Knox Area New Farmer Academy 2026
The Knox Area Farmer Academy is a 6-month certificate program designed for those with an interest in becoming agricultural entrepreneurs. Ideal candidates for this program include those who are new to agriculture, those who wish to transition into agriculture from another field such as military service or private sector work, or those who are looking for a post-retirement opportunity.
The program focuses on teaching the concepts, providing the information, and facilitating the hands-on experience needed to build solid, viable, and successful agricultural businesses
Farm Business & Marketing Basics
Over multiple sessions, you will learn to identify the appropriate enterprise for you and your farm, how to start your business, and how to navigate the regulatory issues of the agricultural world. Additionally, you’ll learn about some of the most effective marketing strategies like farmers markets and CSAs, and how to apply for grants and other types of assistance available to new farmers.
Agricultural Production Practices
A portion of each session will be dedicated to helping you establish and/or maintain productive and efficient operations, covering topics like soil health, livestock production, fruit and vegetable production, beekeeping, irrigation strategies, organic production, greenhouse management, and hydroponics.
Hands-on Experience
In addition to classroom instruction, the New Farmer Academy provides hands-on experiential sessions on topics including fruit tree pruning and care, drip irrigation and plasticulture, fencing installation and repair, GPS/GIS mapping, sprayer calibration, and equipment operation/safety.
Academy Documents
Academy Registration Form:
Academy Scholarships:
Academy Brochure:
Dates
March 20, 2026
April 10, 2026
May 8, 2026
June 12, 2026
July 10, 2026
August 14, 2026
Time
Each class will be from 9am – 5pm EST
Additional Info
Classes will meet in both indoor and outdoor locations around Knox County, Tennessee. Participants should expect to experience a variety of East Tennessee weather conditions throughout the course and transportation will be on your own.
Registration Fee
$200 per person (includes textbook, materials, and lunches)
Registration Deadline
March 6, 2026
To Register
Please fill out the registration form below and mail it, along with your payment, to our office at: 400 W. Main Street, Suite 560 Knoxville, TN. 37902. Please put to ATTN: New Farmer Academy. If you need scholarship information, please see the “Scholarships” tab.
Additionally, you may pay online at: https://secure.touchnet.com/C21610_ustores/web/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCTID=4138&SINGLESTORE=true
Contact our office at 865-215-2340 with questions.
*** Class will be limited to 40 ***
Topics
- Business Plans
- Farm Management
- Marketing
- Regulations
- Fruit & Vegetable Crops
- Agri-Tourism
- Pasture Management
- Small Scale Production
- and More!
Scholarships
The Jenni Goodrich Scholarship:
In memory of Mrs. Jenni Goodrich, a dedicated Tennessee State University Extension agent, a limited number of scholarships will be available through the UT-TSU Extension office in Knox County. Jenni was the first agent to bring the TSU New Farmer Academy to East Tennessee, and through her programming and passion for service, made a huge impact in agriculture communities across the nation.
To apply for the Jenni Goodrich Scholarship, please fill out the form below:
Contact the UT-TSU Extension – Knox County office at 865-215-2340 for more information.
Special thanks to Ms. Nancy Theodore for making this possible!
Other scholarship opportunities:
There are other funding opportunities available through these wonderful partners: