2 Wednesday, April 24, 2019
SALUTE TO AGRICULTURE
Claiborne Progress
Tennessee Agriculture
An overview of the state’s food, farming and agribusiness sectors By Tennessee Ag Insider
Tennessee’s Agriculture industry sustains the life of the state, providing food fuel and fiber for its citizens along with the rest of the world. Those contributions may be apparent, but agriculture is also responsible for many aspects that aren’t at easily seen. For example, Tennessee agriculture and forestry provides more than 363,500 jobs for Tennesseans, boosting the economy with an annual impact of $71.4 billion. That’s 10.3 percent of the state’s workforce. In 2017, more than $1.2 billion in Tennessee food and beverage exports found their way to markets around the world, with top destinations including Mexico, China, Turkey, Vietnam and Indonesia.
Tennessee’s hardworking farmers produce those exports on 68,050 farms across the state, encompassing 10,867,812 acres. The average farm size is around 160 acres. Farmers grow and raise the state’s top commodities, which include cattle and calves, broilers (chickens raised See AGRICULTURE | 5
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Claiborne Progress
Wednesday, April 24, 2019 3
Claiborne County’s Century Farms Staff Report
The Tennessee Century Farms Program was created in 1975 by the Tennessee Department of Agriculture as part of our nation’s bicentennial celebration. In 1985, the Center for Historic Preservation at Middle Tennessee State University assumed the responsibility for the program. The program was originally designed and continues to be a recognition and documentary effort. The Tennessee Century Farms Program has a farm in all of Tennessee’s 95 counties. There are 33 Century Farms in Claiborne County alone. The primary focus of the program is to continue honoring and recognizing the dedication and contributions of families who have owned and farmed the same land for at least 100 years. Since its inception, the statewide and ongoing program has more than 1800 certified farms. That number includes Pioneer Century Farms (farms founded in or
prior to the year 1796, the year Tennessee became a state), farms on the National Register, farms that are a part of the Land Trust for Tennessee, farms with African American founders, and farms founded by women. Secondly, it is a documentary program that collects and interprets the agrarian history and culture of the state. The collection has supported the 1985 book, Tennessee Agriculture: A Century Farms Perspective; a traveling exhibit that toured the state from 1988-89; articles in journals and magazines; county displays; local museum exhibits; brochures and booklets; and web sites. Families choose whether or not to submit an application and be a part of the program. The Century Farms Program places no restrictions on the farm and offers no legal protection. For more information about Tennessee’s Century Farms, visit www.tncenturyfarms. org.
CENTURY FARMS FOUND IN CLAIBORNE COUNTY: A.B. Rowe Farm 1870 Beason Acres 1855 Bill Russell Farm 1898 Brooks Farm 1829 Buis Ridge Farm 1897 Campbell Farm 1876 Cardwell Farm 1884 Chumley River Farm 1873 Dogwood Farm 1883 Echo Acres Farm 1865 England Farm 1872
Fortner Farm 1873 Fugate Farm 1845 J.C. Pearson Farm 1825 J.D. Campbell Farm 1821 Joe Lewis Dairy Farm 1851 John N. Fugate Farm 1799 Kenneth Simmons Farm 1852 Landgrant Farm 1830 McNeil Farm 1831 N. Don Pearson Farm 1825 Neely Brothers Farm 1853
Neely Farm 1875 Nelson Campbell Farm 1907 Overton Hereford Farm 1856 Rogers Brothers Farms 1844 Rowe Farm 1870 Roy Edwards Farm 1879 Simmons Farm 1859 Steve Rogers Dairy 1844 Three Brothers Ranch 1871 W.M. Edwards Farm 1879 Wallen Farm 1870
4 Wednesday, April 24, 2019
SALUTE TO AGRICULTURE
Claiborne Progress
Reasons for controlled breeding and calving By Tom Rison Extension Agent
Of all the management practices that are discussed to improve the economic success of cow/calf production, having a defined calving season is the most important. In fact, it is better to think of it as a gateway or tool that must be implemented to allow other management practices to be used. Most of the other practices cannot be easily done if calves are not similar in age and cows are not at the same place in their production cycle. Let’s look at a few examples of that and then consider the improved marketing potential of a uniform calf crop. One good example of a management practice that is difficult to apply correctly for year-round calving herds is a good vaccination protocol. Imagine having 7-month-old calves in the same pasture with 3-month-old calves and
newborn calves. These calves are not all ready to be given the same vaccinations at any one point in time. Gathering just a few calves at a time when they reach the appropriate age for a given vaccination is inefficient and is rarely maintained diligently. So, health of the cows and calves suffer in year-round calving herds. Similarly, consider nutritional management. Providing the right nutrition (not too much and not too little) to a dry cow that is in the same pasture with a cow nursing a 2-month-old calf is impossible. Either the dry cow is getting more nutrition than it needs - stocking rate could be increased, could be on lower quality hay/pasture – or the cow in peak lactation is getting less nutrition than she needs and will lose body condition. To say it another way, supplementing lactating cows in the same pasture with dry cows (that do not need extra
nutrition) wastes feed/money. Improving calf crop uniformity (ages, size, weight, color and breed type) can also provide more marketing opportunities. Many years of market data from across the country shows that marketing groups of uniform calves together, as opposed to one-at-a-time, results in a higher average price per pound. Buyers are able to pay more for uniform groups (even as small as five head) because it reduces the time and labor they spend on assembling truck-load lots. Essentially, they are paying the seller for making their job more efficient. With that evidence, it seems logical that most cattle producers would have a defined calving season. But that is often not the case. The most likely reason is that small herds are not often the primary source of income for a producer – leading to less incentive to improve revenue. The two most common arguments against having a controlled breeding and calving season are: “I don’t have anywhere to put the bull when he’s not with the cows” and “I like having a calf ready to sell whenever I need it throughout the year.” It is true that the bull needs to be out of the pasture for a period of time. But, it does not have to be the entire balance of the time outside of the breeding season. The bull should be separate from the cows when they are calving and until the breeding season starts again. But, the bull can remain in the pasture after you plan to end your calving season.
For example, if it remains in the pasture longer than your planned 90-day breeding season, ask the veterinarian to tell you which pregnant cows will not calve in your calving season and market them as bred replacements that might fit into someone else’s calving season. This flexibility could make it easier to make use of bull leasing programs or buying bulls together with another producer that uses a different breeding season. To the point about a continuous stream of revenue for year-round calving by having staggered availability of weaning aged calves; recall the discussion about limited management options for health and nutrition. Having a calf available to sell at any given time seems less important than increasing the overall profitability and ease of management. Also consider the opportunity to concentrate the time spent on calving management. If all the cows are calving within a defined period of time, it is easier to watch them diligently, assist when needed and reduce death loss (both calves and cows/heifers). In other words, labor can be scheduled for the calving season whereas year-round calving leads to missing more calving difficulties. That results in thousands of dollars lost if a cow and calf die calving while the producer is out of town or not expecting calves to arrive at random times. If this discussion has led you to consider a controlled breeding/calving season, stop by the UT/TSU Extension
Claiborne Progress
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Wednesday, April 24, 2019 5
Farmers adapting to consumer meat demands Special to the Progress
NASHVILLE — With the growing popularity of protein-packed diets, farmers across Tennessee say the demand for meat is on the rise, and that trend is expected to continue. Animals and animal products accounted for nearly 40 percent of Tennessee agricultural sales in 2017, generating $1.4 billion. “We have seen a change in what people want on their table,” Elaine Dustin of Belfair Farm in Wayne County said. “Several consumers are following the Keto diet, which includes meats that are trimmed with a small amount of fat and meat that is well marbled — making grain-finished meats a consumer favorite.” “Many families in our community have told us that it means a lot to them to know where their meat comes from and how the animal was cared for during its lifetime,” Micayla Giffin of Giffin Farms in Obion County said. Farmers are noticing that beef in particular is seeing an increase in demand. “As people become more and more aware of the health benefits of beef, we are constantly asked about providing new and nutritious
Agriculture From page 2 for meat), cotton, hay, tobacco, wheat, fresh tomatoes, meat, goats and more. The production value for these crops and livestock totals more than $3.6 billion. Along with crops and commodities, the state’s agribusiness sector is booming, with brands such as Jack Daniel’s, Bush’s Beans and MoonPie calling Tennessee home. Agriculture also encompasses education, agritourism, technology and research, conservation practices and much, much more. PICK LOCAL
cuts,” said Matt Niswander, nurse practitioner and owner of Niswander farms in Lawrence County. “A three-ounce serving of beef— about the size of an iPhone—provides more than ten essential nutrients, including protein, iron, zinc, and vitamins B12 and B6,” Valerie Bass, Executive Director of the Tennessee Beef Industry Council, said. “One serving of beef contains about half of your daily value for protein in an average of 170 calories.” If you have never used locally-grown food in your kitchen, don’t worry. “It’s almost impossible to make bad food from excellent ingredients,” Tracy Smith of Three Forks Cattle Company in Fentress County said. So, if you are interested in bringing fresh local flavor to your table this spring, now is the time to act. Go to www.PickTNProducts.org or use the free Pick Tennessee mobile app to find a local meat producer or farmers market near you. Follow “PickTNProducts” on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to learn more about current seasonal recipes, products, and activities.
