KNOXVILLE – Celebrating Agricultural Excellence at UTIA’s Ag Day
On a pleasant September 14, the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture (UTIA) held its annual Ag Day Celebration, a lively event honoring the spirit of agriculture and its impact on the community. The celebrations took place with great joy and fellowship, bringing together alumni, students, faculty, and community members to appreciate the university’s land-grant mission of teaching, research, and outreach.
Honoring a Dedicated Contributor
One of the highlights of the day was the presentation of the 2024 Meritorious Service Award to Dave Fugate, a *beef cattle producer* from Greenback, Tennessee. This award recognizes outstanding contributions and long-standing dedication to the agricultural community. Fugate, who has been deeply involved with UTIA through various roles over the years, truly embodies what it means to be a supporter of agricultural initiatives.
At the event, Fugate was honored by several university officials, including Keith Carver, Senior Vice Chancellor and Senior Vice President, who expressed gratitude for Fugate’s unwavering support. “We are so blessed to have Dave among our most ardent supporters,’ Carver said. *His guidance has always helped us seek real-life solutions to the people of Tennessee and beyond.”*
A Glimpse Into Agricultural Achievements
The Ag Day Celebration was packed with activities that drew hundreds of people eager to participate. Guests enjoyed a variety of live animal exhibits, engaging music, and department-based demonstrations, showcasing what the university has to offer in agriculture and veterinary medicine. An *interactive selfie station* and an *insect petting zoo* added a fun twist to the festivities, alongside a quirky cricket spitting contest that had attendees laughing and cheering.
Current students shared their experiences while prospective students learned about educational opportunities in various fields, including *plant, animal, food and soil science*, and *forestry and wildlife studies*. The sense of community was palpable, as attendees caught up with old friends and made new connections.
Recognizing Innovators in the Field
Aside from Fugate’s honors, the event also recognized Dr. Addie Reinhard, a talented graduate of the UT College of Veterinary Medicine, with the 2024 UTIA Horizon Award. Reinhard, now the founder and CEO of *MentorVet* in Lexington, Kentucky, has been making strides in the veterinary field by improving practitioner and animal well-being. Her work highlights the importance of creating healthier career paths for veterinary professionals.
Furthermore, the title of Tennessee Farmer of the Year went to George McDonald, a dedicated farmer from Riddleton, Tennessee. McDonald was honored for his exceptional work at Catesa Farms, where he operates over 9,000 acres of crops, including famous watermelons and strawberries. As the Tennessee Farmer of the Year, he will now compete in the *Sunbelt Ag Expo Southeastern Farmer of the Year competition* later this year, representing the hard work and spirit of Tennessee agriculture.
The Mission Behind the Celebration
The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture serves a vital role in the Appalachian region, providing real-life solutions that improve the lives of many. This year’s Ag Day Celebration truly encapsulated that mission, with activities that celebrated agricultural innovation, education, and community involvement.
As the event came to a close, the air was filled with enthusiasm and optimism for the future of agriculture, not just in Tennessee but beyond. UTIA continues to foster a community of learners and leaders who are passionate about making a difference in the agricultural sector, and events like Ag Day only strengthen those bonds.
