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UTIA » News Releases


Current Stories

 

 

For more information about the news releases featured below, please contact Patricia McDaniels (865) 974-7141.

For past stories, please visit the News Archive.

 

October 2008

  • UT Adjunct Professor Named Fellow
    University of Tennessee Adjunct Professor of Plant Science and USDA Soybean Breeder, Dr. Prakesh Arelli has been elected to the position of Fellow by the Crop Science Society of America (CSSA), a prominent international scientific society.  This honor places Dr. Arelli in an elite group, as less than one percent of CSSA members may be elected Fellow.  Only outstanding members with distinguished professional achievements and commendable service receive this title. 
  • Tennessee Breaks Ground for Innovative Cellulosic Ethanol Pilot Biorefinery
    DuPont Danisco Cellulosic Ethanol LLC (DDCE) and the University of Tennessee (UT) Research Foundation, through Genera Energy, LLC, broke ground today for an innovative pilot-scale biorefinery and state-of-the-art research and development facility for cellulosic ethanol, or ethanol from non-food sources.
  • UT’s First Pumpkin Field Day a Success
    Organizers of the first University of Tennessee Pumpkin Field Day are calling the event a smashing hit.  Pumpkin growers and pumpkin lovers from across the Mid-South recently participated in the hands-on educational sessions held at the West Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center.  Researchers say the field day was beneficial for all who attended.
  • Fall Color Guide Available from the UT Arboretum
    It's that time of year when everyone likes to get outdoors and enjoy fall's magnificent colors. But just which tree is which?
  • UT Arboretum Society to Hold Fall Plant Sale Oct. 11
    The UT Arboretum Society’s Fall Plant Sale will be on Saturday, October 11th from 9:00 a.m. till 3:00 p.m. at the UT Arboretum, 901 S. Illinois Ave. in Oak Ridge. Follow the signs and drive up to the Program Shelter.
  • Media Advisory
    The groundbreaking for Tennessee's first of its kind pilot-scale cellulosic ethanol refinery will be celebrated with an official ceremony at the site of the future plant. Instead of the traditional ribbon-wrapped shovel, a local farmer, David Richesin, will join Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen and others in using a tractor and planter to initiate the biorefinery's construction. Richesin is one of 16 local farmers under contract to the UT Institute of Agriculture to produce switchgrass as a feedstock for the biorefinery.
  • Delton Gerloff New Head of UT Department of Agricultural Economics
    University of Tennessee Agricultural Economist Dr. Delton Gerloff is known for his expertise in farm and financial management and row crop marketing. Since February, he’s also been recognized for his leadership as the interim head of the Department of Agricultural Economics in UT’s College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources.
  • UT Extension Agent honored with national service award
    The National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences has honored University of Tennessee Extension Agent II Carla Bush as a national winner of a Distinguished Service Award in the 2008 NEAFCS Awards of Excellence Program. 
  • UT Hosts Bull Test Open House
    The University of Tennessee Central Bull Test Station is hosting their annual Bull Test Open House on Tuesday, October 28, 2008, at the Middle Tennessee Research and Education Center in Spring Hill.  The event offers cattlemen and others in the cattle industry an opportunity to learn about a number of hot topics in beef cattle production. 

