III. Objectives to Address the Cooperative Extension Long Range Plan

North Carolina's plant production systems will become more profitable and sustainable.

North Carolina's agricultural crops industry makes major contributions to local communities and the state’s economy. In 2014, the estimated farm gate value of crops was $4.72 billion, placing NC as the 17th largest in the nation. North Carolina is one of the most diversified agriculture states in the nation. The state's 50,200 farmers grow over 80 different commodities, utilizing 8.4 million of the state's 31 million acres to furnish consumers a dependable and affordable supply of food and fiber. Tobacco remains one of the state's most predominant farm commodities. North Carolina produces more tobacco and sweet potatoes than any other state and ranks second in Christmas tree cash receipts. The state also produces a significant amount of cucumbers for pickles, lima beans, turnip greens, collard greens, mustard greens, strawberries, bell peppers, blueberries, chili peppers, fresh market cucumbers, snap beans, cabbage, eggplant, watermelons, pecans, peaches, squash, apples, sweet corn, tomatoes, and grapes. There is continual technological change and the relative profitability of individual farm enterprises changes over time; therefore, farmers must respond by modifying their farming operations. Changes in consumer demand create new opportunities for producers. Growth in alternative forms of agriculture will include, among others, organic and niche market production. Educational and training programs for producers of plant agricultural products and services will enhance their ability to achieve financial and lifestyle goals and to enhance economic development locally, regionally and statewide.

Value*	Outcome Description
842	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 (new required for GLF/PSI reporting)

* Note: Values may include numbers from multi-county efforts.

Value*	Impact Description
277	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
8776211	Net income gains realized by the adoption of best management practices, including those practices related to nutrient management, conservation, production, cultivars, pest management (weeds, diseases, insects), business management, and marketing
168	Number of producers reporting increased dollar returns per acre or reduced costs per acre
151	Number of producers reporting reduction in fertilizer used per acre
168047	Number of acres in conservation tillage or other Best Management Practice
10	Number of producers who adopted a dedicated bioenergy crop
125	Number of acres planted to a dedicated bioenergy crop
209620	Tons of feedstock delivered to processor

* Note: Values may include numbers from multi-county efforts.

North Carolina's animal production systems will become more profitable and sustainable.

North Carolina's livestock industry makes major contributions to local communities and the state’s economy. In 2014, the estimated farm gate value of livestock, dairy, and poultry was $8.85 billion, placing NC as the 7th largest in the nation. Hogs & pigs have historically been an important part of North Carolina agriculture. The industry has changed dramatically since the 1980s from the small farm raising a few hogs to large confinement type operations. North Carolina's number of cattle & calves on farms has remained relatively stable throughout time. Milk cow inventory and milk production have continued to decline in the state. Unlike other commodities, broiler production in North Carolina is increasing throughout the state. There is continual technological change and the relative profitability of individual farm enterprises changes over time; therefore, farmers must respond by modifying their farming operations. Changes in consumer demand create new opportunities for producers. Growth in alternative forms of agriculture will include, among others, organic, niche market production, and pasture-raised livestock. Educational and training programs for producers of animal agricultural products and services will enhance their ability to achieve financial and lifestyle goals and to enhance economic development locally, regionally and statewide.

Value*	Outcome Description
140	Number of animal 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

* Note: Values may include numbers from multi-county efforts.

Value*	Impact Description
70	Number of animal producers adopting Extension-recommended best management practices, including those practices related to husbandry, improved planning, marketing, and financial practices
71000	Net income gains by producers adopting Extension-recommended best management practices, including those practices related to husbandry, improved planning, marketing, and financial practices
243	Number of waste management certifications gained or maintained due to Extension education efforts

* Note: Values may include numbers from multi-county efforts.

Agricultural producers, workers, food handlers and consumers will adopt safer food and agricultural production, handling, and distribution practices that reduce workplace and home injuries/illnesses, enhance food security, and increase the quality and safety of food that North Carolinians prepare and consume.

