2019 Sampson County Program Impact Report
Approved: January 23, 2020
I. Executive Summary
Sampson County Cooperative Extension succeeded in meeting the educational needs of citizens in 2019 in all programming areas. Identified focus areas that were addressed included major extension objectives, such as: animal and plant production systems, natural resource and environmental systems, consumer horticulture and agriculture, community development, food safety and nutrition, family and consumer sciences, 4-H and youth development.
The Cooperative Extension agricultural program provided educational resources, resulting in the following impacts:
•410 animal waste operator certifications were maintained, offering 870 continuing education credit hours to producers
•4610 citizens increased their knowledge of best management practices, pest, insect, disease, soil and weed management, farm financial management or alternative and value added enterprises
•Sampson County Extension Master Gardeners volunteered 1327 contact hours at a value of $33,746 to local residents
•Limited resource producers of the small farms program received $28,800 in grant funding through the NRCS cost share program to install high tunnels on farms for enhanced produce production.
•The Farmworker health and safety education program educated 206 participants throughout the growing season.
•The farm business management program benefitted 123 producers
The Family & Consumer Sciences program made a notable difference in the lives of Sampson County citizens, as evident through the following impacts:
•The Food Safety & Nutrition Program reached 999 citizens through the 60 hours of education provided.
•The FCS program established new activities and events that achieved increased fruit and vegetable consumption by 3257 youth and adults, and increased physical activity by 449 citizens.
4-H and Youth development had major impacts in the young lives of Sampson County:
•Elementary school garden projects improved knowledge and appreciation for locally grown and harvested vegetables, as well as improved nutrition habits, with 3083 youth learning through programs offered by extension staff, master gardeners, and school volunteers
•52 educational workshops and events were offered to 6444 youth
•236 youth participated in the Juntos Latino leadership program
•244 youth attended day camps throughout the year
•173 youth remained actively enrolled in 4-H throughout the year
A total of 556 volunteers contributed to extending the reach of Cooperative Extension programming, with an estimated value to the county of $54,676, by serving 2150 hours. Extension secured an additional $215,593 in fiscal resources to extend programming efforts throughout the year, while offering 713 hours of educational activities to 8431 participants at 102 events throughout the year. Additionally, staff members educated the public through media communications, print, internet and radio communications throughout the year. Staff members together interacted with 24,351 citizens in 2019 through direct contacts, and 7,773,186 indirect contacts. It is evident that Sampson County Cooperative Extension is committed to extending knowledge and changing lives in the community through the various program impacts seen in agriculture, family and consumer science, 4-H and youth development.II. County Background
Sampson County is the second largest geographical, and most diverse agricultural county in North Carolina with farm income of over 1.3 billion dollars, which ranks number one in the state. Sampson county's broad agriculture base has positioned the county as a leader of the industry. The diverse soils, suitable topography, and temperate climate make the county an ideal area for a diverse and productive agricultural industry. With 41 different agricultural commodities that are commercially produced, agriculture is the largest contributor to the county’s economy and tax base. The county ranks number one in the production of flue cured tobacco, sweet potatoes, and turkey. (2016). Additionally, the county ranks number two in the production of swine, and ranks in the top ten in the production of corn, cotton, soybeans, wheat, broilers, and beef cattle.
Sampson County's 2017 estimated population was 63,430. The area can be described as having a very high level of diversity with 43.5% of the population being minorities. The Hispanic population is 16.5% of the total population. Sampson County has a medium-low household income of $36,514. The poverty level in Sampson is currently 24.3%.
The top five health concerns for Sampson County residents as identified by the Sampson County Community Health Assessment are chronic disease, drug and alcohol abuse, obesity, teen pregnancy, and mental health. These concerns were prioritized and recommended to be addressed by the Sampson County Partners for Healthy Carolinians Task Force, and were approved by the Sampson County Board of Health.
