West Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center

10/16/2026

One of our former 2025 interns got to send their research into space on Tuesday!

Nathan Tucker, Herbert College of Agriculture student, submitted a winning proposal to the Student Spaceflight Experiments Program. As a result, his project on the effects of space travel on seed germination and plant stress was included in the SpaceX launch earlier this week.

Alongside fellow student Devin Vitello, his team will analyze the potential damage of space travel on various seeds including lettuce, kale, spinach, broccoli, and tomatoes, which could have implications for future space exploration.

Read more about it here:

https://utianews.tennessee.edu/blast-off-student-designed-experiment-travels-to-the-international-space-station/

10/14/2026

We hosted more than 35 corn trade commodity representatives from Vietnam this morning, part of the U.S. Grains and Bioproducts Council Export Exchange.

Center faculty and staff spoke on our latest research and Extension efforts and how it impacts producers across the Southeast and beyond.

The event was co-coordinated by the Tennessee Department of Agriculture and the Tennessee Corn Growers Association, along with those of us at WTREC.

10/02/2026

This morning, Hayden Love successfully defended his PhD research.

Hayden presented on "The Management of Italian Ryegrass in Tennessee Row-Crop Systems," based on research he conducted here at the Center under Dr. Larry Steckel.

Join us in congratulating him on this outstanding achievement!

09/30/2026

Many congrats to Jason Williams for his permanent appointment as director of the UT AgResearch and Education Center at Milan! We look forward to working with him long-term.

We are excited to announce that our very own Jason Williams has been named permanent director of the AgResearch and Education Center at Milan!

He has served as interim director since August 1, 2025, following Blake Brown's promotion to Associate Dean of Field Operations for all ten AgResearch Centers in the state. Jason's appointment will officially take place tomorrow, October 1.

Join us in congratulating him on this distinction, and we look forward to seeing his impact for years to come!

Read more here:

https://utianews.tennessee.edu/jason-williams-officially-named-director-of-the-agresearch-and-education-center-at-milan/

09/25/2026

With colleges classes in full swing, many students might be thinking about summer internships.

Our Center is currently accepting undergraduate applications for our three programs:
• Agriculture
• Horticulture
• Marketing

Participants will gain hands-on experience in field and lab research, gardening and landscape design, or marketing regional initiatives for the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture.

Check out the descriptions below or access the full applications on utcrops.com under "Quick Links." All positions are for summer 2027, and are available until filled.

09/22/2026

Did you know that our Center is home to USDA researchers?

For decades, teams with the USDA Agricultural Research Service have evaluated common row crop diseases such as frog eye leaf spot, charcoal rot, and phomopsis seed decay. Dr. Alemu Mengistu, who retired last winter, spent more than 30 years evaluating these pathogens and testing crop lines for resistance.

He even developed a severity rating for susceptibility, helping producers understand the likelihood of a soybean variety suffering yield loss from charcoal rot.

Check out the video below to learn more from Jason Deffenbaugh and Steven Wallace, science technicians with the USDA team here at WTREC!

09/15/2026

Always great to have a spotlight on our graduate students! Smirti Shahi is a phenomenal PhD student and future agricultural researcher currently working with Dr. Avat Shekoofa.

Learn more about her work and future plans below!

09/15/2026

We are excited to announce the appointment of a new faculty member here at WTREC!

Dr. José Peiretti began September 1 as our row crop precision agriculture management Extension specialist.

His Extension program will evaluate the cost-effectiveness and large-scale application of precision agriculture technologies for planting, nutrient management, disease and pest control, and more. His local data will help Tennessee producers determine which innovations are most effective for their individual operations.

You will see Dr. Peiretti at future field days and events as he works with farmers and Extension agents statewide!

Read more on his appointment here:
https://utianews.tennessee.edu/utia-appoints-new-precision-agriculture-extension-specialist-for-row-crops/

09/09/2026

Another great Cotton Tour is in the books! We want to thank the more than 75 attendees who joined us this year. Check out a few snapshots from the day below...

And don't forget about the Soybean Insect and Disease Field Day scheduled for TOMORROW, September 10 from 8:30 a.m. to noon at the UT AgResearch and Education Center at Milan. Learn how to identify and manage common soybean insects and diseases that could impact your yield. Join our faculty for in-field tours and presentations on the latest UTIA research.

There is no cost to attend, and a complimentary lunch will be served!

09/08/2026

🌱 COTTON TOUR TOMORROW 🌱

Don't forget, the annual Cotton Tour Field Day is TOMORROW, September 9 from 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. here at the Center.

You can check out the full agenda below, which includes presentations on:
• Cotton defoliation
• ThryvOn technology
• Nutrient management
• Irrigation and drought stress
• Insect, w**d, and disease control
• Planting date selection
• "Crazy cotton"
• And more

Plus, enjoy a FREE lunch by Cajun Cookers at the conclusion of the tour. We hope to see you there!