The Land-Grant Ledger
Tennessee State University College of Agriculture
Dean’s Message:
Dear friends and supporters,
Greetings from the Tennessee State University College of Agriculture (TSUAg)! Summer is rolling along here on campus at TSUAg and the upcoming, fall semester is at this point, right around the corner. Incoming freshman began their initial TSU orientations this week, and the feeling of student life is once again returning to our hallways, classroom, and common areas.
It’s been an important month for recruitment and retention here at the College, as throughout July we welcomed our 2024 class of participants in the Summer Apprenticeship Program. A total of 28 summer apprentices from seven states joined us on campus throughout the month of July, and their energy, enthusiasm, and big smiles have lit up campus over the past few weeks. These rising high school juniors, seniors and college freshmen that came to campus in July are young people we hope have already joined us for the fall semester or will join us in the coming years upon graduation from their respective high schools. Either way, it has been a pleasure to have them on campus.
A big congratulations goes out to TSUAg botanist and professor of organic agriculture Dr. Dilip Nandwani, who was named last month as a member of the 2024 class of American Society for Horticultural Science (ASHS) ‘Fellows.’ Dr. Nandwani joins the exclusive membership of ASHS Fellows and becomes perhaps the first research professor from the HBCU and 1890 Land-Grant University system to be named to the group. Congratulations Dr. Nandwani, this honor is well-deserved.
As always, we are proud to report some of the incredible moments our dedicated TSUAg Extension Agent community is having across 60 counties in Tennessee. This month brings special attention to the recently-held Tennessee 4-H Round Up and All-Star Conference, held in July at the University of Tennessee at Martin campus. We are very proud of all of our 4-H youth participants, and we’re glad to see that you all had such a wonderful time.
Enjoy this issue of the Land-Grant Ledger! We’ll see you next month!
Sincerely,
Dean Chandra Reddy
Inside this Issue:
Dean’s Message
USDA NIFA Grant
Montgomery County Extension Update
Davidson County Extension Update
Cannon County Extension Update
Hamilton County Extension Update
Warren County Extension Update
Shelby County Extension Update
Welcoming Sensory Scientist Dr. Sharma
TSUAg hosts Climate-Smart Commodities Meeting
Dr. Nandwani is Named ASHS Fellow
Field Day Event
2024 Summer Apprenticeship Program
TSUAg 2024 Summer Apprenticeship Program (page 7)
Kilonzo-Nthenge to Study Underserved Poultry Farms with USDA NIFA Grant
The USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) has announced that it has awarded TSUAg Dept. of Food and Animal Sciences research professor Dr. Agnes Kilonzo-Nthenge with one of five grants for her project titled “A MultiFaceted Approach to Mitigate Antibiotic Resistance in Historically Underserved Poultry Farms.” The project is part of NIFA’s investment of $2.6 million for five awards through the Mitigating Antimicrobial Resistance Across the Food Chain program area priority within NIFA’s Agriculture and Food Research Initiative. This funded initiative aims to establish an educational and training program focusing on antimicrobial stewardship, specifically tail ored to empower historically underserved poultry producers. The initiative further seeks to enhance the capabilities of Extension educators and poultry producers in managing poultry diseases and addressing antimicrobial resistance through targeted workshops. Well-trained Extension personnel will serve as effective intermediaries for transferring knowledge to producers, enabling them to engage more effectively with their clientele.
“By simplifying complex topics related to poultry health and an timicrobial resistance, the program aims to empower historically underserved poultry producers with valuable insights and practical information,” says Dr. KilonzoNthenge. Congratulation Dr. Kilonzo-Nthenge!
Extension
Montgomery County 4-H Youth Named Vol State Recipient
Montgomery County Extension 4-H member Macy Sheppard this month was awarded the highest honor a 4-H participant can receive, when on July 19, at the 101st annual Tennessee 4-H Round Up and All-Star Conference, she was named a Vol State recipient. In being inducted into Vol State, Macy becomes the first 4-H member from Montgomery County to win the award in nearly two decades. Vol State commendations serve to recognize 4-H members on a statewide basis for their project achievement, service and leadership to the program. The process of becoming a Vol State member takes years. The first step is becoming an eligible member of the Honor Club starting in 6th grade, then becoming an All-Star in high school, and finally, Vol State. This year’s 101st Tennessee 4-H Round Up and All-Star Conference was held on the campus of the University of Tennessee at Martin from July 15-19. Congratulations Macy!
