Beginning Farmer Resources


Beginning Farmer Classes

Small Scale Agriculture Classes

Small Scale Agriculture is a program that was born and developed in Cocke County. Many people moving to Tennessee are looking for ways to be sustainable on small acreage, and this series aims to provide education to get producers started out right.

Small Scale Agriculture covers a variety of topics including home vegetable gardens, producing small fruits, fruit tree grafting, garden construction, and more!

To be notified about upcoming Small Scale Agriculture classes, share your contact information here!

Beginning Farmer Resource Class

Information coming soon!!

To be notified about upcoming Beginning Farmer classes, share your contact information here!

The UT Farming Fundamentals educational program is an online resource focusing on producers who are beginning a new venture in agriculture. This program will include resources and information on the essential principles needed to build a successful operation.

Farming Fundamentals is a web-based, asynchronous program that producers can complete any time at their own pace.

More information and registration can be found here!

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

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

For more information, visit the TSU New Farmer Academy website.

Are you in need of a class that makes you eligible for TAEP cost share at a higher level? Are you looking to consider options for the future success and longevity of your farming operation? Are you looking to address management concerns because of rising costs and decreasing income in the agriculture sector? 

Then Master Farm Manager is the class for you!

Tennessee Master Farm Manager will focus on solid business principles and efficiently utilizing resources on the farm.


Resources

Ag Tax Exemption

Agriculture has been a cornerstone of Tennessee culture throughout the history of the state. Agriculture, like all industries, has changed significantly over the years with advancements in science and technology.

The goal of this manual is to provide Tennessee farmers, timber harvesters, and nursery operators a central resource for Tennessee state and local taxes as it applies to their respective industries. This manual provides information on sales and use tax, franchise and excise tax, business tax, and various vehicle and trailer registration provisions.

Green Belt Classification

In 1976, the Tennessee General Assembly enacted the Agricultural, Forest and Open Space Land Act of 1976 (the “Act”)-the law is commonly known as “greenbelt”. The Act is codified in Tennessee Code Annotated ยงยง 67-5-1001 through 1050. The purpose of the Act is to help preserve agricultural, forest, and open space land. This is accomplished by valuing land based upon its present use, rather than at a highest and best use. When property is valued at its highest and best use, the threat of development can bring about land use conflicts, create high costs for public services, contribute to increased energy usage, and stimulate land speculation.

Farmer's Guide to Business Structures
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Building a Sustainable Business Plan
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Tennessee Farmland Legacy
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The Land Trust for Tennessee
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American Farmland Trust
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Partners & Cost Share Opportunities
Brief Overview of Cost Share Opportunities
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Tennessee Department of Agriculture
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Natural Resource Conservation Service
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Farm Service Agency
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Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education
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Center for Profitable Agriculture
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Cocke County Government
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Pick Tennessee Products
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