The Sampson County Extension Center has joined NC Cooperative Extension statewide environmental scanning efforts to identify issues and trends within the county and for the population that we serve. A statewide Needs Assessment was conducted in 2018. Feedback from county citizens is gathered regularly through surveys, advisory committees, and focus groups. Through advisory committee and staff prioritization, the following major issues identified were: food safety, healthy eating, home food production, physical activity, Hispanic youth development, substance abuse prevention, life skills, leadership, and team building, professionalism and communication skills, parenting education and youth/parent relationships, disaster preparation, farmland preservation and agricultural awareness. Needs and issues identified will be addressed through educational programming efforts using county extension staff, extension specialists, county advisory council and specialized committee members, volunteers, as well as partnerships with other government agencies, local and regional commodity groups, and the local school systems. All programs will be developed utilizing Extension’s programming model that includes planning, design, implementation and evaluation. Results will be documented and reported to all stakeholders, including state and local governments.
North Carolina Cooperative Extension is in a unique position to provide educational programming to various groups based on identified needs. Specific programs provided target limited resource audiences, due to the high percentage of minorities in the county and the number of people living below poverty compared to the state average. Taking research-based information generated at North Carolina State University and North Carolina A&T State University can provide Sampson County citizens with information and solutions to meet the needs of the county.
III. Objectives to Address the Cooperative Extension Long Range Plan
Our family and consumer sciences programs improve the well-being of individuals, families, and communities.
| 15 | Number of adults increasing knowledge of life skills (such as goal setting, stress management, self-care and healthy relationships) |
| 20 | Number of adults increasing their knowledge of community resources |
| 15 | Number of adults and professionals increasing their knowledge of human development over the life course and emerging best practices in parenting and caregiving |
| 16 | Number of people gaining basic financial management knowledge and/or skills (such as; budgeting, record keeping, goal setting, writing goals, consumer decision-making) |
| 18 | Number of people gaining knowledge and/or skills in managing financial products and financial identity (such as; credit, debt management, identify theft, credit reports and scores, scams, banking skills) |
| 22 | Number of people gaining knowledge and/or skills to increase family assets (such as; home ownership, Individual Development Accounts (IDAs), estate planning (including Grandma’s Yellow Pie Plate), savings and investments, retirement planning) |
| 13 | Number of people gaining knowledge and/or skills to protect family assets (such as; foreclosure prevention, insurance, implementing a financial document protection strategy against natural disasters, bankruptcy prevention, etc.) |
| 18 | Number of people gaining knowledge and/or skills to increase family economic security (such as; how to access: SNAP benefits, SHIIP Medicare Part D; food cost management, cost comparison skills, shop for reverse mortgages, select long term care insurance, etc.) |
| 30 | Number of participants increasing knowledge of best management practices related to reducing energy use/increasing energy efficiency |
* Note: Values may include numbers from multi-county efforts.
| 40 | Number of adults using effective life skills (such as goal setting, stress management, self-care and healthy relationships) |
| 15 | Number of adults increasing their use of identified community resources |
| 25 | Number of professionals using learned best practices with children/youth/adults/older adults |
| 13 | Number of parents/other caregivers of children adopting positive parenting practices (such as communication and discipline) |
| 17 | Number of professionals granted CEUs, certifications, or other work- or volunteer-related credentials |
| 16 | Number of people actively managing their financial accounts and financial identity (such as; obtaining credit reports, choosing among credit products, implementing identity theft safeguards, opening or selecting bank accounts, etc.) |
| 17 | Number of people accessing financial products and programs recognized as vehicles for wealth accumulation |
| 12 | Number people implementing risk management strategies (such as; seeking HUD or other housing counseling, accessing federal or state programs to address the issue, comparing among and selecting insurance coverage, financial preparation for disasters) |
| 13 | Number of people accessing programs and implementing strategies to support family economic well-being |
| 12 | Number of participants engaging in best management practices related to reducing energy use/increasing energy efficiency |
* Note: Values may include numbers from multi-county efforts.
