|
Dear TSU College of Agriculture Stakeholder,
Wow, it's hard to believe that March is here and midterm examinations have already come and gone, but as they say time flies when you're having fun.
And we are having fun here at the College. For proof of that look at the recent TSU - UTIA Research Summit which we held at our Otis Floyd Nursery Research Center in McMinnville in collaboration with our friends from the University of Tennessee. It was wonderful to interact with all the UT scientists, including UT AgResearch Dean Dr. Hongwei Xin.
Our students made a huge impression on our state legislators earlier this month when a group from the Ag. Ambassadors student group shook hands and passed out swag bags on behalf of the College as part of the HBCU Day at the Capitol event. There really are no better representatives of what we do at the College than our passionate and professional students, of whom I'm tremendously proud.
Our Extension offices' activity calendars are filling up as the winter becomes spring and our Master Gardeners, for one, ramp up for the growing season. The spring is the best time to being engaged with the agriculture community and I know our Extension pros look forward to this time of year every year.
Enjoy this issue of the Land-Grant Ledger! We’ll see you next month!
Sincerely,
| |
|
Dr. Chandra Reddy
Dean - Tennessee State College of Agriculture
| |
|
TSU - UTIA Research Summit Highlights Collaboration Between State of Tennessee's Two Land-Grant Universities
The partnership between Tennessee's two land-grant universities was on full display in mid-February when the TSUAg hosted our colleagues from the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture for the TSU - UTIA Research Summit. The event, subtitled "Strengthening Collaborative Research," brought research scientists from TSU and UT to the Otis L. Floyd Nursery Research Center for a day of presentations and collaboration.
TSU and UT AgResearch deans Drs. Chandra Reddy and Hongwei Xin were on hand to make welcoming remarks before turning the floor over to over a dozen research scientists from the two organizations on topics such as cattle genetics, soil health, biofuels, cover crops, oilseed crops, and carbon reduction in cities, just to name a few. What remains a strong partnership grows each time we collaborate, and this summit was yet another example.
| |
TSUAg Faculty, Staff, Students Attend Pick TN Conference in Franklin
The College of Agriculture played a big part in the 2025 Pick TN Conference highlighting locally-produced small-scale agriculture! This year's Pick TN Products conference featured a half-dozen speakers from TSUAg, including Drs. Behnaz Molaei, Anthony Witcher, De'Etra Young, Fulya Baysal-Gurel, Dilip Nandwani, Jason de Koff and Karla Addesso, amongst others. TSUAg's sponsorship and presence at the three-day conference was born out of our commitment to the Tennessee small farmer. Can't wait for next year!
| |  |
TSUAg Ambassadors Meet Legislators During HBCU Day at the Capitol | TSUAg students, faculty and staff participated in Tennessee State University's recent appearance at the HBCU Day at the Capitol event. A contingent of Ag Ambassadors from the College showed off their school spirit, their pride and their personalities up on Capitol Hill, giving out TSU swag bags with Amaryllis buds, shaking hands and meeting legislators. The College is dedicated to forming and keeping lasting relationships with our legislators at the state capitol. Thanks to all of our TN congressional leaders! | |
TSUAg Welcomes (Back) Revitalized Kappa Omicron Nu Society
The TSUAg Department of Human Sciences kicked off the newly revamped and revitalized chapter of the Kappa Omicron Nu (KON) yesterday. The five new members of KON are new President Olivia Whitmore, Vice-President Tsira Calhoun, Secretary Kristian Butler, Media Manager Miracle Alford and Treasurer Karielle Simmons. The group will be mentored by Dr. Brione Lockett and Extension staffer Marion Mosby.
KON is the National Honor Society for the Human Sciences, a prestigious organization that recognizes academic excellence and leadership potential in students who study fields that improve the quality of life for individuals, families, and communities.
"These student leaders have demonstrated a commitment to scholarship, leadership, and research and embody the values of KON and the Human Sciences," said Lockett of the new class.
| | |
Contingent from TSUAg Visits Farm Credit Mid-America | |
A contingent of six TSU College of Agriculture students made the trip up to Louisville, KY, last week from Feb. 25 to 26 to take part in the Farm Credit Mid-America Pathways to Success program.
Students who made the trip experienced an incredible opportunity to explore the world of agriculture and natural resources, connect with industry professionals, and have a great time.
Students joined their colleagues from Kentucky State University, Purdue University and the University of Kentucky in participating in workshops and seminars, networking with Farm Credit professionals and ag. industry leaders, enjoying engaging sessions on leadership, career planning, and the latest industry trends, fun activities and panel discussions with Farm Credit Mid-America employees and executives. All in all, it was a fun, productive trip for our students.
| |
Doctoral Student Naroju Honored During 2025 'Marbleseed' Organic Research Forum
TSUAg doctoral student Sai Prakash Naroju last week took home third place in the graduate students’ research poster competition in the Organic Research Forum at the annual Marbleseed Conference in La Crosse, WI. Naroju's research paper was titled 'Evaluation Of Zucchini Yield In Various Cover Crops And Termination Methods In Organic Management Systems In Tennessee.'
