University of Tennessee Alumni Joins Hands to Enhance International Agriculture

University of Tennessee Alumni Joins Hands to Enhance International Agriculture

Donnie and Terry Smith

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. -  “The outstanding reputation of the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture and our shared mission to seek global solutions to help world hunger, we felt it was a perfect fit” Donnie Smith, CEO of Tyson Foods and UT College of Agriculture and Natural Resources alumni says is the reason he and his wife have pledged $3.2 million.

            This gift will establish the Donald and Terry Smith Endowed Chair in International Sustainable Agriculture through the University of Tennessee Foundation, Inc.

            “The new faculty position will help bring science-based agriculture solutions to areas of the world with struggling agriculture practices and economies, as well as provide unique opportunities for the State of Tennessee,” said Larry Arrington, chancellor of the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture. 

            Donnie Smith earned his undergraduate degree in animal science and his wife, Terry, is a graduate of the College of Education. “Terry and I are both alumni of the University and feel we would not be where we are today without the education and support we received during our years there and the relationships developed there that continue to encourage us and enrich our lives to this day,” said Smith.

            Global hunger is an international issue that impacts millions everyday. Hunger is not only in the bushes of Africa but also in Knoxville, Tennessee and nationwide. Hunger is a growing problem with estimated 1 in 7 going to bed hungry every day. The global population is expected to reach 9 billion by 2050. It is estimated the world will need to produce twice as much food as is produced today.

           

            UTIA is recognized as a top-tier land grant university and has placed priority in becoming more internationally involved. UTIA partners with many different academic and research programs throughout the land-grant universities.

            “We are operating more than ever in a global environment, and our faculty and students need opportunities to learn more about how we in Tennessee relate to the worldwide economy,” said Arrington.

            The Smith Endowment will allow for UTIA to better partner and have a much greater impact within the U.S. and around the world. UTIA currently has ongoing international projects in Africa Europe, South America, and Southeast Asia. UTIA is truly expressing the volunteer spirit with their international work.

            The Smith Endowed Chair and Director for International Programs will work closely with UTIA’s four units – the College of Agriculture Sciences and Natural Resources, UT AgReaserch, UT Extension and the College of Veterinary Medicine. Finding solutions to encourage less-equipped nations to maximize available resources in an effort to provide better nutrition for the entire world is the goal of the Smith donation.

            “We have long recognized the need for global partnerships, and the Institute has exciting and meaningful work already underway with partners around the world,” said Arrington.  

             “The Smith Endowed Chair will take us to the next level in international partnerships relative to agriculture issues and providing solutions that help feed the world,” said Arrington.

              UTIA and UTIA Faculty International Advisory Council will be responsible in selecting the individual to serve as the Smith Chair. 

               Since the donation UT President Joe DiPietro has awarded the Smiths with the Presidents Philanthropist of the Year award. 

              

Knoxville Raises Awareness for Breast Cancer

Knoxville Raises Awareness for Breast Cancer

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. On Sunday, thousands put on their tennis shoes to walk for a cure. The American Cancer Society sponsored event, Making Strides of Knoxville, was held Oct. 5,2014 in Worlds Fair Park. The event brought communities, companies and individuals together to raise awareness for breast cancer and to celebrate its survivors.

            The event brought in more than 100 teams with more than 1,000 participants. Altogether $114,765.00 was raised for breast cancer research.

            “The fight to end breast cancer starts with one single step,” said an American Cancer Society representative. This 5k non-competitive event helps raise a great deal of awareness.

            Survivors walked alongside those who had lost their loved ones. They each stepping in sync for common goal.

The survivors contribute friends and family for their success in beating the disease. “I could not have done it without the help of my friends, family and members of Rusty Wallace of Callahan Kia’s The Kia Soul Sisters,” said breast cancer survivor Lisa Carter.

Pink is the official color for breast cancer awareness. In celebration of that, Worlds Fair Park was full of pink. Pink balloons, shirts, hats, pom-poms and even pink hair. “I wear pink for my wife, who is a breast cancer survivor” says Mike Toney.

The theme for the event was HOPE. Event goers signed the large billboard with memories in honor of individuals who have lost their fight with breast cancer.

The teams competed with others to donate the most money to the event. The team that raised the most was team Prayer Warriors led by Stephanie Thompson, a breast cancer survivor. The team raised more than $9,000 dollars.

