Kindergarteners learn the 'Power of Positivity'

In April, Family and Consumer Sciences Agent Abigail Thomas and Union County 4-H Teen Leader Jaelyn Cummings partnered to bring the Healthy Me pilot program to Whitney Copeland’s kindergarten class at Big Ridge Elementary School. Over the course of six visits, students participated in engaging lessons designed to promote emotional wellness, social skills and mindfulness.

Farm Fresh & Flawless: How to Perfectly Boil and Peel Fresh Eggs

Hard-boiled eggs are a nutritious powerhouse—great for breakfasts, salads, and on-the-go snacks. But let’s be honest: peeling them doesn’t always go as planned—especially when they’re fresh from the farm. The fresher the egg, the tougher it can be to peel due to a tighter bond between the egg white and the shell membrane. Thankfully, there are a few simple steps you can follow to make perfect boiled eggs with shells that practically slide off.

Union County FCE to Hold April Meeting in Kingston

The Union County Family and Community Education (FCE) Club invites members and guests to join them for their April meeting, scheduled for Tuesday, April 29th, at 9:00 AM at the Kingston Community Center. This special meeting will provide a great opportunity for fellowship, learning, and exploring a new location together.

UC FCE meeting recap: Learning, fellowship, creativity

The Union County Family and Community Education (FCE) Club had a fantastic gathering for its March meeting, filled with learning, fellowship and fun!

To kick off our meeting, we played a St. Patrick’s Day-themed trivia game, which was a big hit! Congratulations to Lyndora Lyndsey for answering the most questions correctly!

March is National Nutrition Month: Eat healthier with MyPlate

March was National Nutrition Month, a time to focus on making informed food choices and developing healthy eating habits. One of the best resources for balanced nutrition is MyPlate, an initiative by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) that helps individuals and families build nutritious meals.

Apple grafting workshop is April 2

The Union County Extension and the Tennessee Department of Forestry are hosting a hands-on Apple Grafting Workshop on Wednesday, April 2, from 10 a.m. to noon at Chuck Swan State Forest in Sharps Chapel. This workshop is designed for adults interested in learning how to graft apple trees and will provide participants with the opportunity to take home at least three trees they graft themselves.

TN Cattlemen’s Association Top Tier Program winners recognized

MURFREESBORO, TN— The Tennessee Cattlemen’s Association (TCA) and Tennessee Cattlemen’s Youth Association (TCYA) recognized over 35 youth members for their success in the seventh year of the Tennessee’s Top Tier sponsored by Merck Animal Health points program. The winners were recognized at the TCA Youth Awards Banquet sponsored by Kubota Tractor Corporation, held in January at the Lane Agri-Park in Murfreesboro.

Saving money: Egg substitutes for rising prices

With egg prices on the rise, many Union County families are looking for creative ways to stretch their budgets without sacrificing their favorite recipes. While eggs are a kitchen staple for everything from baking to breakfast, there are several affordable substitutes you can use in your cooking and baking. Whether you’re trying to save money, accommodate dietary needs, or simply out of eggs, these alternatives can keep your meals on track.

TN Swine Show Shirts on sale now to benefit UC 4-H

Get Your Limited-Edition TN State Swine Show Shirts – Now Online!
Due to the weather at the event, we have extra TN State Swine Show shirts featuring 4-H and FFA logos! These shirts are perfect for showing your support for youth in agriculture and make amazing gifts!
Available Options:

Hoodies: tiny.utk.edu/Hoodie

Long Sleeves: tiny.utk.edu/LongSleeveSwine

These shirts are available in a variety of sizes and are the perfect keepsake or gift for any 4-H or FFA supporter. Don’t miss out on this limited opportunity!

UC FCE kicks off the year

Union County FCE began 2025 with an engaging January meeting that highlighted the importance of emergency preparedness. Chase Filip from the American Red Cross served as the guest speaker, delivering an informative presentation on how to be ready for unexpected emergencies. Members learned essential tips, such as the need for at least three days’ worth of food, water and medicine per person in an emergency kit.