Tennessee Master Forage Program

Coming Soon! Enrollment begins in Spring 2025.

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.

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 Extension office.

Option 1 (100% Online): Participants must complete 12 hours 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 hours 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-hour in-person component, requiring attendance at one qualifying event. These must be completed within the enrollment period of one year.

Registration will begin in Spring 2025. Please check social media and UT Extension websites for updates about the program.

To Register

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

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.

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.

Ecosystems are communities of plants, animals, and microorganisms interacting with their environment. They provide essential services like food, water, air purification, and climate regulation that support life on Earth.

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.

Factors like temperature, rainfall, sunlight, and soil type that affect plant growth and ecosystem health. These factors shape how plants adapt and how ecosystems function.

The study of how plants and organisms respond to their environment, including how they adapt to factors like water availability, temperature, and light. This helps improve agricultural practices and ecosystem management.

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.

Strategies to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases like methane and carbon dioxide from agricultural activities. Techniques include improved soil management, better livestock feeding, and adopting renewable energy..

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.

Managing the health, feeding, breeding, and well-being of livestock (beef cattle, dairy cattle, small ruminants, equine, camelids, and buffalo). This includes ensuring livestock are properly cared for, have access to suitable grazing areas, and are kept healthy to optimize productivity and welfare.

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

Find Your Extension Agent

Coming Soon! Enrollment begins in Spring 2025.

Registration Information

Registration will begin in Spring 2025. Please check social media and UT Extension websites for updates about the program.

Qualifying Events

Program Topics

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

Our Partners