ucts is as easy as looking at the label. Thanks to the Pick Tennessee Products program, local products are proudly marked on grocery store shelves. The program, which is part of the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, is a free service that helps farmers and producers connect to consumers. The program currently has about 2,500 members selling almost 10,000 products, with everything from Christmas trees to honey to fresh produce. Pick Tennessee Products also helps with marketing strategies, providing producers with the Pick Tennessee logo, marketing materials and access to trade shows. Learn more at picktnproducts.org.
6 Wednesday, April 24, 2019
SALUTE TO AGRICULTURE
Claiborne Progress
Gardening: Weed control with mulch By Tom Rison Extension Agent
Definitions of the term “weed� vary, but in this discussion a weed is a plant competing with the intended garden crop for water, nutrients and sunlight. Weeds can also host insects and diseases that can reduce crop yields and quality. Weeds may have advantages over crops in adaptation, root structure, seed characteristics, or flexibility in adjusting to growing conditions. Since weeds often have competitive advantages, steps must be taken to maintain crop productivity. In the home garden, weeds are often more consistently problematic than insects or diseases, which may occur only at certain times or under certain conditions. Weed management may well be the most important factor in producing success or frustration in the home garden. It is important to know whether weeds in a garden are annuals or perennials. Annual weeds germinate, grow, mature, produce seeds and die in the same growing season. Perennial weeds live for three years or longer and reproduce by seed or vegetatively through other plant structures, such as rhizomes, tubers, and bulbs. It is these storage organs that make perennial weeds particularly challenging in home gardens. The most effective method of garden weed control is prevention. Most
of the cultural methods discussed below are intended to reduce weed prevalence over time by reducing their seed germination and/or vege-
tative reproduction. A mulch is essentially any material that covers the surface of the soil. Mulching has several benefits including reducing weed pressure, retaining moisture, moderating temperatures, and improving soil structure. Mulches can be divided into two broad categories of organic and inorganic. Organic mulch refers to materials that are or were living and will not refer to certified organic as described by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Organics Program. Organic mulches include hay, straw, bark, wood chips, compost, and leaves, as well as newspapers and cardboard. All of these materials help prevent weeds from emerging and competing with crop plants. Organic mulches are
most effective in preventing annual weeds because perennial weeds often can grow through organic mulches. Organic mulches also add to the organic matter content of the soil as they decay. This decomposition reduces waste and removal time at the end of the season. An additional advantage is that they are porous to water, so irrigation is not required as it is with many plastic mulches. Use caution when using bark or other woody mulch materials. Microbial processes that break down these high carbon mulches make use of soil nutrients [especially nitrogen (N)] and can compete with crops for these nutrients. If left on the soil surface, breakdown will occur slowly
See MULCH | 7
Claiborne Progress
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Wednesday, April 24, 2019 7
The intangible importance of farm land Everyone knows that farmers provide the food and fiber we need to get on with our lives conveniently. But there are unrecognized benefits that farmers provide that are taken for granted. Besides owning fields to grow Steve Roark stuff on, farmers also Tri-State Outside own much of our forest land. Privately owned woodland is important to our society and economy and is where the wood industry gets most of its fiber to make all of the many wood products we use. But farm forests also provide society with intangible benefits as well. One benefit is pleasing scenery: There’s no denying that people enjoy driving down the road and looking at the scenery, and our rolling hills and mountains are covered with trees that are pleasing to see and change their appearance all four seasons of the year. Farmers own much of that scenery. Observing wildlife is also an enjoyable event. Most of the time you’ll find
Mulch From page 6 and pose less risk of disrupting plant uptake of soil nutrients. There are a range of inorganic mulches, such as black polyethylene plastic, available for use by the home gardener. Black plastic mulch warms soil in the spring and suppresses most weeds if it remains intact. Clear plastic is not as useful because it allows light to pass through and can actually, under some conditions, encourage weed growth. White plastic generally prevents weed growth because it reflects light.
