2026 Farm Olympics
2026 Farm Olympics
Southeast TN Young Farmers
4th Annual Farm Olympics
Saturday, June 6th 2026, 1:30-9 p.m. EST
McDonald Farm, Sale Creek, TN
Southeast TN Young Farmers is thrilled to announce the 4th ever Farm Olympics!
Farm Olympics is a wonderful time for you to connect with other farmers and community members in real life while blowing off a little steam by playing farm chore related games, enjoying a relaxed meal together, and dancing. We do all this while also spreading awareness about the serious challenges that young farmers face, and raising money to help our chapter address some of those issues.
Attendees may participate in, or simply watch, a variety of farm-related sporting events. Though there will be competitive farm teams in attendance, no team is necessary to attend - sign up for a collaborative farm team and make new friends while proving that collaboration is the way of the future! This years’ event include old favorites like The American Farmland Trust Obstacles to Land Access Race; The Sequatchie Cove Farm Multi-generational Egg Toss; The Land Trust for Tennessee Plant Identification Quiz; the as yet unnamed Hay Bale Toss and the highly competitive Temporary Fence Race; as well as kids events led by the Cumberland Forest School: and some new events including the Alter Eco Compost Challenge!
Competitive events will be followed by a farm to picnic blanket feast by Cindy Askew featuring foods from local farms and restaurants. After dinner there will be a less than silent auction with products from our farmers and supporters; and a Cumberland Community Dance featuring Turnip the Beet with Christi Burns and caller Elijah Jaime.
Tickets are on sale now - save a little money by getting your ticket early with our early chicken special!
Please bring sunscreen and hats, bug spray, water bottles, lawn chairs and blankets!
TICKETS
Use discount code EARLYCHICKEN
for 25% off tickets until May 24th!
Do you have time and energy and want to volunteer? Volunteering requires attendance at a pre-event virtual meeting and at least a 6 hour shift at Farm Olympics. It does not exclude you from also competing in events. It’s super fun and you’ll get a free t-shirt!
2026 Farm Olympics t-shirts featuring artwork from Katie Sutton. Even if you couldn’t be there, you can support our chapter and sponsors by sporting this excellent t-shirt!
Agenda
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In-person event registration and check-in at McDonald Farm.
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Each event is expected to take anywhere from 15-30 minutes. This year's events are still being planned but here is the tentative list: The Land Trust for TN Plant ID Quiz; Feeling Farmy Compost Contest; The Cumberland Forest School Watermelon Seed Spitting Contest, The Stewards Unlimited Water Trough Relay; Feathers and Fruit Temporary Fencing Race; American Farmland Trust Obstacles to Land Access Race; Sequatchie Cove Farm Multi-generational Egg Toss; The Marugg Company Hay Bale Toss; and Animal Sound Open Mic.
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Featuring catering from Cindy Askew with locally-sourced ingredients.
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A community dance with live music from Turnip the Beet with Christi Burns and caller Elijah Jaime. No partner or dancing experience needed!
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Where to Find Us
There is plenty of parking available in the big field. When you arrive, please look for signs and/or volunteers to direct you to the check-in table.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions? Take a look at the FAQ or reach out anytime.
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Get your ticket and also make sure you visit the participant link that you will get in your ticket confirmation email. Last minute registration is also available when you arrive at the event but it costs more and we are better able to plan if you get tickets and sign up early!
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Not at all, this is an international competition!
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Nope! This event is for everyone who wants to see a bright future for agriculture, not just farmers! All are welcome to join in the fun.
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No. To win the Farm Olympics Cup you will likely need a team. People that come without a team but would like to be part of a team can sign up and join the Collaborative Farmers team. Individuals without teams can win individual events.
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Bring a baggy of compost with you to the event and visit the compost judging station!
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That’s fine. The ticket fee covers the whole event which includes a picnic dinner. However, you can come for any part. The afternoon will be games and events and the evening will feature live music, a silent auction, dinner, and dancing. Dinner is at 5:30 pm!
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Yes. There is a paved driveway and sidewalks that access the barn building and bathrooms. Most games will be in the yard which can be viewed from the paved surfaces. If you have additional accessibility needs please reach out and ask.
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We plan to have this event rain or shine and are praying that any rain will be light. McDonald Farm has an amazing barn and a pole barn that we will use in case of rain.
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Picnic blankets, lawn chairs, sunscreen, bug spray, and water bottles. Please dress for the weather and wear appropriate footwear for outdoor terrain.
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No please note that alcohol is not allowed in Hamilton County Parks.
Farm Olympics is made possible with generous support from :
Alter Eco Farms,
American Farmland Trust,
Appalachian Conservation Institute,
Kent Ballow,
Carbon Cowboys,
Chattanooga Whiskey,
Crabtree Farms of Chattanooga,
Cumberland Folk School,
Cumberland Forest School,
Feathers and Fruit,
Food as a Verb,
The Grace Frank Group,
High Garden Tea,
Lodge Cast Iron,
Niedlov’s Bakery and Cafe,
Patagonia Nashville,
Sequatchie Cove Creamery,
Sequatchie Cove Farm,
Stewards Unlimited,
Summer Fields,
TennGreen Land Conservancy,
The Land Trust for TN,
The Marugg Company,
Yoga with Helen,
and anonymous friends!