Our plant production programs improve production, profitability, and sustainability of the agriculture sector.
| 70 | Number of producers who gain skills or knowledge to increase production for local markets. |
| 12 | Number of producers who improve local food marketing skills or knowledge. |
| 248 | Number of pesticide applicators receiving continuing education credits |
| 8 | Number of pesticide credit hours provided |
| 23 | Number of Certified Crops Advisors receiving continuing education credits |
| 619 | Number of crop (all plant systems) producers increasing/improving knowledge, attitudes, and/or skills as related to: 1. Best management production practices (cultural, nutrient, and genetics) 2. Pest/insect, disease, weed, wildlife management 3. Financial/Farm management tools and practices (business, marketing, government policy, human resources) 4. Alternative agriculture, bioenergy, and value-added enterprises |
| 4 | Number of Extension initiated and controlled county demonstration test sites |
| 2 | Number of Certified Crops Advisors credit hours provided |
* Note: Values may include numbers from multi-county efforts.
| 10 | Number of producers who diversified their marketing strategies into local markets (direct, intermediated/food service, institutional). |
| 20 | Number of producers reporting reduction in fertilizer used per acre |
| 99661 | Number of acres in conservation tillage or other Best Management Practice |
| 25 | Number of crop (all plant systems) producers adopting best management practices, including those practices related to nutrient management, conservation, production, cultivars, pest management (weeds, diseases, insects), business management, and marketing |
* Note: Values may include numbers from multi-county efforts.
Our animal production programs improve production, profitability, and sustainability of the agriculture sector.
| 73 | Number of animal producers who increased knowledge of farm business management, business planning, financial management, marketing, or estate planning. |
| 50 | Number of animal producers who learned how to develop a management plan (i.e. grazing plan, feeding plan, drought plan, business plan, disaster plan, etc.) |
| 76 | Number of producers who increased knowledge of pasture/forage management practices (field improvement, herbicide management, grazing season extension, weed control, forage quality, haylage production, nitrate testing, etc.) |
| 41 | Number of producers who increased knowledge of nutrition, ration balancing, mineral supplements, breeding, and reproduction |
| 51 | Number of producers who increased knowledge of the strategies to promote animal health and welfare and reduce the potential for infectious diseases through proper use of vaccines, biosecurity, detection and identification of common diseases, appropriate use of animal medications, and mitigation of antimicrobial resistance transmission |
| 145 | Number of producers who increased knowledge of animal waste management practices |
| 870 | Number of animal waste management credits earned through Extension programs |
| 19 | Number of Extension conducted on-site sludge surveys or equipment calibrations |
| 15 | Number of producers who increased knowledge of how to prepare, mitigate, and recover from natural disasters impacting animal agriculture |
* Note: Values may include numbers from multi-county efforts.
| 9 | Number of producers implementing Extension-recommended best management practices for animal waste management |
| 5 | Number of producers who adopted Extension-recommended best management practices and production changes related to quality assurance (vaccinations, castration, culling techniques, etc.) |
| 6 | Number of producers who adopted Extension-recommended best management practices and production changes related to genetic improvement (AI, heifer/bull selection) |
| 4 | Number of producers who adopted Extension-recommended best management practices and production changes related to nutrition (mineral, feed rations) |
| 3 | Number of producers who adopted Extension-recommended best management practices related to pasture management |
| 9 | Number of waste utilization/waste management plans developed or updated |
* Note: Values may include numbers from multi-county efforts.
Our community development programs build strong and thriving communities.
| 688 | Number of participants who improved knowledge of local food and agricultural systems |
| 28 | Number of adult participants acquiring the skills needed to serve as a volunteer |
| 8 | Number of participants that increase their knowledge of disaster preparedness planning, mitigation and recovery |
* Note: Values may include numbers from multi-county efforts.
Our 4-H youth development programs grow the skills young people need to succeed in life and career.
| 9323 | Number of youth (students) increasing knowledge in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) |
| 5213 | Total number of female participants in STEM program |
| 178 | Number of youth (students) participating in 4-H dropout prevention (student at-risk) programs |
| 130 | Number of high school age youth (students) participating as members of 4-H clubs |
| 287 | Number of youth increasing knowledge of life skills |
| 7132 | Number of children/youth who improved knowledge of local food and agricultural systems. |
| 405 | Number of youth increasing/improving knowledge, attitudes, skills, and/or aspirations regarding leadership |
| 239 | Number of youth demonstrating increased knowledge of natural resources and environmental issues |
* Note: Values may include numbers from multi-county efforts.
| 893 | Number of youth (students) gaining career / employability skills |
| 41 | Number of youth (students) gaining entrepreneurship skills |
| 205 | Number of youth using effective life skills |
| 138 | Number of youth willing to participate in conservation actions |
| 426 | Number of youth increasing their physical activity |
| 53 | Number of youth volunteers serving in new or expanded roles within Extension |
| 6 | Number of youth volunteers serving in new or expanded roles beyond Extension, including community boards and task forces |
| 59 | Number of youth assuming new/expanded leadership roles in the community |
| 3257 | Number of youth increasing their fruit and vegetable consumption |
| 3083 | Number of youth who grow food in school gardens. |
* Note: Values may include numbers from multi-county efforts.
Our natural resource and environmental programs conserve our precious natural resources and maintain a clean and healthy environment.
Our consumer horticulture programs teach families and communities about environmentally friendly methods for gardening and controlling pests.
| 121 | Number of individuals who gain knowledge or acquire skills related to vegetable/fruit gardening |
* Note: Values may include numbers from multi-county efforts.
| 2 | Number of individuals who grow food in community gardens. |
| 44 | Number of individuals who begin home food production by starting a vegetable and/or fruit garden |
| 3251 | Number of participants who use extension-recommended best management practices in landscapes, turf, and gardens, including pest (insect, weed, disease, wildlife) and soil management |
| 190 | Number of participants selecting appropriate landscape plants (adapted, drought tolerant, appropriate size, etc.) |
| 80 | Number of participants growing food for home consumption |
* Note: Values may include numbers from multi-county efforts.
Our food safety and nutrition programs create a safer and more sustainable food supply and improve the health and nutrition of individuals, families, and our communities.
| 27 | Number of participants who increase their knowledge of safe home food handling, preservation, or preparation practices |
| 27 | Number of individuals who learn how to prepare local foods, including through use of home food preservation techniques. |
* Note: Values may include numbers from multi-county efforts.
| 57 | Number of adults increasing their fruit and vegetables consumption |
| 23 | Number of participants increasing their physical activity |
| 57 | Number of participants who consume less sodium in their diet |
* Note: Values may include numbers from multi-county efforts.
IV. Other Objectives
- 2018 Sampson County Plan of Work
V. Number of Contacts Made by Extension
| Type of Contact | Number |
|---|
| Face-to-face* |
28,478 |
| Non face-to-face** |
8,123,059 |
| Total by Extension staff in 2019 |
8,151,537 |
* Face-to-face contacts include contacts that Extension personnel make directly with individuals
through one-on-one visits, meetings, and other activities where staff members work directly
with individuals.
** Non face-to-face contacts include contacts that Extension personnel make indirectly with
individuals by telephone, email, newsletters, news articles, radio, television, and other means.
VI. Designated Grants Received by Extension
| Type of Grant | Amount |
|---|
| Contracts/Grants |
$163,673.00 |
| Gifts/Donations |
$12,474.50 |
| In-Kind Grants/Donations |
$19,778.00 |
| United Way/Foundations |
$19,668.29 |
| User Fees |
$0.00 |
| Total |
$215,593.79 |
VII. Volunteer Involvement in Extension Programs
|
4-H |
233 |
325 |
449 |
$ 8,265.00 |
|
Advisory Leadership System |
51 |
100 |
195 |
$ 2,543.00 |
|
EFNEP |
66 |
281 |
45 |
$ 7,146.00 |
|
Extension Master Gardener |
122 |
1327 |
281 |
$ 33,746.00 |
|
Other: Agriculture |
15 |
26 |
136 |
$ 661.00 |
|
Other: Food & Nutrition |
79 |
97 |
59 |
$ 2,467.00 |
|
Total:
|
566 |
2156 |
1165 |
$ 54,827.00 |
* The number of volunteers reflects the overall number of volunteers for multiple events.