Training and educational programs for farmers, agricultural workers, food handlers, and consumers will provide research-based programming, materials, information and expertise to compel these individuals to implement practices relating to the overall safety and security for the food supply and farming systems. Components of this include on-farm, packinghouse, and transportation management, retail and food service establishments, and consumer’s homes. Therefore targeted audiences include farmers and agricultural workers and their families, food handlers and workers (both amateur and commercial), transporters, processors, business operators, food service and retail staff, supervisors of any food facility, long term care facility staff and individuals who purchase, prepare and serve food in their homes. With an estimated 76 million foodborne illnesses annually, costing an estimated $1.4 trillion, food safety highlights a specific area of risk to be addressed by Cooperative Extension. The recent produce-related foodborne illness outbreaks have brought public attention to a problem that has been increasing nationally for the last ten years. The issues of foodborne illness and food safety pose immediate risks for farmers affecting the areas of economics, consumer demand, and market access. Because no processing or kill steps are involved with produce that is typically eaten raw, the best measures to limit microorganisms and fresh produce related illness are to prevent microbes from contaminating the product. Practices like Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs), Good Handling Practices (GHPs), and Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) represent a systematic preventive approach to food safety, protecting agricultural products as they move from farm to retail and restaurants and finally to families. While there is currently no legal requirements for growers to implement GAPs, buyers have responded to the public concern by requiring their produce growers to adhere to current guidelines and possibly even require GAPs certification. The main areas of concern incorporate production, harvesting, packing, and transporting produce in the areas of water quality, manure management, domestic and wildlife management, worker health and hygiene, transportation, traceability, and documentation. For North Carolina growers to be competitive and produce safe product, it is important that they gain knowledge about and implement food safety programs that minimize physical, chemical and biological hazards Food safety risks do not stop at primary production. As risks associated with pathogens can occur at many junctions between primary production and consumption, food safety is a truly farm-to-fork issue. The World Health Organization and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have defined 5 factors that lead to foodborne illness outbreaks: Inadequate cooking or processing procedures; improper storage and holding temperatures, cross-contamination between potentially contaminated raw materials and ready-to-eat foods (either directly or through poor sanitation); and poor implementation of personal hygiene practices. The preventative steps targeting risk reduction taken at each of the components making up the food supply chain are critical in preventing food-borne illness. Educational programs including ServSAFE, School HACCP workshops, food safety at childcare and senior centers, and targeted farm-to-fork food safety inclusion for all food handlers is necessary for important for advances in knowledge and implementation of preventative programs. Equally important is that families and children have a secure food supply. Hunger in American households has risen by 43 percent over the last five years, according to an analysis of US Department of Agriculture (USDA) data released in the report "Household Food Security in the United States, 2004." The analysis, completed by the Center on Hunger and Poverty at Brandeis University, shows that more than 7 million people have joined the ranks of the hungry since 1999. The USDA report says that 38.2 million Americans live in households that suffer directly from hunger and food insecurity, including nearly 14 million children. That figure is up from 31 million Americans in 1999. Limited-resource, socially disadvantaged and food-insecure individuals, families and communities will be provided with information and opportunities to enhance household food, diet and nutritional security. Agriculture is one of the most hazardous industries in the United States, and consistently ranks as the first, second or third most deadly industry along with mining and construction. Agriculture is unique in that the work and home place are often the same, exposing both workers and family members to hazards. In the United States on average each year, there are 700 deaths and 140,000 injuries to those who work in agriculture, defined as farming, forestry and fishing. Farmers, farmworkers and their families are at high risk for fatal and nonfatal injuries (primarily from tractor roll-overs, machinery entanglements, and animal handling incidents), musculo-skeletal conditions, work-related lung diseases, noise-induced hearing loss, heat stress and heat stroke, pesticide exposure and illness, skin diseases, behavioral health issues, and certain cancers associated with chemical use and prolonged sun exposure. The health and safety of migrant and seasonal farmworkers are complicated by other conditions such as infectious disease, hypertension, and diabetes, as well as cultural and language barriers. Farmers and farmworkers alike are subject to lack of access to health care. Agricultural injury and illness are costly, with total US annual costs reaching $4.5 billion and per farm costs equaling $2,500, or 15% of net income. Median health care coverage for farm families is $6,000 per year. In North Carolina, 27% of farm families do not have health insurance, while 29% of farmers do not have health insurance. Many others have health care coverage with high annual deductibles and high premiums. Agromedicine is a comprehensive, collaborative approach involving both agricultural and health scientists to develop solutions addressing the health and safety issues of the agricultural community through research, education and outreach. The North Carolina Agromedicine Institute, a partnership of NC State University, NC A&T State University and East Carolina University in collaboration with others, develops and evaluates effective programs to reduce injury and illness in agriculture, forestry and fishing. One such program is called Certified Safe Farm (CSF) and AgriSafe. CSF and AgriSafe were first developed and researched in Iowa. CSF and AgriSafe are being adapted to North Carolina agriculture by the NC Agromedicine Institute and its Cooperative Extension collaborators. Certified Safe Farm combines AgriSafe health services (wellness and occupational health screenings and personal protection equipment selection and fit services) conducted by trained AgriSafe health providers, on-farm safety reviews conducted by trained Extension agents, and community education and outreach to achieve safety and health goals established by participating farmers and their employees and families. Insurance incentives and safety equipment cost-share programs for participating farmers are still being developed. Other ongoing educational programs addressing agricultural health and safety include farm safety days for children, youth, or families, employee hands-on farm safety training, the National Safe Tractor and Machinery Operation Program for youth, and youth ATV operator safety certification programs.