Septmeber 2008

  • UT's Northeast Beef Expo Scheduled for October 9
    Cattle producers interested in protecting their investment during difficult times will want to attend the 2008 Northeast Tennessee Beef Expo. Scheduled for Oct. 9, the day-long event will be held at the University of Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center at Greeneville.
  • Center at UT College of Veterinary Medicine Wins over $5M in Department of Homeland Security Grants  
    The University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine's Center for Agriculture and Food Security and Preparedness (CAFSP) at the UT Institute of Agriculture will have a key role in helping to ensure the safety of the nation's food supply and helping promote effective response to a disaster involving animals. Of only 11 grants the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) awarded, the veterinary college received two of them totaling nearly $5 million.
  • UT AgResearch & Education Center Rings in Autumn with Spectacular House Made of Pumpkins
    The colors of fall will soon be evident in our fields and forests as well as on the grounds of the University of Tennessee’s West Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center, as one of the largest exhibits of pumpkins in the country will once again be on display.   For six weeks, a house comprised of more than five thousand pumpkins will grace the Center.  UT horticulturalist Jason Reeves and his team designed this remarkable work of art that heralds the harvest season.
  • University of Tennessee Hosts Pumpkin Field Day  
    The fruit of the fall season will take center stage at the West Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center on Wednesday October 8th, as the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture presents UT Pumpkin Field Day 2008.   This “first of its kind” event will feature seminars on an assortment of topics involving the pumpkin.
  • Ames Plantation Restoration Project Gets Recognition from Nationally Renowned Artist and Historian  
    A preservation project taking place at Ames Plantation is now receiving support from nationally known decorator and historian, Polly Forcier of MB Historic D écor.  Forcier will visit Ames Plantation October 10-11, 2008 to examine restoration of the Stencil House and offer educational sessions on 19th century home decor during the 11th annual Heritage Festival.
  • 10th Annual Fall Folklore Jamboree Comes to Milan
    On Saturday October 18th, thousands of visitors will flock to the West Tennessee Agricultural Museum and UT AgResearch and Education Center at Milan for the 10th annual Fall Folklore Jamboree.   Those in attendance at the all-day event can catch a glimpse of the past as more than 100 folk artists demonstrate rare and unique farming, cooking, and traditional skills.  And the sounds of yesteryear will fill the air as award-winning gospel and bluegrass bands perform.
  • UT Gardens To Hold Plant Sale Oct. 11
    Fall is for planting! The UT Gardens is holding a fall planting sale on Saturday, October 11, featuring Pink Muhly Grass and other notable plants. All proceeds will support the UT Gardens.
  • UT Gardens’ Plant of the Month for September: Purple Hyacinth Bean
    For an inexpensive but showy climbing vine nothing brightens up the fall garden like the purple seed pods of the purple hyacinth bean (Lablab purpurea formerly Dolichos lablab). The University of Tennessee Gardens has used this annual vine for years for vertical interest, and it never fails to draw questions and admiration.
  • West Tennessee Plantation Hosts 11th Annual Heritage Festival
    Ames Plantation and The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture are proud to present the 11th Annual Heritage Festival and Antique Auction, a celebration of the unique cultural legacy of the mid-South. 
  • Dedication Ceremony of UT Gardens' 'Friendship Plaza' offers activities for the whole family
    In its 25-year existence, the UT Gardens had a little bit of everything - stunning flowers, beautiful and exotic plants, even ornate artwork and sculpture. What it did not have was an easily accessible and welcoming entrance.
  • Lesotho Implements UT No-till Practices
    No-till cropping systems have been such a success in Tennessee that sometimes growers take them for granted. But the idea and technologies behind “spare the plow and save the soil” are a big success story to farmers in other reaches of the globe.
  • UTIA Researcher named Fellow for Food Safety Organization
    A worldwide group of scientists working to keep our food supply safe recently named a University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture researcher to a distinguished honor.

August 2008

  • Veterinary College Offers Support for Grieving Pet Owners
    Coping with the death of a pet can often times be a stressful experience. Veterinary Social Work, a program of the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, is offering the Pet Loss Support Group to help those experiencing the grief process.
  • Make Plans Now for Ag Day 2008
    Join in the fellowship and fun Saturday, Oct. 18, when Ag Day returns to the agricultural campus in Knoxville. Festivities start four hours before game-time between the Vols and Mississippi State Bulldogs.
  • College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources to Host Workshop on Teaching Strategies to Match Student Learning Styles
    Access to information is now instant and interactive. This contributes to the challenges of engaging students in the learning process. To assist faculty with strategies to fully engage students, the University of Tennessee College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources (CASNR) will present a campus-wide, faculty/staff workshop entitled “A Matter of Style: Matching Teaching Strategies with Student Learning Styles to Enhance Student Learning.” The workshop will be September 12, 2008, from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. in the Hollingsworth Auditorium on the UT Institute of Agriculture campus.
  • Animal-assisted Therapy Program to Hold Meeting for Potential Volunteers
    A free informational meeting for those interested in becoming volunteers with Human Animal Bond in Tennessee (HABIT), an animal-assisted therapy program, will be held at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine Monday, August 25, from 6:30 p.m.- 8:30 p.m. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. for registration.
  • University of Tennessee Gardens Lunchtime and Twilight Walks in the Gardens
    The August Lunchtime and Twilight Walks of the University Gardens will be led by Gardens' staff on Tuesday, August 19, at 12 noon and also at 6 p.m.
  • UT Appoints New Dean for the College of Veterinary Medicine
    The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture has named Dr. James P. Thompson as Dean of the UT College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM). Dr. Thompson's appointment is effective October 1, 2008. He will be the fifth dean of the college, which is one of only 28 such colleges in the United States.
  • Eric Drumm to Lead UT Biosystems Engineering & Soil Science
    Following a national search, Dr. Eric Drumm has been selected to lead the Department of Biosystems Engineering and Soil Science in the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources at the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture. His appointment was effective August 1.
  • Three University of Tennessee Entomologists win awards
    The Entomology Society of America has honored two faculty members and one graduate student in the University of Tennessee's College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources for their outstanding teaching and research.

