AgLINK by Tennessee State University College of Agriculture

AgLINK Linking the College to its Alumni and Friends Tennessee State University College of Agriculture Magazine • www.tnstate.edu/agriculture • Spring 2018

Welcome to the farm!

Cooperative Extension celebrates the 13th Annual Small Farm Expo ALSO IN THIS ISSUE: • College of Ag opens new labs • Fashionista designs her future • Bent on saving hellbenders

College of Agriculture

Remembering Mozell Byars, Jr. Nov. 5, 1948 to October 18, 2017

Message from the Dean

ear Alumni and Friends,

We are soon ending another successful academic year and I am proud of our graduates and thank faculty and staff for their outstanding mentorship of students. Faculty engagement with students through their research programs and leadership development activities through College’s Workforce Development Office are tremendously contributing to students’ success along with outstanding classroom teaching. All these strategies are contributing to high quality graduates who are/would be making a difference in the larger society. These graduates are going to places we don’t normally think Ag graduates would go; for example, working for rail companies to deal with transportation issues of agricultural commodities.

Dr. Chandra Reddy, Dean College of Agriculture,

While students are here at TSU, we successfully place them in internships with prestigious companies, like Monsanto, or at top universities, like Cornell, or within local and federal governments. These efforts are paving the way for great job opportunities after graduation or admission to top tier graduate schools like Texas A&M University. Our students are also winning local and national awards and taking up leadership roles within TSU’s student government. Recently, 11 of our students got selected to the highly competitive student leaders’ program of Agriculture Future of America. We have provided considerable details in this issue of the magazine about our extension/outreach program and the personnel involved. We have recently expanded our extension program from 12 to 50 counties and have established great rapport with county governments and the University of Tennessee, the 1862 land-grant institution of the state. This expansion is allowing us to connect directly with more stakeholders, which in turn allows faculty to better understand our local needs and issues. We also embarked on a new initiative a few years ago to introduce people to farming by establishing a New Farmer Academy, which is growing like gangbusters. We have recently expanded this Nashville program to eastern and western locations thus offering three centers of training to potential farmers. We are also encouraging our students to experience extension agents’ job responsibilities through our summer internship and agent-in-training programs. We continue to improve our infrastructure and strive to provide state-of-the art research and education facilities to our students and faculty. Recently, we added six new research labs bringing our total research labs to 35. All these labs are equipped with state-of-the art research equipment. Importantly, a unique training model has evolved in these laboratories as we foster research experiential learning for undergraduate students who work alongside Masters and Ph. D. students and, in some labs, with post-doctoral fellows and visiting scholars while being mentored by the Principal Scientist/faculty. These efforts are leading to great success not only in providing high quality education to students but in garnering research dollars; TSU Ag faculty have been very successful in winning competitive research grants. I welcome you to visit us, and if you need assistance, please call Ms. Keisha Macklin at (615) 963-6520.

Chandra Reddy, Ph.D. Dean and Director of Research/Administrator of Extension College of Agriculture

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Contents 1 2 3 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 17 18 20 22 26 30 32 34 36 51 52 53

Message from the Dean From the Editor College of Ag opens new labs Hellbender: Saving a prehistoric critter Short life, big lessons: Requiem for a baby goat Precious! TSU alumna spreads joy and gratitude A Partnership Blossoms: TSU College of Agriculture and Cheekwood Estate & Gardens Fashionista in Flux The Trek of the TSU tomato CheKenna Fletcher wins Diversity Scholarship Alumna’s work at the CDC helps fight diseases First commodity group breakfast added to Expo Small Farm Expo showcases TSU’s nationally recognized research And the winners are... Extension names the 2017 Small Farmer of the Year Total Eclipse of the Sun Farmer’s Plot: Community Gardening Congratulations graduates! Bloom where you are planted Welcome to the Farm : Meet Our Extension Experts! TSU’s Hemp Research Initiative Begins USDA awards Ag faculty more than $2M in grants MyPI of Tennessee underway

On the Cover

These two baby Dexter calves are part of an innovative research program established by Dr. Richard Browning, who is studying the production of this cattle for the mid-sized and small farmer. Photo by Joan Kite

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From the Editor

eaching out to the community is a vital mission at the College of Agriculture. Not only do we educate students, but also we want to share our knowledge with the public. We do that through Cooperative Extension. Our dedicated faculty and Joan Kite agents offer numerous workshops and Editor programs for Tennessee residents who want to learn about agriculture. Our program participants range from the small farmer to the the city resident who wants to learn about growing houseplants. Our experts in plant pathology help nursery growers diagnose diseases and research and determine ways to prevent plant illness. No place to garden at home? Extension opens up part of “the Farm” for its community garden. Anyone interested in renting a plot (for $40) to grow their own food can attend an upcoming meeting at 9 a.m. on April 21 in the Agricultural Industrial Technology Center at the Agricultural Complex. In this issue, we have included a directory of all our extension agents. If you’re a Tennessee resident, simply find your county and meet your agents. 333333

I met Mozell Byars during my first visit to the Agricultural Research and Education Center in Ashland City. Media Relations Director Lucas Johnson II and I were learning about the new Dexter Cattle program organized by Dr. Richard Browning, an expert in ruminant animal research. After 40 years of dedicated service to Tennessee State University, Mr. Byars passed away in October. The loss is enormous. Mr. Byars served as Dr. Browning’s right arm. Many tears have been shed by professors, research assistants, graduate and undergraduate assistants. He was loved by all. “He was an incredible person,” wrote Research Assistant Emily Grace Hayes. “I am so lucky to have been able to work with him for the past three years. He made an impact on everyone he met. There was never a day that I didn’t seem him smile. I miss him so much.” It’s been a tough two seasons (summer and fall) at the farm. On page 6, you’ll read about baby Buddy, an orphaned goat adopted by the students who succumbed to health problems related to worms. In October, a dog strayed on to the farm and attacked and killed several goats. So much loss. So many lessons. We will miss you, Mr. Byars. Contributors include: Suraj Adhikari, Dr. Matthew Blair, NaKesha Holloway Brown, Dr. Jason de Koff, Dr. Nick Gawel, Lucas Johnson II, Dr. William Sutton.

College of Agriculture opens 6 new labs By Joan Kite TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT Glenda Glover and Joni McReynolds, president of the TSU National Alumni Association, helped Dean Chandra Reddy cut the blue ribbon Tuesday officially opening six brand new laboratories last Tuesday at the College of Agriculture. The ceremony, which was held on National Ag Day, included the re-opening of five newly remodeled labs, bringing the total number of state-of-the art laboratories at the College to 35. “In these labs, graduate and undergraduate students along with post-doctoral fellows, visiting scholars, and our principal

scientists conduct research in national challenge areas such as food security and safety, environmental sustainability, human health and nutrition, and renewable energy,” said Dr. Reddy. “The knowledge generated from these labs is shared with the stakeholders and the public to improve agricultural productivity, human health, and community development.” Open now for active research are the new labs for Plant Nutrition, Wildlife Ecology, Water Resources, Urban Forestry, Entomology, Organic Agriculture and Modeling and Data Analysis. USDA Capacity Building Grants helped fund the creation of the new labs, which were carved from Dr. Reddy’s former office space in the Farrell-Westbrook building. Before the official tour of the labs, students Kristen Stigger, Taylor Ribeiro, and

Durga Khandekar, dressed in crisp, white lab coats, presented Dr. Glover with freshly cut flowers. During the tour, Dr. Glover and McReynolds talked with many of the students who are actively engaged in research projects. The students’ studies range from determining Tennessee’s salamander population through DNA sampling of local streams to research and discovering the best practices for using integrated pest management and biological control (using good bugs to fight bad bugs) to prevent plant and crop destruction. “I love the space,” said Nicole Witzel, research assistant in the Wildlife Ecology Lab. “I can move forward with my environmental DNA research much more quickly with access to state-of-the-art machines. The new lab is allowing us to conduct quality research efficiently, and I couldn’t be happier about it.” The labs are available for all TSU students and faculty to use.

Right: TSU President Glenda Glover (center), Ag Dean Chandra Reddy (right), and Joni McReynolds, president of the TSU National Alumni Association, cut the ribbon. Above: In the Molecular Genetics and Breeding Lab, Dr. Ali Taheri and his graduate students phenotype plant roots using this sophisticated lab equipment that the students helped build. From left: Research assistant Ekundayo Adeleke, Dr. Taheri, and research assistants Renneth Millas and Duga Khandekar. Not pictured is undergraduate student Wayman McNeal. (Photos by Joan Kite)

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Hell • bend • er noun

1. a large salamander (Cryptobranchus allaganiensis) of rivers and streams in eastern North America, having a flat, stout body with grayish skin and a flattened head 2. a “creature from hell where it’s bent on returning”

“They’re prehistoric. They’re like holding a small dinosaur.” Jeronimo Silva Wildlife Ecology Lab Research Assistant

An adult hellbender rests its head on a rock in the middle of a Tennessee stream. Hellbenders have declined rapidly over the past three decades throughout the geographic range. Photo by Dr. William Sutton

College of Agriculture, Nashville Zoo unite to save the hellbender By JOAN KITE IF THE HELLBENDER SALAMANDER could use anything (aside from hundreds of scientists to help it survive), it’s a public relations person. The amphibian isn’t the cutest thing in Tennessee waters and many mistakenly fear it must be dangerous or, at least, poisonous. The large salamander has gotten a bad rap. It’s quite harmless. It’s just ugly. So ugly, that early settlers described the critter as a “creature from hell where it’s bent on returning.” Hence, it’s name. It’s also called water dog, devil dog, Alleghany alligator, and because its skin is

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covered with slippery skin secretions —the snot otter. Despite the negative names, the hellbender is vital to the environment and salamander lovers think it’s quite cute. The hellbender serves as a harbinger of the health of the ecosystem. When the number of hellbenders starts to dwindle, these declines signify that something is awry with Mother Nature. The number of Eastern hellbenders in Tennessee and the surrounding states are dwindling and researchers in universities, zoos, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services are working hard to find out why. “They’ve been identified as a species in need of management,” said Dr. Bill Sutton,

wildlife expert and assistant professor in the College of Agriculture. Hellbenders have yet to be declared as a threatened species, but Dr. Brian Flock, biodiversity coordinator for the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, did recommend the hellbender be declared state endangered in Tennessee last February. “The populations in different streams are disappearing,” said Dr. Sutton’s research assistant Jeronimo Silva. “They are a species of special concern.” Last year, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service awarded a Competitive State Wildlife Grant to the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife agencies, along with researchers in Alabama,

Top: A young hellbender rocks side-to-side increasing its oxygen intake by swirling water around the skin flaps on his sides. The amphibian breathes through its skin allowing it to spend most of its time underwater. Bottom picture: Dale McGinnity, (right) ectotherm curator at the Nashville Zoo, works closely with Dr. Bill Sutton, assistant professor at the College of Agriculture, sharing information about captive hellbenders in the zoo’s breeding program and its dwindling wild populations in Tennessee streams. Photos by Joan Kite

Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. The grant will be used to research the hellbender, identify problems contributing to the salamanders’ decreasing numbers, and propose possible solutions to help increase the population. A portion of the grant has helped fund a cooperative agreement between the wildlife service, TSU’s College of Agriculture, and the Nashville Zoo. “We all work together,” Silva said. “We have an active communication program. The zoo is doing the captive breeding program, the state agencies facilitate the research and provide research permits to work in the streams, and the university along with the Nashville Zoo are HELLBENDER, Turn to page 33

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A research assistant, one graduate student , two undergraduate students, and one volunteer rallied to rescue and raise Buddy, a newborn goat abandoned by his mother. Buddy proved to be a great teacher.

