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Dear TSU College of Agriculture Stakeholder,
It's hard to believe, but March is behind us now and we're in the throes of springtime here at the College. Our students plug away with a focus and determination that lifts all of us up here at TSUAg, and on top of that the sun is shining and smiles are on the faces of our undergraduates and graduates alike.
March was an excellent month here at the College. We had a wonderful time rubbing elbows with the stakeholders of the Tennessee agriculture industry earlier in the month when we attended the 2025 Tennessee Ag Day on the Hill festivities.
On campus, our students made their presence felt in both the oral and poster competitions as part of the TSU University-wide Research Symposium. Also, the 11th annual Tennessee New Farmer Academy kicked off in March. What a month it was.
As always, our Extension agents across our 63 counties again in March made us proud by hosting and participating in a number of important events throughout the state.
We're marching towards commencement here at the College. In the meantime, enjoy this issue of the Land-Grant Ledger! We’ll see you next month!
Sincerely,
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Dr. Chandra Reddy
Dean - Tennessee State College of Agriculture
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TSUAg Shines Bright at the Capitol for 2025 Tennessee
Ag Day on the Hill Festivities
The College of Agriculture had a big showing at the 2025 Tennessee Ag Day on the Hill event held on the steps of the Tennessee State Capitol on National Agriculture Day, March 18. The annual event, held to recognize the integral role the state's agriculture industry plays in the success of Tennessee as a whole, gave lawmakers and stakeholders alike the chance to network with public and private sector agriculture stakeholders.
TSUAg managed six individual tables at the event, with TSUAg faculty and staffers rubbing elbows with stakeholders in the state's agricultural space including Commissioner of Agriculture Charlie Hatcher, Deputy Commissioner Andy Holt and Gov. Bill Lee, along with state lawmakers and industry representatives. TSUAg offered up drone demonstrations, VR technology and an interactive poultry display, that was a big hit with everyone.
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"Secure Your Seat" Class Registration Drive Brings the Fall '25 Semester into Focus
The College of Agriculture supercharged its student registration process for the fall 2025 semester with the "Secure Your Seat" registration drive. The event series featured daily gatherings that fostered active course scheduling mentoring and advising.
Students who signed up and/or simply stopped by any of the five recruitment events held each day of the week during the week of March 24-28 were treated to a variety of treats including pizza, popcorn and even waffles. We were especially happy to greet many of our soon-to-be graduates too.
| |  | TSUAg Hosts Hundreds of 4-H youth for 78th annual Congress | We were thrilled to host hundreds of green jacket-clad high schoolers last week for the 78th annual Tennessee 4-H Congress. Two groups of students packed the auditorium at the Avon Williams campus on Friday for a seminar and lunch. Titled "Beyond Ready," the Tennessee 4-H Congress brought students to Nashville from across the state for a four-day tour and idea-gathering session about the program going forward. A trip to the state Capitol and Legislative was a highlight. We're so proud of these students for not just participating but doing so with energy, love and appreciation. | |
11th TN New Farmer Academy Series Off with a Bang!
TSUAg kicked off what Tennessee Department of Agriculture Commissioner Charlie Hatcher called "the best beginning farmer program in the country," in March when it held the first session of the 11th season of the Tennessee New Farmer Academy. Dr. Hatcher was on hand for the first session of the Middle Tennessee series, held here on campus throughout the summer and early fall.
Academy Director Finis Stribling took the lead on the gathering, which this year, with four locations, promises to educate hundreds of new Tennessee small farmers. Hats off to everyone who brings this important educational series to light. Thanks to Dr. Hatcher and TSUAg Dean Chandra Reddy for getting this series off on the right foot!
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TSUAg Undergrad and Grad. Students, Faculty Put Research, and Communications Skills on Display for TSU Research Symposium
The College of Agriculture had a strong showing at the 2025 TSU University-wide Research Symposium held last week across the University's campus. Undergraduate and graduate student researchers along with research faculty members took their respective turns presenting their research through the oral and poster competitions at the event, held at end of March. Dozens of students presented at the symposium with a handful taking home awards at the conclusion ceremony on Friday, March 28.
Undergraduate symposium award winners from the college included Elana Bodude, who took home first in the overall undergraduate oral presentation, Shania Dean-Motley, who's poster finished second in the undergraduate awards, and Gabrielle Oliver, who took home third.