4-H youth Macy Sheppard, earlier this month, was named the first 4-H participant in nearly 20 years from Montgomery County to be named a “Vol State” recipient.
Dr. Agnes Kilonzo-Nthenge recently received a grant from the USDA NIFA to pursue research on historically underserved poultry farms.
Davidson County 4-Hers Hold Officer Retreat at NPL
On July 2, the UT/TSU Davidson County Extension Office held its 2024 4-H Officer Retreat at the Nashville Public Library in downtown Nashville. The group’s newly-elected Honor Club Officers Olivia, Elizabeth, Jada, and CJ received training to be strong leaders for their 4-H Honor Club. Led by their 4-H county leaders like 4-H Extension Agent Hannah Decker, they developed goals for the upcoming year, practiced their parliamentary procedure, and learned how to work as a team to run efficient meetings. After our training, the group took a trip to the Nashville Davidson County Metro Council meeting at the Historic Metro Courthouse where the 4-H officers were able to witness their local leaders use the same tools they learned to run an official government meeting.
Cannon County Extension Holds Dairy Day Camp
In honor of June being named National Dairy Month, on Tuesday, June 25th the UT/TSU Cannon County Extension Office held Dairy Day Camp. Sixteen Cannon County 4-H youth participated along with three former 4-H adult volunteers, who helped see the event through. The day was focused on all things dairy, as campers started their day with fun dairy facts and made homemade butter that they then enjoyed on crispy crackers. The group then headed out to our local arena for some “Ag Olympics,” featuring relay games where they carried buckets of water, mimicking how much dairy cows drink daily. We then had a sponge relay, showing how much milk a cow would produce daily. Next was a stick horse race complete with galloping and jumps. The day ended with a fun wheelbarrow race and a hay bale stacking contest. The campers got to meet Evanescence, a retired Ayrshire cow, make their own grilled cheese sandwiches for lunch, and even try their hands at making homemade ice cream. After lunch, the group headed back to the arena where the kids were given the opportunity to hand-milk a goat! It was a great experience for all involved and everyone had a fantastic time.
The Davidson County 4-H 2024-2025 Honor Club Officers recently participated in an officer retreat at the Historic Davidson County Metro Courthouse.
Sixteen Cannon County 4-H youth participated in the County Extension Office’s Dairy Day Camp on June 25, making butter, playing games, even hand-milking a goat. They pose here with Evanescence, a retired Ayrshire Cow.
UT/TSU Hamilton County Hosts Two Summer Camps
The UT/TSU Hamilton County Extension Office successfully wrapped up a pair of summer camps over the past month, and both were a big hit with the community. First, the Extension office held Hamilton County’s junior camp week at Camp Clyde Austin in Greeneville. Campers attending the week-long camp had tons of activities to choose from, including Gaga ball, axe throwing, the rifle and archery ranges, wildlife (including snakes), Healt h Rocks! activities, driving go-karts, learning how to code robotics and drones, a carnival (including cotton candy) and, of course, lots of swimming. The 4-H Day Camp 2024 was also held recently. The two-day camp was tons of fun as campers shot archery (some for the first time), sewed pillows, learned Tai Chi, tried out yummy fruit smoothies and fruit water, learned about the importance of hydration and how to stay safe around household poisons, played 4-square, tie-dyed shirts, learned about plants and made plant people, tried out driving robots, and created plenty of a rt. A big thank-you to camp teen leaders Aaron, Heidi, Edith, Hayden, Kaden, and Beau and to awesome intern Jessie for all of their help with day camp!
