TN’s Center for Profitable Agriculture turns 25, local farmer talks organization’s impact
JACKSON, Tenn. — The West Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center is bringing attention to an exciting milestone for Tennessee’s Center for Profitable Agriculture (CPA).
According to Tate Cronin, Marketing and Communication Specialist for the West Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center, CPA is an organization that “is a partnership between the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture and the Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation.” Cronin says CPA helps Tennessee farmers identify, analyze and develop value-added products and enterprises, helping them expand into new agricultural industries and business models.
In honor of CPA’s 25th anniversary, local farmers who have been directly impacted by CPA are sharing their stories, including at Jackson’s very own Donnell Century Farm.
Cronin says Donnell Century Farm has been affiliated with CPA for nearly 20 years, having participated in a number of CPA educational programs related to meat marketing and agri-tourism.
“Our family’s been here since the 1830s,” said Andrew Donnell. “This land was deeded here to John Donnell in 1830, and so, we’ve always been livestock producers and we’ve always grown row crops to my knowledge, since the beginning here at this location, so six generations farming here on the same land.
Donnell says they have diversified with agri-tourism, and offer family-friendly programs and activities such as their fall and Easter events, and have also been able to open a butcher shop and farm market with the help of CPA.
“That was one of the big catalysts for me, was having that professional who has that experience, that really helps to bridge the gap,” Donnell said. “You’ve got a farmer here on the right hand, and you have a professional who says ‘We know people who have done something similar, we have enough experience that we can help guide you through this decision making process, whether it’s a feasibility study, whether it’s marketing.’ And quite frankly, I needed help with all of the above.”
“We encourage people to take a look at our website, or give us a call or shoot us an email if they have a question,” said Megan Leffew, local representative for CPA. “We also encourage people to check with their local county extension agent and visit with them about their ideas, and their agent can connect them to us.”
Donnell Century Farm Adventure, their annual family-friendly event series held every weekend during the fall, is opening on September 30. Cronin says this yearly event is made possible thanks to CPA’s contributions. Click here for more details.
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