Short life, big lessons By JOAN KITE

College requiem for a baby goat “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.” Mahatma Gandhi TAJA BEGLEY WAS NOT expecting to fall in love last spring and she certainly wasn’t expecting to become a mother. But fate stepped in her path and decided differently. The young woman, who was completing volunteer requirements for her degree from Nashville State Community College, had opted to work at TSU’s Agricultural Research and Education Center (known as The Farm). Begley was assisting research assistant Emily Grace Hayes and graduate student Lauren Stevens who were checking on a new batch of baby goats borne in March. “Lauren and Emily were checking babies that had mothers,” Begley said. “I was checking on the other pens. There he was laying on the ground. He was just screaming.”

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Begley had stumbled on a screaming newborn baby goat, freshly cleaned by his mother, who was nowhere to be found. Another newborn, possibly the goat’s sibling, had not made it out of the amniotic sac and had died. But this one was yelling loud and clear. Begley got Hayes and Stevens. They advised her that they would have to watch the young kid for 24 hours before they could do anything. The mother might come back. Buddy was one of several goats born on the College of Agriculture’s Farm that spring. The animals are part of a research herd that Professor Dr. Richard Browning studies for TSU’s Goat Meat Production Program. The program recently received $496,328.00 from the USDA to continue studying the animal as an alternative source of meat and a viable herd animal for the mid-sized and small farmer. A full day later, the mother had not returned and the three young women found themselves instant mommies to this baby REQUIEM, Turn to page 28

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Precious!

Precious TSU ALUMNA PRECIOUS ADESUWA began writing as a child and penned her first song when she was just 11 years old. Titled “Cruising,” this song sparked her passion for the craft and opened the door to her path of education through creativity. Today, the 2008 graduate from the Department of Human Sciences in the College of Agriculture (formerly the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences in the College of Agriculture) is a published children’s author, a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, and is continuing her calling to organically educate children through storytelling. Adesuwa grew up in a Nigerian household full of the rich history, strong culture and the native language of the African country. However, she noticed the lack of positive representation of the Benin culture throughout school history classes. The Benin Empire was located in what is now southern Nigeria prior to British rule in the 17th century. Most people are familiar with the Great Wall of China, though few to none have even heard of the Great Wall of Benin, which is approximately 4,400 miles longer. Through studying her own culture, Adesuwa easily recognizes the influences of Benin art, language, and architecture everywhere she goes — influences of which other people are completely unaware. Enter Nneka. Nneka, the main character of Precious’ children’s book, “Nneka says U ru ese ka ka bo, Thank you very much” is influenced by her own life. It draws from the Benin culture and her upbringing. Nneka begins every morning expressing her gratitude saying u ru ese ka ka bo or thank you very much to her parents for the life that she has been given. “Nneka sparks a curiosity and gives a positive image to Africa…Nneka is the embodiment of multicultural learning,” Adesuwa said. Since graduating from TSU, she has used to her education to work in a variety of different early learning centers, head starts, and her personally owned daycare center. These experiences of working with children are partly responsible for her creative inspiration. However, it was during her undergraduate work that she

TSU alumna spreads joy and gratitude through the art of storytelling By NaKESHA BROWN

Above: Precious Adesuwa reads her book to pre-school children at the Early Learning Center on campus. Below: When Adesuwa is finished reading she get a humongous group hug. Left: Precious Adesuwa holds her first children’s book that she wrote to celebrate her Nigerian heritage. Photos by Nakesha Hollowauy and the Early Learning Child Center

PRECIOUS, Turn to page 17

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Photo by NaKesha Brown

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A partnership blossoms New internship program places TSU College of Agriculture students at Cheekwood Estate & Gardens By JOAN KITE TULIPS HAD BEEN FRESHLY PLANTED in early spring on the Rose Terrace,, which overlooks the Bradford Robertson Color Garden at Cheekwood Estate & Gardens. The pimiento cheese and tuna salad sandwiches were placed on outdoor tables along with bowls brimming with freshly cut fruit. The honored guests had arrived including TSU President Glenda Glover, Vice President of Academic Affairs Mark Hardy, College of Agriculture Dean Chandra Reddy, Cheekwood CEO Jane MacLeod and Nashville former Mayor Megan Barry. They had gathered to celebrate the first graduates of a new internship program, a collaboration between Cheekwood and the College of Agriculture. Agriculture students Tariq Muhammad, Abigail Anderson, and Jill Mullican were the first three students to complete the paid internship program The students were there, wearing their official Cheekwood polo shirts and huge smiles, to be honored. They all agreed the experience of working 20 hours a week at the 55-acre botanical garden was wonderful. The students got to work in the museum and the gardens and learned from experts in horticulture. In addition to a modest salary, each of the students was granted one year of free admission to the park — one of

the perks of the internship. Mullican, a senior and a young mother with a toddler son, applied her GIS knowledge to various mapping projects in the gardens. Anderson worked in the education center helping to develop programming, contributing to the design of a children’s garden, and teaching young children about the mysteries of plant life. Muhammad, a junior who is studying plant and soil science, worked in the botanical gardens where he learned about design, planting, pruning, weeding, irrigation, and turf care. “It is just great to see Tennessee State University and Cheekwood, two great institutions in our city, form this partnership that can lead to long-term jobs or careers in horticulture,” Barry said at the event. For Anderson, who expects to graduate in two years with a degree in agriculture specializing in agricultural education, the potential for a long-term job at Cheekwood is already a strong possibility. During her internship, Anderson created fun learning activities that taught children about plant life. She also contributed to brainstorming sessions to design a children’s garden. When the internship ended, Anderson applied for a summer position as the assistant camp coordinator at Cheekwood.

A Partnership Blossoms She got the job. Botanic Garden, where he helped in “The people that work there, the Elizabeth Hubert Malott Japanese She has spent her summer overseeing morning care, Garden and contributed to setting they never complain. They’re up the exhibit Brazil in the Garden, registrations, and the different activity always happy. It’s good to be camps making sure everything is through October of 2017. around people who love to do running smoothly. Ultimately, Muhammad wants to get involved in urban gardening, “It’s my first out-in-the-real world what they love to do.” internship,” Anderson said. “I liaison returning to Chicago to plant crops Tariq Muhammad in neighborhoods declared as food with parents, kids, teachers... it’s very Cheekwood Intern deserts, where fresh produce is hard interesting.” to find. He also wants to share his Muhammad, who fares from Chicago, said he loved his time working at Cheekwood. knowledge teaching others how to grow food. “The people that work there, they never complain. They’re “It is just great to see Tennessee State University and Cheekwood, two great institutions in our city, form this always happy,” he said. “It’s good to be around people who love to do what they love to do.” partnership that can lead to long-term jobs or careers in horticulture,” Barry said. This past summer, Muhammad interned at the Chicago

TSU College of Agriculture students Tariq Muhammad (from left), Abigail Anderson, and Jill Mullican were the first three students selected to intern at Cheekwood Estate and Gardens this past year. They were honored at a special occasion to commemorate the partnership between the College and Cheekwood. Photo by Joan Kite

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Fa s

HEN LAUREN MEGGETT ENTERS your orbit, she arrives like the quick-footed Greek goddess Iris, a bit out of breath and already looking ahead toward her next destination. She has little time to waste these days. After four years of serious study in the fashion merchandising program at the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences, Meggett graduated from TSU in May, moved out of her dorm on campus, moved back temporarily to her parents’ Memphis home, and is currently looking for a Nashville apartment and fulltime employment in the fashion industry. She is the first to tell you that her current chaotic outer environment complements her inner one. Meggett’s imagination is telling her that the fashion aesthetic she created during college must make way for a more sophisticated one. “I deleted all these photos from my Instagram account,” Meggett said. She left the spaces blank for new ideas. While in college, Meggett started a blog called The Lively Project (www.livelyproject. com) where she posts her work and talks about her online avatars. “I created two alter ego

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t hionis

Lauren Megget stands in front of her storage unit, where her belongings are stacked almost all the way to the ceiling. At least half of the unit contains clothes. Photo by Joan Kite

names, just like a brand, that best describe my eclectic style,” she writes. “Lolita Lively, the happy, inquisitive, free spirit, who directs multifaceted looks in her head. And Bobby Badass, the trendy chick, with a lot of spunk and a bit of attitude. I like to identify her as, the stylist in charge. Now SCHIZ is my brand, which means ‘creativity should never be limited.”’

x u l F

For TSU fashion graduate Lauren Meggett, life is a momentary mid-air coin toss. Clothes from her old dormitory are in her storage unit, her fashion aesthetic is scheduled for a makeover, and her career path is uncertain. Yet, she still knows how to dress for the occasion.

Both styles are reflected in her portfolio on her blog. Bobby Badass comes through in Meggett’s photos of long, lanky models wearing ammunition belts over evening gowns and silk lingerie mixed with overthe-top smoky eyes. Many of her models are photographed in industrial sections of town — empty warehouses, back alleys, and locales that feature lots of

Story and Photos By JOAN KITE

metal and chain link fences. Lolita Lively, on the other hand, is Meggett’s softer side. She likes to mix flowing silks with ripped jeans and high heels. But these days, Meggett is thinking about expanding her vision. “I’m thinking about changing my aesthetic,” she said. “I am urban but I would like to do more mod and minimalistic styling” On Meggett’s blog, she plays homage to other fashionistas. She speaks of model Jasmine Noelle as being one her muses. She is an avid “thrifter” hunting through consignment shops and second hand stores for unique pieces of clothing. Meggett currently works at the YMCA taking care of children. She seeks and accepts freelance gigs whenever possible. She has interned with the online clothing store called Statement Piece Boutique and she is currently working with the well-known international stylist H. Diddy. “I’m reaching out to stylists in the (Nashville) area,” Meggett said. She wants to excel in photography and is interested in graphic design for websites. This fashionista may be in a state of flux, but she has steadied her sites on her goals and she looks good doing it.

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The Trek of the TSU tomato

A journey begins with a single seed By JOAN KITE

EVERY YEAR, DR. ZENA CLARDY and her colleague Sherry Crudup plant about 2,000 cherry tomato plants in a greenhouse. This year’s seedlings were destined to be handed out to visitors at the Earth Day celebration in Centennial Park and the Community Health and Wellness Fair at TSU. The Earth Day event was

rained out so Dr. Clardy and Crudup had plenty of plants to distribute at the health fair on campus. What is the fate of these young plants after they end up in visitors’ hands? Do they bear fruit and make it into a salad or sauce? We followed a couple of plant recipients to find out about the trek of a

TSU tomato plant. TSU Financial Aid Coordinator Sara Sparks and Financial Aid Counselor Chaquille Johnson picked up their seedlings as well as information about how to care for them. Johnson lives in an apartment with a patio but shade would prove a problem. Sparks, who lives in a house, planted

hers in a container — a large terracotta pot that she placed outdoors. Halfway through growing season, Johnson reported some trouble. “My plant is doing OK,” she said. “It’s not doing as well as it should, but it hasn’t turned yellow yet. It is looking a little sad.” Johnson knew lighting was an issue. Her patio faces a tree line, which obstructs the sunlight. She replanted the seedling in a large plastic pot, used general potting mix and bought some fertilizer sticks. Note to apartment dwellers: There are grow lights one can purchase to raise plants

“I got a lot of enjoyment out of having home-grown tomatoes in my backyard.” Sara Sparks Financial Aid Coordinator

Above: Professor Rita Fleming (from left) helps Sara Sparks and Chaquille Johnson sign up to get a free tomato plant. Right: Dr. Zena Clardy (from left) gives some information about tomato plants to Chaquille Johnson. Photos by Joan Kite

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indoors. Prices range from $20 for a couple of bulbs on a gooseneck clip to a $10,000 indoor 10 by 10 foot grow tent. Sparks’ plant flourished in the pot, but as it grew larger she realized that staking it might be problematic. “Next year, I’m going to plant it in the ground,” Sparks said. Johnson’s plant did not make it. “It died due to lack of sunlight,” she said. “I live in an apartment with an overhead on the balcony which blocked the needed sunlight for the plant,” Johnson said. “....my sad looking tomato plant could not be contained by the tomato cage and multiple stakes,” Sparks said. “I got a lot of enjoyment out of having home-grown tomatoes in my backyard. It bore many fruit! I just used most of the last of the ‘maters to make a tomato cobbler with cornmeal-cheddar biscuits. Mmmm-mmm good!” Johnson and Sparks said they will plant tomato plants next year when Dr. Clardy makes them available and they will do things differently based on what they learned this year. This author also took home two seedlings and planted them in containers outside her front door. The plants thrived with the help of Miracle-Gro potting soil, fertilizer sticks, plenty of water, and lots of sunshine. As of November, they were still bearing fruit.

