Resources
Our chapter prides itself on being a connector, rather than a service provider. Below are tools to match you to existing resources and organizations that contribute to the local food and farming space.
Farmer resource matching
Resources come in various forms: land, skills, knowledge, time, access. Many of our chapter members have these resources to share. If you are seeking a specific resource or have one that you’d like to share, please let us know via the form below and we will try to match you up. Please be as specific as possible in your message.
This still-in-progress tool offers a place for folks in our SeTNYF community to share anything from tools to recommendations for mechanics, veterinarians and more. Many of the listings are regionally-based (county specified) and all are vetted by folks in our community. This tool is only as strong as the information we put into it, so if you have something you’d like to share or if you would like us to add a category, please reach out to Emily at setnyfcoordinator@gmail.com!
Resource list
Below is a list of resources sourced from those that our chapter members and friends have found to be most useful on their farming journey.
TN Farm Link connects land-seekers and landowners in Tennessee as well as provides resources on the land acquisition process.
National Young Farmers has built out a free course for those taking the first steps into the search for farmland. With nine lessons, ranging from "Tenure Options" to "Farmland Transfers'" the course provides a host of videos and educational materials, including an interactive Farmland Calculator tool.
Thrive Regional Partnership has built Farm Connect, a website and GIS tool meant to connect farmers with information and funding opportunities to support their farm business.
A resource page built specifically for free-range chicken farmers! Compiled by a small family operation in Florida, Pastured Life lists out online resources, links to equipment and supplies, and books and articles that have been integral to their farm business.
SeTNYF board member and Sequatchie Cove Creamery Director of Operations, Randall Tomlinson has compiled a list of resources he's found useful over his career in regenerative grazing and managing a dairy operation. Topics span from "Dairy Basics" to specific equipment recommendations.
The Society of St. Andrew (SoSA) is committed to connecting farmers who have unsold or unused produce with those in need. Through this service, SoSA’s team of trained individuals will handle the logistics of getting fresh, but unmarketable produce to feeding agencies and families in need.
Used by lots of farmers in our chapter network, Kentucky Organic Farm & Feed, Inc. (KOFFI) sells certified organic feed - both bagged and bulk - at reasonable prices. Get in contact with them via phone to arrange a delivery.
A useful list of resources for Farmers of Color, compiled by Memphis Tilth, an organization doing great local food and farming work in West Tennessee.
A resource list for LGBTQ+ Farmers compiled by SETNYF to help those who are looking for support through local and national organizations and communities.
Founded by chapter member Stephen Ussery, Stewards Unlimited helps small farmers to grow their businesses by identifying and evaluating new funding opportunities, designing competitive projects which further the farm’s goals, and winning funding through proposal development. More information available here.
Pick TN Products has comprehensive lists of farmers markets and locally-sourcing restaurants throughout Tennessee. This website can also be used to identify other farms in the area doing direct-to-consumer sales via u-pick or CSA.
National Young Farmers Coalition has compiled a toolkit to assist young and beginning farmers in navigating credit options offered by the Farm Service Agency (FSA). Guidebook includes charts of terms and rates, summaries of loan options, suggestions about timing and application, and more.
NCAT/ATTRA is an amazing resource for learning about a variety of topics including specific sustainable production techniques, crop diversification, soil conservation, water quality, and equipment designed for sustainable agricultural practices.
Agrarian Trust (AT) has compiled a list of useful resources on the legal, financial, and organizational aspects of cooperative farming. AT is an amazing resource for collectivized solutions to land access issues. Contact them if you have an opportunity related to cooperative land use and farming in Tennessee.
From infrastructure guidance to cover crop selection, Greg Brann is a trusted wealth of knowledge on all things regenerative grazing. Reach out directly to inquire about his consultation services.
For those in the Chattanooga area, UHS is a one-stop-shop for supplies (bulk purchasing options available) and workshops on a range of topics including hydroponics, indoor cultivation, and organic farming. With experience in the hemp licensing program, the NRCS Greenhouse Grant, and market gardening in general, Operations Manager Allison Janes has also offered herself up as a resource for young farmers’ technical questions.
Land for Good is devoted to providing farmers with secure land access and has worked with the USDA Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Program (FRSAN) to compile a toolkit on group farmland access. Included in this toolkit is advice on managing group farmland relationships, basic definitions to know throughout the process, and worksheets to determine what kind of situation best fits your needs.
An assortment of tools are available to check out for week-long periods at the Chattanooga Public Library thanks to Elder’s Ace Hardware, the UnFoundation, and the Chattanooga Public Library Foundation. Cardholders 18 years of age and up can check out hand tools, power tools, garden tools, and more. View the catalog and contact the 4th Floor Makerspace with any questions.
A guide for community members seeking to strengthen community food systems, Growing Local combines the experience of the Growing Food Connections (GFC) organization with the research of the American Farmland Trust (AFT) into a user-friendly resource for improving local food systems. Authored by Julia Freedgood and Jessica Fydenkevez, this guide explains how to work with local governments to boost food production through agricultural planning.
University of Tennessee’s extension service has a variety of resources for produce growers across the state. They've also developed a weekly newsletter with grower tips, resources, events, and frequently asked questions. Topics include pest management, variety selection, and other information specific to the region. Sign up by emailing Annette Wszelaki, Professor and Commercial Vegetable Extension Specialist, and ask to be added to the TN Produce Growers’ Week in Review!
The Farmland Information Center functions as a project of the American Farmland Trust (AFT) to prevent the loss of agricultural land to non-agricultural developments. The “Find Farmland” topic on their website guides users through a page-by-page process of obtaining/expanding their own agricultural land. These pages offer readers insight into their readiness to own farmland, options for land access, and connections to service providers.
Farm Safe offers an array of 20 minute online courses in farm safety as well as instructor led webinars to reduce farming-related injuries. The courses cover equipment maintenance, equipment safety, cold/heat stress, disease prevention, and more. Developed by Agricenter International, the platform follows the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations and guidelines.
Farm Commons has the answers to your farm legal questions. Their paid memberships offer a treasure trove of farm-related legal info (BIPOC scholarships available), with a legal services option. Farm Commons’ free resources and podcast are helpful tools for understanding the legal issues that may be relevant to your farm business.
An extensive guidebook on cooperative farming by Faith Gilbert through the Northeast Sustainable Research and Education (SARE) Administrative Council, Cooperative Farming covers topics in sharing resources and services, group farms and collectives, and structuring group enterprises. A visioning exercise is provided at the end of the guide to aid in holistic goal planning.