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Tennessee New Farmer Academy

7-Month Certificate Program - 4 locations (Memphis, Nashville, Pikeville and Knoxville, Tennessee)听

Tennessee New Farmer Academy for Farmers, Ranchers and Returning Veterans

The Tennessee New Farmer Academy is a seven-month听certificate program designed for those with an听interest in becoming agricultural entrepreneurs. 听Ideal听candidates for this program include those who are听new to agriculture, those who wish to transition into听agriculture from another field such as military service听or private sector work, or those who are looking for a post-retirement opportunity.

The program focuses on teaching the concepts,听providing the information, and facilitating the hands-on experience needed to build solid, viable, and听successful agricultural businesses

Farm Business & Marketing Basics

Over multiple sessions, you will learn to identify听the appropriate enterprise for you and your farm,听how to start your business, and how to navigate听the regulatory issues of the agricultural world.听Additionally, you'll learn about some of the most听effective marketing strategies like farmers markets听and CSAs, and how to apply for grants and other听types of assistance available to new farmers.

Agricultural Production Practices

A portion of each session will be dedicated to听helping you establish and/or maintain productive and听efficient operations, covering topics like soil health,听livestock production, fruit and vegetable production,听beekeeping, irrigation strategies, organic production,听greenhouse management, and hydroponics.

Hands-on Experience

In addition to classroom instruction, the New听Farmer Academy provides hands-on experiential听sessions on topics including fruit tree pruning听and care, drip irrigation and plasticulture, fencing听installation and repair, GPS/GIS mapping, sprayer听calibration, and equipment operation/safety.

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2025 Academy听 Information Brochures

Knox County Tennessee Brochure
Central Tennessee Brochure
West Tennessee Brochure
Southeast Central Tennessee Brochure

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