Individuals and groups will acquire leadership and decision making capacities needed to guide and actively participate in local and state organizations.

Leadership is important to every level of a community sharing in the creation of wealth and well-being. Youth and adult leaders must be capable of motivating groups to achieve common goals that impact North Carolina families and communities.They will need the confidence and skill to guide and support North Carolina community and state organizations. Citizens participating in the 2007 NC Tomorrow survey denoted the importance of leadership by clearly requesting leadership training (54%), social advising, community advising and technical assistance (45%)from their university system.

Value*	Outcome Description
5	Number of youth increasing/improving knowledge, attitudes, skills, and/or aspirations regarding leadership
7	Number of youth assuming new/expanded leadership roles in the community

* Note: Values may include numbers from multi-county efforts.

Value*	Impact Description
5	Number of youth increasing/improving knowledge, attitudes, skills, and/or aspirations regarding leadership
7	Number of youth assuming new/expanded leadership roles in the community

* Note: Values may include numbers from multi-county efforts.

Youth and adults will address community issues and/or challenges through volunteerism.

Youth and adult volunteers in North Carolina contribute thousands of hours each year to strengthen communities and create strong foundations for the future. As these individuals engage in service, they are gaining new skills, generating new programs to serve their communities, building successful organizations, and fostering an ethic of service. Cooperative Extension is poised to support the development of interpersonal skills, leadership experiences, and content knowledge to ensure that citizens are prepared to engage in meaningful service throughout the lifespan. Current research suggests that youth and adult participation positively impacts civic engagement and contributes to the development of leadership capacities. With its presence in every county, Cooperative Extension is uniquely positioned to contribute to building a stronger ethic of service among youth and adults.

Value*	Outcome Description
34	Number of adult participants acquiring the skills needed to serve as a volunteer
60	Number of youth participants reporting aspirations to serve in new or expanded volunteer roles in community
27	Number of adult participants reporting aspirations to serve in new or expanded volunteer roles in community
34	Number of hours adult volunteer training conducted
56	Number of hours youth volunteer training conducted
15	Number new volunteers recruited

* Note: Values may include numbers from multi-county efforts.

Value*	Impact Description
1388	Increased number of hours contributed by trained adult volunteers
2	Number of youth volunteers serving in new or expanded roles within Extension
27	Number of adult volunteers serving in new or expanded roles within Extension
1	Number of youth volunteers serving in new or expanded roles beyond Extension, including community boards and task forces
7	Number of adult volunteers serving in new or expanded roles beyond Extension, including community boards and task forces
3	Number of youth volunteers recruiting and/or training new volunteers
22	Number of adult volunteers recruiting and/or training new volunteers

* Note: Values may include numbers from multi-county efforts.

Community members, organizations and local government will engage in collaborative dialog and decision-making to build economically, socially and environmentally resilient communities. This will be done through inclusive engagement, partnership building, and/or community planning.