Sara Sparks’ tomato plant flourished in a terra cotta pot placed outside in her yard. Photo courtesy of Sara Sparks

A cherry tomato right before it is eaten that was grown by the author in a container outside her apartment. The author reports that it was delicious. Photo by Joan Kite

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Alumna’s work at the CDC helps fight diseases By JOAN KITE

CheKenna Fletcher traveled to Memphis July 28 to receive the 2017 BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Health Foundation Diversity Scholarship, which comes with a $10,000 check to help pay for her education. CheKenna (middle) holds the representative check with her parents Kenneth and Chevelle Fletcher. (Photo courtesy of CheKenna Fletcher

CheKenna Fletcher wins $10,000 Diversity Scholarship By JOAN KITE CHEKENNA FLETCHER, 20, AN agricultural science major with a concentration in food science at TSU’s College of Agriculture, has won the 2017 BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Health Foundation Diversity Scholarship. With that honor comes a $10,000 check to help pay for her education. “I’m so grateful,” Fletcher said when she heard the news. “Now, I don’t have to worry about money. I can focus on my studies.” Fletcher, of Lebanon, Tennessee, is one of three winners and represents Middle Tennessee. She is the first student from Tennessee State University to win this award. More than 70 people entered to win one of the three scholarships and Fletcher competed against 15 other applicants in her category. “CheKenna is a Dean’s Scholar student. We are very proud of her accomplishments both in the classroom and the research lab,” said Dr. Chandra Reddy, dean of the College of Agriculture. “She represents the

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“I’m so grateful. Now, I don’t have to worry about money. I can focus on my studies.” CheKenna Fletcher TSU Junior Dean’s Scholar program and the College well. Her family was thrilled with Fletcher’s win as well. “I don’t have the words to express how proud we are as parents to this beautiful young lady,” her mother, Chevelle Fletcher wrote in a Facebook post. “ We know how awesome she is, but for strangers to recognize that in her... We are so blessed!!! Most importantly as she spoke on the panel

discussion yesterday, she ended by thanking her village (parents, family, church family, friends, teachers, professors anyone in her life that made her who she is today) and to finish she thanked God for this opportunity!!” Fletcher has worked on two projects with her professor and mentor, Dr. Ying Wu. Her first project was titled “In Vitro Digestion of Dietary Fiber: Protocols and Procedures.” In the second project, she did phytochemical profiles and studied the antioxidant activity of 26 tomato varieties. Fletcher is pursuing food science because she wants to help others who suffer from food-related conditions such as diabetes. She has watched both of her parents battle the disease over the years and Fletcher said she wants to make a difference. Fletcher credits her teachers, including Dr. De’Etra Young, assistant professor of agriculture, for her success in winning this honor. “Her cheerful and warm personality makes her a great addition to any diverse research team,” Dr. Wu said.

COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE ALUMNA Ciera Starkey would love to tell you what she does for a living, but she can’t. It’s a secret. And she signed a nondisclosure contract when she accepted the contractor position with the Center for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, Georgia. What she can tell you is that she graduated from the College of Agriculture in May of 2015 with a degree in Agricultural Sciences and a concentration in Animal Sciences. “And we’re doing something innovative with the Zika virus,” said Starkey, who likes her job, is working in her field, and is doing what she loves. The path to get here for Starkey wasn’t without its hurdles. In her junior year, she lost a good friend in a car accident, which sent her into an emotional tailspin. “I didn’t go to class the remaining part of the semester. I wasn’t focused,” Starkey said. Starkey was en route to becoming a doctor, but when she had some difficulty PRECIOUS, From page 9

was required to take a children’s literature course. One particular assignment involved writing a short story. This class reignited her passion for writing and allowed her to show her classmates as well as herself her innate talent as a wordsmith. She credits Dr. Graham Matthews, an Early Childhood Education professor, for helping her to find her direction within her studies. “I wrote a story by the name of ‘Timeless’ and he was so impressed by my story that he had me recite my story in front of the class and that is when I knew that I had something really special,” Adesuwa said. Just like Nneka, Adesuwa expresses her gratitude to those who helped her along her path. Continuing the tradition, this summer she will be a part of an exciting program for young writers hoping to influence the next generation of storytellers. She has partnered with a fellow TSU art education student to start a summer program for 2018 called Little

Ciera Starkey cradles a baby goat at the Agricultural Research and Education Center where she was a student two years ago. Photo courtesy of Ciera Starkey

with organic chemistry, she switched over to physics. Grieving for the death of her friend, Starkey reached out to a

Nneka begins every morning expressing her gratitude saying u ru ese ka ka bo or thank you very much to her parents for the life that she has been given. Authors of Tomorrow. This program teaches children ages of 10-16 the importance of writing. They will develop their own stories and learn about the process of self-publishing. Many children, especially African-American children, grow up feeling a disconnect between their history and their current culture. Adesuwa grew up a lot like Nneka having to integrate her Nigerian culture with American ways.

reverend who suggested that she major in agricultural science. In her senior year, Starkey switched her major and began with the class Introduction to Animal Science taught by Assistant Professor Susan Speight. “She pushed me so hard and because of that I was able to retain information,” Starkey said. “The way she taught... it was very hands on.” She was working at Animal Control in Murfreesboro when she got hired by a contractor who works with the CDC. Starkey is happy with her job at the CDC even though she can’t talk about it at dinner parties. “I want to leave my footprint in the lab,” she said. Ultimately, she would love to work with elephants. She has been repeatedly applying to The Elephant Sanctuary in Hohenwald, Tennessee. She is also considering an internship at a zoo. She dreams of working with the gentle giant creatures in their natural habitat such as Africa or India. She has the right attitude. “Working with animals is a privilege — not a right,” she said. She wants to create an awareness in all children to embrace their own cultures and feel pride in their history. This is her platform — her calling. She is currently working on a second Nneka book and would like to pursue her writing journey by developing a book series. Her motto, “Healthy child, healthy world,” encompasses all levels of health: physical, mental and spiritual. She has a genuine desire to motivate and educate children through storytelling. She will continue her ministry of teaching the next generation about personal growth, harmonious living, and the importance of saying thank you to those who have come before you. eeee More information about Precious Adesuwa can be found on her website www. preciousadesuwa.com including links to purchase her book, view the book trailer, and listen to her song for “Nneka says, ‘U ru ese ka ka bo, Thank you very much.’”

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Dr. Chandra Reddy, dean of the College of Agriculture, and Jai Templeton, Tennessee’s 37th commissioner of Agriculture, are all smiles after Dr. Reddy presents a straw hat to help ward off the summer heat to the commissioner. Photo by Joan Kite

Dr. Chandra Reddy, dean of TSU’s College of Agriculture, addresses representatives at the college’s first annual commodities breakfast while Emmanuel Freeman, the university’s public information officer, photographs the event. Photo by Joan Kite

First commodity group breakfast added to Expo By JOAN KITE

Above: Deputy Commissioner Tom Womack reads the official program for the Small Farm Expo learning about the Tennessee farmers who won awards this year. Left: Breakfast guests help themselves to eggs, hash browns, biscuits, fresh fruit, danishes, and coffee. Photos by Joan Kite

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FOR THE FIRST TIME, TSU’s College of Agriculture invited members of Tennessee’s various commodity committees to a special breakfast during the annual Small Farm Expo. The event, which the College of Agriculture wants to make an annual affair, is designed to stimulate and enhance discussions between the college’s scientists, agricultural partners, and stakeholders interested in the scientists’ research findings, said Dr. Jason de Koff, an agronomy and soil science professor who organized the event. Among the special guests were Jeff Aiken, president of the Tennessee Farm Bureau, Steven Anderson, president of the Tennessee Cattlemen’s Association, Harriet Cannon, the acting state director of USDA Rural Development, and Reggie Marshall, president of the Tennessee Fruit and Vegetable Association.

“Commodity groups... are our primary stakeholders and key partners in advancing the Food Security priority of TSU and the National Institute of Food and Agriculture,” said Dr. Chandra Reddy, dean of the College of Agriculture. “The purpose of this new initiative — bringing the leadership of the state commodity groups to the campus — is to understand priorities, concerns, and expectations of the commodity groups so that information can be incorporated into various research and outreach efforts of TSU. In essence, we want our research and outreach programs to be relevant to the stakeholders and their needs,” Reddy said. During the event, Dr. Reddy passed out straw hats with TSU blue bands emblazoned with the name of the College of Agriculture. Dr. Reddy said he hopes to see this event become an annual tradition and grow larger with each passing year.

Research associate professor Matthew Blair, who is currently studying the pseudo-grain amaranth as an alternative crop, promotes his studies by eating amaranth cereal. Photo by Joan Kite

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Small Farm Expo ideas,” said Dr. Chandra Reddy, dean of TSU’s College of Agriculture. “Also, participants get to see the best field research of TSU scientists and personally meet federal and state agriculture leadership.” The expo featured speakers and agricultural research tours with TSU faculty. Topics ranged from organic agriculture to cattle and goat research, all of which have been recognized nationally. The highlight of the expo was the announcement of the Small Farmer of the Year, which went to Nicole Riddle of Maynardville, Tennessee. Riddle leased 44 acres of her parents’ land and opened her own winery in 2015. “The Winery at Seven Springs Farm is the most successful new start rural winery in the state of Tennessee,” wrote Area Specialist Charles Morris. “In an unprecedented showing, her

Guests hop on the trolley to take various tours on the farm where they will learn about the latest research on soil, crops, and livestock by TSU agriculture professors. Photo by Suraj Adhikakari

wines received five Concordance Gold Medals, including Best of Muscadine, and three Silver Medals at the 2015 Wines of the South Competition,” Morris wrote. Dr. Suresh Sureshwaran, director of the division of community education with the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, said TSU’s agricultural research over the years is impressive, particularly its goat research. Earlier this year, the College of Agriculture received a $496,328 federal grant to expand its research on goat meat production. “Goats are becoming an important new commodity for small farmers,” Sureshwaran said. “But many in the United States don’t know how to produce, or how to sell goat. I think more research is needed, and what Tennessee State is doing is extremely good.” The College of Agriculture also has a

Dexter cattle-breeding program, the only one of its kind currently in U.S. higher education. The Dexter cattle are being used to assess the potential of small-breed cattle for small-scale beef production. “We’re hoping people will see that there are alternatives to traditional livestock production,” said Dr. Richard Browning, who heads the Dexter and goat research. “The concept of having a small non-traditional breed like that is something they say might work on their farm. The same with the goats.” Regardless of the type of research, TSU junior Kayla Sampson, an agriculture science major, said the expo is beneficial because students who attend are able to learn from invited experts and officials. “It helps broaden our knowledge during the summer,” Sampson said. “So when the school year starts, we’re a step ahead.”

Dr. Richard Browning talks about the Dexter cattle (seen in the background) that he is researching as an ideal breed to be raised by small farmers in Tennessee. Photo by Joan Kite

Small Farm Expo showcases TSU’s nationally recognized research By LUCAS JOHNSON TSU News Service

MORE THAN 300 AGRICULTURAL experts, farmers and officials attended Tennessee State University’s Small Farm Expo on Thursday. In its 13th year, TSU officials say the expo at the Agricultural Research and Education Center (known as The Farm) is a way for the university and its partners on the state and federal levels to recognize the role farmers and agriculture play in the state and the nation. “We at TSU focus our work to support the small farms and this expo recognizes the outstanding farmers with innovative

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“Goats are becoming an important

new commodity for small farmers. But many in the United States don’t know how to produce, or how to sell goat. I think more research is needed, and what Tennessee State is doing is extremely good.”

