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.

Soil health experts from the Natural Resources Conservation Service will teach the basics of soil health principles, and their context within organic management systems. Presentations may identify barriers, challenges, and potential solutions for fostering soil health on organic operations at any scale.

Union County Extension is thrilled to announce that Van Richardson has won multiple awards at the 2024 Tennessee State Junior Beef Show this June!
These are spectacular accomplishments that are literally years in the making. Winning a Grand Champion award requires commitment, dedication, and perseverance. Winning a Grand Champion award 4-H member bred and raised the animal is amazing. Van’s hard work, dedication, and passion for the beef industry have truly paid off. At this prestigious event, he showcased exceptional talent and skill, earning accolades that reflect his commitment to excellence.

Union County Extension will be hosting a Backyard Chicken Class.
Whether you're a newbie or a seasoned pro, this class is for you! Learn everything you need to know about raising healthy chickens in your own backyard to sell or consume yourself.