Small Farm Expo

The 2013 Small Farm Expo and Small Farmer of the Year Awards will be held on July 18, 2013 at the Tennessee State University Agricultural Research and Education Center on the main campus of Tennessee State University in Nashville, Tennessee from 8:15 am until 3:00 pm.

8:15-8:30: Registration

8:30-8:45: Welcome/ Logistical Instructions

8:45- 10:15: Trolley Tour of all on-going research plots at AREC:

8:45 - 8:55 Meat Goat Breeding and Genetics Research, Dr. Richard Browning
9:00 - 9:10 Native Warm-season Grass Production, Dr. Jason de Koff
9:15 - 9:25 Specialty Vegetable Crop Varieties, Dr. Arvazena Clardy
9:30 - 9:40 Switchgrass and Gamma Grass Variety Trials, Dr. Emmanuel Dzantor
9:45 - 9:55 Plant Nutrition Research, Dr. Dharma Pitchay
10:00 - 10:10 Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emission in Field Cropping Systems,
                    Dr. Sam Dennis

10:30-12:00: Field Demonstrations ( Guests will have the choice to see one of
   two field demonstrations)

Choice 1:  Vegetable and Fruit Production Techniques
10:15 - 10:40 Plasticulture and Drip Irrigation, Mr. Chris Robbins
10:40 - 11 Vegetable Variety Trials, Mr. Wayne Edison, Clifton Seeds
11 - 11:20 Container Blueberry Production, Dr. Dharma Pitchay
11:20 - 11:45 Hydroponic Vegetable Production, Dr. Dharma Pitchay


Choice 2: Animal Science
10:15 - 10:55 Artificial Insemination in Meat Goats, Mr. Michael Shirley and
                    Rutherford County 4-H Group
11:00 - 11:30 Backyard Poultry Production, Dr. Tyrone Miller and 
                    Dr. Samuel Nahashon
11:30 - 12:00 Beekeeping: Hive Splitting Techniques, Mr. John Ferrell

12:00-1:30: Lunch and Small Farmer Recognition Program

1:30-3:00: Bio-fuel Production. Demonstration to show producers how to make bio-diesel from oilseed crops in TSU's new Mobile Bio-diesel processing unit.

There is no cost for attendance, pesticide points will be available.

Please register here by July 12, 2013, so we know you are coming!

Nominate a Small Farmer!
To nominate a small farmer for an award, use this form.

More information about the Expo and award nominations is available from
Chris Robbins (615-792-5744) or Roy Bullock (615-963-5449).


2012 Small Farm Expo

Daryl Whitaker is a rare “breed…er,” in cattle, that is.

In just six years after taking over a declining, 22-acre family farm in Estill Springs in Franklin County, Tenn., Whitaker has employed new and innovative farm-improvement methods that have turned things around and earned him a statewide recognition.

At a packed 2012 Small Farm Expo and Small Farmer Recognition Program Thursday, the former Air Force munitions systems specialist turned cattle breeder was recognized as the Tennessee Small Farmer of the Year.

The Expo, hosted by the TSU College of Agriculture, Human and Natural Sciences Cooperative Extension Program, recognized Whitaker for “Best Management Practices” and for his attention to details.

He beat out two other farmers and farming families for the top award. Lannon Farms, represented by Lance and Cathy Lannon, of Lebanon, Tenn., received the “Alternative Enterprises Award,” while John R. Swendiman, owner of Tojo Creek Ranch, also in Lebanon, Tenn., received the award for “Innovative Marketing.”

“I was ecstatic, to say the least when I was informed that I had been selected as Farmer of the Year,” said Whitaker moments before the announcement at the Expo.

This is not Walker’s first good fortune with winning awards for his farming practices. In 2010 and 2011, respectively, Whitaker was recognized as the Top Forage Producer, and the Top Beef Producer of the Year by the Franklin County Livestock Association.

He attributes his success to his willingness to learn and his openness to new ideas.

“To be successful, one must have the attitude to learn something new everyday,” Whitaker said.

Whitaker’s farm, which he took over after his father, John, died in 2006, is now a sprawling 35-acre cattle breeding ground made possible after repairs, construction and rebuilding efforts.  He thanked the Tennessee Ag Enhancement Program, which helped him to purchase new equipment; the Natural Resources Conservation Service, and the USDA Farms Service Agency for helping him purchase additional cattle to increase his breeding stock.

“I thank Tennessee State University, and the Franklin County USDA Farms Service Agency for their recognition and this award,” said Whitaker, who was accompanied by his mother Mary.

Earlier, Dr. Chandra Reddy, Dean of the College of Agriculture, Human and Natural Sciences, thankedthe various institution and agency representatives for their cooperation in making the Expo a success.