Throughout North Carolina, communities that come together to collaboratively address issues and/or interests are enhancing the community's quality of life and its economic, social and environmental resiliency. The state's growing population and economy is producing significant changes in its communities and in some cases resulting in the emergence of new communities. The perspectives, capacity and skills of all community members are essential to aligning community decisions and actions with local needs, assets and priorities. NC Cooperative Extension has an important role in engaging and supporting the ongoing work of citizens, organizations, and communities in decision-making, and strategic dialog to influence positive public policy, foster development of partnerships, create empowered communities, be prepared to address the high potential for natural and human-caused disasters.

Value*	Outcome Description
12	Number of participants developing skills in leading community, economic, and/or disaster planning and change
12	Number of residents that increase their knowledge in disaster preparedness planning, mitigation and recovery

* Note: Values may include numbers from multi-county efforts.

Futures that Work: School to Career Pathways

We are living in a new economy powered by technology, fueled by information and driven by knowledge. Extension programs provide opportunities for youth and adults to improve their level of education and increase their skills that enable them to be competitive in our global society and workforce.

Value*	Outcome Description
361	Number of youth (students) increasing knowledge in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math)
185	Total number of female participants in STEM program
93	Number of youth (students) participating in 4-H dropout prevention (student at-risk) programs
98	Number of high school age youth (students) participating as members of 4-H clubs
14	Number of youth (students) increasing knowledge of career/employability skills
5	Number of youth (students) increasing knowledge of entrepreneurship

* Note: Values may include numbers from multi-county efforts.

Value*	Impact Description
361	Number of youth (students) gaining knowledge in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math)
7	Number of youth (students) gaining career / employability skills

* Note: Values may include numbers from multi-county efforts.

North Carolinians will make decisions and adopt practices that implement effective resource protection and conservation.

The natural resources in North Carolina are an important asset that benefit all citizens, but many citizens are unaware of the consequences of actions and practices they implement. The continued population growth of North Carolina is putting pressure on natural resources in terms of quantity and quality. To have a healthy and productive natural environment, professionals and citizens must be knowledgeable of environmental issues and conservation and management opportunities.

Value*	Outcome Description
585	Number of participants increasing their knowledge about best management practices
585	Number of participants certified to implement and maintain BMPs
0	Number of child and youth educators aspiring to implement quality outdoor learning environments for children
585	Number of youth and adults demonstrating increased knowledge of natural resources and environmental issues
0	Number of youth willing to participate in conservation actions

* Note: Values may include numbers from multi-county efforts.

Value*	Impact Description
585	Number of participants that adopted recommended climate adaption strategies for production agriculture or natural resource management, including for invasive species, pest management, pollutant loads, and wetlands.
167642	Number of acres under recommended climate adaption strategies for production agriculture or natural resource management, including for invasive species, pest management, pollutant loads, and wetlands.
585	Number of participants that adopted recommended climate mitigation practices such as water-use efficiency, livestock production feeding practices, carbon sequestration, reducing carbon or energy footprint.
167642	Number of acres under recommended climate mitigation practices such as water-use efficiency, livestock production feeding practices, carbon sequestration, reducing carbon or energy footprint.

* Note: Values may include numbers from multi-county efforts.

Consumers and communities will enhance the value of plants, animals, and landscapes while conserving valuable natural resources and protecting the environment.

