics. Bring a sample in for identification and control recommendations.
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Alternative Agriculture
Contact: David K. Glover
With the decline in tobacco production in Smith County, several small and part time farmers as well as homeowners are looking for new or supplemental sources of income.
Though a series of Extension meetings and workshops in 2000, several potential alternative enterprises were identified. A wide variety of these new enterprises are now underway.
These new enterprise include prawns, wine grapes and various other fruits, vegetables and horticultural items.
The Smith County Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association was formed in 2002 to improve the educational and marketing opportunities for the producers.
The establishment of a Farmers Market was the direct result of this organization. New members are being recruited and plans are being made to increase the scope of items for sale next year. A permanent site for the market is being sought to allow more participation and increased sales potential in the future.
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Smith County Farmer's Market
Contact: Ronnie Bussell
All Smith County farmers are encouraged to bring their produce to the Farmer's Market. Applications and by-laws are available under the "Publications" link on the left.
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