“This could not have been possible without your partnership and cooperation,” Reddy told the organizers, making special reference to Dr. Latif Lighari, Associate Dean for Extension, who has headed the organization of the Expo since its inception nine years ago. “You and your colleagues have always done a remarkable job as shown in this huge attendance.”

Before declaring the 2012 Expo closed, Dr. Lighari recognized his fellow organizers, the various farm managers and research leaders, exhibitors, small farmers, schools and students for their attendance.

“Your input, participation and visit made this Expo one of the most successful since we started,” Lighari said. “We thank you and especially the small farmers who are the lifeline to what we do.”

Other speakers and agricultural experts at the Expo were the Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, Julius Johnson; President of Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation, Lacy Upchurch; Dr. Larry Arrington, Chancellor of the Institute of Agriculture at the University of Tennessee; and Dr. Tim Cross, Dean of Extension at the University of Tennessee.

The following three small farmers were recognized at the 2011 Small Farmer of the Year Awards Ceremony:

Hilda Braun: Hilda Braun, along with her husband, Werner, operate a 100 acre cow-calf beef operation in Bledsoe County. Mrs Braun is a member of the Bledsoe County Cattleman’s Association, The Tennessee Livestock Association, and the Bledsoe County Farm Service Agency County Committee where she is active in several current programs including providing knowledge and assessment during times of natural disaster. With a small herd of 40 animals, the Brauns are able to manage their operations using current best practices including rotational grazing, cross fencing, and a new state-of-the-art watering system.

Realizing the need for a better grazing management system during the dry periods so prevalent the past few years, Mrs. Braun took the initiative to sign up for the 2010 Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). Funded in March 2011, she has since been diligently working towards completion of all approved practices. Examples are a pumping plant, three frost-free watering facilities, a water well for livestock, and 1,650 linear feet of pipeline. She is also installing 3,180 linear feet of cross fencing and 4100 linear feet of access control fence to exclude cattle from all water bodies on the property.

Mrs. Braun has impressed the farming community with her tireless work and conservation ethic. She has taken a proactive role in the well-being of her livestock and, with these conservation practices in place, she takes pride in her current efforts while striving to become a better farmer for tomorrow.

Ray Radford: Ray Radford’s farming operation consists of approximately 425 acres with 300 acres in pasture and 125 acres in hay. His main farming enterprise is a cow/calf operation featuring the unique Corriente breed. Ray chose these cattle because of characteristics he particularly admired and appreciated.

To be sustainable, Ray had to develop a marketing plan which capitalized on the unique characteristics of his livestock. To do that, Ray decided to market his product directly to the consumer and carve a specific market niche. That niche includes leases for penning and roping, sale of seed and breeder stock, leasing of breeding and breaking bulls, and the sale of grain-fed and grass-fed cattle. Ray’s creative product line also includes locker beef, trophy skulls and horns, and exquisite tanned hides.

Ray is an involved community leader for both adults and youth, serving as the Tennessee Cattlemen’s Association President for Rutherford County. He recently led that organization in conducting a Youth Showmanship Class at no charge to area youth who show an interest in cattle. Recognizing the importance of “hands-on” experience, he has donated the use of his cattle to local youth organizations for agricultural events and workshop. Ray is also an active volunteer and leader in the “Approved Workmen Are Not Ashamed” church-based youth group and carefully works with various ethnic groups to ensure that religious preferences are respected and observed as animals are harvested. His creative and entrepreneurial spirit make him uniquely deserving of this award.

Walden Family Farm: In 1986, the Walden brothers, Robert and Raymond, their sister, Ramona, along with their spouses, purchased a 260 acre family farm on Rocky Fork Road in Smyrna, Tennessee. The Waldens wanted a farm large enough for all family members to have their own acreage and still be able to share their lives with one another. In 1999, Robert Walden’s son, Randy, and his wife, Heather planted a few rows of pumpkins just for fun. Not having planned for the bumper crop of 500 they harvested , they ended up selling the surplus to inquiring motorists who saw them piled up against the barn. This was the beginnings of the family pumpkin growing business. By fall season of 2000, the Walden Pumpkin Farm opened to the public. School tours were soon booked, and the accidental pumpkin farm was becoming a profitable business.

Definitely more than just a pumpkin farm, Walden offers many different activities including hayrides, “harvest-your-own’ pumpkins, farm animal petting area, and farm tours. There is no admission charge but pumpkins, flowers, crafts, and refreshments are available for purchase.

After over a decade, the family business is thriving and always expanding with new ideas. Many families make Walden Pumpkin Farm an annual tradition and many classes make their field trips there creating special memories in a place where students can learn about life on a farm.

2010 SMALL FARMER OF THE YEAR

2008 SMALL FARMER OF THE YEAR

The event is sponsored by Tennessee State University, the University of Tennessee, USDA’s Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service and Rural Development, Tennessee Department of Agriculture, Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation and Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency.