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 a 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.

REGISTRATION

PAYMENT

Class Schedule

*Locations subject to change*

Virtual Sessions 2025

January 21- Introduction and Partner Programs
February 3- Starting a Farm Business
February 10- Business Planning
February 17- Taxes
February 24- Marketing & Value-Added Products
March 3-Farmer’s Market: 1 Person-3 Perspectives
March 10-Soils:The Basis for All

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

Spring Pastures (3-26-25)
Multi-Species Grazing (6-11-25)
Summer Weeds (7-8-25)
Fall Planting (9-15-25)
Hay Selection (9-24-25)
Equipment Calibration (1-13-26)

Horse

Trailering Clinic (5-20-25)
Equine Ground Manners (6-3-25)
Equine Wrapping and Bandaging Techniques (2-3-26)
Maintaining a Healthy Hoof (2-11-26)

Beef

AI & Pregnancy Checking (4-14-25)
Hay Selection (9-24-25)
Raising Freezer Beef (9-29-25)
Handling Facilities (10-6-25)
Working Cattle (10-27-25)
Bull Selection (11-6-25)

Poultry

Breed Selection (1-9-25)
Brooding Basics (2-6-25)
Transition Housing (4-28-25)

Small Ruminant

Horticulture

Raised Bed Gardening (4-8-25)
Permaculture & Edible Landscaping (4-17-25)
Dig, Divide, & Design with Perennials (4-22-25)
Landscape Irrigation (5-20-25)
Seed Saving (7-17-25)
Seeding Cool-Season Turf Grasses (9-9-25)

Other Topics

Homestead Farm Layout (9-10-25)

Craft Products

Home Brew Packaging (2-20-25-Postponed Due to Weather)
Spring Craft Brew (4-5-25)
Fall Craft Brew (10-25-25)
Intro to Home Brewing (1-22-26)

Culinary

Jams & Preserves (5-13-25)
Canning (6-17-25)
Art of Knife Sharpening (11-17-25)

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

Ornamental Spring Pruning Rescheduled (New Date Coming Soon!)
Seed Starting (2-25-25)
Strawberry Workshop (5-6-25)
Blueberry & Elderberry Workshop (6-24-25)

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. Attendance at the Hands-On sessions is up to the participant. 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.