Residential, commercial and public entities will make decisions regarding plant selection, placement and management that will decrease water consumption, preserve and improve water quality, mitigate storm water contaminants, reduce erosion, energy consumption, and greenwaste, expand wildlife habitat, improve real estate value, and improve diet and nutrition of consumers. The horse and "farmer lifestyle" industry will continue to grow and have an increasing impact on North Carolina's economy, while protecting the environment. The NCDA&CS reports that 65,000 horse producers own over 225,000 horses which annually generates over $704 million of gross revenue from training, showing, boarding and breeding establishments in addition to agri-business sales of horse-related products. The total economic impact of the NC green industry is $8.6 billion, involving 151,982 employees, and 120,741 acres of production (Green Industry Council, 2006). North Carolina residential consumers spend $5.9 billion dollars per year on garden and landscape related expenses (Green Industry Council, 2006). For 2007, North Carolina's population is estimated to be 8,968,800 (LINC). The population grew by 1,323,288 (15%), between 1997 and 2007 and it is projected to grow by another 1,330,055 (13%), over the next ten years (LINC). Over 50% of the population now lives in urban areas. Despite evidence of the ecological and financial benefits, environmentally responsible landscaping strategies are not being implemented widely. Renovating a landscape to incorporate water conserving strategies may result in using 36% less water. Urban water run-off accounts for the majority of water pollution, mostly pesticides and fertilizers, that does not come from a specific industrial source. Selection of well-adapted plants, effective pest management, and appropriate care and feeding of plants will greatly reduce dependence on fertilizers and pesticides. Rain water that is not absorbed by the soil becomes erosive storm water runoff, which transports pollutants such as fertilizer, pesticides, sediment, motor oil, litter, and animal waste to local streams and rivers. Landscape designs will include rain gardens and other runoff catchment facilities (underground cisterns, etc.) that are attractive and easy to maintain in residential areas. Homeowners will learn that proper plant selection and placement can reduce winter heating bills by as much as 15% and summer cooling bills by as much as 50 percent, while reducing the need to prune over-sized plants. Wild habitat areas are rapidly being converted into housing and commercial properties, displacing native plants and animals. Choosing native or adapted plants that provide food and shelter creates a haven for butterflies, birds, lizards, and other animals. Edible landscaping can increase the amount and expand the variety of fresh fruits and vegetables consumed.

Value*	Outcome Description
5166	Number of participants improving knowledge, attitude, skills and aspirations regarding gardening and landscape practices including plant selection and placement, turfgrass management, soil management, growing food, water conservation and water quality preservation, storm water and erosion management, green waste management, pest and wildlife management

* Note: Values may include numbers from multi-county efforts.

Value*	Impact Description
5166	Number of participants who use extension-recommended best management practices in landscapes, turf, and gardens, including pest (insect, weed, disease) management, fertility management, water conservation, water quality preservation and pruning techniques
51600	Total cost savings from the use of extension-recommended best management practices in landscapes, turf, and gardens, including pest (insect, weed, disease) management, fertility management, water conservation, water quality preservation and pruning techniques
14	Number of participants selecting appropriate landscape plants (adapted, drought tolerant, appropriate size, etc.)
23	Number of participants growing food for home consumption
2300	Value of produce grown for home consumption
350	Number of participants implementing extension-recommended practices to conserve water use and protect water qualty

* Note: Values may include numbers from multi-county efforts.

Youth and adult program participants will make healthy food choices, achieve the recommended amount of physical activity and reduce risk factors for chronic diseases.

Many North Carolinians are affected by chronic disease and conditions that compromise their quality of life and well-being. Heart disease, stroke and cancer continue to be leading causes of death in our state. In addition, obesity and obesity related chronic diseases such as diabetes continue to rise at alarming rates. Healthy eating and physical activity are critical to achieve optimal health. Many North Carolinians have diets that are too high in calories and too low in fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Portion sizes, foods eaten away-from-home and consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages continue to rise. In addition, most North Carolinians do not engage in regular physical activity. The prevalence of overweight and obesity has nearly doubled in the past 10 years. If the trend of overweight is not slowed, it will eliminate the progress we have made in reducing the burden of weigh-related chronic disease. One in every three US children born after 2000 will become diabetic unless many more people start eating less and exercising more. The cost of obesity in North Carolina in health care costs alone is over 2 billion dollars. There are many proposed reasons for the obesity epidemic, however unhealthy eating and physical inactivity are widely recognizes as primary contributors to the problem. Those who make healthy food choices and are physically active are more likely to achieve and maintain a healthy weight as well reduce chronic diseases. Ultimately, this will lead to reduction in health care costs, increased longevity, greater productivity and improved quality of life.

Value*	Impact Description
402	Number of adults increasing their fruit and vegetables consumption
1080	Number of youth increasing their fruit and vegetable consumption
1330	Number of participants increasing their physical activity
23	Number of participants reducing their BMI
24	Number of adults who reduce their blood pressure
26	Number of adults who improve their blood glucose (A1c.)level
28	Number of adults who reduce their total cholesterol
156	Number of participants who consume less sodium in their diet

* Note: Values may include numbers from multi-county efforts.