In the agriculture category Diksha Tamang and Pratima Subedi took home first in the graduate poster competition, Sabin Shrestha won second place and Onyemaobi Oluchukwu took home third.
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Marion County 4-H Performing Arts Group Captivates with Performance of Hello, Dolly!
The breadth and depth of the UT-TSU Extension program's 4-H programming was on full display this month as the Marion County 4-H Performing Arts group delighted audiences last month with their rendition of Hello, Dolly! at the new Jasper Middle School auditorium. The group presented the show, about the romantic and comic exploits of Dolly Gallagher Levi, turn-of-the-century matchmaker and “woman who arranges things,” three times throughout March, to the delight of all in attendance.
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Davidson County 4-H Youth Learn "Farm-to-Table" at TSUAg
4-H members gathered at the TSU Agriculture Education Building on March 1st for a hands-on culinary and agricultural experience. Volunteer Kim Dillion led a moving session on food safety, cooking temperatures, and knife skills. She and Davidson County Extension Agent introduced the topic of mindful eating and led participants in an activity focusing on the “farm-to-table” process and the role of all five senses during eating.
The participants learned how to make salsa from scratch and cook their own chicken or beef burritos—some for the first time ever using kitchen knives or cooking for themselves.
The event also featured a stop at the TSU campus greenhouse where Dr. Clardy presented to the participants different plants that she is currently growing. During the visit, she described the growing process and even let participants harvest habanero peppers to take home.
Also, participants learned proper handwashing, encouraging important hygiene habits in the foods they prepared. Not only does this immersive experience improve their cooking skills, they also learn to appreciate where ingredients come from and the journey they take from farm to table.
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Coffee County 4-H Livestock Judging Teams Shine at UTK Block and Bridle Competition
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The Coffee County 4-H Livestock Judging Teams made their mark at the recent UTK Block and Bridle Livestock Judging Competition in early March, demonstrating outstanding skill and knowledge in evaluating livestock.
The Junior Team consisting of Meredith McBride, Cooper Gunn, and Curtis Rowe showcased their expertise by placing 2nd in swine, 2nd in beef, 3rd in sheep, 4th in questions, and securing 3rd place overall.
Meanwhile, another Junior Team, composed of Marleigh Stedam, Grady Weaver, Gavin Reed, and Hagan Willis, also put forth a stellar performance, earning 4th in swine, 4th in beef, 1st in sheep, 5th in questions, and 4th overall.
Not only did the team do well, but there were numerous individual stand-out performances including Curtis Rowe placing 10th overall, and Meredith earned an impressive 5th overall individual ranking.The Junior High competitors also excelled in their respective categories. Bailee Willis placed 5th in sheep, while Maggie Gunn captured a 1st place finish. The team of Bailee Willis, Maggie Gunn, and Kinsy Gunter demonstrated their expertise by earning 2nd place in sheep.
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Meigs County 4-H Livestock Judging Team Shows Well at E. Regional
The Meigs County Extension 4-H and FFA youth showed well against other students from across eastern Tennessee for the 4-H Eastern Region Livestock Judging Contest. These students spent months preparing, and their hard work and dedication truly paid off, as a trio of teams from Meigs County placed in the top 10.
The high school team placed second overall with strong performances in oral reasons (4th), sheep & goats (3rd) and cattle (5th). Clay Pitcock led the way by finishing 6th overall. Two junior high teams placed in the top 10 as well - a huge accomplishment!
We are grateful for the team's strong partnership with Meigs County FFA and amazing Sr. High Coach, Mr. Clint Crisp, who has helped these students reach new heights!
Not pictured are judging team members Cole Crabtree and Andrew Caldwell.
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Franklin County Ext. Hosts Chamber of Commerce Coffee Event
The Franklin County Extension Office recently hosted decision-makers from across the county for the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce Coffee Connection event to celebrate March Extension Month. This event provided a great opportunity to connect with local businesses, exchange ideas, and strengthen community bonds.
We shared program updates, offered giveaways, and highlighted how UT-TSU Extension is a gateway to the University of Tennessee. As the outreach unit of the UT Institute of Agriculture, UT-TSU Extension is a statewide educational organization funded by federal, state, and local governments. The event delivered research-based information in Agriculture, Family and Consumer Sciences, and 4-H Youth Development to communities across Tennessee. Thank you to everyone who attended and for your ongoing support of the Franklin County Extension Office.
| | 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. | | | | |
