Columbia, Tennessee, August 14, 2025

News Summary

The University of Tennessee Center for Profitable Agriculture welcomes new UT Extension Specialists, Kortni Blalock and Alaina Boyd, to enhance value-added farm enterprises in Tennessee. Their combined expertise aims to improve local farmers’ income through innovative agricultural practices. Blalock brings experience in international trade, while Boyd focuses on management and marketing strategies for value-added products. This initiative supports the economic viability and sustainability of Tennessee’s agricultural sector.

Columbia, Tennessee Welcomes New Extension Specialists at the University of Tennessee Center for Profitable Agriculture

The University of Tennessee Center for Profitable Agriculture (CPA) has announced the addition of two new UT Extension Specialists, Kortni Blalock and Alaina Boyd, as part of its initiative to enhance value-added farm enterprises within the state. Both specialists bring a wealth of experience and education that will aid Tennessee farmers looking to improve their income through innovative agricultural practices.

Kortni Blalock Joins the Team

Kortni Blalock, who started her role at the CPA last month, has quickly become a notable figure in the Tennessee agricultural community. Originally from Covington, Georgia, she earned her bachelor’s degree in agribusiness from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. Blalock furthered her education by obtaining a master’s degree in agricultural and resource economics from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, in May 2025.

Blalock’s professional background includes serving as an international agricultural trade analyst, with federal internships in Washington, D.C., and Hanoi, Vietnam. Her experience is expected to contribute significantly to the CPA’s mission of educating farmers and enhancing their economic viability.

Alaina Boyd’s Continued Contributions

Alaina Boyd, a lifelong resident of Lawrenceburg, Tennessee, has been part of the CPA since 2023, taking on a different role prior to her recent appointment. Having grown up on a diverse family farm, Boyd understands the challenges and opportunities faced by local farmers firsthand. She holds a master’s degree in communication and information from UT Knoxville and a bachelor’s degree in animal science from Middle Tennessee State University. Currently, she is enrolled in the MBA program at Haslam College of Business at UT Knoxville.

In her new position, Boyd will focus on expanding management and marketing strategies for value-added agricultural products. She will also participate in a new landowner education program, aimed at providing farmers with essential tools and insights to maximize their land’s productivity and profitability.

Supporting Tennessee Farmers

The Center for Profitable Agriculture plays a vital role in offering educational programming and technical assistance to Tennessee farms. This partnership between the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture (UTIA) and the Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation seeks to empower farmers to explore and implement value-added enterprises.

Both Blalock and Boyd are expected to lead various programs aimed at supporting farmers and their families in developing these enterprises, which are designed to enhance profits and create sustainable agricultural operations.

Importance of Value-Added Enterprises

Value-added agriculture involves modifying products from their original state to increase their value. This can include processing raw agricultural products, developing new marketing strategies, and diversifying product lines. By adding value, farmers can significantly boost their income, ensuring the long-term viability of their operations.

The CPA aims to facilitate these efforts through workshops, training sessions, and one-on-one consultations tailored to meet the needs of individual farms. By focusing on the potential of value-added products, the CPA hopes to foster a new wave of innovation and economic growth within the Tennessee agricultural sector.

Conclusion

The introduction of Kortni Blalock and Alaina Boyd to the University of Tennessee Center for Profitable Agriculture signifies a commitment to enhancing the agricultural economy in Tennessee. Their combined expertise and dedication are expected to yield positive results for local farmers, promoting sustainable practices and increased profitability across the state.

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Additional Resources

• Tennessean Obituaries
• Columbia Daily Herald
• Tennessee Lookout
• Livability: Maury County Agritourism
• Oakes & Nichols Obituaries
• Wikipedia: Agriculture in Tennessee
• Google Search: Tennessee Farming
• Google Scholar: Value-Added Agriculture
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Agriculture
• Google News: Tennessee Agriculture

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