July 2008

  • UT AgResearch Steak and Potatoes Production Event
    Seminars to be offered for cattle producers, fruit and veggie growers and landowners. Tuesday, August 5, is the date for the annual Steak and Potatoes Field Day at the University of Tennessee Plateau AgResearch and Education Center in Crossville. Registration begins at 8:00 a.m. CDT, with the program running from 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. A sponsored lunch will be provided.
  • 2008 Tennessee Small Farm Expo and Small Farmer Recognition Program
    The fifth Small Farm Expo and Tennessee Small Farmer Recognition Program will be held at the Tennessee State University Agricultural Research and Extension Demonstration Farm in Ashland City, Tennessee on Friday, August 8 from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. This year’s theme is “Healthy Soils-Healthy Farms-Healthy Foods.”
  • DuPont Danisco and University of Tennessee Partner to Build Innovative Cellulosic Ethanol Pilot Facility
    Fast-Track Pilot Plant Will Develop Commercialization Technology for Corn Stover and Switchgrass; Facility to Open in 2009. DuPont Danisco Cellulosic Ethanol LLC (DDCE) and the University of Tennessee (UT) Research Foundation, through its Genera Energy LLC, today announced a partnership to construct an innovative pilot-scale biorefinery and state-of-the-art research and development facility for cellulosic ethanol in Vonore, Tennessee.
  • UT Gardens’ Plant of the Month for July: Purple Coneflower
    One of the showiest garden plants to thrive in the heat and humidity of summer is Purple Coneflower (Echinecea). Several species are available, all of which are native to the eastern U.S., including the most popular E. purpurea and one native to Tennessee - aptly named E. tennesseensis. These beautiful perennials are wonderful additions to a naturalized wildflower garden, the perennial or cut-flower border, and even the herb or vegetable garden. They help create a cottage garden feel. They are also great for attracting bees, butterflies, and birds (especially goldfinches) to the garden.
  • Lots to See, Hear at 25th Milan No-Till Field Day
    If the tradition holds, then thousands of producers, agribusiness representatives, and interested participants are expected to attend the 25th Milan No-Till Crop Production Field Day. Scheduled for July 24 at the University of Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center at Milan, the event promises 19 tours featuring the latest developments in topics ranging from no-till crop management, bioenergy crop production, and agritourism.

