Several third-year teens in Rural Resources’ Farm & Food Teen Training Program (FFTTP) have been working on a branding project for their livestock businesses. In conjunction with the Rural Resources brand, the teen businesses will have their own identities through the teen brand, which they dubbed In Stock. The teens want the brand to encourage the community to invest in the future of sustainable agriculture. FFTTP Coordinator Debbie Strickland walked students through the process of marketing their products, which currently includes pork and rabbit. Strickland hopes to see this brand expand to include other livestock businesses created by her students.
A new group of Teens kicked off a new year of learning on January 18 when they met for orientation. Strickland is excited to watch the students, new and experienced, grow for another year. Strickland has also been visualizing teaching her students outside under a new pavilion that is currently being built at the Rural Resources farm. The Greeneville Noon and Morning Rotary Clubs are sponsoring the project, which is expected to be complete by the end of January. Rural Resources Executive Director Sally Causey is excited to share this new outdoor classroom and community event space with the public. Teens will now be learning new skills on a farm that officially has a permanent conservation easement through Foothills Land Conservancy. Causey hopes this easement inspires other families and landowners to consider preserving the natural state of their land as well. Rural Resources is striving to always consider the future of agriculture through work such as inspiring youth to get involved in sustainable agriculture as well as efforts to preserve land for them to practice their craft.
There are several ways to get involved with Rural Resources. A membership, donation or a sponsorship are some ways to contribute to Rural Resources. The organization also always keeps its door open to volunteers. Volunteer opportunities range from farm work to office duties to helping young people learn about the farm and food. Find more information about Rural Resources online at ruralresources.net or by calling 423-636-8171.