Plan time to attend one of the 2014 UT field days

by: Sheldon D. Barker
With summer just around the corner, many folks are considering vacation time. While you’re planning a summer of fun, consider adding to your calendar on of the twelve field days or five special events planned by UT AgResearch and Education Centers across the state. These programs and events provide visitors a chance to see agricultural research trials in action, speak with university experts and network with industry professionals.

The 2014 field day season also marks the return of two biennial field days: the Tobacco and Forage Production Field Day and the Milan No-Till Field Day. Held on even-numbered years, the Tobacco and Forage Production Field Day takes place on Thursday, July 17, at the UT AgResearch and Education Center at Greeneville. The Milan No-Till Field Day occurs one week later on July 24 at the UT AgResearch and Education Center at Milan.

The complete AgResearch field day/special events schedule is as follows:

Field Days

1. Fruits of the Backyard – June 17, Middle Tennessee AgResearch Center (Spring Hill)
2. Tobacco, Beef and More – June 26, Highland Rim AgResearch Center (Springfield)
3. Summer Celebration – July 10, West Tennessee AgResearch Center (Jackson)
4. Tobacco and Forage Production – July 17, Greeneville AgResearch Center
5. Milan No-Till – July 24, Milan AgResearch Center
6. Steak and Potatoes – August 5, Plateau AgResearch Center (Crossville)
7. Cotton Tour – September 3, West Tennessee AgResearch Center (Jackson)
8. Turf and Ornamental – September 11, East Tennessee AgResearch Center – Plant Sciences Unit (Knoxville)
9. Pumpkin – September 25, West Tennessee AgResearch Center (Jackson)
10. Northeast Tennessee Beef Expo – October 9, Greeneville AgResearch Center
11. Woods and Wildlife – October 15, Forest Resources AgResearch Center – Oak Ridge Forest (Oak Ridge)
12. Organic Crops Field Tour – October 23, East Tennessee AgResearch Center – Organic Crops Unit (Knoxville)

Special Events

1. Summer Color – June 24, UT Gardens, Knoxville
2. Fall Gardeners’ Festival – August 26, Plateau AgResearch Center (Crossville)
3. Heritage Festival – October 11, Ames Plantation AgResearch Center (Grand Junction)
4. Fall Folklore Jamboree – October 18, Milan AgResearch Center

All field days and special events are open to the public, and most are free.

More detailed information about each event will be available closer to the scheduled time. Check the website http://ag.tennessee.edu to learn more. Center addresses and phone numbers can be found online at this URL: http://taes.tennessee.edu/centers/