Dr. Suresh Sureshwaran Director USDA-NIFA Division of Community and Education

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And the winners are!

Extension names vintner Nicole Riddle as TSU’s 2017 Small Farmer of the Year By JOAN KITE

AS THE SUN REACHED the High Noon spot in the sky and the temperature and humidity soared into the upper ‘90s, guests at the 13th Annual Small Farm Expo were lining up for a plate of vittles. And the vittles were varied. If they opted for the Indian cuisine, people helped themselves to goat curry, palak paneer, basmati rice, and naan. If tastes leaned toward the South of the Border, Mexican fare could be had. Of course, there was barbecue chicken with all the appropriate sides including macaroni and cheese. About 350 people attended the Expo this year including more than 100 children who traveled by chartered buses from Memphis and Knoxville. Everyone spent the morning learning something or meeting someone new. Last year’s Small Farmer of the Year Charley Jordan spoke, farmers learned about support programs and food safety guidelines, and guests opted for farm tours that covered such topics as organic farming, specialty livestock, and exotic vegetables. The information shared was academic but the atmosphere was festive — more reminiscent of a family reunion. The highlight of the Expo (as always) is the announcement of the award winners, four farmers whose work over the years demonstrate commitment, knowledge, imagination, ingenuity and a spark of something special. This year’s Small Farmer of the Year, who also won a plaque for Alternative Enterprises, is an “accidental” wine merchant. Nicole Riddle, who owns The Winery at Seven Springs Farm, started her young adult life as an aspiring doctor. After earning her bachelor’s degree in bioengineering from Vanderbilt University, Riddle was on track to toward medical school. But the funding on a research project that Riddle was working on at Vanderbilt suddenly dried up. Her plans thwarted,

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“I love it. I love running the business. I love wine. I love drinking wine. I love making wine.”

Nicole Riddle Small Farmer of the Year

Riddle moved in with her aunt and uncle and learned how to make wine in the family garage. That detour proved to be the road ahead for Nicole as she discovered that wine making fascinated her. “I love it. I love running the business. I love wine. I love drinking wine. I love making wine,” Riddle said. A little more homework and Riddle enrolled in an online national grape and wine education program offered by the Viticuluture and Enology Science and Technology Alliance. She would go on to earn an Associate of Applied Science degree in Enology from Missouri State University. She landed a job as assistant winemaker at Beachaven Vineyards & Winery in Clarksville, Tennessee, where she met her partner and soon-to-be husband, Michael Coombs. Accepting the risk, Riddle migrated from employee to entrepreneur and leased 44 acres on her parent’s farm to open a winery. It was the right move. Since their grand opening in October 2015, Riddle’s winery has racked up on awards for her wine and grants to help her expand her operations. Her influence is spreading. “With Nicole’s leadership the Tennessee grape and wine industry is experiencing a renaissance with grape acreage increasing and industry employment growing 20 percent over the year,” wrote Area Specialist Charles Morris.

Charley Jordan was named Small Farmer of the Year in 2017. Photo by Joan Kite

INNOVATIVE MARKETING Three other farmers were also honored at the Expo. For Innovative Marketing, Shane and Sheila Callahan, of Overton County, received honors for their work at Three Creeks Ranch where the couple raise certified Black Angus cattle. They sell all things beef from tenderloin to hamburger to jerky. They even sell bones for the family canine. Aside from identifying a niche market, the Callahans keep the price of their both

low enough to compete with the local Kroger and Food Lion. The have a website where patrons can order online and Shane Callahan has invested in a truck and trailer. His business phone number and website address are painted on the sides so the vehicle serves as a mobile billboard driving along the highways or parked at area farmers markets. Cullan Callahan, the couple’s 14-yearold son, captured video footage using a drone to show the family farm from the sky and created a clever commercial for the

Nicole Riddle and her fiancé Michael Coombs stand before one of the distilleries at The Winery at Seven Springs Farm. Her wines received critical acclaim in 2015 when she earned five Concordance Gold Medals at the Wines of the South Competition. Photo courtesy of Nicole Riddle

company website. The College aired the video before the award ceremony at the Expo and recognized the talented young man for his work.

Dr. Mark Hardy, former vice president of Academic Affairs, welcomes the guests to the Expo and recognizes those in the audience who contribute greatly to the university. Dr. Latif Lighari, associate dean of Cooperative Extension, listens in the background. Photo by Joan Kite

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Small Farm Expo

WINNERS, From page 9

Ethan and Katie Gouge here with their son Titus won the Most Improved Beginning Small Farmer award for their work at the Roan Highlands Farm. The couple raise eight different types of raspberries, eight different kinds of blueberries, and — coming soon— heirloom apples. Photo courtesy of the Gouges

BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Gary and Linda Hamm, owners of Erin’s Farm in Cunningham, Tennessee, have been working the land on their 245 acres since 1991. The couple sell blueberries in the summer and Christmas trees in the winter. “This has turned into a very rewarding and spiritual experience,” Sheila Hamm said. Kevin Hart, USDA-NRCS’s District Conservationist, said the Hamms continuously explore new methods to improve their farm. The Hamms said they want to keep their farm as natural as possible. They have planted prairie grasses found in Nashville’s pastures and meadows 100 years ago. They avoid pesticides and have built bat boxes. Bats love mosquitoes, beetles, and moths. The couple have also put in trails that act as firebreaks and have conducted controlled burns to stimulate the growth of the natural forest floor. As the holidays approach in December, the couple host an annual Winterfest.

In between building a family, Gouge was laying down roots for new crops at the farm. His family had grown Christmas trees, which were now overgrown — some were almost 40 feet high, Gouge said. Today, the farm grows eight different varieties of raspberries and six different varieties of blueberries . Gouge is looking forward to their first full crop of heirloom apples in 2019. To help balance the budget, Callahan teaches math at a local high school. His wife, Katie, handles the marketing for the farm. Their toddler son, Titus, helps out wherever he can. “I was surprised to get the award,” said Gouge, who could not attend the awards presentation because of a prior commitment. “They were kind to put us in for it,” he said. We’ve been putting in a ton of work.”

eeee Kerry King, (from left), Dr. Mark Hardy, vice president of Academic Affairs, farmers Sheila and Shane Callahan, and Dr. Chandra Reddy, dean of the College of Agriculture, pose for photographs following the award presentation. Photo by Joan Kite

For more information about the 2018 Small Farm Expo awards for farmers, contact dgunther@tnstate.edu.

Guests can enjoy hayrides and hot cocoa, food, and activities and crafts for children. Adults can cut down their own Christmas tree or pick one up if they don’t want to do the heavy lifting. Visitors can also shop from a selection of crafts, artwork, and other goodies made by members of the local artist community.

Cooperative Extension honored Gary and Linda Hamm for Best Management Practices on Erin’s Farm, a 245-acre blueberry and Christmas Tree Farm. The Hamms have practiced a high level of conscientiousness toward the land they steward. They have also opened an onsite gallery to promote the work of local artisans. Pictured here from left to right are Dr. Mark Hardy, vice president of Academic Affairs, Extension Agent Karla Kean, Linda Hamm, Gary Hamm and Dr. Chandra Reddy, dean of the College of Agriculture. Photo by Joan Kite

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MOST IMPROVED BEGINNING SMALL FARMER Ethan Gouge started farming in 2013 when he “retired” from the U.S. Marine Corps. His parents had bought a farm in 1956 on Roan Mountain, but as they got older, the farm became overgrown and rundown. When Gouge came back from San Diego, he dug in working to rebuild the house and prepare to live off the land. He had started his dream while still in the service reading Extension literature to help his transition. When he arrived home, he chose to call his new homestead Roan Highlands Farm. Not too long after he arrived in Tennessee, he married Katie. One year later, they had a son.

Cullan, the 14-year-old son of Sheila and Shane Callahan, was recognized for his video that promotes the farm. Photo by Joan Kite

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Total Eclipse of The Sun Photo by DR. MATTHEW BLAIR Research Associate Professor Dr. Matthew Blair caught this amazing image of the total solar eclipse on Monday, Aug. 21, 2017, as it appeared over the top of the Biotechnology Building at the College of Agricultureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s main campus .

Research Assistant Emily Grace Hayes (right) talks to high school students Jori-Anna Price (from left), Jasmine Smith, and Benjamin Brown in the Summer Apprenticeship Program about working in Animal Sciences. Photo by Joan Kite REQUIEM, From page 7

Above, Research Assistant Emily Grace Hayes cuddles a baby Buddy who weighed about six or seven pounds at birth. Below, Hayes holds Buddy who weighed about 40 pounds before he died from complications related to worms. Photos by Joan Kite

28 AgLINK | Spring 2018

goat they called “Buddy.” Bottle feeding began right away. Two other students, Moet McFall and Demetria Hayes, joined the band of merry mothers. Buddy adopted all of them easily. Have bottle? Buddy will eat. As baby Buddy became more accustomed to his human handlers, he also became a perfect mascot for the Ruminant Livestock Program. He was docile, friendly, and loved to be stroked. When any of his “mothers” arrived to feed him, he would bounce, bob, and weave his way through the other goats and clumps of field brush to greet his mommies. He wagged his tail just like a dog. He was beloved by all. “There was one time when Emily and I were riding around the farm and Buddy came out of nowhere and jumped on the Gator,” Begley recalled. “Everywhere he went, he brightened up everyone,” Stevens said. “We’ve never had one like him.” Buddy accompanied the women to high school presentations and college fairs. He would tag along when the women were giving tours of the farm like a personal furry escort. He did not avoid the other goats in the pasture and they seemed to accept him. Buddy made a friend in Delilah, one of the farm’s Anatolian Pyrenees mixed-bred dogs. Buddy thrived on attention. “He definitely thought his parents were human,” Emily Hayes said. One day, Emily Hayes was speaking

“Everywhere he went, he brightened up everyone. We’ve never had one like him.” Lauren Stevens Graduate student to a group of soon-to-be college students interested in studying animal science. She relied on her “words of wisdom” speech. Working with animals is not always joyful and fun, she said. Sometimes, it can be discouraging and heartbreaking. During the week of the Small Farm Expo in July, Buddy was expected to make an appearance. But he couldn’t. He had fallen ill, his internal system invaded by tape worms and barber’s pole worms (Haemonchus contortus). “They are the number one killer in goats and sheep,” Emily Hayes said. Many of the herd had contracted them. The winter weather had been unseasonably warm. The warmth and wetness of spring had created a perfect incubator for the parasites, which transformed into microscopic larvae hiding in the grass — the grass that the baby goats, who had just been weaned, were now eating. The worms weaved their way into the four

Research Assistant Emily Grace Hayes

Graduate Student Lauren Stevens

Volunteer Taja Begley

Buddy’s many mothers Buddy, the baby goat, was blessed when he found himself orphaned in one of the fields on “The Farm” at the Agricultural Research and Education Center last March. The group of women who rallied around him and worked tirelessly to ensure that he never missed a meal and got his regular doses of medication when he got sick are Research Assistant Emily Hayes, graduate student Lauren Stevens, volunteer Taja Begley, senior and Dean’s Scholar Moet McFall and sophomore and Dean’s Scholar Demetria Hayes.

“He definitely thought his parents were human.” Emily Hayes Research Assistant compartments of the goats’ stomachs and proceeded to feed on their blood. Buddy, who had been taken off his bottle and was now eating with the other goats, was not immune. He suffered from diarrhea and stopped eating. The women medicated him regularly trying to stop the onslaught. Buddy didn’t make it. He wasn’t the only one.

