UT Extension of Sevier County recently graduated 14 individuals in its Cooking Matters Course. This six-week program was developed through a Share Our Strength grant, which was piloted in Sevier County. Participants learned and displayed skills in food preparation, healthy meal planning and food budgeting/shopping. They also competed in a $10 grocery store challenge at Food City, as well as ...

When asked to conjure the image of a weed in one’s mind, many would quickly imagine small, leafy plants that invade gardens and landscaping. Few would think of a woody shrub that can reach towering heights of 30 feet. But to many farmers managing pastures in Tennessee, this weed—known commonly as Chinese privet—is very common on farms across the state. “Chinese privet ...

As interest in local farm-to-table food increases, many consumers are interested in purchasing a locally raised beef animal to accompany their locally sourced vegetables and fruits. However, the amount of meat actually available from a beef animal is a frequent source of misunderstanding among consumers, processors and cattle producers. Consumers who buy a live animal from a local cattle producer ...

For the 92nd year, 4-H members from across Tennessee gathered at the University of Tennessee for State 4-H Roundup and All-Star Conference. The annual event, which took place July 20-24, 2015, recognized the outstanding project work and leadership accomplishments of senior high 4-H members. Approximately 300 high school age 4-H’ers from across Tennessee met for several days on the UT ...

Easy to grow in a home garden and delicious year-round, green beans are a popular home-canned food. Just like any other home-canned food, it is important to always use research based procedures and recommendations. For example, green beans should always be preserved by pressure canning. People still canning green beans at home using the boiling water canner instead of tested ...

Although the majority of Tennesseans are served by public water supplies, there are still more than 500,000 residents that rely on private drinking wells. While most private wells provide clean drinking water, they can become contaminated and cause countless health problems. Currently, federal and state laws do not require that water from private wells be tested, said UT Extension’s Lori ...

Living Well with Chronic Conditions is a 6-week workshop series designed to help community members manage their long-term health issues effectively. Chronic conditions of those attending may include asthma, arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, chronic pain, sleep apnea, or fibromyalgia among others. If you or anyone you care for has a chronic disease, consider attending this series which is designed to ...

Sevier County 4-H members Sierra Vess and Cecelie Williams of Catons Chapel; Shavonna Montpelier of Sevierville Middle; and Colton MacFarland of Seymour Middle were delegates to the 2015 UT Extension’s 4-H Electric Camp, July 7-10 at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. They were a part of a group of over 280 youth representing counties from across the state. Delegates ...

The pantry is empty and the refrigerator is bare. You know what time it is… time to shop for groceries. As you drive to your favorite grocery store, you already know the actions you are going take. You will enter the store, grab a buggy, and browse aisles upon aisles of products. After your cart is full and all items ...

By Patrick Keyser, Professor and Director, Center for Native Grasslands Management Most recommendations for grazing native grass forages are based on some form of rotational grazing. That approach to native grass management and its benefits was discussed in the publication “Managing Native Grass Forages.” However, continuous grazing may also be used effectively with native grasses. In fact, in the Great ...