NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University hosted its 24th annual Small Farm Expo Thursday, bringing together farmers, agricultural professionals, students, and community members for a full day dedicated to agricultural education, sustainable farming practices, and resources for small-scale producers.
As the university’s largest agricultural field day, the event featured workshops, policy discussions with state and federal leaders, and the presentation of the state’s top honor for small-scale agricultural producers.
The day began with the Tennessee Agricultural Leadership Breakfast, featuring U.S. Sen. Bill Hagerty (R-TN), who addressed the future of agriculture, the vital role of Tennessee producers, and TSU’s execution of its land-grant mission.
TSU President Dwayne Tucker underscored the university’s responsibility as Tennessee’s 1890 land-grant institution to serve the state through research, education, and community outreach. Currently, TSU has Extension agents and outreach staff in 65 of Tennessee’s 95 counties.
“TSU is doing what a land-grant university is supposed to do, taking knowledge from the classroom and research lab and putting it to work in communities and on farms across Tennessee,” Tucker said.
Tucker also highlighted the university’s dramatic enrollment surge, pointing to a sharp rise in new students compared to the previous year. “In August 2025, we had enrolled about 450 freshmen. Today, our freshman count is more than 1,700,” Tucker said. “That demonstrates the tremendous demand for Tennessee State University and the strength of its legacy across the country.”
Dr. Chandra Reddy, dean of the TSU College of Agriculture, emphasized the significance of gathering leaders and producers in one room to address systemic industry challenges.
“The purpose of this annual event is to bring together key stakeholders, commodity groups, policymakers, and university and state leaders to examine both the opportunities and challenges facing agriculture,” Reddy said. “Having U.S. Sen. Bill Hagerty with us underscores the importance of this gathering and the critical role federal policy plays in the future of Tennessee agriculture.”
Officially kicking off the Expo, Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury Jason E. Mumpower praised TSU’s recent financial and structural progress under Tucker’s leadership, calling the university’s trajectory a sign of renewed focus.
“What a marvelous turnaround,” Mumpower said. “President Tucker and his team have demonstrated transparency, discipline and, most of all, results. The College of Agriculture is a shining star in Tennessee. This is what a land-grant university is supposed to do.”
In introducing Mumpower, Tucker noted the collaborative relationship built between the university and the state to establish long-term financial stability through 2030. “My engagement with Comptroller Mumpower was direct, committed, and focused on finding a pathway to work with Tennessee State,” Tucker said. “Because of your support, TSU is in a better place today.”
Tennessee Deputy Commissioner of Agriculture Ryan King also spoke at the Expo, pointing to the vital link between state institutions and rural communities. “Tennessee agriculture is strong because of the people who work the land every day, and institutions like Tennessee State University play a vital role in preparing the next generation of agricultural leaders,” King said.
For most of the days, attendees participated in field demonstrations and technical workshops on industrial hemp, beekeeping, organic agriculture, meat goat production, backyard poultry, and efficient irrigation systems. TSU students played an active role throughout the day, sharing how academic coursework pairs with hands-on practice.
“As a farmer, I’m able to bring real-world experience to my studies, and at TSU, I’m gaining the knowledge and connections to take that experience even further,” said Carrie Carter, a graduate student majoring in agribusiness. “Being both a farmer and a TSU graduate student give me the best of both worlds.”
The event culminated with the presentation of the Tennessee Small Farmer of the Year award, which includes a commemorative plaque and a $2,000 cash prize. This year’s top honor was awarded to Ashley Brooks, a fourth-generation farmer and operator of Rubby’s Happy Farm in Cross Plains, Tennessee. The operation utilizes sustainable, chemical-free practices to cultivate flowers and vegetables alongside pollinator-friendly native plants.
Finis Stribling, director of the Tennessee New Farmer Academy and coordinator of the Small Farm Expo, concluded the event by thanking participants and highlighting the broader impact of the program.
“The Small Farm Expo is about connecting Tennessee’s farmers with the research, resources, and people who can help them grow,” Stribling said. “The Farmer of the Year award gives us an opportunity to recognize those producers who are putting that knowledge to work, while inspiring other small farmers to take their operations to the next level.”
About Tennessee State University
Founded in 1912, Tennessee State University is Nashville’s only public land-grant university offering 41 bachelor’s degrees, 15 graduate certificates, 27 master’s degrees, and nine doctoral degrees. TSU’s campus spans 500 acres. The university is committed to academic excellence, providing students with a quality education in a nurturing and innovative environment that prepares them as alumni to be global leaders. Visit tnstate.edu for more details.