Lauren Stevens has had the most experience with livestock as she started working with them as a teenager. Emily Hayes, who is currently working on her thesis, oversees the students on the farm. Together, all the women do what is necessary gathering data for research and tending to the goats and Dexter cattle. Demetria Hayes and McFall are majoring in animal science taking pre-veterinary courses at TSU. Taja Begley, the volunteer, said she is seriously considering a career in animal science because of Buddy.

“We lost about three a day in one week,” said Emily Hayes. Emily Hayes found Buddy in a hut. His cause of death may have been anemia coccidiosis. As they did when Buddy was born, the women rallied around Buddy when he died. They dug a grave and said a few words about the farm’s beloved mascot. One of the women who couldn’t get out to the farm attended the burial by cell phone. About 16 baby bucks remain from the decimated herd, Emily Hayes said. The women have a superstition that persists on the farm: If you give a baby goat a name, it will not survive. Fortunately, that is not true. Today, the ladies have goats named Emily, Cheyenne, Bubbles 2 AKA Moet, Emily’s favorite goat, Number 1156, and Moet’s favorite goat, Number 511. But there will only be one Buddy.

Senior Moet McFall (above) Sophomore Demetria Hayes (below)

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Farmer’s Plot

The College of Agriculture offers an amazing plan to save money, eat healthy, exercise, and make new friends. By Joan Kite

LaKetta Rollins has found joy in harvesting her plot this summer at the College of Agriculture’’s Community Garden. Photo by Joan Kite

30 AgLINK | Fall 2017

Right: Master Gardener Joseph Perry harvests ripe tomatoes from one of his three plots at the community garden. Left: Georgiana Priddy wears a large straw hat to protect herself from the midday sun while harvesting from her garden plot. Photos by Joan Kite.

IT’S SHORTLY AFTER LUNCHTIME and Laketta Rollins, Title III program coordinator at TSU, has slipped away from the office to gather the fruits of her labor. In April, she made the commitment to rent a plot at the College of Agriculture’s community garden. Now it’s late summer and she is gathering zucchini, squash, and other goodies that she has grown herself. The cost of the vegetables she collects in one week easily outweighs the price of the plot. Instead of a stop at Kroger, Rollins stops by her garden to pick fresh vegetables for dinner. She admits it’s hard work, but she has managed to tend to her plot regularly despite heat and heavy rains. The College of Agriculture has offered plots at the Community Garden for more than five years. The plots are located at the Agricultural Research and Education Center, which is affectionately called “The Farm.” The gardens are behind a fence with a locked gate and members of the community garden are given keys to access the area. This upcoming spring, experienced and beginning farmers can pluck down $50 for a plot that measures 30 by 30 feet. “You can get about eight or nine rows out of that space,” said Dr. Zena Clardy, who oversees the Community Garden. Members of the garden are required to take one mandatory class from 9 a.m. to noon, which is held usually on the second or third Saturday in April (mark your calendar).

At the class, Dr. Clardy explains the policies and educates people on planning, planting and maintaining a garden. She distributes free seeds and transplants and answers any questions the gardeners might have. The College provides freshly tilled soil, several water pumps for watering the plants, and some tools. It is advised, however, to bring your own. Some of the more experienced gardeners like Biars and Joan Davis rent several plots to grow collard greens, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, white potatoes, melons, carrots, beets, onions and more. “We’ll eat some, can some, share them with friends and create presents for others,” Biars Davis said. There are several Master Gardeners at the community garden growing their own vegetables; they are generous with their knowledge. Beginning gardeners have the advantage of talking to them for help or contacting Dr. Clardy, who is a highly experienced horticulturist. Many inexperienced but eager beginners plant a plot in April or May. By June and July, when temperatures climb, rains fall, and weeds grow, they realize that gardening is hard work. It requires regular maintenance. Dr. Clardy recommends visiting your plot at least three to four times a week. “They get out there and it’s hot and they say, ‘I’m done,’” Dr. Clardy said. “They can PLOT, Turn to page 33

The Bounty

Squash and Zucchini

Watermelon

Lettuce

Fall 2017 | AgLINK 31

Hellbenders HELLBENDER, From page 5

We Congratulate Our 2017 Graduates! Agricultural & Environmental Sciences UNDERGRADUATES Angelina Bernardini Courtney Daniels Briana Dansby Kanita Hutchinson Raynette Johnson Tanisha Killion Jasmine Kimes Roderkius Murphy

GRADUATES

Charlsey Parker Kristyn Rogers Mathew Smith Eligia Stafford Joseph Tillman Kiara Williams Lauren Shields

Gabriel Akerele Aubrey Cummings George Davis Manisha Dolui Passion Echols John Fite

Joy Igbafe Pramatma Khanal Sarah Murphy Quintin Robinson JeTara Brown

PLOT, From page 31

Human Sciences UNDERGRADUATES Lauren Meggett Mariah Venzant Amber Carlton Tiesha Clifton Ivory Davis Nakia Elliott

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Diamond Gray Avian Guy Felita Haynes Angelica Holden Cheryl Johnson Kennadria Lloyd

Rachel May Donessa Rhodes Raven Shropshire Dierrie Strong Maryam Almatrood I’Mani Davis

conducting the field research.” In 2012, Nashville Zoo’s Ectotherm Curator Dale McGinnity announced the zoo’s successful captive breeding program for hellbenders after two hellbenders were successfully hatched from eggs inseminated with cryopreserved sperm. Since then, McGinnity has been busy raising clutches of hellbenders. Ultimately, they will be returned to the wild. McGinnity and Sutton are collaborating to make that happen. Silva and Sutton travel a portion of the 13,000 miles of waterways to determine where hellbenders are present. Using DNA testing, they sample streamwater from different locales and measure the amount of hellbender DNA in the samples to estimate the number of hellbenders in that area. “The difficult part with these animals is that they are so cryptic,” Silva said. “They’re hard to catch and hard to find.” Silva first started working with hellbenders as an undergraduate student at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and has been working with them for the past two years as a graduate student at TSU. “I think they are a combination of incredible and curiously weird,” Silva said. “They are so well made for the kind of environment they live in. They’re prehistoric. They’re like holding a small dinosaur.” Fossils prove that Silva is correct. The animal dates back to 160 million years and nothing has changed about them.

Ciera Farley Maya Rumbley Hillary Cartmell Angel Davis Joshua Hulsey Dejah Wallace

call us and ask us ways to keep the weeds down.” Gardeners can and should take advantage of the vast knowledge that the College of Agriculture contains within its faculty and staff, Clardy said. Rollins, who has harvested most her summer garden, is pulling up sweet potatoes and carrots. She will prepare her plot for the winter growing season. “My basil and lemon balm are doing nicely,” Rollins said. She wants to plant spinach and other

Research Assistant Jeronimo Silva holds a hellbender that he has found in a stream at an undisclosed location. Researchers keep mum about hellbender hideouts in order to protect them. Photo courtesy of William Sutton

Hellbenders thrive in fast-flowing, clear, cool water in a streambed littered with large, flat rocks. They live beneath the rocks and the males burrow into the streambeds underneath to create nests. There, they lure the females to lay from 200 to 400 eggs. The male then externally inseminates the eggs and the female wanders off. In the underwater world of the hellbender, the male remains to watch

over the growing brood fanning its gills repeatedly to increase oxygen intake for him and the babies. Forty-five to 75 days later, the eggs will hatch. “Hellbenders are really long-lived animals and they are sensitive to changes in the environment,” Silva said. “They tell us a story on how well the environment is doing.”

greens for the brief growing season that occurs before the first frost. Next spring, she intends to be back planning a garden that will be bigger and better. “I learned a lot this year,” Rollins said. She won’t plant too early and she’ll shade her cauliflower and watermelon from the heat of the sun. By June or July, she can skip the produce section at the grocery store. eeee For information about renting a garden plot, contact Dr. Zena Clardy at aclardy@tnstate.edu.

Peppers growing i n the garden.

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Bloom where you are planted

Bloom Where You Are Planted

Success stories from the College of Agriculture

Solomon wins National Black Farmers Association Scholarship The National Black Farmers Association awarded a $5,000 scholarship to Danielle Solomon, a rising junior and an Environmental Sciences major in the College of Agriculture. This is the third year in a row that she has received the award. The money is used to defray educational expenses, which allows Solomon to focus on her studies. Solomon began her studies in Agribusiness, but now focuses on Environmental Sciences. She is also a Dean’s Scholar, which means she excels in her studies. She is also a member of the Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences. New graduate students were introduced to members of the Graduate Student Council at their Spring semester orientation. From left: Priya Saini, Brent Newman, Jeronimo Silva, Jenna Jones, and Boniface Kimathi. The council members talked about their TSU experiences and offered suggestions on how new students can succeed as they enter the graduate phase of their education. (Photo by Joan Kite)

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6 Ag students to attend AFA Leaders Conference By JOAN KITE Six students in Tennessee State University’s College of Agriculture have been selected to participate in the 2017 Agriculture Future of America (AFA) Leaders Conference from Nov. 2-5 in Kansas City, Missouri. These students will join 800 top agriculture students in the nation attending the conference, which focuses on personal and professional development and is tailored to the student’s year in college. The students selected are Kalie Ellis, a freshman studying Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Communication, Bobbi Casey, a freshman studying Agribusiness, Emoni White, a sophomore studying Animal Science (pre-vet), CheKenna Fletcher, a junior studying Food Biosciences and Technology, and Justus Watson and Justin McKinnie who are seniors studying Biotechnology. “These students excel both in scholarship and leadership. I am proud of them for getting selected for this prestigious Leaders Conference,” said Dr. Chandra Reddy, dean of the College. The six students were selected as part of the University Growth Initiative, a national grant awarded by the AFA to help bridge agricultural businesses with agricultural colleges and universities. Tennessee State University was selected as well as University of Maryland, College Park, Murray State University, University of Tennessee at Martin, Huntington University, and Texas A&M University.

It is essential for us to provide programs and resources to equip our future leaders.

Dr. De’Etra Young Coordinator, Dean’s Scholars Bobbi Casey

“True to our mission, each of these campuses demonstrated, through their applications, commitment to building bridges for their student leaders by ientifying opportunities such AFA’s leader development programs, said Ashley Collins, AFA director of Collegiate Relations. Dr. De’Etra Young, professor and mentor to TSU’s top students, said she actively seeks opportunities outside of the College for TSU students and she is pleased that AFA recognizes the excellence fostered at TSU.

“The six students selected to attend this year’s Leaders Conference were chosen based on their exceptional commitment and passion for a long-standing career in agriculture,” said Dr. Young, who is also coordinator for the honors program Dean’s Scholars. “It is essential for us to provide programs and resources to equip our future leaders,” she said. “AFA’s Leaders Conference will provide additional leadership development and networking opportunities for our outstanding students.”

Kalie Ellis

Emoni White

From left, Justin McKinnie, Dr. De’Etra Young, Justus Watson

CheKenna Fletcher

Spring 2018 | AgLINK

Welcome to the Farm

Meet our Extension Experts

36 AgLINK | Spring 2018

Spring 2018 | AgLINK 37

Special Section: Extension Faculty

Extension Faculty

Fitzroy Bullock, Ph.D. Professor, Weed Science and Integrated Pest Management Agriculture and Natural Resource Leader

Kaushalya Amarasekare, Ph.D. Assistant Professor & Extension Specialist, Entomology Dr. Amarasekare, a recent hire, is currently the only entomologist located at Main Campus in Nashville. She joined TSU in November of 2015. Before joining TSU, she was a postdoctoral research associate at Oregon State University. She earned her B.S. in Agriculture from the University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, and her Master of Science and doctorate in Entomology from Oklahoma State University and the University of Florida, respectively. Two areas of her expertise are biological control and integrated pest management (IPM). Her applied research interests are focused on exotic, invasive pest insect management and conservation biological control of natural enemies. A recent assessment sent to TSU and University of Tennessee Extension agents indicates a need to educate farmers, producers and backyard gardeners about the important use of “good” bugs for controlling bad bugs and promoting conservation biological control and IPM.