Warren County Has Big Time at 101st 4-H Roundup
It was a big week for the 4-H youth of Warren County as they participated heavily in the 101st annual Tennessee 4-H Round Up and All-Star Conference that was, this year, held on the campus of the University of Tennessee at Martin from July 15-19. The Warren County 4-H members who participated were extremely active, taking part in competitions, playing games, participating in a career fair, and even performing songs in front of more than 300 attendees. Highlights included EmiLee Lassiter winning her Level II competition and earning, for her efforts, scholarship money, a silver bowl, and a trip to the 4-H National Congress. Theo Burks accepted the Don Bowman Service Award for his service project with NHC McMinnville, while Kaytlen Nunley and Takota Moore were placed as ‘24-‘25 State Senior Representatives for the Central Region. In addition, Kaytlen was selected to interview for FCS Leadership this week, and Will Mayes, EmiLee Lassiter, and Kaytlen Nunley received the highest level of honor in Tennessee 4-H, the Vol State Recognition. Congratulations!
The UT/TSU Hamilton County Extension Office successfully wrapped up a pair of summer camps over the past month, and both were a big hit with the community.
4-H members from Warren County had a great time and a strong performance at the Tennessee 4-H Round Up and All-Star Conference at the University of Tennessee at Martin from July 15-19.
Richmond Wraps Month of Cooking and Nutrition in Shelby County
TSU Extension SNAP-Ed educator Jasmen Richmond had a big month of cooking and nutrition in Shelby County, graduating a number of food and nutrition groups who’d wrapped up their courses. Richmond celebrated the completion of the Families Eating Smart and Moving More series with the Serenity Men’s Recovery Group, the Wesley Millington Assisted Living center, the Wesley Stage Park Assisted Living center, and the McWherter Senior Center. “Seeing the joy and achievement in their faces after completing a series about nutrition was truly heartwarming,” said Richmond of her graduations. Graduations aside, it was a busy month of cooking demonstrations and classes in Shelby County as well. Richmond held a pair of cooking demonstrations in June, the first for the Tennessee Community Mediation Center, where she demonstrated healthy cooking on a budget, and the second a demonstration for non-profit Life Academy, where students learn about financial literacy and other essential life skills. Richmond concluded the month with a five-day youth cooking class at the Raleigh Library. She describes the series as “an incredible experience,” before thanking a trio of interns for t heir contributions. “The dedication and support of our wonderfu l interns, Ariel (TSU Intern), Allyson (UT Intern), Andrew (UT Intern), and the fantastic staff from the Raleigh Library really helped the classes to be a success,” she said. “The kids thorou ghly enjoyed their time learning and cooking together!”
Academics
Sensory Scientist Sharma Joins TSUAg Faculty
TSUAg is thrilled to announce the arrival of sensory scientist Dr. Chetan Sharma to the faculty body! Dr. Sharma, a research assistant professor in the newly-established Department of Food and Animal Sciences, arrives to us from the University of Wisconsin-Stout, where he served as a visiting professor since 2023. Dr. Sharma is a seasoned sensory scientist with a primary focus on sensory science and consumer behavior research. His work is pivotal in understanding evolving tastes and adapting to changing consumer needs, benefiting both food processors and producers. Dr. Sharma’s research spans methodological investigations, human perception of food and personal care products, and consumer behavior analysis. His lab welcomes students from diverse backgrounds including language studies, sociology, psychology, statistics, data science, food science, biochemistry, and biology. Dr. Sharma’s research directly influences food taste enhancement. He received his Ph.D. in Human Nutrition – Sensory Analysis & Consumer Behavior from Kansas State University. Read more on his TSU resume page! Welcome, Dr. Sharma!
UT/TSU SNAP-Ed Extension Agent Jasmen Richmond wrapped up a month of cooking classes recently, graduating a few groups from nutrition programs. Richmond is seen here after her cooking demonstration at the Tennessee Community Mediation Center.
Sensory scientist Dr. Chetan Sharma recently joined the TSUAg faculty body.
TSUAg Hosts Climate-Smart Commodities Partnerships Network Meeting
TSUAg, earlier this summer, played host to dozens of USDA officials and university scientists for the Climate-Smart Commodities Partnerships Network Pool 2 Meeting. The two-day meeting was held at the Farrell-Westbrook Agricultural Complex and featured findings reports, presentations, group meet ings, breakout sessions, and speed networking. A number of distinguished climate-smart commodity-focused scientists were o n hand for the gathering, including USDA Office of Energy and Environmental Policy’s Kate Zook, Adam Chambers from the USDA National Research Conservation Service, the USDA’s Acting Senior Advisor for Climate-Smart Commodities, Katina Hanson, and many more. The network of federal scientists and folks from the university community will be gathering again in the coming months as part of the USDA’s commitment to developing climate-smart commodities for the future.
