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Certified Pest Control Applicator

Look for Licensed, Reputable Pesticide Applicators

NASHVILLE  – While many homeowners are repairing and rebuilding after the flood, they may need to consider the impact flooding has had on their termite protection.

“Homeowners affected by the flood should consult a fully licensed and chartered pest control business before paying for costly termite retreatments,” said pesticide administrator Kathy Booker with the Tennessee Department of Agriculture. “There are certain instances where retreatment may be necessary, but in general consumers should be wary of quick fixes promised by individuals who show up on their doorstep.”

Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program

Farmers Encouraged to Apply for TAEP Funding

NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Department of Agriculture is accepting applications June 1 – 7 for the Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program. Most applications are accepted on a first come, first serve basis and should be filled out completely and postmarked beginning June 1.

“The Ag Enhancement Program remains strong and we want to help farmers continue to make strategic investments,” said state Agriculture Commissioner Ken Givens. “This year, we especially want to encourage our farmers that were affected by the unprecedented floods in Tennessee to apply. The Ag Enhancement offers cost share opportunities that may help in this recovery process.”

Ag Commissioner Ken Givens helps recognize Neely's Bend Middle School

NASHVILLE – Neely’s Bend Middle School in Madison, Tennessee has been named the state winner in this year’s Fuel Up to Play 60 (FUTP60) program. The school was awarded the most points in the program by logging hours of physical activity and healthy foods eaten throughout the day. The students’ efforts placed them ahead of the 1,259 other schools in Tennessee who also participated in FUTP60.

The Southeast United Dairy Industry Association presented Neely’s Bend Middle School with $3,000 to help the school expand its fitness and nutrition goals. Commissioner of Agriculture Ken Givens joined state Health and Education officials and retired Tennessee Titan Blaine Bishop in recognizing Neely’s Bend and some of their top-performing students.

Residents Urged to Use Repellents, Other Methods to Prevent Bites

NASHVILLE – Standing water provides the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes, so flooded areas in middle and west Tennessee could cause significant increases in populations of these disease-carrying pests. The Tennessee Department of Health is reminding residents working to clean up homes, businesses and other facilities in Tennessee to take steps to help prevent illnesses associated with mosquitoes.

Fresh Tennessee Strawberries

Tennessee strawberry farmers not affected by recent floods are either happily picking or happily anticipating a great crop this year, depending on where they live. Tennessee’s famous strawberry harvest starts in the west, where elevations are lower and warmer, and progresses east across the state to ever higher and cooler climes.

Residents Must Anticipate, Prepare For Encounters

NASHVILLE – People affected by the floods should take precautions not only from contaminated water but also with unfamiliar and wild animals as they return to homes to begin the clean-up process. Pets left behind during emergency evacuations and wild animals forced from their natural habitats could pose a risk of injury. Adults and children should not touch, attempt to feed or handle any wild or unfamiliar domestic animals, especially those that appear to be sick or injured. People should also stay away from dead animals.

Blueberry Lemon Pound Cake

Most days, it’s hard to justify using fresh, ripe berries any way except straight out of a bowl. Some occasions, however, call for special foods—the kind that make a statement just sitting on the table, before anybody ever takes a bite.

For those occasions, consider Blueberry Lemon Pound Cake. It’s the latest recipe from food expert Tammy Algood for Pick Tennessee Products, the statewide promotion developed by the Tennessee Department of Agriculture to help consumers identify and choose foods grown or processed in Tennessee. Algood’s recipes are available at www.PickTnProducts.org.