Tennessee Department of Agriculture

09/15/2026

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture has several exciting opportunities for students interested in agriculture and forestry!

Interested in a trip to Washington, D.C., to learn more about agricultural policy? There are only two days left to apply for the NASDA Winter Policy Conference opportunity. Gain hands-on experience, connect with agriculture officials and industry leaders from across the country, and explore careers in food and agriculture. Travel, lodging, meals, and conference registration are covered. Applicants must be enrolled at a Tennessee college or university and have a minimum 3.0 GPA.

Apply today: https://stateoftennessee.formstack.com/forms/tda_sponsorship_application_nasda_2027_winter_policy_conference

Looking for a spring internship? We have 13 opportunities available for undergraduate, graduate, and professional students to gain valuable experience, grow professionally, and build their networks. There is one week left to apply—applications close Tuesday, Sept. 22.

Learn more and apply here: tn.gov/agriculture/department/careers.html

09/15/2026

We’re hiring a Director of Veterinary Emergency Programs.
Based in Nashville, this leadership role guides Tennessee’s animal health emergency preparedness, prevention, response and recovery efforts, including animal disease events, animal-related disasters and food products derived from animals. The position also coordinates Secure Food Supply planning, agencywide emergency operations training and Animal Health’s Continuity of Operations planning.

Applications close Monday, Oct. 5. Learn more and apply today: https://careers.edison.tn.gov/psc/hrprdrs/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL?FOCUS=Applicant&Page=HRS_APP_JBPST_FL&SiteId=1&JobOpeningId=80992&PostingSeq=1&

09/15/2026

Congratulations to Pick Tennessee Products member Tennemo Rice Family Farm & Mill on advancing to the Top 4 in the Coolest Thing Made in Tennessee contest! 🎉

As Tennessee’s only rice farm and mill, Tennemo Rice is truly one of a kind. Vote once per device each day through Sept. 24: coolestthingmadeintn.com/vote

09/14/2026

Registration closes today, Monday, Sept. 14, at 10 a.m. CT!

This is a great opportunity to explore agritourism topics, including value-added product marketing, on-farm retail, farm tours, special events and food service. This event fulfills one TAEP Producer Diversification educational requirement for the Agritourism, Fruits and Vegetables, and Value-Added sectors. Register today!

We are excited to announce an opportunity to visit and learn from three agritourism operations. The second Exploring Agritourism for Your Farm: On-farm Insights will take place on September 17, 2026, from 8 am to 6 pm CDT. This tour will involve three stops in Kentucky that will give insight into several aspects of agritourism, including value-added product marketing, on-farm retail, farm tours, special events and food service.
• Kenny’s Farmhouse Cheese
• Chaney’s Dairy Barn
• Jackson’s Orchard

Participants will meet a bus in Cross Plains, TN (Sumner County). We will travel together to network and learn along the way with educational presentations and facilitated discussions.

Registration is $45 per person. Scholarships available for dairy producers. Lunch and ice cream will be provided. Registration is required for this event and space is limited!

This event will fulfill one Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program (TAEP) Producer Diversification educational requirement for the following Producer Diversification sectors: Agritourism, Fruits and Vegetables, and Value-Added.

Register now to save your space!

09/11/2026

What started as a 10-by-10 tent at a farmers market has grown into Oak Grove Farms Store, a grocery store featuring products from more than 60 Pick TN Products farmers, makers and growers.

Last week, first-generation farmers Zach and Kyndle Erhard celebrated the store’s opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony in Gallatin. Their vision has become a one-stop destination connecting Tennessee families with locally grown and made products.

The Erhards received FARM and AgTrack funding through the Tennessee Department of Agriculture to help make that vision a reality.

Visit Oak Grove Farm Store, buy local and support Tennessee farmers. Photos from the event are available here: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjD42jn

The next AgTrack application deadline is Sept. 30 at 11:59 p.m. CT. Learn more and apply: https://www.tn.gov/agriculture/businesses/agtrack-cost-share-program.html

09/10/2026

NASHVILLE — Tennessee Agriculture Commissioner Andy Holt announces Blake Ramsey as the Assistant Commissioner for Business Development for the Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA).

Ramsey previously served as the Director of Business Development for the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development.

“Blake brings a strong understanding of agriculture, economic development and international trade, and I’m excited to welcome him to TDA,” Holt said. “He understands how to connect businesses and industry partners with new markets and opportunities, and I’m confident his expertise will help us continue growing Tennessee’s agricultural economy and strengthening rural communities across the state.”
RELEASE IN COMMENTS

09/09/2026

Tennemo Rice Family Farm & Mill has advanced to the Top 4 in the Coolest Thing Made in Tennessee contest! As Tennessee’s only rice farm and mill, Tennemo Rice is a true one-of-a-kind operation.

Voting is open Sept. 9-24, and you can vote once per device each day. Vote now: https://coolestthingmadeintn.com/vote/

09/09/2026

Agricultural aviation has come a long way.

In this video, Ryan Gilland, pilot and owner of Gilland Ag Service in Pulaski, Tennessee, helps clear up common misconceptions about aerial application and explains how today’s ag pilots support farmers.

Modern aerial applicators use advanced aircraft, GPS technology, careful planning and ongoing training to apply products efficiently and accurately. Their work can include crop protection products, fertilizer and seed for cover crops.

As farmers work to grow more with limited land and resources, agricultural aviators play an important role in protecting crops, supporting production and helping keep agriculture moving.

09/08/2026

If the stress of farming, veterinary medicine, animal care, financial pressures, long hours or difficult veterinary cases begins to feel overwhelming, you do not have to face it alone.

You do not have to wait for a crisis to ask for help. Call or text 988 anytime for free, confidential support, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

If you are concerned about a coworker, friend, family member or colleague, you can also contact 988 for guidance.