Dr. Bullock earned his Bachelor of Science in General Agriculture at Loma Linda University and then traveled to Tennessee to earn his Master of Science in Plant and Soil Science and his doctorate in Plant and Soil Science at Tennessee State University. He currently serves in the State Agriculture Program and is a trained weed scientist. Dr. Bullock is the recipient of three-year NIFA grant and oversees training programs for Extension faculty in agriculture and natural resources.

(615) 963-5449 fbullock@tnstate.edu

(615) 963-5001 kamarase@tnstate.edu

Hiren Bhavsar, Ph.D. Assistant Professor & Extension Specialist, Farm Production

Arvazena Clardy, Ph.D. Assistant Associate Professor Consumer & Ornamental Horticulture

Dr. Bhavsar is an agricultural economist who specializes in farmer’s needs for managing risks. His continued efforts to help small farmers with record keeping, budgeting, and other financial risk aversion strategies are one of the focal points for TSU Cooperative Extension. Dr. Bhavsar is also the designated reporting personnel for the College of Agriculture. He compiles the overall efforts and impacts of TSU Extension and Outreach programs in more than 50 counties annually as well as monthly from extension agents. Dr. Bhavsar’s current projects include “Participation of Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers in USDA Agencies” to “Biosecurity among small ruminants” in Tennessee. He also works on “Farmer’s perceptions and attitudes towards organic farmers” and “Demand for locally grown organic hops by Tennessee breweries.” His research interests are organic agriculture, small farmers, and risk management issues. Dr. Bhavsar earned his B.S. in Agriculture at Guarat Agricultural University in Gujurat, India. He earned his M.S. at Murray State University in Murray, Kentucky, and his Ph.D. at Oklahoma State University.

(615) 963-1498 hbhavsar@tnstate.edu

(615) 963-7885 tbroyle1@tnstate.edu

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Dr. Clardy specializes in the areas of Ornamental Horticulture and Plant Physiology. She works with small and limited resource producers educating them about alternative vegetables, marketing and community gardens. Dr. Clardy oversees the community gardens on the main campus. Her horticultural programs include “International and Exotic Fruits and Vegetables and Alternative Horticultural Crops,” She reaches out to small farmers and producers with limited resources to educate and help them with alternative crops for production. She develops community gardens statewide and school gardens. Dr. Clary earned her B.S. in Ornamental Horticulture and her M.S. in Agriculture at TSU. She earned her doctorate in Soil and Plant Science from Alabama A&M University.

(615) 963-4887 aclardy@tnstate.edu

Thomas Broyles, Ph.D. Associate Professor, 4-H Youth Development Program Leader

Jason de Koff, Ph.D. Associate Professor, Agronomy and Soil Science

Dr. Broyles started his career at Virginia Tech where he earned a bachelor’s degree in animal science, a master’s degree in vocational education, and a doctorate in Career and Technical Education. His current research focuses on teaching and learning especially in the areas of problem solving and decision making. The overall objective of Dr. Broyle’s research is to investigate how individuals approach problems and how to enhance problem solving skills for you and adults. He offers programs in agricultural literacy and robotics and leadership development.

Dr. de Koff received his B.S. in chemistry from Ithaca College in 2000, his M.S. in soil and water sciences in 2004 from UC Riverside and his Ph.D. in agronomy from Purdue University in 2008. He worked with the USDA-ARS for two years before becoming a faculty member at TSU in 2010, where he specializes in bioenergy crop production. His research currently focuses on the production of switchgrass and winter canola for bioenergy production. His outreach includes the direction of a mobile biodiesel demonstration to educate others about how biodiesel can be produced on the farm. He also provides training and educational workshops related to soil fertility and soil health. Dr. de Koff ’s programming has received numerous awards and recognition at the local, state, national and international levels. In 2016, he was one of 20 agronomists selected to represent programs in agriculture in a newly published agricultural textbook called “Agronomy – Grow With It” by the American Society of Agronomy and in 2017 was named Communicator of the Year by the Tennessee Association of Agricultural Agents & Specialists. More information on his projects can be found on his website (http://www. tnstate.edu/faculty/jdekoff/) or on Twitter, @TSUBioenergy.

(615) 963-4929 jdekoff@tnstate.edu

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Special Section: Extension Faculty

Extension Faculty

Rita Fleming Assistant Professor, Health Education

Beatrice Harris, Ph.D. Associate Professor, Human Development

Rita Fleming specializes in health education and works closely with state and county government agencies to develop and implement health education programs covering a wide range of topics. In addition, she observes and participates in effective management approaches, teaches and counsels adolescents and adults, develops a substantial networking base and assists in team projects and activities. She is currently working on Emergency Preparedness, Eat Well and Live Well Diabetes Education, Thriving and Surviving Cancer, Brain Health and a grant funded program called U-Connect. She earned her B.S. in Foods and Nutrition from Tennessee State University and her M.S. in Public Service Management from Cumberland University.

Dr. Beatrice Harris specializes in human development and focuses on the impact of teacher training in early childhood education settings whether it is inside a classroom or in an outdoor learning space. The trainings include the different areas of Environmental Rating Scales for quality early child care settings. Dr. Harris also develops training for the areas of developmental domains for young children. She also focuses on the development of infants and toddlers as it relates to parenting as well as parental choices in where they send their children for education. Dr. Harris earned her B.S. in Human Development in Family Studies and her M.S. in Human Environmental Sciences from the University of Arkansas. She earned her Ph.D. in Family and Consumer Sciences from the University of Nebraska.

(615) 963-5533 bharri46@tnstate.edu

(615) 963-2135 rfleming2@tnstate.edu

Aliyar Fouladkhah, Ph.D. Assistant Professor, Food Safety

Latif Lighari, Ph.D. Associate Dean, Cooperative Extension

Dr. Fouladkhah specializes in food safety, foodborne diseases epidemiology, the Food Safety Modernization Act, HACCP Outreach,and product development and quality control in food manufacturing. He earned his masterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and doctorate degrees from Colorado State University and studied at the Yale University School of Public Health.

Dr. Latif Lighari is the associate dean of Cooperative Extension at the College of Agriculture. He earned his bachelor and masters degree at Sindh Agricultural University in Pakistan. He then earned a second bachelors in Agriculture and his Ph.D. in Agricultural Education at the University of Missouri.

(615) 963-5526 llighari@tnstate.edu

(615) 963-7496 afouladk@tnstate.edu

Solomon Haile, Ph.D. Associate Professor, Applied GIS Program Coordinator

(615) 963-5445 shaile@tnstate.edu

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Dr. Haile received his Ph.D. in forest resources and conservation with concentrations in Agroforestry and Geographic Information Systems (ICGIS). His M.S. and B.S. degrees are in Forestry and are from Wageningen University in the Netherlands and Haramaya University in Ethiopia, respectively. His professional work involves research, teaching, and outreach within the fields of ecosystem services of forest resources and geospatial analysis, particularly in carbon sequestration, biomass energy, and tree integration into farms. Haile serves as the coordinator of the graduate Applied GIS research and education program and teaches advance GIS course in the Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. My current outreach program prepares Tennessee small and underserved landowners with emerging digital mapping and GIS technologies. Training is provided in a variety of GIS technologies available in online mapping through demonstrations, hands-on exercises, and discussions. Students learn how to use freely available data and tools for forest and ranch site planning and management. The target audience of the outreach program are forest landowners, extension agents, and, via 4â&#x20AC;&#x2018;H programs, children ages 8-18.

Dilip Nandwani, Ph.D. Associate Professor Organic Farming & Sustainable Horticulture Dr. Dilip Nandwani has been working with land-grant institutions for over two decades in agricultural research, extension and teaching. He has served on USDA review panels and has published 132 articles (peer-review, extension booklets, and proceeding papers) in the area of organic agriculture, sustainable horticulture, crop production and improvement, micropropagation, cultivar evaluations of fruits, vegetables and root crops. He is a Certified Professional Horticulturist from the American Society for Horticultural Science and editor of three books: Sustainable Horticultural Systems, Organic Farming for Sustainable Agriculture and Urban Horticulture-Sustainability for the Future. He teaches Principles of Organic Agriculture, Principles of Crop Science and Organic Certification (non-credit) courses. His extension program focuses on Organic Certification (non-credit) courses for extension agents, growers and backyard gardeners.

(615) 963-1897 dnandwan@tnstate.edu

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Special Section: Extension Faculty

Extension Faculty Dharma Pitchay, Ph.D. Associate Professor, Plant Nutrition , Greenhouse/Hydroponic Systems

(615) 963-4890 dpitchay@tnstate.edu

Dr. Pitchay is a horticulturist and plant nutritionist with more than 23 years of experience. He has extensive experience in plug production technology and vegetative propagation of rooted cuttings for nursery, greenhouse, and field production. Dr. Pitchay specializes in horticultural crop production focusing on physiology of plant nutrition, substrate formulation for container crop production, hydroponics, greenhouse/nursery operation and management, and soil fertility management. He is currently teaching, conducting research and extension on crops and site specific operation and management of plant nutrient to ensure maximum crop yield and environmental sustainability. His research goal is to synchronize the bioavailability of optimum macro and micronutrients for plant growth and development by supplying the appropriate nutrient source, at the right rate, time and method of application. Dr. Pitchay said his vision is to achieve sustainability in crop production and quality through nutrient management. Dr. Pitchay’s research and extension program of the best management practices for the nursery industry is funded by the USDA-NRCS.

Leslie Speller-Henderson Assistant Professor, Community Nutrition Education Family and Consumer Science Program Leader

(615) 254-7277 lspeller@tnstate.edu

Speller-Henderson provides statewide Family & Consumer Sciences leadership for Tennessee county agents and state faculty with Tennessee State University Cooperative Extension Program. Speller-Henderson is principal investigator for the federally funded community nutrition education grant — Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed). She leads and coordinates the federally funded community nutrition program — the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program. Speller-Henderson also facilitates nutrition and food safety education outreach to help individuals, families, and communities identify and solve healthy lifestyle challenges. She teaches undergraduate food and nutrition courses at TSU and has taught at Nashville State Community College. Speller-Henderson has a B.S. degree in Foods and Nutrition from Tennessee State University and a M.S. degree in Nutrition and Hospitality Management from Alabama A&M University.

De’Etra Young, Ph.D. Assistant Professor, Environmental Quality & Urban Forestry

(615) 963-5123 dyoung23@tnstate.edu

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Dr. Young attended Southern University and A&M College where she majored in urban forestry, earning her B.S. degree in 2004. She pursued the M.S./Ph.D. programs in forestry at Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas. While at Texas A&M, she completed her Ph.D. in forestry with a concentration in spatial and hydrological sciences in 2010. As an Extension Specialist, her responsibilities are twofold. Her main focus area is to assist in improving Tennessee’s urban environments through the creation of outreach material driven by research to better understand the urban forests and urbanization. Additionally, she coordinates an undergraduate workforce development program focusing on providing a research and extension experiences to strengthen the agriculture workforce. She currently serves as a member of the Board of Directors of Urban Green Lab and a member of its education committee. She is the advisor for the Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences (MANRRS), Tennessee State University Chapter. She is also a member of the Metro Tree Advisory Committee and Nashville Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Lastly, she serves as Immediate Past President of the Tennessee Urban Forestry Council.

Extension Agents & Support Staff Amanda Paschall, Benton County apaschal@tnstate.edu • (731) 584 Paschall has helped secure several grants through the Department of Economic and Community Development that promote jobs, public safety, education, workforce development, and health and welfare. She has implemented the Candy for Camp program, which helps raise funds for youth to attend camp. Whitney Simmons Jackson, Bledsoe County jwaters2@tnstate.edu • (423) 584-4601 Jackson works with 4-H Youth Development and Adult Agriculture and assists commercial vegetable growers and local farmers in the area. She also hosts after-school activities including livestock, horse, and dog clubs.

