How can UT Extension service help you?
March is Extension Month in Tennessee.
Extension provides evidence-based educational programs and information with support from the USDA through the nation’s land-grant universities in partnership with state and local governments.
All 95 counties in Tennessee have an Extension office with staff working to help residents in their communities by building partnerships, providing classes and offering resources in the areas of Agriculture, Family and Consumer Sciences and 4-H Youth Development.
In 2021, the staff in Anderson County had more than 38,000 direct community contacts from meetings, classes, clubs and events, conducted more than 200 farm or site visits and reached more than 90,000 people digitally.
The estimated financial impact for the county from the Anderson County Extension office was estimated to be $21.87 million from improvements made and knowledge gained last year.
Anderson County Agriculture Agent Seth Whitehouse provides classes and information on agricultural and environmental practices. He offers master gardener and master beef classes, lunch and learn sessions, and information on soil and forage testing, as well as plant disease, insect, and weed identification.
He supports hobby and beginner farmers, beekeepers, gardeners and homeowners across the county to use best management practices, while working closely with local producers to improve production, sustainability, and profitability of their operations.
Family and Consumer Sciences Agent Laura Clark focuses on the areas of family, food, home, health and finances.
Extension also provides opportunities to increase physical activity such as the Walk Across Tennessee program that kicks off in April, and free exercise programs for older adults. Program assistant Ashley Draper teaches classes to help youth and adults learn cooking skills and gain knowledge about nutrition, moving more and stretching your food dollars through the Tennessee Nutrition and Consumer Education Program.
The 4-H program in Anderson County is led by 4-H Agent Donna Carter, and program assistant Breeanna Stanford.
4-H is open to all youth in grades 4-12, and encourages the development of skills such as leadership and responsible citizenship.
4-H is offered through schools, community clubs and project groups to meet every interest, and includes opportunities to compete in contests at the county, region, state and national levels.
Opportunities are also available for camping, service learning, shooting sports, livestock showing, robotics, sewing, cooking and many other programs.
All programs are additionally supported by Angela Elliott, the administrative assistant, who helps staff members in each program area to advance the work of Extension.
The mission of Extension is “to provide real-life solutions through teaching, discovery and service,” with the goal of helping people and communities adapt successfully in an ever-changing world.
Stop by the office, in the Anderson County Courthouse, to see how UT Extension in Anderson County can help you.
You can learn more about available programs and how to get involved by visiting the county website, anderson.tennessee.edu/, by following us on Facebook or by calling the office at 865-457-6246.
