UTIA Retirees Association Newsletter

August 2024

Warren Gill, UTIA Retirees President

Your UTIA Retiree Association’s Board of Directors recently had a very good meeting with UTIA Senior Vice Chancellor and Senior Vice President Keith Carver and Vice Chancellor for Advancement Charley Deal. Despite their intimidating titles, both gentlemen are down to earth, experienced, and determined to include retirees in their scope of activities.

Both Carver and Deal came to UTIA from UT Martin and both have extensive experience within the UT System, so they have hit the ground running and are already accomplishing positive changes at UTIA. Charley likes to give 4-H credit for much of his success. As a youngster, Charley had a speech impediment, but that did not stop him from winning the Hickman County 4-H Speech Contest—thanks to his parents and his 4-H agent, Cathy Lake. (Personal Note: I came in third in the Lincoln County 4-H Speech Competition.)

Keith Carver got his start in the Frog Jump community in Crockett County. He came to UTIA from his position as chancellor at UT Martin. His reputation for success at Martin is already showing signs of following him to Knoxville. Carver made it clear that one of his highest priorities is to strengthen the ties between UTIA and the public constituents. He is destined to succeed because of his deep understanding of every aspect of Tennessee’s largest and most important industry—agriculture. Likewise, Deal pledged that working with the UTIA Retirees Association would be a priority with him and the UTIA Advancement staff. He has already assigned people to work with us and has launched a search for a full-time person overseeing alumni that includes working closely with the retiree responsibilities.

Ken Goddard, Eastern Area Vice President

The Eastern Area Fall meeting is set. We are excited to obtain a private tour of the Mayfield Dairy Ice Cream and Milk packaging plant in Athens, Tennessee, on October 10, 2024. Our thanks go to Tim Woods, UT Extension County Director for McMinn County, for securing these arrangements. The day’s schedule will begin with a “Dutch Treat” lunch at the Western Sizzlin’ Restaurant in one of their private dining rooms. Everyone will meet at the restaurant’s entrance foyer at 11:30 a.m., 1804 Decatur Pike in Athens. You will select your meal preference or choose their nice salad bar. From there we dine in one of the two separate partitioned dining rooms.

Following our meal together everyone is invited to tour the ice cream and milk packaging plant at 1:00 p.m. The Mayfield Plant tour address is 4 Mayfield Lane, Athens, Tennessee. The tour fee is $8.50 per person and will last approximately one hour. The tour will include a scoop of your favorite Mayfield Ice Cream.

Please make plans to attend our luncheon and tour. It would be nice to receive a count of those planning to attend for seating arrangements at the Western Sizzlin’ Restaurant and for our private tour guide. Please send an attendance note indicating the number from your family to attend lunch and/or the Mayfield tour to Ken Goddard, Eastern Area Vice President, kgoddar3@utk.edu, or text 865-441-1123. Again, it is important to respond to this message indicating the number attending. See you October 10. 

Deborah Seward, Western Area Secretary

The Western Area Retirees Association met June 11, 2024, for lunch at the Holiday Inn, University of Memphis Campus. Amani Johnson Singh-Barnett, with the Christ Community Health Services, presented an informative presentation on prescription medication and the importance of keeping records of all prescribed medications.

The Western Area Fall Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, September 10, 2024, at the 4-H campground at Lone Oaks Farm in Hardeman County. A Winter Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, December 10, 2024, in Jackson. Location is to be determined.

Drucilla Ray, UTIA Cumberland Area Secretary

The Cumberland Area Retirees met for brunch on May 30, 2024. The meeting was held at the One Bank Main Office in beautiful downtown Monterey.

One Bank hosted the event with Elizabeth Ray Fournet, Chairman of the Board, welcoming everyone. She shared some history of the bank, which her great grandfather started in 1901. This family owned business has pictures on display throughout the bank celebrating their heritage. Bill Wiggins, former mayor of Monterey and currently an alderman, welcomed everyone and shared a brief history of the town and where it is headed. We also welcomed our current UTIA Retirees president, Warren Gill, and Ruth Henderson McQueen and John Jared, former UTIA Retirees presidents, who spoke about our organization.

The morning was spent enjoying delicious food along with renewing friendships with our former co-workers. A big thank you to Elizabeth Fournet, Tiffany Zelliner (caterer), and the staff of One Bank for ensuring our meeting was enjoyable and relaxing. We invite all retirees to visit Monterey for recreational activities such as swimming, fishing and kayaking then stroll downtown for some delicious food.

Steve Harris, Central Area

Central Area Retirees recently met for lunch at Anthony and Theresa's Homecookin' in Dunlap. Those attending included Bonnie Fritch, Larry Moorehead, Dale Beaty, Brenda Kucharski, Brenda Andy, Lee Ann Jolley Shipley, Hilda Lytle, Catherine Millsaps, Camille Jesse, Janet Hale, Theresa Allan and her husband, Wren Tolbert and her husband, Steve Harris, and Sheldon Barker (local County Director – not retired). 

John Jared, Eastern Area

Veteran Paul McCallie, retired county director, Roane County, and veteran Raymond Morris, retired county director, Hancock County, were honored at the recent 4-H Quilting Camp with “Quilts of Valor.” The military veterans were selected to receive the quilts by a committee of Extension agents. Both Paul and Raymond served 4-H and their respective community very well during their professional careers.

The two men served in the US armed forces when the country was experiencing major conflicts abroad. They bravely went into battle for America’s freedom. McCallie served the US Marine Corps in an active and reserve role from 1965 until 1995. He was stationed in Vietnam and in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait during Desert Storm where he served as commanding officer. Morris served in the US Army from 1964 until 1968. Much of his time was spent in Vietnam. While there, he developed a deep appreciation for the kids he witnessed struggling in life, which led to his successful career working with 4-H youth in Hancock County. In his words, “South Vietnamese children saved my soul.”

Ruth Henderson McQueen, Past President, UTIA Retiree's Association 

Often one hears that the people of the Institute of Agriculture are like family. Over the years I have observed this to be true. Those friendships that were formed during years of working together do not end when there is a change in a job or a retirement.

Personally, I have found great joy and satisfaction in “having people in.” This quote was picked up from Mrs. Ruth Hale. She and Bill Hale, Extension director in Bradley County, were dear friends for decades. They were long on hospitality and loved to entertain. Tennessee 4-H barbecue chicken grilled in their backyard was a specialty.

Mrs. Hale and I shared the pleasure of having people in for a visit and a meal. The 12-foot long harvest table in the sunroom of my guest house has seen numerous committee meetings, board meetings, celebrations, meals, picnics, showers, and a variety of other gatherings. I have learned that the food is not nearly as important as the conversation and fellowship.

Recently on a warm June Sunday evening, a gathering of friends converged at the guest house in Loudon. Some were UTIA Retirees, but all had a UTIA connection whether as administrator or staff, donor, supporter, or alumni. The conversation proved that truly, it is the relationships that are the most important part of our lives. Among those who gathered together were Tim and Denise Cross, Keith and Stephanie Barber, John Jared, Cherry Lane Darken, Mark and Cynthia Wilson, Jerry and Robin Estes, and me.

It does not take a great deal of effort to “have people in” but the rewards are immeasurable. I encourage you to stay in touch with those who mean so much and enjoy the results.

Ken Goddard, Eastern Area Vice President, kgoddar3@utk.edu, 865-441-1123

Pictured is Wallace Lassiter in 1978 using a shielded sprayer for controlling weeds in row middles in no-till soybeans. Two of his daughters, Dawn and Denise, painted happy smiley faces on his saddle tanks as they were proud of this new farming method. The accompanying article describes his Allis Chalmers’ planter setup.

In the summer of 1970, I met Wallace Lassiter. Several assistant Extension agents (in-training) were employed by Dean Darter anticipating veteran agents’ retirements. Mr. H. T. Short, District I supervisor, sent me to Henry County to work with Curtis Shearon and John W. F. Caldwell. Others on staff during the seventies were Rubye Smith, Joyce Hastings, Mary Kate Ridgeway, Kenneth Martin, and Joye Rouse.

