Shawn Hawkins Named to Lead Biosystems Engineering and Soil Science Department

Jan 30, 2026

Professor Shawn Hawkins has been named head of the Department of Biosystems Engineering and Soil Science for the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture.

Hawkins has served on the faculty and as a UT Extension specialist since 2007. His new role begins on February 1.

As a biosystems engineer, Hawkins has focused his career on managing animal waste and organic residuals in agricultural landscapes in ways that protect environmental quality and contribute to crop production efficiency. He has conducted both applied and basic research modeling the impact of row crop and beef cattle production on sediment and nutrient losses from agricultural landscapes.

Hawkins has received several awards for his achievements and contributions, including the UTIA 2023 Webster Pendergrass Outstanding Service Award, which recognizes a teaching, research or Extension faculty member for their contributions to the fulfillment of the Institute’s goals and objectives; the Governor’s Environmental Stewardship Award for Education and Outreach; the UTIA J. E. Moss Excellence in Extension Award in 2020; and the University of Tennessee Success in Interdisciplinary Research Team Award in 2018.

Source : tennessee.edu

Video: We’ll NEVER Use These Grain Bins Again!

A huge change is happening on the farm — our new grain bin has officially arrived, and that means we’ll never use some of our old grain bins again. In today's video, we take delivery of the new grain bin, look back at the old bins that have been part of our farm for years, and talk about why this upgrade is such a big deal for harvest, grain storage, and the future of our family farm.

This is more than just a grain bin delivery. It’s the end of an era and the start of a major farm upgrade that will completely change how we handle corn during harvest. From old grain storage to a brand-new bin setup, this project is one of the biggest improvements we’ve made at the farm.

Join me as the new grain bin shows up, the bin project continues, and we prepare for a new chapter in harvest efficiency on our Minnesota family farm.