As Union County farmers know, summer is a critical time for managing pastures—and one persistent challenge is the spread of broomsedge. Broomsedge is a true grass, not a sedge. Broomsedge is also sometimes called “sage grass” but it falls short of the mark as a forage grass. Cattle will eat it but for only a short period in the spring when the new leaves first emerge and there is nothing better available. Once the perennial, clump-forming, three-foot-tall, erect growing stems emerge in early summer broomsedge is not desirable for grazing.

KNOXVILLE, TN — Families, farmers, and friends are warmly invited to an evening of food, fun, and fellowship at the much-anticipated Annual Picnic & Auction, hosted by the Knox-Union Cattlemens Association on Saturday, August 2, 2025. Proceeds from the event will directly benefit 4-H programs in Knox and Union Counties, helping to cultivate the next generation of agricultural leaders.

CROSSVILLE, TN — Garden enthusiasts from across Tennessee are invited to dig into a day of horticultural inspiration at the Fall Gardeners’ Festival, hosted by the UT Plateau AgResearch and Education Center on Tuesday, August 26, 2025.

Held at 320 Experiment Station Road, the event kicks off with registration at 8 a.m. CDT, followed by a full day of presentations from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The festival is free and open to the public, with no preregistration required—though attendees are encouraged to sign up in advance at tiny.utk.edu/FGF2025.

Union County 4-H member Miranda Boucher recently attended the 2025 Eastern Region 4-H Fashion and Design Conference, held June 3-5 at the Edgewater Hotel in Gatlinburg. She was joined by Union County Family and Consumer Science Agent, Abigail Thomas, for the exciting three-day event.

From June 24–26, youth from across East Tennessee gathered at Clyde Austin 4-H Center in Greeneville for the 2025 Eastern Region 4-H Quilt Camp. This year’s theme, “Glamp and Stitch,” brought a touch of glamour and fun to the art of quilting during this unique three-day, two-night camp experience.

By Shannon Dewitt, Union County Extension Office, and Shirlee Grabko

On June 16, the Knox Union Cattlemen’s Association held a Twilight Beef Tour and Farmland Preservation Presentation at Seven Springs Farm to Table. Union County Agriculture Extension Agent Shannon DeWitt began the meeting with introductions and a recognition of the contributors.

Union County 4-H members recently returned from an exciting and fun-filled week at Junior 4-H Camp, held June 9 to 13 at Clyde Austin 4-H Center in Greeneville, Tennessee. Our campers spent the week learning, growing and making lasting memories with fellow 4-H members from across the region.

The UC Family & Community Education (FCE) Club held its annual Spring Luncheon and Cultural Arts Contest in May at the Extension office. With the theme “Hats Off to FCE,” the meeting space was transformed into an elegant tea party setting, complete with beautiful spring decorations. Members arrived in their Sunday best—lovely dresses and charming hats adding a touch of tradition and fun to the occasion.

On April 29th, members of the Union County FCE traveled to Kingston, TN, for the Eastern Region FCE "Spring Into FCE" event, an annual gathering that brings together members from across the region for a day of learning, networking, and community building.

The event featured a variety of activities, including live Bluegrass and Gospel music, which set the tone for an enjoyable morning. Attendees had the opportunity to explore the Blossom and Bee Boutique, a fundraiser for FCE.

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.