Homesteading Program | Williamson County

The Homesteading Program is a series of classes encompassing many aspects of the homestead industry. Classes involve hands-on as well as some recorded virtual sessions to meet a variety of learning styles and schedules. The cost of program is $100.

Farming Fundamentals is also contained in this educational program and is designed for those participating in the Tennessee Ag Enhancement’s Beginning Farmer Program. Participants in this program are required to watch the 10 recorded sessions (6 hours) and attend a minimum of two hands-on classes.

REGISTRATION

PAYMENT

Class Schedule

Virtual Topics (6 hours total)

Introduction
Farm Income Taxes
Business Plans
Cash Flow Statements
Balance Sheets
Income Statements
Sales Tax
Soil Fertility
TN Greenbelt

Hands-on Sessions

*Participants receive free access to all classes under the “Free Classes” tab. Preregistration is required for each class and the registration form can be found on the specific class link.*

Pasture and Forages Management

Equipment Calibration (1-13-26)
Spring Pastures (3-24-26)
Multi-Species Grazing (6-10-26)
Summer Weeds (7-7-26)
Fall Planting (9-14-26)
Hay Selection (9-23-26)

Horse

Equine Wrapping and Bandaging Techniques (2-3-26)
Horse Management Field Day (2-11-26)
Maintaining a Healthy Hoof (2-11-26)
Trailering Clinic (5-19-26)
Equine Ground Manners (6-2-26)

Small Ruminant

Beef

Williamson County Beef Field Day (10-3-25)
Bull Selection (11-6-25) and (11-18-25)
AI & Pregnancy Checking (4-13-26)
Precision Livestock Beef Field Day ($10 Fee for those not registered for 2026 Master Beef Program)
Hay Selection (9-23-26)
Raising Freezer Beef (9-28-26)

Poultry

Brooding Basics and Transition Housing (10-14-25)
Breed Selection (9-29-26)

Horticulture

Edible Landscaping (4-16-26)
Dig, Divide, & Design with Perennials (5-7-26)
Landscape Irrigation (5-19-26)
Seed Saving (7-16-26)
Seeding Cool-Season Turf Grasses (9-8-26)

Other Topics

Homestead Farm Layout (9-9-26)

Craft Products

Fall Craft Brew (10-25-25)
Intro to Home Brewing (1-22-26)

Culinary

Eggcellent Eggs (11-4-25)
Poultry Pro (11-11-25)
Tater Techniques (11-18-25)
Art of Knife Sharpening (11-17-25)
Jams & Preserves (5-12-26)
Canning (6-16-26)

Mechanics

Small Engine Troubleshooting (11-11-25)
Tractor Maintenance (1-27-26)

Outdoors

Deer Processing Clinic (11-22-25)

Poultry

Poultry Processing (11-1-25)

Horticulture

Strawberry Workshop (5-5-26)
Blueberry & Elderberry Workshop (7-2-26)

Trainings

Private/Commercial Applicator Recertification (1-13-26)

Masters Programs

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: If a person is taking the class for TAEP qualification, they must attend the required virtual classes. Participants must attend a minimum of two hands-on classes to receive certification.

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.