VIII. Membership of Advisory Leadership System
- Health & Wellness
- Lethia Lee
Susan Baxter
Robin Palmer
Luke Smith
Linda Brunson
Marie Faircloth
Marvin Rondon
Rebecca O'Dell
Jeff Swartz
Janetta Matthews
- Master Gardeners
- Ann Butler
Eloise Register
Nancy Thagard
Pam High
Dempsey Craig
Sue Williams
Chick Gancer
- Swine & Waste Management
- Curtis Barwick
James Lamb
Angie Maier
Steve Guyton
Patrick Byrd
Greer Moore - Small and Limited Resource Farms
- Lenon Hickman
Ned Highsmith
Velma Maddox
Samuel Baker
George Wilson
Curtis Cummings
Wade Cole
Marion Chavious
Alonzo Royal
George Ammons
Alease Williams - Cattle, Forages and Small Ruminants
- Scott Matthis
Anthony Marshall
Mike Hope
Jamie Beasley
Lanie Powell
Ray Fowler
Dr. Billy Oglesby
Darryl Howard
Joshua McLamb
Jammie Piercy - Voluntary Agricultural District
- James Faison
Hurbie Faircloth
Gavin Thompson
Franklin Lindsay
Curtis McLamb
Craig Thornton - 4-H Youth Development
- Kim Lackey
Rob Richardson
Ann Butler
Amber Lackey
Dr. Laurie Hamilton
Kim Piercy
Anne Wicke
Brian Royal
Melanie Matthis
Denisse Romero - Juvenile Crime Prevention Council
- Dudley Neal
Clementine Mason
Fred Cumbo
Elizabeth Phillips
Ed Causey
Chris Godwin
Clark Wooten
Terrace Miller
Wanda Robinson
Lynn Fields
Ken Jones
Tracy Arrington
Billy Frank Jackson
Dana Hall - County Advisory Committee
- Curtis Barwick
Ann Butler
Dempsey Craig
Ned Highsmith
Ronnie Jackson
Deborah Johnson
Quenita Lee
Anna Peele
Rob Richardson
Jarman Sullivan
Nathan Chambot
Craig Thornton
Bartley Warren
Alease Williams
- Field Crops
- Alan O'Neal
Clint Strickland
Gavin Thompson
Lynn Carr
Roberta Hairr
Ethan Ipock
IX. Staff Membership
Eileen Coite
Title: County Extension Director, Agriculture - Livestock
Phone: (910) 592-7161
Email: eileen_coite@ncsu.edu
Brief Job Description: Administration and leadership of Sampson County Cooperative Extension. Community development, emergency preparedness and response, and equine programming.
Meghan Baker
Title: Steps to Health (SNAP-Ed) Nutrition Educator
Phone: (919) 296-2143
Email: mabaker7@ncsu.edu
Brief Job Description: I am fortunate to serve Duplin and Sampson County as a Steps to Health Nutrition Educator. Steps to Health is NC State University's SNAP-Ed program. This program works to provide direct education programs focusing on nutrition and physical activity as well as policy, system, and environment changes focused on making, "the healthy choice the easy choice."
Marti Day
Title: Area Specialized Agent, Agriculture - Dairy
Phone: (919) 542-8202
Email: marti_day@ncsu.edu
Brief Job Description: Responsible for educational programs for dairy farmers, youth with an interest in dairy projects and the general public with an interest in dairy foods and the dairy industry.
Betty Draughon
Title: County Extension Support Specialist
Phone: (910) 592-7161
Email: betty_draughon@ncsu.edu
Mike Frinsko
Title: Area Specialized Agent, Agriculture - Aquaculture
Phone: (252) 448-9621
Email: mofrinsk@ncsu.edu
Brief Job Description: Provide technical training and assistance to commercial aquaculture producers in the Southeast Extension District
Paul Gonzalez
Title: Extension Agent, Agriculture - Livestock
Phone: (910) 592-7161
Email: paul_gonzalez@ncsu.edu
Brief Job Description: Provide assistance, information, and educational programming for ruminant livestock, pastures and forages, and farm safety. Provide clientele assistance in trying to prevent or eliminate wildlife problems. Assist forest and woodland owners in finding answers to issues they may face.