Judges were impressed to note his outstanding research on cover crops in organic management systems, a topic that's in high demand with growers. With over 2,000 attendees, the Marbleseed conference is the largest organic agriculture conference in the country. Congrats Sai!
| |
TSU's Mongomery County Extension Office Leads Therapeutic Horticulture Activity for Active Duty Soldiers
On the morning of February 4th, 2025 approximately 11 soldiers with the Fort Campbell Soldier Recovery Unit (SRU) were able to participate in a Therapeutic Horticulture (HT) activity under the guidance of Karla Gargus, TN State University Extension Agent in Montgomery County. Creating dish gardens using indoor plants, the soldiers utilized their imaginations and creativity to design theme gardens such as a fairy garden, a beach setting or wherever their imaginations carried them.
Some of the benefits of HT include practicing eye-hand coordination, hand dexterity well as practicing team work by sharing materials in a group setting and exercising leadership skills. We also discussed the difference between soil from the ground that we can garden with and soilless media such as used with dish gardens. The Fort Campbell Soldier Recovery Unit Complex supports Soldiers during their transition, either to return to active duty or to return to civilian life as honored veterans.
| |
Rhea County Master Gardeners Graduate Nine New Interns
Nine interns graduated from the Rhea County Master Gardener Class after completing a 14-week course that combined recorded lectures with hands-on training. The program covered a range of topics including soil science, botany, fruits, vegetables, turf management, ornamentals, and the importance of wildlife and pollinators.
Participants in the program came from differing backgrounds, with some new to Tennessee’s growing conditions after relocating from other states, while others have lived in the area for years and sought to deepen their gardening knowledge. Additionally, several participants were motivated by a desire to give back to their communities through horticulture education.
This volunteer work aligns with the program’s mission to "improve the lives of Tennesseans through horticulture education delivered by a dedicated and skilled volunteer network." Their efforts will contribute to creating more sustainable and productive landscapes and gardens within the county, while also spreading their knowledge to others.
| | |
Marion County 4-H Horse Bowl Team Dominates Regional Contest | |
The Marion County 4-H Horse Bowl team has achieved remarkable success at the recent regional competitions, securing first place in the Junior, Junior High, and Senior divisions. This impressive accomplishment highlights the team's dedication, extensive knowledge and commitment to excellence in equine studies.
Horse Bowl is a quiz-style contest where participants are tested on their equine knowledge. It requires quick thinking and a deep understanding of horses and horse-related topics. The Marion County 4-H Horse Bowl team's outstanding performance across all age categories underscores their comprehensive preparation and passion for the subject.
The Marion County Horse Bowl Junior Team features Christopher Petty, Emma Colvin and Alyssa Bunch. The
Junior High team is made up of Briella Higdon, Landrie Church, Addison Muir and Jessie Ruth Petty. The Senior High team features Lucas Jordan, Michaella Petty, Isabella Petty and Kasey Colvin. Congrats to all!
| |
Benton County Public Speaking Contest Draws Droves to Say their Piece
On Thursday, January 23rd, fifty-one 4-H members and their guests from Camden, Holladay, and Big Sandy attended the 2025 Benton County 4-H County Public Speaking Contest.
The first-place public speaking contest winners advanced to the Northeast Sub-Regional Public Speaking Contest on Monday, February 24th, at Houston County Middle School in Erin.
Benton County participants advanced to the Northeast Sub-Regional Public Speaking Contest and competed with other students from Henry, Dickson, Humphreys, Montgomery, Stewart, and Houston County, and the Benton County 4-Hers brought home some bling. Congratulations to Colton Roberson for placing 1st place in the 4th grade division and also to Juliette Melton (5th grade) and Kinley Hunley (7th grade) for placing 2nd in their age divisions.
| | |
Montgomery County MGs Brave Winter Temps for Sowing Workshop
The Montgomery County Master Gardeners Association (MCMGA) held its 2025 Winter Sowing Workshop recently and over 40 members came out.
Participants learned how to extend their growing seasons by adding cold hardy annuals into their landscapes as well as how to maximize space and improve plant transplanting by utilizing seed blocking.
Educators for the event included Deb Wortham and her son Taylor Wortham and Lesley Bringhurst who have successfully implemented seed blocking in their annual gardens for several years. The workshop was free of charge and participants left the workshop with soil blocks worth $208 in the retail market. With 1680 future plants OR $11,760.00 in economic impact, it's a big deal.
| |
Academic Departments at the College of Agriculture: | |
Tennessee State University serves more than 6,000 students on its downtown Nashville campus and through online programs. A TSU education encourages students to put theories learned into practice and to “Think. Work. Serve.” Supported by outstanding faculty and staff, academic and student service programs focus on active, hands-on learning with real-world results, empowering students to achieve their educational and professional goals. No matter their subject, TSU Tigers graduate with the knowledge and experience they need to excel in their careers and communities. | | | | |