That same year a fungal disease, southern corn leaf blight, affected cornfields throughout the South. Many farmers were still planting open pollenated corn seed. Those who did not and recognized the potential for planting hybrid seed avoided this dreaded disease. The difference was a total yield loss versus a normal yield per acre. That summer several farmers came to Wallace’s farm to learn how hybrid corn seed would avoid this disaster. Wallace had planted hybrid corn that year and was proud he could assist others in learning about hybrid varieties recommended by UT Extension.

This was my first farm and community meeting, and from that day forward, Wallace was a friend. We constantly shared production thoughts and ideas.

Skipping from 1971 to 1977, and after receiving assistant county agent jobs in Chester then Hardeman Counties and following a short absence to assist family, I was assigned by Haywood Luck to Henry County as a farm management agent. While there I became Extension county director and remained there until 2008.

In 1977 Wallace Lassiter was one of the first farmers I made a point of visiting. No-till farming practices had become the primary topic of discussion among growers. Wallace purchased one of the first Allis Chalmers (AC) No-Till planters. The AC Planter utilized 2-inch fluted coulters that chopped crop residue enough for the double-disc openers to clear surface weeds and residue and prepare the soil surface to ensure good soil-seed contact. Wallace was impressed with his no-till planter; however, he wanted to modify it to prepare an even better environment for seed placement. He attached additional coulters to the planter frame so that each row had two. They were slightly offset and chopped a 3-inch clean path rather than a 2-inch path for the seed to be properly planted for good germination to obtain a quality stand throughout each field.

He did not stop there either—55-gallon barrels were mounted, one on each side of the tractor, so that a residual herbicide tank mix could be sprayed right behind the planter. This was a single trip, no-till plant and lay-by operation Wallace used for his entire corn and soybean crop using 30-inch row spacings. He was so proud of this planting procedure. Two of his daughters, Dawn and Denise, painted smiley faces on each saddle tank to decorate it. Neighbors would stop on the roadside for pictures as the tractor, planter, and sprayer combo would get closer and closer to the road.

A memorable statement Wallace made more than forty-five years ago during another farmer Field Day held in Henry County was, “My goal is to be able to drive thirty miles per hour on every field I farm. No-Till stops soil erosion and allows me to do just that.”

Each of us has fond memories of innovative, progressive producers during our careers. Wallace was one I admired very much.

Deborah Seward, Western Area Secretary

Ken Goddard, Eastern Area Vice President, kgoddar3@utk.edu, 865-441-1123

Ag Day at UTIA will be Saturday, September 14, 2024, inside the Brehm Animal Science Auditorium prior to the Kent State football game. Hundreds of guests are expected to enjoy activities sponsored by various departments representing the Herbert College of Agriculture, the College of Veterinary Medicine, UT Extension, and UT AgResearch. Featured will be programs in family and consumer sciences, 4-H and youth development, veterinary medicine and agriculture production and marketing. Ag Day is for the whole family as live animal exhibits, music, departmental-based demonstrations, and lots of food will be enjoyed by all. Alumni reminiscing with friends, faculty, and staff is also on the agenda.

Ag Day Festivities begin 4.5 hours prior to kickoff and end an hour prior to the 7:45 p.m. kickoff. This allows for Ag Day guests to get to the game on time.

Our UTIA Retirees Association will sponsor an Ag Day welcoming booth again this year. We will need members like you to volunteer and help staff our booth, welcome guests as they pass by, and visit with friends, alumni, and fellow retirees. It should be an enjoyable day. If you would like to serve as a volunteer, it would be helpful If you send a note to Ken Goddard (kgoddar3@utk.edu) and share hourly times you would like to assist, beginning at 2:15 p.m. and ending at 6:45 p.m. Multiple hours certainly are welcome. Four volunteers per hour shift welcoming and visiting with guests and colleagues is the goal.

Thank you for all that you do to support the UTIA Retiree's Association, and I look forward to hearing from you and seeing you on Ag Day, September 14, 2024. After your name is received as an Ag Day participant, you will receive a message listing all who have volunteered, prior to the event. Time adjustments may be suggested to better group volunteers into four-person time periods. 

We are saddened to report the death of these former UTIA Retirees

Deepest Sympathy is extended for the death of these UTIA Retirees’ family members: