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Steele Named Forestry Employee of the Year

Released on Fri, Jan 15, 2010 - 10:12 am under
Steele (l) receives award from SF Steven Scott
Steele (l) receives award from SF Steven Scott

Roy Steele was recently named the Tennessee Department of Agriculture Division of Forestry’s Employee of the Year. The award is presented annually to a division employee who shows outstanding efforts and work accomplishments for a particular year. Steele received his award at the division’s annual Highland Rim District Christmas dinner held last month.

“Roy has shown great aptitude in implementing some of the division’s critical forestry services throughout his area. The citizens of Davidson, Robertson and Sumner counties are fortunate to have such a dedicated individual serving them and the natural resources in their area,” said State Forester Steven Scott.

Eaton Named Division Forester of the Year

Released on Fri, Jan 15, 2010 - 10:08 am under
Eaton (l) receives award from SF Steven Scott
Eaton (l) receives award from SF Steven Scott

Gerald Eaton was recently named the Tennessee Department of Agriculture Division of Forestry’s Forester of the Year. The award is presented annually to a division forester who exemplifies the highest level of professionalism in serving the citizens and forest landowners of Tennessee. Eaton received his award at the division’s annual Highland Rim District Christmas dinner held last month.

“As the Highland Rim District Forester, Gerald has shown great leadership in steering the division’s forestry services throughout the Highland Rim District. The citizens in the western portion of Middle Tennessee are fortunate to have such a dedicated individual serving them and the natural resources in their area,” said State Forester Steven Scott.

Multiple Agencies Take Action to Thwart Invasive Plants

Released on Thu, Jan 07, 2010 - 12:25 pm under
Tennessee is joining other states to eradicate Cogongrass, an invasive plant in the Southeast
Tennessee is joining other states to eradicate Cogongrass, an invasive plant in the Southeast
NASHVILLE –A consortium of state and federal agencies, along with several private organizations in Tennessee, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding as part of an ongoing effort to safeguard the state’s resources from the potential impact of the most threatening non-native invasive plants. 
 
The MOU establishes a clear path for a strategic plan to be developed, pooling resources to prevent these species from getting a foothold in Tennessee. In addition, the MOU outlines the provision for a public information point source and a citizen reporting system if these species are detected. 

State Viticulture Advisory Board to Meet

Released on Tue, Jan 05, 2010 - 3:32 pm under
NASHVILLE - The Tennessee Viticulture Advisory Board will meet Jan. 29 at 10 a.m. CST at the Nashville Airport Marriott, located at 600 Marriott Drive. The agenda includes discussion of the vacant position, Tennessee First (Use of TN fruit), Biennial Viticulture Report and other business as presented. The meeting is open to the public. Individuals interested in addressing the board should plan to arrive prior to the start of the meeting in order to be placed on the agenda. 

Sorghum Syrup Runs “Rings” Around Molasses in These Cinnamon Treats

Released on Mon, Jan 04, 2010 - 11:56 am under
Sorghum Cinnamon Rings
Sorghum Cinnamon Rings
NASHVILLE - Sorghum cinnamon rings, the latest recipe featured on the “Pick Tennessee Products” website, offers a way to sneak a treat into the grateful hands of those who’ve sworn off sweets for the New Year.
 
How? Sorghum syrup is the primary product made when the extracted juice from the sorghum plant is boiled down. It retains all of its natural sugars-- plus many other nutrients including calcium, protein, fiber, iron, potassium, phosphorus and zinc. In short, sorghum is a valuable food, worthy of a spot on the “good” list of even the most health conscious eaters. 

Tennessee Forestry Commission to Meet

Released on Tue, Dec 29, 2009 - 2:55 pm under

The Tennessee Forestry Commission will meet Jan. 12, 2010 at 9 a.m. EST at the Tennessee Department of Agriculture Division of Forestry’s East Tennessee Nursery, located at 9063 Hwy. 411 S. in Delano, Tenn.

Law Requiring Antifreeze Bittering Agent Takes Effect

Released on Tue, Dec 22, 2009 - 11:36 am under
Antifreeze
Antifreeze
NASHVILLE – The Haley Ham Law requiring a bittering agent in all antifreeze sold in Tennessee takes effect on Jan. 1, 2010. The law is intended to help prevent the accidental or intentional poisoning of people, pets and other animals as a result of ingesting antifreeze or engine coolants. 
 
“As the agency charged with enforcing this new law, we are working with the manufacturers and retailers to ensure compliance,” said Commissioner Ken Givens. “Consumers can feel confident that antifreeze manufactured and sold after Jan. 1 in Tennessee will contain the bittering agent.”

Planning Funds Available for Private Forest Landowners

Released on Mon, Dec 21, 2009 - 10:14 am under
Healthy Forest
Healthy Forest
NASHVILLE – Private forest landowners seeking assistance to manage their forests can now get help with the cost of developing a detailed forest management plan.
 
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) is currently accepting applications from landowners to receive funding to hire experts who specialize in developing multi-resource forest management plans. The application deadline is Jan. 15, 2010.

Bredesen Announces Federal Farm Assistance for 16 Counties

Released on Fri, Dec 11, 2009 - 3:02 pm under

Five More Counties Requested for Primary Disaster Designation

NASHVILLE – Governor Phil Bredesen today announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture has approved his request for federal farm assistance for 16 Tennessee counties due to excessive rain and flooding that occurred in September and October.

State Agricultural Crime Investigator Sworn In

Released on Thu, Dec 10, 2009 - 1:13 pm under
Shane Ratliff
Shane Ratliff

MORRISTOWN, Tenn. – Law enforcement professional and Church Hill, Tenn. native Shane Ratliff was officially sworn in recently by Tennessee Agriculture Commissioner Ken Givens as the state’s newest Agricultural Crime Unit investigator. Ratliff will serve an 11-county area in the Upper Cumberland and East Tennessee including Anderson, Campbell, Claiborne, Fentress, Grainger, Hamblen, Morgan, Pickett, Roane, Scott and Union counties.

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