Jessica Waters, Blount County jwaters2@tnstate.edu • (865) 982-6430 Waters works with the 4-H Hands-on Food Safety Program, which includes information about foodborne pathogens, food safety techniques, and a special lesson on hand washing.

Sierra Knaus, Cheatham County sknaus@tnstate.edu • (615) 963-5491 Knaus is the lead agent who coordinates the in-school 4-H programs and out-of-school 4-H activities. Knaus also coordinate the county’s Master Gardener program. This year, Knaus is working with the local sheriff ’s department to create a new youth program called “Crime Scene Camp.” April Parker, Cocke County aparke23@tnstate.edu • (615) 963-1351 Parker educates fifth graders about alcohol and prescription drug abuse. She also coordinates an after-school program called Adventure in the Kitchen in which she teaches children to cook and shares recipes that they can cook at home with their family or for themselves. Anna Duncan, Coffee County aduncan@tnstate.edu • (931) 723-5141 Duncan works with youth in the 4-H Program helping them develop professional and life skills through agriculture-based programs. She coaches judging teams, advises leadership groups, and facilitates club meetings. She also helps educate adults in the areas of horticulture and other various agriculture-related topics. Jennifer Gilbert, Claiborne County jgilber8@tnstate.edu • (423) 626-3742 Gilbert works in 4-H Youth Development and Adult Agriculture. She works with 107 teen leaders organizing 4-H Club meetings, Honor Club, and Home School. She also works with 4-H shows and exhibitors for Claiborne County and conducts a Portfolio/Record Keeping workshop. Crystal Blankenship, Cumberland County cblanken@tnstate.edu • (731) 232-5682 Blankenship woks with Healthy Families programming with at-risk students and their parents. She conducts cooking classes and teaches others the basic culinary skills to make meals at home.

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Special SpecialSection: Section:Outreach ExtensionActivities Agents

Extension Agents & Support Staff

Kelsey Whitefield, Cumberland County kwhitefi@tnstate.edu • (615) 963-1351 Whitefield works with the 4-H programs and the Cumberland County Youth Livestock Program. She also is involved with STEM classes in Cumberland County schools. She recently helped start an after-school archery program at one of Cumberland County’s at-risk schools.

Dianne Stewart Starks, Dyer County dstewart@tnstate.edu • (731) 286-7821 tewart-Starks serves as a program assistant working with various outreach programs and Extension agents in Dyer County. Programs offered there include the Community Economic Program, the Master Gardener Program, the Special Summer Food Service Program and the CRD Awards and Scholarship Banquet.

Ebone Colclough, Davidson County ecolclou@tnstate.edu • (615) 862-5995 Colclough assists with various SNAP-Ed programs which include: Eat Healthy, Be Active, Faithful Families, MyPlate for My Family, and Go 4 Life. She also works with youth programs including Media Smart Youth, Power U, Rudy Raccoon, and Adventures in the Kitchen.

William Taylor, Dyer County wtaylor@tnstate.edu • (731) 286-7821 Extension agent working with programs that include the Master Gardeners Program, the Community Economic Program, and the Special Summer Food Service Program for children. The CRD Awards and Scholarship Banquet is held every year and distributes $10,000 to high school seniors for school.

Mary Wakefield, Davidson County mwakefield@tnstate.edu • (615) 862-5995 Wakefield works with adults who have limited resources through a research-based program called “Tennessee Shapes Up.” She also administers the Community Resource Development Program in community gardening at Edgehill Community Garden. The training begins in March and ends in February.

John Ferrell, Franklin County jferrell@tnstate.edu • (931) 967-2741 Ferrell works with small farms educating producers about beef cattle, vegetable production, and beekeeping. His educational programs focus on value-added enterprises.

LaSonia Brown, Davidson County lbrown104@tnstate.edu • (615) 963-1351 Brown serves as administrative assistant to Dr. Latif Lighari, the associate dean of Cooperative Extension. Brown handles payroll and all reimbursements to County Extension Agents.

Darby Payne Allday, Giles County dpayne8@tnstate.edu • (931) 363-3523 Allday is a horticulture and 4-H agent who actively contributes to the Southern Lawn Garden and Home Show committee, an event that boasted more than 50 vendors and 1,000 participants last year. She also organizes a successful shotgun program.

Debbie Goddard, Davidson County ctinch@tnstate.edu • (615) 963-7561 Goddard is responsible for setting up and facilitating the “Cooking Matters for Adults” programs across the states. She also assists in writing Quarterly and annul plans and reports for federal grants as well as other special projects.

Anthony Smith, Grundy County asmit328@tnstate.edu • (931) 592-3971 Smith, born and raised in Grundy County, has returned to his native land to work as a 4-H Extension Agent. Smith focuses on programs that promote community service, leadership, and natural resource management.

Leigh Fuson, DeKalb County lfuson@tntate.edu • (615) 963-1351 Fuson works with the 4-H youth development program in DeKalb County. 4-H is a longtime tradition in DeKalb County with many supportive alumni, county officials, and business people. Fuson earned her bachelor’s degree in agricultural education from Tennessee Tech.

Janice Hartman, Hamilton County jhartma9@tnstate.edu • (423) 855-6113 Hartman works with people who are eligible to receive benefits from three Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programs. She also teaches nutrition, resource management, and promotes physical activity.

Virgie Bolden, Dyer County vbolden@tnstate.edu • (731) 286-7821 Bolden assists Extension agents in Dyer County ensuring they have the materials needed to offer programs to the public. Programs include the Master Gardener Program, the Community Economic Program, and the Special Summer Food Service Program for children.

Cathy Surgick, Hamilton County csurgick@tnstate.edu • (423) 658-2421 Surgick works with the SNAP-Ed program helping citizens to eat healthy meals. She currently offers a program called “Cooking Matters” which teaches people how to cook nutritious meals at home on a limited budget.

Mary Beth Neal, Dyer County mneal9@tnstate.edu • (731) 286-7821 Neal works with 1,500 4-H youth in grades 4th-12th in monthly educational programs in city, county, private and home schools. In 2015, youth who engaged in livestock programs through the Dyer County Junior Livestock Association raised $102,280.

Josh German, Hardeman County jgerman1@tnstate.edu • (731) 963-7561 German serves as an Extension agent focusing on row crops. He is currently working on a new irrigation management project in which he is teaching growers how to use sensors to manage their water usage and plant uptake.

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Special Section: Extension Agents

Extension Agents & Support Staff

Jack Price, Hawkins County jprice25@tnstate.edu • (423) 272-7241 Price works in adult agriculture education and the 4-H youth program. He oversees the Tennessee Master Gardener Program. Students are taught life skills through lessons in school clubs and project groups.

Shirley Miller, Lawrence County smille20@tennessee.edu • (931) 762-5506 Miller handles all administrative duties for agriculture, 4-H, horticulture and human science programs.

Karen Denise Jones, Haywood County kjone114@tnstate.edu • (731) 772-2861

Megan Long, Loudon County mlong10@tnstate.edu • (865) 458-5612 Long is currently seeking to resurrect the Wildlife Judging Team. This is an opportunity to teach 4-Hers how to identify wildlife, evaluate the terrain, and determine best wildlife management practices for a specific region.

Jones works with 4-H Youth and teaches adults about home buying, fitness, and nutrition. Travis Wade, Haywood County twade7@tnstate.edu • (731) 772-2861 Wade works with community gardens, 4-H &and Youth Development programs, and the Farmer’s Market in Brownsville, Tennessee.

Kane Reeves, Madison County kreeves@@tnstate.edu • (731) 668-8543 Reeves has worked with more than 3,000 young people teaching them about consumer education, drug, alcohol and tobacco prevention, and nutrition, health and fitness. Leadership and citizenship are emphasized through educational activities, events, and competitions.

Danielle Pleasant, Johnson County dsilverm@tnstate.edu • (423) 727-8161 Pleasant helps plan the annual Farm Day which is put on for every third and fourth grader in the county. Students tour local farms and learn about agriculture and where their food comes from. The event attracts up to 400 students and teachers.

Elizabeth Lowrey, Marion County elowrey@tnstate.edu • (931) 375-5301 Lowery works mostly with agriculture and teaches her students Farm to Table Workforce Prep relating to agriculture. She also woks with live stock, horses and poultry and oversees the 4-H Archery Team.

Emily Gonzalez, Knox County egonzale@tnstate.edu • (865) 215-3558 Gonzalez oversees the Master Gardener Program and helps train 30 to 40 new Extension Master Gardeners each year and manages about 165 active volunteers who contribute more than 10,000 hours to their communities on behalf of Extension, at an impact value of about $220,000. She also helps train more than 100 4-H youth annually.

Melanie Shea Austin Cantu, Maury County, TSU Main Campus maustin7@tnstate.edu • (615) 963-1351 Cantu is a Training Coordinator for the Community Nutrition Education Program including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education and the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program with TSU Extension.

Rachel Howell, Lauderdale County rparker12@tnstate.edu • (731) 635-3101 Howell is responsible for planning, developing, coordinating, and conducting educational programs addressing issues that affect home horticulture such as fruits, vegetables, and turf grass. She coordinates the Master Gardeners program and is involved with the community gardens sponsored by the Be More Live More grant.

Finis Stribling III, Maury County fstribling@tnstate.edu.edu • (931) 375-5301Stribling provides leadership for the Small Farm Outreach and Assistance Program and serves as director of the Tennessee New Farmer Academy. He provides leadership for the TSU AgrAbility Project and serves as the TSU point of contact for the Extension Disaster Education Network.

Wendell Smith, Lawrence County wsmith7@tnstate.edu • (931) 762-5506 Smith coordinates the Lawrence County Master Gardeners Association. The organization’s annual plant sale has netted $2,500 over the last seven years and helps pay for scholarships for 4-H campers and helps fund a greenhouse on the Extension grounds as well as an Extension storage building.

Destiny Brown, Meigs County dbrow124@tnstate.edu • (423) 334-5781 Brown works with youth focusing her programs on youth development and STEM education. She does this through in-school clubs, camps where students and agents are learning more about STEM and citizenship, afterschool programs, and competitions.

Tracy Volena Hagan, Lawrence County thagan@tnstate.edu • (931) 762-5506 Hagan assists with Lawrence County’s 4-H programming, including enrichment that focuses on communications, STEM, citizenship, and leadership in fourth through sixth grade classrooms. School programs include a financial education simulation hosted for eighth graders and a county-wide Science Fair for fourth through eighth grades.

Karla Kean, Montgomery County kkean1@tnstate.edu • (931) 648-5725 Kean serves as a horticultural and small farms agent providing educational programming and individual assistance to small producers and entrepreneurs in the community.

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Special Section: Extension Agents

Extension Agents & Support Staff

Holly Williams, Monroe County hwillia1@tnstate.edu • (412) 442-2433 Williams works with the 4-H Food Smart Families Program teaching young people about healthy food preparation and physical fitness. The program features a mobile kitchen which travels throughout the county. Williams works with organizations like the Monroe Boxing Club and the Boys and Girls Club.

Misty Layne-Watkins, Rutherford County mlaynewatkins@tnstate.edu • (615) 898-7710 Layne-Watkins coordinates programs including educating first-time home buyers who were able to receive $15,000 in down payment assistance through the Tennessee Housing Development Agency. She also assists with the Chronic Disease Self-Management Workshop and pre-schoolers in the MyPlate program.

Lori Burtts, Moore County lburtts@tnstate.edu • (931) 759-7163 Burtts works as a 4-H agent coaching four judging teams: Forestry, Horse, Livestock and Poultry. She is also involved in two shooting sports programs — archery and trap. She organizes horse and chick-chain projects, teaching youth to learn about responsibilities and earn rewards while raising and enjoying their animals.

