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In Honor of Excellence
Small Farm Academy Director Stribling, III takes home huge honor from Farm Credit Mid-America | By Charlie Morrison
In late 2023, word arrived on to the Tennessee State University College of Agriculture (TSUAg) campus that one of its longest-serving staff members had been named the recipient of a national award for his contributions to the community of the Tennessee small farmer. The campus rejoiced.
That staffer was TSUAg’s Finis Stribling, III, in December named the 2023 recipient of Farm Credit Mid-America’s inaugural Community Excellence Award, an honor created to recognize “a community leader, agricultural professional or volunteer who belongs to a community-based agricultural organization and is creating pathways for the next generation of agriculture.”
Stribling, III is a nearly 30-year employee of the TSU Extension program, serves the College as the Director of both the Tennessee New Farmer Academy program and its sister event, the TSU Small Farm Expo. Throughout his career, Stribling has addressed the challenges that small farmers face while ensuring they have the necessary resources to be successful.
Finis has built an impressive career meeting the needs of new and beginning farmers across Tennessee, and he is incredibly deserving of this award.
- Marcus Tyler, Farm Credit Mid-America
“Small farms play a vital role in our communities, state and country, and if you didn’t grow up in the agricultural industry, that’s OK,” said Stribling. “If you are a military veteran, interested in leaving the private sector, or even looking for something post-retirement, we want to provide the hands-on experience needed to build solid, viable and successful agricultural businesses for farmers from all walks of life.”
Stribling established the Tennessee New Farmer Academy, a seven-month certification program for new and beginning farmers across the state, in 2014. The program helps individuals who are new to farming or looking to transition into farming from another field learn how to establish and maintain an efficient, productive agricultural business through both classroom instruction and hands-on sessions. Participants learn about a variety of agricultural topics, from soil health and irrigation strategies to livestock production best practices.
Stribling also chairs the Tennessee Small Farm Expo. This annual event brings farmers, educators and state and local leaders together to discuss the needs of small farmers and emerging research.
“We value the work of community leaders and farmers who are forging pathways to help others in their communities find success in the field of agriculture,” said Marcus Tyler, emerging ag business development manager for Farm Credit MidAmerica. “Finis has built an impressive career meeting the needs of new and beginning farmers across Tennessee, and he is incredibly deserving of this award.”
The Community Excellence Award is made possible through Growing Forward®, Farm Credit Mid-America’s program for young, beginning and small farmers. This multi-year program provides eligible customers with continuing education opportunities that focus on financial management and help them position their operations for growth and long-term success.
Winners of the Community Excellence Award receive $2,500 and the opportunity to be recognized at one of the cooperative’s Know to Grow® conferences. Stribling was recognized at Know to Grow® in Indianapolis held January 30-31.
Stribling has another big summer and semester in front of him now. At time of printing, the New Farmer Academy is in full swing, with the Small Farm Expo to take place in September.
