Event Organizers Cite Health and Safety Concerns
SPRINGFIELD, Tenn. – Leaders at the University of Tennessee Highland Rim AgResearch and Education Center have canceled the annual Tobacco, Beef and More Field Day for 2020. Rob Ellis, center director, cited the difficulty in maintaining proper social distancing at an event that typically draws more than 250 visitors.
Highland Rim’s annual field day has occurred on the last Thursday of June for the past 20 years. Event organizers had already delayed the field day until October 6 in hopes of improved conditions for group gatherings. Ellis said that possibility did not seem likely.
“The health of our employees and visitors must be a top priority, and I do not believe we could host our usual number of guests without compromising health and safety protocols,” says Ellis. “We will focus on continuing our research efforts for this year and look forward to planning Tobacco, Beef and More for 2021.”
Those needing pesticide recertification points are encouraged to contact the UT Extension office in their home counties for virtual or in-person options for training.
Tobacco, Beef and More is one of several UT Institute of Agriculture events that have been delayed, canceled or modified due to COVID-19. For the most up-to-date information on Institute field days or other events, visit the Event Calendar at utia.tennessee.edu.
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