Farming Fundamentals

Farming Fundamentals is an educational program designed to provide a foundation of science-based education to new and beginning farmers. Classes involve hands-on as well as virtual sessions to meet a variety of learning styles and schedules. The cost of program is $100.

Participants can sign up at any time as hands-on classes are offered year-round. Virtual classes are only offered in January-March. If a participant signs up August-January, they can qualify for the 2023 or 2024 program year. If a participants signs up February-July 2024, their classes will count towards the 2024 program year.

REGISTRATION

PAYMENT

2023-2024 Class Schedule

*Locations subject to change*

Virtual Sessions 2024
- January-March
Hands-On Sessions (Sept. 2023-July 2024)
- Horse Farm Layout (9-27-23)
- Raising Pigs (10-5-23)
- Building Compost (10-19-23)
- Working Cattle (10-23-23)
- Breed Selection (1-4-24)
- Sprayer Calibration (2-28-24)
- Fruit Pruning (3-16-24)
- Cover Crops Spring Prep (March 2024)
- Small Ruminant Fencing (4-15-24)
- Cut Flower Selection (5-30-24)
- Vegetable Pest Management (6-4-24)
- Jams and Preserves (7-9-24)
- Summer Fruit Harvesting (7-16-24)
- Fall Planting (9-9-24)

* (Required) classes are for those participating in the Tennessee Ag Enhancement Program.

Resources

Q: What is Farming Fundamentals?
A: Farming Fundamentals is an educational program designed to provide a foundation of science-based and practical information for new and beginning farmers.

Q: Is Farming Fundamentals Required?
A: If you are applying for Tennessee Ag Enhancement for the first time under the Beginning Farming option, then it is required. If you have previously taken and are looking to apply again, then it is not required. If not applying, it is purely for the educational experience.

Q: What can I receive with a Farming Fundamentals certification?
A: Most importantly, education and hands-on experience in a variety of topic areas. Additionally, completing this program qualifies you for Tennesse e Ag Enhancement which is a state of Tennessee cost share program.

Q: What are the topics covered?
A: Topics will cover: Farm Business Management, Government Resources, Poultry Production, Beef & Small Ruminant Management, Fruit and Vegetable Production, and much more!

Q: Do I have to own a certain number of acres to participate?
A: No, the program is designed for anyone interested in learning basic farming practices, regardless of land ownership.

Q: How long is the Farming Fundamentals Program?
A: The program is 12 weeks long. If a person is taking the class for TAEP qualification, they must attend the required classes and 5 additional of their choice. Selection and attendance is entirely up to the participant.

Q: What is the format of the program?
A: The program is designed to meet the needs and schedule demands of all participants. The program is a combination of hands-on, on-farm, classroom, and virtual Zoom presentations.

Q: What time does the class start and how long is it?
A: Classes typically start at 5:30 pm and run 1.5 hours.

Q: What is the cost of the program?
A: The cost for the program is $100.

Q: How often do I need to take the program to maintain TN Ag Enhancement certification?
A: Completion of the program allows you to apply for TAEP for a maximum of two years.

2023-2024 Class Schedule

Resources

Contact Us!

Taylor Reeder

Horticulture Agent