Raquel Victor, Rutherford County rvictor@tnstate.edu • (615) 898-7710 Victor has been leading the cooking and sewing project groups at the Extension office for the past nine years, which are offered during the school year from October to March. Currently, the beginner and intermediate sewing groups have 45 members. The beginner and intermediate sewing groups have 60 participants.

Jennifer Goodrich, Morgan County jgoodri2@tnstate.edu • (423) 346-3000 Goodrich oversees Agriculture and 4-H Youth and Community Resources Developments. Programs she has helped administer include pasture restoration following a drought, forestry management, beef cattle production, farm pond management, pesticide safety and more.

Karen Bernard, Shelby County kbernar2@tnstate.edu • (901) 752-6240 Benard conducts programs for seniors, adults, and youth in nutrition. Bernard has helped develop the Shelby County Health Equity Collective with UT agents and the Shelby County Health Department. The Collective’s goal is to implement policy changes that improve the health of citizens throughout Shelby County.

Griffin Strode, Obion County gstrode@tnstate.edu • (731) 885-3742 Strode works with 4-H clubs in the country, helping alongside the area’s agricultural producers. His focus is helping to improve the livestock industry and encourage youth to get involved in livestock research and the Obion County Junior Livestock Association.

Ebony Lott, Shelby County elott1@tnstate.edu • (901) 792-1207 Lott works with the TSU Nutrition Education Program teaching children, adults and seniors and those with special needs about healthy nutrition, food preparation and safety, and being self-sufficient.

Kelley Frady, Polk County kfrady@tnstate.edu • (423) 626-3742 Frady works with the Advanced Master Beef Program helping farmers apply for assistance from the Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program. Frady also works with 4-H youth. She uses the Junior Master Gardeners Program to educate youth about where food comes from.

Willis Green, Shelby County wgreen9@tnstate.edu • (615) 963-1351 Green provides nutrition education programs in partnership with agencies to improve the likelihood that participants will make healthy food choices and choose a physically active lifestyle.

Thomas Greenlee, Rhea County jgreen1@tnstate.edu • (423 ) 775-7807 Greenlee handles 4-H and Home Horticulture programs. He is also responsible for the 4-H Livestock program and the Master Gardeners program.

Jo Anne Waterman, Shelby County jwaterm1@tnstate.edu • (901) 752-1207 Waterman works with small farm and urban gardening programs and teaches them about Good Agricultural Practices.

Aaron Spurling, Rhea County aspurling@tnstate.edu • (423 ) 775-7807 Rhea County 4‐H clubs represent just over 1,400 of the county’s youth. These members are engaged in many activities including public speaking, demonstrations, poster contests, shooting sports, and STEM class activities. Many of these members also volunteer for community service and assist with 4‐H events.

Sharon Shope, Stewart County sshope@tnstate.edu • (731) 232-5682 Shope provides nutrition education to residents of Stewart County and helps host a Stewart County Iron Chef competition every year.

Heather Lambert, Rutherford County hlowery@tnstate.edu • (615) 898-7710 Lambert works with the 4-H program and after-school programs helping approximately 800 students every year. She is also a regular at the Rutherford County Farmers Market promoting Extension services and programs.

Walter Malone, Sullivan County wmalone@tnstate.edu • (423) 279-2723 Malone works in Sullivan County where he organizes the 4-H Clover Bowl, a quiz bowl tournament with divisions for grades 4-8. The event tests the students’ knowledge of agriculture, 4-H, human sciences, and Tennessee history.

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Special Section: Extension Agents

Extension Agents & Support Staff Joellen Dimond, Tipton County jdimond1@tnstate.edu • (4231) 798-1710 Dimond has more than 30 years of experience in horticulture and earned her bachelor degree in Ornamental Horticulture at The University of Illinois. She teaches a variety of classes in Tipton County.

Jacqueline Lemons, Tipton County jlemons@tnstate.edu • (901) 476-0231 Lemons works with the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education program, which has graduated 200 people since its inception in 2012. She also works with community partners such as Workforce Essentials, Tipton County Health Department, and the St. Luke Baptist Church. Emily Mote, Warren County emote@tnstate.edu • (615) 963-1351 Mote handles all administrative duties for agriculture, 4-H, horticulture and human science programs. She oversees the county’s livestock program, coaches livestock and poultry judging and meats ID teams and assists with the county’s shooting sports program. Angelo Randaci, Warren County arandaci@tnstate.edu • (931) 815-5169 Randaci works with middle Tennessee nursery producers addressing their needs and concerns. He helps diagnose problems and resolve questions from nursery producers. He also works with extension agents and researchers regarding new developments and trends in the nursery industry. Samantha Morrow, Wayne Country smorrow4@tnstate.edu • (931) 253-2516 Morrow works with 4-H youth and incorporates human sciences, agriculture and STEM education. Activities outside the schools include a monthly home-school group, 4-H Camp, cake decorating and sewing classes. A Livestock Judging Group and a Horse Judging Group compete at the regional level. Loren Stanford, Weakley County ltinso1@tnstate.edu • (731) 364-3164 Stanford has organized a cattleman’s association with multiple counties in northwest Tennessee. The association hosts two field days each year attracting hundreds of visitors.

Extension Agents & Support Staff Christie Tinch, Fentress County ctinch1@tnstate.edu • (615) 963-7561 Tinch oversees 40 4-H clubs with 4th, 5th, 6th and 8th grades at four elementary schools and one private school. She also meets monthly with the 4-H Honor Club and currently serve as the 4-H All Star Advisor for the Eastern Region.

TSU’s Hemp Research Initiative begins

The College of Agriculture has launched a pioneering research program to study hemp and educate farmers about growing what could prove to be a lucrative crop. Hemp is a close relative to marijuana, but does not contain the high levels of THC that make people “high.” According to the Brightfield Group, a research firm, the U.S. market for hemp hit $291 million in 2017 and is expected to bring in $1.65 billion by 2021. “We want to be in this emerging area of Tennessee agriculture,” said Dr. Chandra Reddy, dean of the College of Agriculture. “Our goal is to assist the producers in growing industrial hemp efficiently.“ Interest and excitement from those who attended the Industrial Hemp Producers Workshop on March 2 was immense. Hemp can be used to create a variety Graduate student and research assistant Paige Thompson talks to attendees at the Industrial of products from ropes to clothing. Oil extracted from the plant is known to relieve Hemp Producers Workshop. (Photo by Joan Kite) pain and inflammation.

Amy Dismukes, Williamson County adismuk1@tnstate.edu • (615) 963-1351 Dismukes coordinates the Williamson County Master Gardener Program, which trains more than 100 volunteers each year. She is a graduate of Auburn University where she earned a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts, a Bachelor of Science in horticulture, and a Master of Agriculture in Plant Pathology. Heather Lowery, Eastern Region hlowery@tnstate.edu • (423) 798-1710 Lowery serves as the Nursery Crop Specialist helping fulfill the needs of horticulture producers in 33 counties. She is located in Greene County and covers Eastern Tennessee.

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Left: Joe Kirkpatrick (left), president of Tennessee Hemp Industries Association, and TSU professor Dr. Roy Bullock (right) who is heading up the research initiative to study hemp on campus. Scientists will study a wide variety of the plant properties. Above: Hemp can be used in a variety of products including hand cream, CBD oil, and soap. (Photo by Joan Kite)

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USDA awards Ag faculty more than $2M in grants The U.S. Department of Agriculture has awarded more than $2 million in Teaching, Research and Extension Capacity Building Grants to seven Tennessee State University professors in the College of Agriculture. The funds will be dedicated to developing research and extension activities designed to increase and strengthen food and agricultural sciences through integration of teaching, research and extension. The seven professors, who competed in a competitive grant writing process, are Suping Zhou, Ankit Patras, Aliyar Fouladkhah, Jason de Koff, Aditya Khanal, Matthew Blair, and Hongwei Si. Zhou, a research professor in the Department of Agricultural and Suping Zhou Environmental Sciences (DAES), was awarded $499,999 to determine aluminum’s effects in the soil used to grow tomato plants and how growth can be improved. The project includes the creation of a Tomato Cyber Lab that will allow scientists to manage and share omics data in compliance with Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Re-usable (FAIR) principles and

allow participants in different geographic locations to access instruments in real-time. This project is a collaborative effort between TSU and Delaware State University. Patras, an assistant professor in DAES, was awarded $499,764 to further his research in food safety. Patras is specifically seeking to develop a continuous flow-through Ankit Patras ultraviolet light-based system for the non-thermal pasteurization of liquid foods such as cranberry juice. The industrial implementation of this technology will help food companies comply with the FDA Food Safety and Modernization Act, which aims to strengthen the safety of our food system. Formal education programs for graduate and undergraduate students as well as non-formal education programs for community stakeholders will be developed. Aliyar Fouladkhah, an assistant professor in DAES, is working on a collaborative effort to create a cadre of extension agents and faculty who will educate small and under-served farm communities in FSMA compliance ensuring their

agricultural businesses can remain profitable. In addition, the $349,788 grant will help fund Aliyar a FSMA needs Fouladkhah assessment of producers and processors and create outreach materials for emerging entrepreneurs. Jason de Koff, an Extension associate professor, was awarded $249,147 to help create a novel educational program that will train farmers, Extension agents, and students in drone technology and its applications in agriculture. Jason de Koff An educational curriculum will be created to be shared with other agencies and institutions. Aditya Khanal, an assistant professor in DAES, received $230,313 for his threeyear project researching agritourism and its benefits to Tennessee. Aditya Khanal Khanal will examine and determine best business practices

and the affects of demographic and socio-economic factors in this emerging industry. The project seeks to estimate the economic impacts of agritourism to the Tennessee economy. Matthew Blair, a research associate professor in DAES, was awarded $100,000 to train with a USDA mentor at the Soil, Plant and Animal Nutrition Laboratory in Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. Blair seeks to increase his knowledge in legume genetics research, an area in which he specializes. Hongwei Si, Matthew Blair an associate professor in the Department of Human Sciences, received $100,000 to help fund his participation in the ongoing NIFA?USDA project, “APOA2 Gene, Diet, Inflammation and Gut Health,” at the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center Hongwei Si on Aging at Tufts University in Boston, Massachusetts. Si’s long-term research goal is to investigate the effects and mechanisms of healthy foods on the prevention of chronic diseases in cells, and animals.

Extension embarks on disaster preparedness program for young people

Rita Fleming

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Extension is creating a program to teach young people how to respond in the event of disaster. Called MyPI of Tennessee, the program is spearheaded by Rita Fleming, assistant professor in the Department of Human Sciences. “The goal is for our teens to take ownership of their own preparedness.”

Currently, Fleming is working with other TSU faculty including Dr. Tom Broyles, Finis Stribling, and Dr. Sandria Godwin, to create the curriculum that will be taught to students. MyPI Tennessee is one of eight pilot projects in the U.S. modeled after the original MyPI at Mississippi State University Extension.

Read about Baby Buddy’s Big Impact See page 6

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AgLink Vol. 6, Issue 2 Spring 2018

Tennessee State University College of Agriculture 3500 John A. Merritt Blvd. Nashville, TN 37209

Tennessee State University College of Agriculture (615) 963-7561 www.tnstate.edu/agriculture Dr. Chandra Reddy, Dean & Director of Research Administrator of Extension Joan Kite, AgLink Editor TSU-18-0011(B)-12b-13500 - Tennessee State University does not discriminate against students, employees, or applicants for admission or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, age, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or any other legally protected class with respect to all employment, programs and activities sponsored by Tennessee State University. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Stephanie Roth, Office of Equity and Inclusion, sroth@tnstate.edu, 3500 John Merritt Blvd., General Services Building, Second Floor, Nashville, TN 37209, 615-963-7435. The Tennessee State University policy on nondiscrimination can be found at www.tnstate.edu/nondiscrimination.

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