 Multiple area companies and businesses participated in the event. Rusty Wallace Kia of Callahan Rd. was a large sponsor as well as Tennessee Farm Bureau Insurance. Tennova Physicians Regional Medical Center was the largest donator with a donation of six thousand dollars. Tennessee Farm Bureau Insurance Agent Dustin Johnson says “sponsoring this event is one of the most important things we do.”

Surrounded by a Great Cloud

As another school year starts and gets underway I have been really focusing my thoughts on things above. We all have that scripture that really touches us, here lately Hebrews 12:1-2 has really spoken to me. As we grow up we start making decision that will determine the rest of your life. We always want to make the right decisions about the job, school or special someone. As we make those life-changing decisions we look for guidance from parents, grandparents or maybe even your aunt/uncle. When faced with a large decision I remember Hebrews 12:1-2

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,² looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.”

There are some GREAT witnesses that surround us. I picture this scripture as a home football game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville and I’m a football player on the field and everyone is watching my every move and give me directions and plays. All I want is to run the race with great endurance so all are proud. One of my greatest fears is to disappoint those who are in the stands cheering me on to victory. The great thing about people who love you is if you stumble, they will pick you up, if you fail, they will still love you. Just as God still loves us after all the things we do!

Public Perception

Whether you are exhibiting your prize Angus heifer or interviewing for your State 4-H Round Up presentation, you get asked the same question… “what do you feel is impacting agriculture the most today?” My answer is always, public perception. That answer is the reason I am pursuing an animal science degree with a minor in journalism and electronic media. I like to start with some general facts, 98% of farms are family owned/operated and have been for generations The average American is 3 generations removed from the farm and less than 1% has a farming background. Hmmm… now how am I supposed to tell the story of farming to someone who has no idea what a farm looks like or even smells like! (Yes, farms have a smell just as cities have a smell). As farmers and food producers we are challenged every day to feed a growing world. It is estimated that by 2050 the world’s population is going to double, that is 9 BILLION people!  That’s adding a city the size of Philadelphia WEEKLY… Yeah, let that stew a minute.  Now, most people would say that’s 36 years from now, no problem! Well, as farmers we look at it “that’s only 36 growing seasons and 36 calving seasons. That’s not including weather conditions, a non-productive calving season, disease, loss of crop, fire, etc.  Farmers are given the best job in the world and we know it. We take pride in knowing when you walk to your refrigerator and pour a big glass of milk, it’s safe, healthy and delicious. As your family gathers around freshly grilled, juicy cheeseburgers and watermelon on the 4^th of July, remember that food was raised, harvested and brought to you with your well-being and celebration in mind. So please, thank a farmer, thank the veterinarians, the feed mill operators, the livestock truck drivers that work 24/7. It takes every one of us, consumer and producer, working together to bring safe and wholesome meals to the table 3 times a day.

“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord…”

Colossians 3:23

“Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.”

1 Corinthians 4:2

Finding the Creator

With this blog I hope to show you the glories of working for the Creator in His creation. Farmers are given the greatest job in the world. We are the caretakers, the providers, and the stewards of this earthly paradise. We as farmers are challenged to not only take care of our animals but the land, the environment and most importantly feeding the world.  

I recently attended Challenge Youth Conference in Gatlinburg there was 12,000 young Christians all gathered together to sing, pray, and truly glorify our Lord. It was so refreshing to see so many young people truly fall in love with our Savior. The theme was The Lord Our God. Many of the speakers referenced that we need to have a way, a place or a time where we feel God Almighty the most. So we can have a thriving relationship with Him. Growing up on a farm I had the opportunity to watch His creation and creatures in a unique way. For me, there is no better place in the world than watching a new calf walk for the first time, watching the sunrise over a freshly cut hay field or the smell of a early summer morning. We all need a place where we can see the scriptures come alive; we need to strive to return to this place of comfort and understanding. One of my favorite scriptures is Malachi 4:2 "But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings. You shall go out leaping like calves from the stall." This is a scripture I can truly see come alive every spring, the calves start jumping and dancing all around. They are full of excitement and some older farmers say, “well they sure are feeling their cheerios.” I want to leap out full of excitement to serve our savior in a new way, like the calves everything spring!

I challenge you to find a place where you can truly find our Lord and leap out with great excitement into His kingdom.