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Tennessee Master Forage Program

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The Tennessee Master Forage Program offers an in-depth exploration of forage-livestock systems while focusing on the soil, plants, and animal interactions. Through a practical approach participants will learn from the basics to the most recent advanced practices to improve productivity and sustainability. The course features guest lectures from leading experts who will share insights across different regions, innovative practices, and solutions for our Tennessee producers and beyond.

For questions specific to program registration and requirements, please reach out to: forage@tennessee.edu

Registration Information

Registration Fee: $100 (non-refundable). The program must be completed within one year. Certification remains valid for 3 years and qualifies producers for the Tennessee Agriculture Enhancement Program (TAEP) cost-share program. Producers must register online, or with their local UT Extension office.

Option 1 (100% Online): Participants must complete 12 credits of online modules delivered asynchronously enabling self-paced learning. All modules must be finished within the 1-year program period.

Option 2 (Hybrid with 75% Online and 25% In-Person): Participants must complete 9 credits of online modules delivered asynchronously, enabling self-paced learning. All modules must be completed within the 1-year enrollment period. A Q&A feature will be available through the platform, and monthly meetings will be scheduled to address questions. This option includes a 3-credit in-person component, requiring attendance at one qualifying event. These must be completed within the enrollment period of one year.

Please allow at least 72 hours for your registration to be processed. You will receive an email with instructions on how to complete the program topic modules.
To Register

Qualifying Events

For participants in Option 2, The $100 program fee covers this component. Dr. Pedreira, UT Extension Forage Specialist, will lead Forage Tours in the spring and fall across various parts of Tennessee. These will  feature farm visits with hands-on activities such as pasture walks, demonstrations, and discussions.

2026 Event flyers and RSVP links are listed below.

February 17, 2026 Link Pointer Clay County Master Forage Tour
Link Pointer RSVP

February 23, 2026 Link Pointer Sumner County Master Forage Tour 
Link Pointer RSVP

March 3, 2026 Link Pointer Tennessee Forage & Grassland Council Spring Meeting
(Qualifying Hybrid Event)
Link Pointer RSVP

March 4, 2026 Link Pointer Bedford County Master Forage Tour 
Link Pointer RSVP

March 9, 2026 Link Pointer Dickson & Hickman Counties Master Forage Tour
RSVP 

March 19, 2026 Link Pointer Bradley & Polk Counties Master Forage Tour
Link Pointer RSVP

March 24, 2026 Link Pointer Roane County Master Forage Tour
Link Pointer RSVP 

March 26, 2026 Link Pointer Knox County Forage Field Day
(Qualifying Hybrid Event)
Link Pointer RSVP

May 5, 2026 Link Pointer Rhea County Master Forage Tour 
Link Pointer RSVP

May 7, 2026 Link Pointer Johnson County Master Forage Tour
Link Pointer RSVP 

May 21, 2026 Link Pointer Washington County Master Forage Tour
Link Pointer RSVP

June 18, 2026 Link Pointer Northeast Tennessee Research and Education Center Forage Field Day 
Link Pointer RSVP

September 28, 2026 Link Pointer Dickson County Master Forage Tour 
Link Pointer RSVP

November 6, 2026 Link Pointer Tennessee Forage & Grassland Council Annual Meeting
(Qualifying Hybrid Event) 
Link Pointer RSVP

Event Archive

Program Topics

Understanding how soil supports plant growth, including soil types, nutrients, water retention, and pH levels. Healthy soil is essential for strong plant development and overall ecosystem health.

Forage systems are agricultural setups designed to produce and manage forage crops that serve as feed for livestock. These systems typically include a combination of grasses, legumes, and other plants that are cultivated to provide a sustainable and nutritious diet for livestock throughout the year.

Fertility programs involve strategies to ensure plants receive the necessary nutrients for growth, such as through fertilization, soil amendments, and crop rotation. This helps maintain soil health and promotes optimal plant productivity.

Alternative methods to provide nitrogen to plants, such as using nitrogen-fixing plants or organic fertilizers, reducing the need for synthetic nitrogen fertilizers that can harm the environment.

Forage quality refers to the nutritional value and palatability of forage crops, which are essential for ensuring the health and productivity of livestock. High-quality forage typically contains optimal levels of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making it a crucial component of livestock diets.

The process of managing livestock grazing to ensure pasture health. Proper grazing techniques prevent overgrazing and help maintain healthy plants, ensuring sustainable land use.

Strategic planning involves setting goals for land use, crop rotation, financial, economic considerations, and livestock management to improve long-term productivity, reduce waste, and ensure sustainability.

Identifying and addressing weaknesses in land management or ecosystem services, such as nutrient deficiencies, soil erosion, or inefficient resource use. This helps optimize system performance and sustainability.

Methods to manage or eliminate unwanted plants that compete with crops or forage for resources like water, light, and nutrients. This can involve herbicides, mechanical removal, or natural controls.

Combining different agricultural practices to increase productivity, improve sustainability, and promote ecological balance.

A land management system that integrates trees, livestock, and pasture. It helps increase biodiversity, reduce erosion, and provide shade for animals, while improving soil health and carbon sequestration.

The methods used to gather crops or forage and store them to prevent spoilage. Proper harvesting and storage techniques help maintain food quality and ensure the longevity of resources for future use.

Forage economics involves the financial aspects of producing and managing forage crops, focusing on cost-efficiency and profitability. It encompasses the analysis of input costs, market prices, and economic returns to ensure sustainable and economically viable forage production systems.

Focus on the nutritional needs and health of livestock. It is essential to select forage types that provide balanced nutrition, including adequate protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, to support growth, reproduction, and overall well-being. Additionally, proper management practices such as rotational grazing, timely harvesting, and storage techniques are crucial to maintaining forage quality and ensuring a consistent supply of nutritious feed throughout the year. These practices help optimize performance and contribute to sustainable livestock production systems.

Program Coordinator

Bruno Pedreira Profile Page
Bruno Pedreira
Associate Professor & Director, Plant Sciences

Program Assistant

Malerie Elizabeth Fancher Profile Page
Malerie Elizabeth Fancher
Research Specialist, Plant Sciences

Online Office Hours
1-2 pm ET, on Zoom


Please click box for access to link.

February 11, 2026
March 18, 2026
April 14, 2026
May 13, 2026
June 11, 2026
July 8, 2026
August 19, 2026
September 16, 2026
October 14, 2026
November 11, 2026
December 9, 2026

For more information about this program, please contact your local county Extension office.

Find Your Extension Agent

Our Partners

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Link Pointer Tennessee Department of Agriculture
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Dr. Bruno Pedreira- Director and UT Extension Forage Specialist
David McIntosh- Coordinator and Researcher
Malerie Fancher- Research Specialist and Program Assistant

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