Tennessee New Farmer Academy

7-Month Certificate Program - 4 locations (Memphis, Nashville, Pikeville and Knoxville, Tennessee)

Farmer

Tennessee New Farmer Academy for Farmers, Ranchers and Returning Veterans

The Tennessee New Farmer Academy is a seven-monthcertificate program designed for those with aninterest in becoming agricultural entrepreneurs. Idealcandidates for this program include those who arenew to agriculture, those who wish to transition intoagriculture from another field such as military serviceor private sector work, or those who are looking for a post-retirement opportunity.

The program focuses on teaching the concepts,providing the information, and facilitating the hands-on experience needed to build solid, viable, andsuccessful agricultural businesses


Farm Business & Marketing Basics

Over multiple sessions, you will learn to identifythe appropriate enterprise for you and your farm,how to start your business, and how to navigatethe regulatory issues of the agricultural world.Additionally, you'll learn about some of the mosteffective marketing strategies like farmers marketsand CSAs, and how to apply for grants and othertypes of assistance available to new farmers.


Agricultural Production Practices

A portion of each session will be dedicated tohelping you establish and/or maintain productive andefficient operations, covering topics like soil health,livestock production, fruit and vegetable production,beekeeping, irrigation strategies, organic production,greenhouse management, and hydroponics.


Hands-on Experience

In addition to classroom instruction, the NewFarmer Academy provides hands-on experientialsessions on topics including fruit tree pruningand care, drip irrigation and plasticulture, fencinginstallation and repair, GPS/GIS mapping, sprayercalibration, and equipment operation/safety.

2024 Graduates

2026 Academy Information Brochures

Knox County Tennessee Brochure
Middle Tennessee Brochure
West Tennessee Brochure
Southeast Central Tennessee Brochure


Registration Information

Registration for the 2026 Tennessee New Farmer Academy series is OPEN for all locations.

Fee: $200 per person (includes textbook, materials, and lunches).
Scholarships are available in East and West Tennessee.

Make checks payable to 鶹ý CEP.

Download the program registration form and return to the address specified on the form.

Knox County Tennessee Registration
Middle Tennessee Registration
West Tennessee Registration
Southeast Central Tennessee Registration

Veteran Scholarship Form - Knox County Tennessee
Veteran Scholarship Form - Middle Tennessee
Veteran Scholarship Form - West Tennessee


Contact Information

For more information, please contact:
Finis Stribling, III
Director of New Farmer Academy and Small Farms
(615) 963-5449
fstribling@tnstate.edu