Tennessee State University News July 22, 2013 Cutting-edge Technology, New Crop Production System Highlight TSU 2013 Farm Expo Unveiling a cutting-edge technology in alternative energy production, and a novel approach to growing crops without the benefit of soil, Tennessee State University's 2013 Small Farm Expo on July 18 left many in awe. Farmers, students, officials and visitors said the exhibits and new discoveries not only showed the impact of agriculture and its future in the state, but also showcased the educational potential of the University and the level of research it conducts. "As a farmer, I am really excited to be a part of this annual exhibition to see these new inventions and production techniques," said Chad Koop, a Cornersville, Tenn., cattle breeder and corn and bean grower, who along with his wife, Marty, won this year's Small Farmer of Year Award. "We are very honored and excited about being named farmers of the year, but more than that we like what Tennessee State University and its partners are doing to help farmers in in the state." The 2013 Expo, organized by TSU's College of Agriculture, Human and Natural Resources, along with several agencies and institutions, exhibited a biodiesel fuel production unit that farmers can use to turn crops into fuel for their equipment; a hydroponic crop production system that does not use pesticides or soil; a greenhouse emission reduction system for field crops; community gardening; meat goat production and genetics; and student research tours of other agricultural production systems. The biggest draw at this year's exhibition was the showpiece of the University's alternative fuels program, a mobile biodiesel lab <http://tnstatenewsroom.com/archives/11954> that produces renewable fuels from crops like canola, vegetable oils, animal fats and recycled restaurant grease. With the high cost of gasoline and other fuels a major concern for many Tennesseans, alternative fuels like biodiesel could just be the answer for some, TSU researchers say. "The average farm uses about 6 gallons of diesel per acre per year," said Dr. Jason de Koff, assistant professor of agronomy and soil sciences in the College of Agriculture, Human and Natural Sciences, who led the demonstration of the lab at the Expo. "If that farmer devotes about 15 percent of their acreage to growing canola crop, they could fuel their farm equipment for the entire year." Another major attention grabber at the Expo was the hydroponic crop production system, where Dr. Dharma Pitchay, assistant professor of Horticulture and his graduate students wowed journalists, students and visitors with eye-catching vegetables grown without the benefit of soil. "Water is the main component, which acts both as a medium and a carrier for nutrients to support plant growth and development," Dr. Pitchay said. "The ability to raise crops without the use of pesticides and herbicides is a benefit that can fetch premium price for the producer." Some hydroponically produced crops on display were cucumber, coffee and lettuce. "You need very little material and effort to grow crops this way," said Derek Mitchell, a Memphis grower, who is using the hydroponic system to grow crops inside his house and on his front porch. "I live in the city, I don't own land but yet I am able to farm. Growing crops this way is portable, you can move them around, I do not need chemicals, and rainwater comes in handy. This is very economical." Usually the highlight of the Expo is recognition of the state's top four farmers for various awards. An overall winner is selected for the Small Farmer of the Year Award. That honor went to the Koops, who breed Maine-Anjou, Chiangus and Suffolk sheep, as well as grow corn, beans and wheat on their nearly 300-acre farm in Marshall County. They were first selected for "Innovative Marketing." The other three award winners were Leamon Bratton, a beef cattle farmer in Woodlawn, Tenn., "Best Management Practice"; Ray and Elizabeth Clifton, honey and herb producers in Dickson, Tenn., "Alternative Enterprise"; and Marvin Lusk, owner of a 128-acre farm in McMinnville, Tenn., who was recognized for developing improved conservation techniques. He won the award for "Alternative Enterprise." In presenting the awards, Dr. Chandra Reddy, Dean of the College of Agriculture, assisted by University officials, Tennessee Agriculture Commissioner Julius Johnson, and State Rep. Harold Love Jr., congratulated the honorees, and the institution and agency representatives for the support and cooperation in making the Expo a success. "This could not have been possible without your partnership and cooperation," Reddy told the packed luncheon on the TSU farm, making special reference to head Expo organizer, Dr. Latif Lighari, Associate Dean for Extension, for "yet another" successful Expo. "You and your colleagues have always done a remarkable job as shown in this huge attendance." Lighari, who has headed the Expo since its inception nine years ago, recognized his fellow organizers, the various farm managers and research leaders, small farmers, schools and students for their participation. "Your input and participation made this event very successful," Dr. Lighari said. "We thank you and especially the small farmers who are the lifeline of what we do." Other speakers included TSU Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Alisa Mosley; and Kelli Sharpe, Assistant Vice President for Marketing and Communications, who made special presentations on behalf of President Glenda Glover, who was on travel. Also speaking were Rep. Love; Agriculture Commissioner Johnson; Dr. Tim Cross, Dean of Extension at the University of Tennessee; and Pettus Read, Director of Communications of the Tennessee Farm Bureau. Other TSU partners, Expo organizers, and agencies and sponsors present were the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Farm Service Agency, the Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency, the Southern Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education; the Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program; Farm Credit of Mid Africa, and Pick Tennessee Products. SANDRA M. PHOENIX Executive Director HBCU Library Alliance sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org> www.hbculibraries.org<http://www.hbculibraries.org/> 800-999-8558, ext. 4820 404-702-5854 Skype: sandra.phoenix1 1438 West Peachtree NW Suite 200 Atlanta,GA 30309 Toll Free: 1.800.999.8558 (LYRASIS) Fax: 404.892.7879 www.lyrasis.org<http://www.lyrasis.org/> Honor the ancestors, honor the children.