Tennessee State University marked a significant milestone at its 20th Annual Small Farm Expo as it celebrated the reopening of three vital facilities that were devastated by the 2020 tornadoes. The event featured a ceremonial ribbon-cutting for the Controlled Environment Agriculture Research and Education Greenhouse, the Agriculture Education Center, and the Pavilion—integral components of TSU’s agricultural programs.
Interim President Ronald A. Johnson spoke at the ceremony, highlighting the tenacity of TSU. “The devastation caused by the 2020 tornado was a formidable setback, but it did not deter us,” Johnson said. “We’re not just replacing what was here; we’re advancing what we can do. These state-of-the-art facilities will redefine the landscape of agricultural research, education, and community engagement, not just at TSU but across the state of Tennessee.”
The newly rebuilt facilities allow researchers to conduct innovative experiments in sustainable agriculture while providing a venue for educational workshops, seminars, and outreach programs.
The Small Farm Expo drew hundreds of industry leaders, small farmers, and students for a day filled with workshops, farm tours, and the annual awards luncheon. Dr. Chandra Reddy, dean of TSU’s College of Agriculture, expressed gratitude to partners who have consistently supported the expo and the reconstruction efforts.
“We seized this opportunity to build a modern, comprehensive agricultural research station that we can all be proud of,” Reddy said. “The new research infrastructure stands as a symbol of our collective strength and determination, and it will serve as a beacon for future research, innovation, and education.”
Small Farms, Big Impact
The expo featured a variety of workshops focusing on urban agriculture, poultry production, beekeeping, and hemp research, alongside guest speakers from local, state, and federal levels. TSU agriculture ambassador Jhanya Chenault expressed their excitement about engaging with industry professionals and exploring career opportunities.
“I jump at these opportunities because I want to present myself to future employers,” said Jhanya Chenault, a TSU agriculture ambassador. “Being here in Tennessee, we have so many options, and I’m surrounded by people who want to be in the same spaces that I want to be in.”
Finis Stribling, director of TSU’s New Farm Academy Small Farms Program, highlighted the expo’s importance in supporting farmers with limited resources. “Our mission has always been to work with small-scale, limited-resource, underserved producers,” he said. “Now, we’re looking at innovative approaches like drone technology to advance small-scale farming here at TSU.”
The expo also recognized Ryan McCaffrey as the Tennessee Small Farmer of the Year, awarding him $3,000 for his achievements. Other award recipients included Debra Lockard for the Alternative Enterprises Award, Briley Dodge for the Innovative Marketing Award, and Adam Clark as the Most Improved Farmer of the Year, each receiving $1,000.