TSUAg’s Nandwani Joins Select Company in Being Named ASHS ‘Fellow’
The American Society for Horticultural Science (ASHS) recently named Tennessee State University College of Agriculture (TSUAg) botanist and professor of organic agriculture Dr. Dilip Nandwani as a 2024 ASHS ‘Fellow.’ In being named as part of the 2024 class of ASHS Fellows, not only does Dr. Nandwani join some select company, but he becomes the first scientist from a Historically Black College and University or 1890 land-grant university to receive the prestigious honor. Dr. Nandwani is one of eight scientists to be named ASHS Fellows as part of the 2024 class, the 61st-annual class to receive this distinction in recognition of outstanding contributions to the science, profession, and industry of horticulture. “I am honored to be recognized by the American Society for Horticultural Science as a Fellow,” says Dr. Nandwani of the honor. “This award is an acknowledgment of teamwork of 30 years in horticultural research, Extension, and teaching as well this emphasizes commitment to advancing our society by horticultural education and principles.”
TSUAg hosted dozens of climate scientists from the public and private sectors earlier this summer for a Climate-Smart Commodities Partnerships Network Meeting, a two-day affair hosted at the Farrell-Westbrook complex on campus.
The American Society for Horticultural Science (ASHS) recently named Tennessee State University College of Agriculture (TSUAg) botanist and professor of organic agriculture Dr. Dilip Nandwani as a 2024 ASHS ‘Fellow.’
Floyd NRC Hosts Successful Field
Day Event
The TSU Otis L. Floyd Nursery Research Center, last month, held a successful “Field Day @ NRC” event in conjunction with the Tennesse Nursery & Landscape Association. The event, held at the NRC’s McMinnville, TN facility, was spearheaded by NRC Director Dr. Karla Addesso and the faculty and staff of the facility. Field Day @ NRC featured some amazing speakers, exhibitors, and sponsors. Exhibitors and sponsors who took place in the event were BioSafe Systems, Botanico, Inc., BWI of Memphis, Champion Chevrolet, Gowan USA, H&R Agri-Power, Harrell’s, NYP Corp., Pack Mfg., the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, TriGreen Equipment, Home Nursery, Inc., and the Woodbury Insurance Agency. A number of scientists and industry experts presented at the event including TSUAg’s Drs. Jason Oliver and Fulya Baysal-Gurel, Patrick Anderson, Cindy Bilbrey, and Dr. Jake Shreckhise. Thank you to our sponsors, presenters, and exhibitors for showcasing some of the best products and services in the industry!
TSUAg Summer Apprenticeship Program in Full Swing
TSUAg’s annual Summer Apprenticeship Program is back in full swing this month with 28 rising high school seniors and TSUAg freshmen from a total of seven states taking part in the event, held throughout the month of July here on campus at the TSU Agricultural Education Complex. Participants spend a full month on campus, living in the dorms, eating in the cafeteria, and perhaps most importantly, taking part in the same academic and research environments as our undergraduate and graduate students. The teens spend time together eating, participating in educational activities, and going on field trips as part of t he camp, which is led by volunteers from the TSUAg faculty and staff. Last Friday, the students got the chance to take a trip up to Mammoth Cave National Park for a day of adventure sightseeing. The program wraps up this week with research presentations. Congratulations to our 2024 summer apprentices!
In June, the TSU Otis L. Floyd Nursery Research Center held a successful “Field Day @ NRC” event in conjunction with the Tennesse Nursery & Landscape Association.
Twenty-eight rising seniors and rising college freshmen took part in the 2024 TSUAg Summer Apprenticeship Program, held on campus for four weeks in July each year.
Editor/Writer: Charles Morrison
Graphic Designer: Christina Jacob
Phone/Fax: 615-963-7561
Website: www.tnstate.edu/ agriculture
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