University of Tennessee Extension and the UT Animal Science Department are excited to announce the launch of a new educational program for equine owners, business operators and equine enthusiasts called the Tennessee Master Horse Program. Tennessee is home to more than 110,000 horses, donkeys, burros, mules and ponies combined, and each of these equines requires responsible ownership, proper nutrition, health ...

“What’s for supper?” This question is particularly difficult if you are cooking for one or two people! Meal preparation is often viewed as “too much trouble,” therefore quick unhealthy choices often become the norm. Soon this habit becomes boring, expensive, and can lead to health concerns. So, perhaps it is time to try a few new ideas. Make plans to ...

Native grass offers beef producers a number of advantages, including enhanced profitability, drought tolerance and reduced exposure to fescue toxicosis says Patrick Keyser, professor and director of the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture’s Center for Native Grasslands Management. “Keeping cattle off infected fescue in summer is especially beneficial because concentrations of toxins are often elevated at this time of ...

No doubt, you’ve noticed that it’s been hot and dry. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) says July 2016 was the hottest month on record for the globe, and as of the middle of August, the U.S. Drought monitor recorded that roughly two-thirds of Tennessee is experiencing abnormally dry to severe drought conditions. Parts of six counties in the ...

The Tennessee purple coneflower is a remarkable plant and should be held in high regard as a true Tennessee treasure. It was first discovered by botanists in 1878 within the cedar glades of the Central Basin of Tennessee, and remarkably, it is found nowhere else on earth. Its rarity is due in part to the unique conditions from which it ...

The Pigeon Forge Public Library will be hosting a six-week series entitled, Living Well with Chronic Conditions. The classes are free and open to the public. The class dates are Thursdays, Sept. 8 through Oct. 13, 2016, from 10 a.m. until 12 noon. This 6-week workshop series is designed to help community members manage their long-term health issues effectively. Chronic ...

Sevier County 4-H Members recently brought home honors at the Eastern Region 4-H Sheep Expo at the Tennessee Valley Fairgrounds in Knoxville. Luke and Anna Pendleton had a good day showing Katadin sheep in the Breeding Ewe Show. Luke had first place entries with his intermediate junior ewe lamb, the early junior ewe lamb and the senior yearling ewe. His ...

U-Pick also called, Pick-Your-Own, and Cut or Choose-Your-Own operations allow consumers to visit the farm where a product is grown and go to the field to pick, cut or choose their own product. There’s a certain allure to the outdoors and to farms in general, which explains, in part, why some want to visit local farms. Of course, the fresh ...

Sevier County 4-H members Brandon Moreira, Sevierville Middle School and John Tate, Pigeon Forge Middle School, were delegates to the 2016 UT Extension’s 4-H Electric Camp held June 28 – July 1, 2016 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 explored the ...

Tennessee farms are selling more and more farm products directly to consumers. One method used by farms to make direct sales is nothing new: roadside stands. “A roadside stand is a temporary facility set up to sell products at a roadway or another heavy traffic area,” said Rob Holland, director of the University of Tennessee Center for Profitable Agriculture. “It ...