News Releases

(KNOXVILLE, Tenn.) - Tricks of the trade, expert advice, and information highlighting the expanding role of the University of Tennessee's agricultural programs will be available at UT's 23rd annual Ag Day. Scheduled for September 27, the free event is open to alumni, students, and friends of the Institute of Agriculture and to the general public.

Activities begin at 3:45 p.m. Kickoff for the UT - South Carolina football game is scheduled for 7:45 p.m. This year’s Ag Day focuses on programs and services offered by the institute.

“Agriculture is changing dramatically, and students, farmers, families and agribusinesses continue to be our target audiences, but UT also offers many programs for non-traditional clientele including homeowners, pet owners and gardeners,” said Ag Day co-chair Dr. John Henton, a professor in the College of Veterinary Medicine who serves as the college's continuing education director and coordinator of alumni activities.

Guests can tour the Veterinary Teaching Hospital and UT Gardens and visit the many interactive displays and exhibits that will be featured. Displays and exhibits to be featured include Tennessee’s viticulture industry, shrimp (a new "crop" alternative), animals helping people, agritourism, how to start a new agriculture-based enterprise, a food sensory panel and an insect petting zoo. Visitors will even be able to“Ask an Expert” about lawn and gardening advice. Bring a soil sample for one free soil fertility test.

Ag Day events will also include free musical entertainment, an antique tractor display and many children’s activities. A silent auction will be held by the Friends of the Gardens for the benefit of the UT Gardens.

The UT Institute of Agriculture is located Neyland Drive. Visitors are encouraged to come early for free parking behind the Veterinary Teaching Hospital.

Shuttles to the football game will be available for a nominal fee.

For more information about Ag Day call 865-974-8622 or by visit the Web site: http://agalumni.tennessee.edu/.

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Contact: Amy Jenkins, 865-974-8622; Patricia McDaniels or Samantha Hill, 865-974-7141