The University of Tennessee Extension’s Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Community Economic Development Team is the premiere source of educational programs and information about Agriculture, Natural Resources, and the Food System. We are a customer driven educational organization which assists Tennesseans in achieving their goals of profit in agriculture, abundant and safe food, a clean environment and effective stewardship of natural resources.
Programs educate farmers and homeowners and other agricultural and horticultural producers on the latest management practices needed to solve problems and improve production and marketing.
Programs also help Tennesseans protect the environment and improve the management, marketing, and use of natural resources.
Master Producer Programs
The Master Beef Producer program combines hands-on experience with classroom instruction to provide comprehensive education on all aspects of beef production. It’s designed to benefit everyone—from first-time producers to seasoned veterans. This program is available as an “in-person” or “online/self-paced” class.
The “in-person” version is offered once each in the spring/fall.
The “online/self-paced” version is offered during June and July.
The cost is $125/producer. Family members may attend the “in-person” class with the producer for an additional fee of $50/add’l member.
NOTE: additional family members do not receive certification; only the information, meals/snacks, and handouts.
Schedule/Upcoming Classes
In-Person: Late February – (Friday & Saturday in Giles Co.) date and times TBD.
Farming Fundamentals educational program, an “in-person” program, that focuses on producers who are beginning a new venture in agriculuture. It includes resources and pertinent information on the essential principles needed to build a successful operation.
Cost: $125/producer (add’l family member may attend for $50/person)
NOTE: additional family members do not receive certification; only the educational information, meals/snacks, and handouts.
Schedule/Upcoming Classes
Nothing scheduled at this time.
Focuses on solid business principles and efficiently utilizing resources on your farm to help you better manage your operation.
Cost: $125/producer (add’l family member may attend for $50/person)
NOTE: additional family members do not receive certification; only the educational information, meals/snacks, and handouts.
Schedule/Upcoming Classes
In-Person: (Wednesdays) January 14, 21, and 28 – times and locations TBD.
Online: (Tuesdays & Thursdays) February 3, 5, 10, and 12 – Live Zoom Webinars + additional videos
NOTE: No additional family members available for the online zoom webinar series.
Please visit our Horticulture page for Master Gardener information.
Designed to give sheep an goat producers a combination of classroom teaching and hands-on learning experiences. The program is for first time all the way to seasoned producers. This is offered as an online synchronous (scheduled for a certain day/time of the week; when offered). This program is usually offered late winter/early spring.
2026 series is set to begin in February. Contact Wheeler McCulloch, ANR Agent, for more information.
Cost: $125/producer
Schedule/Upcoming Classes
Online: February 2026 – online zoom series – MUST log in at a certain time/day TBD.
4-H Youth Development, Agriculture and Natural Resources, Executive/Administrative, Community Economic Development
Agriculture and Natural Resources, 4-H Youth Development, Family and Consumer Sciences, Community Economic Development