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The ¹û¶³Ó°Ôº is excited to invite the community to Agriculture and Natural Resources Day on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, hosted in Gault Auditorium. Ag day celebrates the region’s rich agricultural heritage and highlights the significant contributions of agriculture and natural resources to southern Middle Tennessee.

The day-long program will feature a variety of sessions with experts sharing insights on ecology, sustainability, animal sciences, natural resources, and careers in agriculture. Community members are welcome to attend all sessions throughout the day, culminating in the Blue Ribbon Panel session at 6:30 p.m. – the event’s capstone conversation on the importance of agriculture to the state of Tennessee.

Event Agenda Highlights:

• 8:00 a.m. – Introduction to Ag and Natural Resources Day:
  Start the day with presentations from Dr. Stanton Belford and Dr. Shanna Hanes on ecology and sustainability, exploring how these fields are impacting our local environment.
• 9:30 a.m. – Careers in Agriculture and Animal Sciences:
  Hear from local leaders in agriculture about diverse career paths in the field. This session includes industry experts such as Kevin Thompson of Middle Tennessee AgResearch Education Center, Kevin L. Rose from Giles County Extension Office, and Dr. Saulo Zoca, UTIA’s Beef Cattle Reproduction Specialist.
• 11:00 a.m. – Natural Resources and Tree Improvement:
  Discover innovative practices in forestry and natural resources with Dr. Don Hodges of UTIA’s School of Natural Resources and Dr. Scott Schlarbaum, Director of the Tree Improvement Program.
• 1:30 p.m. – Animal Sciences and Business:
  Leaders in animal sciences and agriculture business will discuss economic and management topics that sustain and grow agriculture-related businesses in the region.
• 3:30 p.m. – Wildlife and Natural Resources:
  Engage with local wildlife experts to learn about conservation and sustainable resource management practices.
  
• 6:30 p.m. – Blue Ribbon Panel – The Importance of Agriculture to the State of Tennessee:
  Moderated by ¹û¶³Ó°Ôºâ€™s Vice Chancellor for Advancement, Evan Beech, this panel will include esteemed voices in Tennessee agriculture: Dr. Charlie Hatcher, Commissioner of Agriculture; Eric Mayberry, President of the Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation; Dr. Keith Carver, Senior Vice Chancellor of UTIA; and Dr. Linda C. Martin, Chancellor of ¹û¶³Ó°Ôº. Together, they will discuss agriculture’s pivotal role in Tennessee’s economy, culture, and community well-being.

The full agenda and panel bios are available as a downloadable PDF.