Department Celebrates a Century of Service

For 100 years, the Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics has been educating students and conducting research and outreach to assist agricultural producers and policymakers across the state and nation.

Join the centennial celebration at UTIA’s Ag Day 2019 on Oct. 5 (before the UT-Georgia football game). Learn more by visiting the websites for UTIA Ag Day 2019 or the Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics.

 

New Genomics Center Opens

ear-tagged beef cattle in a herd in Crossville, TN
A new genomic center will work to advance livestock genetics.

The long-planned Genomics Center for the Advancement of Agriculture became a reality as Jonathan Beever, a world-renown animal scientist and genomics expert, joined the faculty of the Department of Animal Science as professor and director of the new center. The research will be focused on genetic advances for livestock, particularly beef cattle.

The center is expected to be a multi-million-dollar investment for the benefit of producers across the state, nation and globe as they seek more economical means to produce protein to feed the planet’s growing population.

 

Community Members Lauded

Patsy Watkins was honored for her work in Rwanda.

Once again members of the UTIA community have been recognized for outstanding contributions to society and science. Among UTIA’s most recent award winners are six UT Extension professionals recognized by Epsilon Sigma Phi for their continued excellence, leadership, international service and commitment to diversity: Janie Burney, family and consumer sciences; David Perrin, Eastern Region; John Toman, evaluation and development; Patsy Watkins, Williamson County; Kane Reeves and Sharon Tubbs, Madison County; and a team from the Central Region who were honored for the Family and Consumer Sciences “Behind the Scenes” project.

Jim and Judi Herbert (UT Knoxville,’62 and ’63, respectively), for whom the Herbert College of Agriculture is named, received the National Agricultural Alumni and Development Association’s 2019 outstanding philanthropists award, and Mark Wilson, a 1976 animal science graduate from UT Knoxville, was recognized with the volunteer service award.