Danelle Graham
Title: 4-H Program Assistant, Teen Court/Juvenile Restitution/Community Service
Phone: (910) 592-7161
Email: danelle_graham@ncsu.edu
Brief Job Description: Coordinate Teen Court and Juvenile Restitution/Community Service Programs, as well as Juvenile Psychological Services Program.
Brad Hardison
Title: Extension Agent, Agriculture - Horticulture
Phone: (910) 592-7161
Email: brad_hardison@ncsu.edu
Brief Job Description: Provides assistance, information, and educational programming for lawns, turf, gardening, pest management, youth horticulture education, and extension master gardener liaison.
James Hartsfield
Title: Area Agent, Small Farm Management--A&T State
Phone: (910) 592-7161
Email: james_hartsfield@ncsu.edu
Brief Job Description: Provide information and education programs directed at enhancing the small farmer family’s quality of life and income through the adoption of appropriate technology, alternative enterprises, farm and home planning, farm management, record keeping and marketing in Sampson and Duplin counties.
Marissa Herchler
Title: Area Specialized Agent, Agriculture - Animal Food Safety (FSMA Programs)
Phone: (919) 515-5396
Email: marissa_herchler@ncsu.edu
Brief Job Description: Marissa is an Area Specialized Agent for animal food safety, with emphasis on the new Food Safety Modernization Act rules, as they apply to feed mills in North Carolina. Please contact Marissa with any FSMA related questions, or PCQI training inquiries.
Lynette Johnston
Title: Area Specialized Agent, Food Safety
Phone: (919) 515-0303
Email: lynette_johnston@ncsu.edu
Max Knowles
Title: Extension Agent, Agriculture - Livestock
Phone: (910) 592-7161
Email: max_knowles@ncsu.edu
Brief Job Description: Extension Livestock Agent with responsibilities including swine and waste management. Major responsibilities include monitoring industry trends, issues, and new technologies. Providing farmers with programs to help aid in quality livestock production practices. While providing services such as irrigation calibrations, lagoon sludge surveys, and waste sample collection. Responsibilities also in forestry and as well as aquatics.
Sydney Knowles
Title: Area Agent, Family and Consumer Sciences
Phone: (910) 296-2143
Email: sydney_knowles@ncsu.edu
Brief Job Description: Implements nutrition, food safety, and food preservation programs to all residents in Duplin and Sampson counties.
Colby Lambert
Title: Area Specialized Agent, Forestry
Phone: (910) 814-6041
Email: colby_lambert@ncsu.edu
Brief Job Description: Provides educational opportunities and technical support to forest landowners, agents, and forest industry in eastern North Carolina.
Danny Lauderdale
Title: Area Specialized Agent, Ornamental Nursery and Greenhouse, Eastern Region
Phone: (252) 237-0111
Email: danny_lauderdale@ncsu.edu
Brief Job Description: Provides programming to commercial ornamental nursery and greenhouse producers in eastern North Carolina.
Lori McBryde
Title: Area 4-H Agent, East Region
Phone: (919) 989-5380
Email: lori_mcbryde@ncsu.edu
Brief Job Description: Provide support the Eastern 34 Counties of the Northeast and Southeast Districts in 4-H Youth Development.
Stephanie McDonald-Murray
Title: Regional Nutrition Extension Associate - Southeast EFNEP and SNAP-Ed
Phone: (910) 296-2143
Email: stephanie_mcdonald@ncsu.edu
Brief Job Description: Job Description: Provides programmatic supervision to the EFNEP program in the South East District.
Denise McIntyre
Title: 4-H Program Assistant, Substance Abuse Prevention Consultant- Health Education
Phone: (592) 716-1
Email: denise_mcintyre@ncsu.edu
Brief Job Description: Certified Substance Abuse Prevention Consultant trained in evidence base education.
Providing community programing on the responsibilities of alcohol,tobacco,and other drug consumption and misuse.
