Fire up flavor all summer long with some grass-fed, locally raised and processed steak–it’s simply what beef should taste like! Our Beefin’ Good Beef Pop-Up Market is here, just in time for holiday grilling. Best part? Every mouthwatering bite supports a local producer. Ways to order:

Online, now through May 22, then pick up on May 23, from 12- 5:30, at our Appalachian Harvest Food Hub at 280 Boone Trail Road, Duffield, VA
Walk in on May 23, from 12- 5:30, at our Appalachian Harvest Food Hub at 280 Boone Trail Road, Duffield, VA–take your package home with you immediately!
If you have questions, please contact Bonnie Eubanks at 276-623-1121.
NOTE: Beef packages cannot be shipped. You must pick up in person.

Order Today!

We sure do love our VISTAs!

You may have seen in the news that some AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) programs have been cut in an attempt to eliminate fraud and waste in the government. We think now more than ever it is an important time to spread awareness of the VISTA program, and how beneficial it is to nonprofits like ASD. Learn how the past and present VISTAs serving ASD have grown and benefitted from this experience in their own words below.

Della McGuire, Agriculture Education AmeriCorps VISTA

Served 2019-2020

"I am ASD's first-ever on-staff Grant Writer and since I was relatively new to the trade, it was nice to gain some practical experience getting some winning proposals. By the end of my VISTA term, I had received over $35,000 in grant funding for agriculture education programs and discovered a skill I hadn't realized I had before. Naturally, I wanted to keep going and have raised about $30 million over the last five years.

I truly believe the work ASD is doing is helping save lives and improve economic conditions for Appalachian communities because I have seen it over and over with my own eyes. Of course, I would want to be a part of it!”

Katie Commender, Sustainable

Forestry AmeriCorps VISTA

Served 2012-2014

"The VISTA program gave me the opportunity and freedom to explore new pathways - from fundraising, to volunteer management, agroforestry, and environmental education.

My current role is Director of Agroforestry. I chose to join the ASD team after my 2-year VISTA term ended because I fell in love with this work, this community, and this land.”

Charlotte Larson, Appalachia Regional Food Business Center & Agriculture Education VISTA

Currently Serving

"After completing my degree in sustainable food systems, I was eager for an opportunity to contribute to social, economically, and environmentally meaningful work. I had followed the development of the USDA Regional Food Business Centers, and I believed in the incredible potential of this new national initiative.

ASD’s impact and involvement throughout our region aligned perfectly with my passion for community resilience, and I was thrilled to serve Appalachia."

Puck Mitchell, Groundwork Entrepreneurial & Capacity

Building VISTA

Currently Serving

"I joined AmeriCorps because I wanted to do something that had a real impact, something I could be a part of that made a noticeable difference in the community.

I've learned a lot of valuable skills from serving as a VISTA at ASD, but my biggest takeaway from this experience will be the importance of passion in the work you do. Everyone here cares so much about the work we're doing, and that makes a huge difference - both in how it feels to do it and the impact of it."

Nadia Birkitt, Marketing & Communication AmeriCorps VISTA

Currently Serving

"I will forever be grateful for the AmeriCorps VISTA program and working at ASD. Not only have I learned so many skills necessary for a marketing career, but I have learned so much about agriculture and my home in Appalachia. Also, I am very grateful that I can do this while still pursuing my education.

I am so excited and grateful to be serving my second year!"

Our May 19th Farm to Table Event is sold out! Be sure to catch the next one on September 29 at Kelly Ridge Farms featuring locally sourced food prepared by the incomparable Chef Charles Parker with cider pairings by Tumbling Creek Cider Company.

You won't want to miss the Forest Botanicals Region Living Monument Sculpture Unveiling Celebration. There will also be a Guided Storywalk, live music, a food truck, workshops, giveaways and some amazing vendors! Learn more.

Ready, Set, Learn!

We have some amazing classes for our Grow Your Own program coming up. All of our workshops will be offered virtually, unless otherwise noted. So, even if you are not one of the approximately 50 people who applied and were selected as official GYO participants, you can still attend any virtual workshop!

The 2025 Agroforestry Farm Tour Series schedule is packed! You won't want to miss these tours that showcase the many ways producers have successfully integrated woody plant materials into their lives and farming operations.

This 6-hour workshop is designed for current military personnel, veterans, and spouses. Research shows that exposure to nature and gardening has been shown to improve mental health outcomes for veterans. This workshop will explore the following:

Career options for veterans and opportunities to learn about how TN AgrAbility Project can assist veterans.
Hands-on gardening/horticulture activities that can help assist veterans when starting a career in horticulture/agriculture.
Opportunities to network with other veterans with similar interests.

If you are a current military personnel or a veteran and are interested in this program, contact Derrick Stowell at 865-974-7151 or dstowell@utk.edu.

First ASD Veteran Coalition Meeting

Calling all veterans! Come be a part of our first ever Veterans Coalition meeting at Waltrip Brewing on June 18th, starting at 6 pm. There will be appetizers! Plus, this is an excellent opportunity for Veterans who are also farmers to share information and come together as a community.

Want to be more involved in ASD's Veterans Support work? Click the button below to join our Veteran Program Facebook Group.