June 2008

  • Summer Celebration to Sizzle Once Again
    Organizers of the 19th annual University of Tennessee Summer Celebration expect this years event will please casual lawn and gardening enthusiasts and backyard experts alike. The educational expo, Jacksons premier lawn and gardening event, is scheduled for Thursday, July 10, at the UT West Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center (WTREC) on Airways Boulevard.
  • Lifetime achievement award bestowed upon UT veterinary entomologist
    In recognition of a career of outstanding contributions to animal health and productivity through veterinary (livestock) entomology, Bayer Animal Health and the international Livestock Insect Workers Conference have bestowed a Lifetime Achievement Award on Dr. Carl J. Jones, professor and head of the University of Tennessee’s Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology.
  • Educational Tour Planned for Agritourism Entrepreneurs
    Tennessee agritourism entrepreneurs are invited to pack their bags and join a classroom on wheels.
  • UT Reports on Progress of Biofuels Initiative
    In a routine update to the University of Tennessee Board of Trustees, UT Executive Vice President David Millhorn today reported that the Universitys much celebrated Biofuels Initiative remains on track to construct and open a biorefinery in 2010.
  • UT Wildlife Professor Honored With Conservation Award
    For his dedicated work in shaping Tennessee Valley Authority land management policy, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has honored William G. Minser with a Southeastern Regional Director’s Conservation Award.
  • Herbicide Approved for Switchgrass
    Growing grass got a little easier this week, as the Tennessee Department of Agriculture and the United States Environmental Protection Agency approved the use of herbicide AAtrex 4L for weed control in switchgrass that is grown for the production of biofuels.
  • New Online Directory Can Help Producers with Value-Added Agriculture
    Farmers interested in enhancing their bottom line have a new tool. Courtesy of the University of Tennessee, a new online directory catalogs resources available to help producers with their value-added enterprises, like agritourism or selling finished products such as salsa along with the produce.
  • UT Gardens Blossom Into Independent Program
    A gardener plants a seed, then watches over it, giving it water and fertilizer to encourage it to grow. It’s been 25 years since the University of Tennessee Gardens were first planted, and like a seed, after a lot of labor on the part of numerous UT faculty members and local gardening enthusiasts, the Gardens has taken on a life of its own.
  • UT Gardens’ Plant of the Month for June: Coreopsis
    Twenty-eight of the more than 30 species of Coreopsis, also know as Tickseed, are native to America. The flowers are usually yellow with a toothed tip and can be seen throughout summer and early fall. The name is derived from the Greek word koris, meaning Bedbug. This plant should be a staple in every sunny garden as these plants are easy to grow and usually problem free. Their cheery flowers can find a home in any spot in your garden.

May 2008

  • UT To Host Field Day at Highland Rim Research and Education Center
    Tobacco and beef production will be the focus of the June 26 field day at the University of Tennessee Highland Rim Research and Education Center in Springfield. Bioenergy crops and fruit, vegetable and forage production will also be discussed.
  • New Dean Named for UT Extension
    Well known in agricultural circles across the state, Dr. Tim Cross has been named as Dean of University of Tennessee Extension.  UT Extension is the outreach unit of the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, with programs in agriculture and natural resources, family and consumer sciences, youth development, and resource development.
  • New Event Announced for Homeowners, Fruit Growers
    “Fruits of the Backyard” is a new educational event hosted by the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture for homeowners and others interested in making better use of their outdoor space. Commercial fruit growers may also benefit from the seminars put on by experts from UT’s Agricultural Research and Extension programs.
  • UT Beef and Forage Field Day Scheduled for June 12
    Cost share programs and best management practices for cattle operations will headline the topics to be discussed at the 2008 Beef and Forage Field Day. The event is being held on June 12 on the grounds of the University of Tennessee East Tennessee Research and Education Center - Blount Unit.

  • UT Gardens' Plant of the Month for May: Kousa Dogwood
    Kousa dogwood, also known commonly as Chinese or Japanese dogwood is an exceptional small landscape tree with four-season interest. Botanically named Cornus kousa, this dogwood produces a multitude of showy, long-lasting, white flowers in late spring, after our common flowering dogwood (Cornus florida) has finished blooming.

 

April 2008

  • Tennessee Veterinary College Celebrates Expansion
    The University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine has celebrated the completion of its small animal teaching hospital expansion with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Construction on the $10 million, expansion began winter 2007.
  • Mascoma and UT Join in $26 Million DOE Grant
    The development of a sustainable biofuels industry in Tennessee has taken another leap forward. The U.S. Department of Energy has announced that Mascoma Corporation, with the University of Tennessee, is among the recipients of a $26 million grant for the development of biomass conversion technology
  • Three Field Days Headline UT’s June Calendar
    June is the month for the official start of summer, and three University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture events are scheduled to herald the occasion.
  • Milan No-Till Field Day Celebrates 25th Anniversary
    The latest developments in no-till crop management will be showcased during the No-Till Crop Production Field Day on July 24 at the UT Research and Education Center at Milan. The event marks the 25th No-Till Crop Production Field Day at Milan.
  • UT Gardens' Plant of the Month for April: Trillium
    An eye-catching woodland plant, trillium is a great addition to the spring garden. It is among the first plants to bloom in the spring.
  • Watch for Blue Mold in Tobacco Float Beds
    Tobacco growers should be on the alert for symptoms of blue mold in their plant beds. A plant pathologist with University of Tennessee Extension, Steve Bost, says says if blue mold is found at this stage of the season, it could be disastrous for growers.

 

March 2008


 

FEBRUARY 2008

 

January 2008