Elizabeth Merrill
Title: 4-H Program Assistant, 4-H Youth Development
Phone: (910) 592-7161
Email: elizabeth_rowe@ncsu.edu
Brief Job Description: Assist in the planning, design, and implementation of 4-H youth development programming.
Diana Rashash
Title: Area Specialized Agent, Water Quality/Waste Management
Phone: (910) 455-5873
Email: diana_rashash@ncsu.edu
Brief Job Description: Water and wastewater issues of all types: stormwater, aquatic weed ID & control, water quality & quantity, septic systems, animal waste, land application of wastewater, environment & sustainability, climate, etc.
Lynn Raynor
Title: County Extension Administrative Assistant
Phone: (910) 592-7161
Email: ljraynor@ncsu.edu
Hunter Rhodes
Title: Extension Agent, Agriculture - Fields Crops
Phone: (910) 592-7161
Email: hunter_rhodes@ncsu.edu
Brief Job Description: Responsibilities include providing assistance to growers with problem diagnosis as well as disease and insect identification in field crops, Pesticide Coordinator within the county and providing support for the Sampson County Beekeeper's Association.
Ashley Robbins
Title: Area Specialized Agent - Dairy
Phone: (919) 542-8203
Email: ashley_robbins@ncsu.edu
Brief Job Description: Marti Day and I are the Area Specialized Dairy Agents - the county-based arm of the Cooperative Extension Dairy Team. We are out here in the counties to help you set and reach your farm, family and business goals. We have collaborative expertise in the areas of Waste Management, Udder Health, Cow Comfort, Nutrition and Forage Management with specialties in (Ashley)Reproduction, Records Management, Animal Health and (Marti)Alternative Markets, Organic Dairy, Grazing Management, and On-farm Processing. We hope to provide comprehensive educational programs for our farmers, consumers and youth for every county across the state. We are here for you by phone, email or text and look forward to working with you!
Margaret Ross
Title: Area Specialized Agent, Agriculture - Poultry
Phone: (252) 670-8254
Email: margaret_ross@ncsu.edu
Brief Job Description: Working with commercial poultry producers to assist in writing nutrient management plans and conducting educational programming.
Chip Simmons
Title: Area Specialized Agent, Agriculture - Food Safety
Phone: (919) 414-5632
Email: odsimmon@ncsu.edu
Alyssa Spence
Title: Area Specialized Agent, Agromedicine, Farm Health & Safety
Phone: (252) 527-2191
Email: arramsey@ncsu.edu
Brief Job Description: I work with the NCSU Applied Ecology-Toxicology & Agromedicine Department to serve the18 counties in the Southeast District, providing health/safety resources and programming to field agents in this area.
Wesley Stallings
Title: Area Specialized Agent, Agriculture- Grain Crops
Phone: (910) 455-5873
Email: wcstalli@ncsu.edu
Brief Job Description: Agriculture-Grain Crops
Genny Thompson
Title: Extension Agent, 4-H Youth Development
Phone: (910) 592-7161
Email: genny_thompson@ncsu.edu
Allan Thornton
Title: Area Specialized Agent, Agriculture - Commercial Vegetables and Fruits
Phone: (910) 592-7161
Email: allan_thornton@ncsu.edu
Brief Job Description: Vegetable Extension Specialist. Conducts Extension and applied research programs for commercial vegetable and fruit growers and agents in eastern North Carolina.
Mitch Woodward
Title: Area Specialized Agent, Watersheds and Water Quality
Phone: (919) 414-3873
Email: mdwoodwa@ncsu.edu
Brief Job Description: NC Cooperative Extension's Goals include:
- NC's natural resources and environmental quality will be protected, conserved and enhanced.
- NC will have profitable, environmentally sustainable plant, animal and food systems.
Protecting our environmental resources, particularly drinking water quality, is a top priority in NC. NC Cooperative Extension is a leader in teaching, researching, and accelerating the adoption of effective water quality protection practices.
X. Contact Information
Sampson County Center
55 Agriculture Pl
Clinton, NC 28328
Phone: (910) 592-7161
Fax: (910) 592-9513
URL: http://sampson.ces.ncsu.edu