IV. Number of Contacts Made by Extension

VII. Membership of Advisory Leadership System

Health & Wellness

Lethia Lee
Susan Baxter
Robin Palmer
Luke Smith
Lavoice Faison
Jeff Swartz
Janetta Matthews

Master Gardeners

Annie Matthews
Dempsey Craig
Imogene King
Edwin Danforth
Mary Burke-Bass
Blondell Johnson

Swine & Waste Management

Curtis Barwick
James Lamb
Angie Maier
Tim Hall
Steve Guyton
Patrick Byrd
Greer Moore

Small and Limited Resource Farms

Lenon Hickman
Ned Highsmith
Velma Maddox
Roy Williams
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

Field Crops

Richard Chancy
Lynn Carr
Clint Strickland
Alan O'Neal
Roberta Hairr
Rouse Ivey
Vic Swinson
Dan Kornegay
AJ Surles
Quinn Howard

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
Evanna Hall
Sandy Maddox
Kim Piercy
Anne Wicke
Brian Royal
Melanie Matthis
Denisse Romero

Juvenile Crime Prevention Council

Darold Cox
Clementine Mason
Elizabeth Phillips
Ed Causey
Jimmy Thornton
Clark Wooten
Terrace Miller
Wanda Robinson
Sarah Bradshaw
Ken Jones
Tracy Arrington
Billy Frank Jackson
Tommy Macon
Dana Hall

County Advisory Committee

Curtis Barwick
Dempsey Craig
Ned Highsmith
Ronnie Jackson
Deborah Johnson
Quenita Lee
Scott Matthis
Thomas Matthis
Carlie Piercy
Anna Peele
Rob Richardson
Jarman Sullivan
Jeff Swartz
Craig Thornton
Bartley Warren
Alease Williams

VIII. Staff Membership

Eileen Coite
Title: County Extension Director
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.

Patricia Burch
Title: County Extension Support Specialist
Phone: (910) 592-7161
Email: patricia_burch@ncsu.edu
Brief Job Description: Provides Support for Agriculture: Crops, Livestock, Home & Commercial Horticulture, and Small Farms Management. Also, Provides Beaver Management Program Assistance. Serves as Computer Contact/System Administrator.

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.

Mike Frinsko
Title: Area Specialized Agent, Agriculture - Aquaculture
Phone: (252) 448-9621
Email: mike_frinsko@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 Specialized Agent, 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.

Sydney Johnson
Title: Area Agent, Family and Consumer Sciences
Phone: (910) 296-2143
Email: sydney_johnson@ncsu.edu
Brief Job Description: Implements nutrition, food safety, and food preservation programs to all residents in Duplin and Sampson counties.

Lynette Johnston
Title: Area Specialized Agent, Food Safety
Phone: (919) 515-0303
Email: lynette_johnston@ncsu.edu

Della King
Title: Extension Agent, Agriculture - Field Crops
Phone: (910) 592-7161
Email: della_king@ncsu.edu
Brief Job Description: Responsible for educational programming for field crop growers, Commercial and Private Pesticide Education, and Beekeeping.

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.

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, 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.

Lethia Lee
Title: EFNEP Educator, Extension Program Assistant
Phone: (910) 592-7161
Email: lethia_lee@ncsu.edu
Brief Job Description: Provide expanded food nutrition education classes for low income adults audiences in Sampson County.

Bill Lord
Title: Area Specialized Agent, Water Resources
Phone: (919) 496-3344
Email: william_lord@ncsu.edu
Brief Job Description: Water quality education and technical assistance

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.

Rachel McDowell
Title: Area Specialized Agent, Consumer & Retail Food Safety
Phone: (919) 515-9155
Email: romcdowe@ncsu.edu
Brief Job Description: Support FCS Agents in delivering timely and evidence-based food safety education and information to stakeholders in NC.

Denise McIntyre
Title: 4-H Program Assistant, Substance Abuse Prevention Consultant- Health Education
Phone: (592) -71-61
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 Secretary
Phone: (910) 592-7161
Email: ljraynor@ncsu.edu

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

Genny Thompson
Title: Extension Agent, 4-H Youth Development
Phone: (910) 592-7161
Email: genny_thompson@ncsu.edu

Allan Thornton
Title: Extension Associate
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) 250-1112
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.