UT Extension Launches Program to Advance Row Crop Farming Operations
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Cotton, corn, soybeans, wheat. These row crops make up the bulk of row crop agriculture across Tennessee and a new certification from University of Tennessee Extension is now available for row crop producers.
The Tennessee Master Row Crop certification program, which launched January 4, 2021, is an educational program designed to further improve the profitability and sustainability of today’s row crop farming operations. From fundamental to cutting-edge, research-based information, topics include agronomics, integrated pest management, weed and disease management, precision agriculture, irrigation, grain drying and storage, marketing, sustainability and more. The program will be delivered via a hybrid virtual/face-to-face format to meet the accessibility needs of every eligible producer across the state, especially as the COVID-19 pandemic continues.
“We are pleased that UT Extension is adding row crops to their Master Program offerings,” states Tennessee Commissioner of Agriculture Charlie Hatcher, D.V.M. “This creates an opportunity for farmers to realize the 50 percent cost share under the Row Crop Solutions portion of the Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program (TAEP). Education has been a cornerstone of TAEP since its inception. Adding the Master Row Crop certification emphasizes the importance of this sector to our agriculture industry, as well as its contribution to rural economic development in our state.”
“We look forward to continuing to deliver impactful, relevant and research-based information to our Tennessee row crop producers through the formalized Master Row Crop certification program,” adds Lori Duncan, UT Extension row crop sustainability specialist and coordinator of the Master Row Crop certification program. “This program will further expand our educational offerings in row crop production and make information more available and accessible to every corner of the state.”
Interested producers can enroll at their county Extension office. Program requirements and further details can be found at masterrowcrop.tennessee.edu. For more resources on row crops or improvements to farming operations, visit utextension.tennessee.edu or contact your county Extension office.
Through its land-grant mission of research, teaching and extension, the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture touches lives and provides Real. Life. Solutions. utia.tennessee.edu.