Union County 4-H members recently showed off their grilling talents in two exciting events, displaying their culinary skills and competitive spirit.
1st Annual Union County 4-H Grill Team Competition
Last month, local 4-H members gathered for the Fall Palooza at the Union County Farmers Market for the inaugural Union County 4-H Grill Team Competition. These talented young grillers, split into two divisions, impressed the crowd with their mastery over the grill.
Junior Division Results:
- 1st Place: Harlynn Dodd (poultry)
- 2nd Place: Aspen Davis (pork)

The September Family and Community Education (FCE) meeting took place at the Eastern Region FCE Fall Gathering, hosted by Campbell and Anderson Counties at the Lafollette Church of God in Lafollette, TN. Thank you to our hosts for organizing such a memorable event!
The gathering included the Regional Cultural Arts and Fashion Revue contests, where participants from various counties showcased their skills. Congratulations to the winners, who will advance to the State FCE Cultural Arts and Fashion Revue contests.
Cultural Arts Contest Results:

The Union County 4-H annual Chick Chain Auction took place at Trevor Jones Livestock Auction, and it was nothing short of a success. Despite the forecast hinting at rain, the skies stayed clear throughout the event, allowing the auction to proceed without a hitch—though we were well-prepared with covered accommodations.

Attention Tennessee Gardeners
We have an exciting opportunity for you. Join us for the Welcome Home to My Tennessee Garden series, held on Mondays: October 14, 21, 28, and November 4, from 2 to 3:30 p.m.
In this series, you will learn about:
• Soils and Climate
• Lawns
• Flowering Plants
• Shrubs and Trees
Whether you’re a beginner or looking to enhance your gardening skills, this class is perfect for you.
Location: 2721 Maynardville Highway, Maynardville, TN 37807
Cost: $30 which includes a free soil test with personalized recommendations

Attention Beef Cattle Farmers: UT Extension Union County is excited to announce that we will be hosting the Tennessee Master Beef Producer Program this October and November. This comprehensive educational initiative is designed to help Tennessee cattle producers enhance the profitability of their cow-calf operations.

Because of the relocating of 1100 families in Union County, the building of Norris Dam and the flooding during the building, the 4-H programs had to be put on hold. In 1936 Agent C.B. Barnes started the programs back up with 77 boys in Luttrell, Big Sinks and Rush Strong. The boys had “Pig” Clubs and performed well in competition. The Sears and Roebuck Company sponsored an essay contest .

In 1934, the Union County Extension agents, along with the local farmers, started the Tobacco Control Program. That year there were 1,100 family farms that were located in fertile bottoms where Norris Lake is presently located. There were 1,374 farms throughout Union County.
In 1935, an extra agent, Mabel Moore, was assigned to Union County as a Special Home Demonstration Agent. She was working along with TVA to mainly focus on Soil Erosion through the Erosion Control Association. Another agent, Oma Whorley, was assigned to serve District IV.

In 1918 the two Extensions Agents Kyker and Miller organized the first Union County Fair. It was supported by the County Commission who donated $1,000. The County Commission only supported the fair for one year. They traveled to Knoxville for the District Exhibition and competitions. This was a big deal for the 4-H members and the women of the Home Demonstration Clubs. Most had never traveled outside the county.
Agents had to travel by horse and buggy to the various communities.

J.W. Kyker, the first UT Extension Agent in Union County in 1918, found it difficult to get the local farmers to come together to better educate themselves at new farming techniques, presented by the University of Tennessee’s Agricultural Department. So he began to target the next generation by starting the first Union County 4-H Boys Club. He enrolled twenty five boys, using them to educate the adults. The first clubs were known as “Corn Clubs”. Note there is a photo of this group inside the Union County Extension Office.

The UNION COUNTY Extensions began in 1917 on an Emergency War Time Basis. Agent E.G. Vickers was assigned to Union County by the University of Tennessee located in nearby Knoxville Tennessee. He only served three months and then was replaced by J.W. Kyker who was assigned to Union County to assist the local farmers and their families prosper. In 1911 the University of Tennessee Agriculture saw a great need and created the Extension Department with (6) Agents, hiring local farmers that were good at farming techniques. The first Agent arrived in late January 1918.