The Tennessee Beginning Farmer Development Program's purpose is to provide a coordinated, systematic and holistic educational program to deliver the information and skills needed to realize a successful new farming operation and increase success rates of new farm start-ups among those participating in the program. The Tennessee Beginning Farmer Development Program will educate military personnel and veterans desiring to transition into farming after their tenure in the military.
One specific objective of the Tennessee Beginning Farmer Development Program is to have new farmers create a business, marketing and safety and health plan. The implementation of a business and marketing plan objective is to increase the profitability and hence viability of those farmers. The safety and health plan will reduce losses from farming injuries and illnesses.
An additional objective of the Tennessee Beginning Farmers Program is to increase awareness of available programs that can assist farmers with planning and implementation of various aspects of the farm business plan, adopt recommended best agricultural practices, as well as provide on-farm assistance.
Tennessee Department of Agriculture Master/Advanced Master Producer Certification
Tennessee Department of Agriculture provides a 50% cost share program through the Tennessee Agriculture Enhancement Program (TAEP) for producers with a Master and/or Master Advanced Certificate. The following programs are eligible to receive a 50% cost share: Genetics, Livestock Equipment, Livestock Working Facility Cover, Hay Storage and Livestock Feed Storage. The University of Tennessee offers several education Master and Advanced Master programs for the livestock industry.
Tennessee State Chapter of the Farmer Veteran Coalition
Help us connect Farmer Veterans and beginning farmers across the
state to support each other and share info as you make transition into
farming and build a Tennessee State Chapter of the Farmer Veteran
Coalition. Growing network, Free membership and resources plus
information to become Homegrown by Hero certified. Please visit Farmer Veteran Coalition's site or contact Charley Jordan, Tennessee Farmer Veteran Outreach, charley.jordan@tennessee.edu if interested in helping grow TN FVC. Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FVCTennessee.