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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

What a festive and fun way to wrap up 2024 with our FCE family. A huge thank you to Carol Pratt for graciously hosting our December meeting. Your warmth and hospitality made the gathering extra special.

We’d also like to give a big shoutout to everyone who brought delicious finger foods to share — from savory bites to sweet treats, everything was absolutely delightful!

Longtime Union Countian Jessica Montoya has achieved a remarkable milestone, becoming the 41st person in the United States to be admitted into the Academy of Veterinary Surgical Technicians as a Veterinary Technician Specialist in Surgery. With fewer than 50 veterinary surgical nursing specialists nationwide, University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine (UTCVM) is proud to have two of these esteemed professionals on its team.

Do you have a child that loves spending time outdoors? Exploring, hiking, biking, climbing trees, playing with bugs, fishing, birding, orienteering—anything, as long as they can be outdoors. We are blessed to live in an area with an abundance of absolutely beautiful mountains, forests, rivers, lakes, parks and trails to explore; and exploring is one of our favorite 4H Outdoor Adventure project group activities.

Throughout the years the Union County Homemakers have assisted the Agents in the Extension Office.

Retired Agents Bill and Debbie Morgan have helped with the Home School 4-H Programs. Bill has taught classes on how to make Blue Bird house and Debbie teaches sewing classes. They do so much more and our county benefits from their lessons.

Union County’s own 10-year-old Reed Reno has excelled in the 2024 show season, achieving impressive results in the Tennessee Swine Show Circuit (TSSC) for 4-H swine exhibitions. Representing Union County across multiple divisions, Reed’s dedication and skill have set him apart in competitive categories.