wildlife in or near woodland, which provides food and protective cover. Deer, turkey, grouse, rabbit, squirrel, raccoon, owls, hawks, bees, songbirds, skunk, turtles, worms, daddy longlegs, all use and need privately owned forests. Clean water needs no explanation of importance. Trees provide several protective layers over steep land that would erode away if not protected. The canopy of leaves slows raindrop speed, and a layer of fluffy leaves and decayed matter on the forest floor further protect the soil from rain drop impact and absorbs and stores the water for gradual release to the streams. Beneath the forest floor is an immense layer of roots that bind and hold the soil. Farm forests provide filtered water. I could go on but you get the picture. Farm owners bear the responsibly of being caretakers of their piece of the planet whether it forest, cultivated field, or pasture. Keeping farmland sustainable will keep us all fed, clothed, a wooden roof over our heads, clean water to drink, and pleasing scenery be it plant or animal. So to all you farmers out there‌.thank you.
be beneficial under warm summer conditions in keeping the soil cooler. There are also other colors of plastic specifically designed to reflect or transmit certain wavelengths of light. Drip irrigation is required with all of these nonporous plastic mulches. Landscape cloth, which is often woven plastic, is permeable to rain. It also can be used sometimes for more than one crop rather than being thrown away seasonally, as is the case for most. If you have any questions about this article give me a call at 423-6263742. Stay tuned for the next installment of Garden News where we discuss more weed control options.
8 Wednesday, April 24, 2019
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Claiborne Progress
Farm soil: Don’t eat without it
By Steve Roark Contributing Writer
We owe a lot to farmers, who grow the food and fiber we use multiple times every day of the year. We also need to applaud them as the caretakers of what, on a global scale is a finite and precious resource: the soil that is used to produce what we need to quite frankly stay alive. Here is a brain activity that demonstrates the importance of something taken totally for granted, tillable dirt. Hold up an apple and think of it as the earth. Take a knife and cut the earth into quarters. Set aside three of the quarters, which represent the oceans, which leaves the remaining quarter as the total land area of the earth.
Slice this land quarter in half and set aside one of them. This represents land that is inhospitable to people: polar regions, deserts, swamps, and high rocky, mountainous areas. The remaining 1/8 of the earth is the land area where people can live. Cut the remaining 1/8 piece of the earth into four equal pieces and set aside three of them. These represent land that can’t grow food because it is too rocky, too wet or dry, too cold or hot, too steep, or just has poor soil. It also includes land that could grow food but is covered with cities, roads, shopping centers, etc. That leaves you with a little 1/32nd piece of the Earth apple. Carefully peel this piece. This tiny peel represents the
surface, the very thin skin of soil on which mankind depends. It is less than 5 feet deep and is greatly underappreciated by almost everyone but those farmer caretakers. Advanced agricultural technology has enabled the world to feed most of its people. But with a fixed land resource base and an ever-growing population, each person’s portion of soil is growing
smaller and ever more important. The moral of the story: don’t take dirt for granted, or the farmers who are stewards of it. And farmers, please continue do all you can to take care of your dirt through proper conservation farming practices. Technical help is available from your County Extension Agent or Natural Resources Conservation Service office.