2019 Wilson County Program Impact Report
Approved: January 16, 2020
I. Executive Summary
Cooperative Extension in Wilson County worked diligently in 2019 to address issues facing the county and its people. Issues and needs were ascertained through citizen input, economic indicators, focus groups and other sources of data. Identified areas of critical importance include: farm profitability and sustainability, local foods, farm & food safety, volunteer service, life skills and leadership development for youth, nutrition, chronic disease prevention, hurricane recovery and consumer horticulture.
Agriculture and related agribusinesses comprise 37.7% of the county’s value added total income and account for 11.2% of all employment. The industry is vitally important to the local economy contributing over $2.5 billion (value-added) annually and providing diversification and stability in the local economy. Over 5,000 farmers and agribusinesses have improved the profitability and sustainability of their businesses through participation in extension programs in 2019. Gross Farm Income estimates by Cooperative Extension for Wilson County indicate farm income of approximately $143 million in 2019, up $29 million. Notable agricultural impacts include: NC AgVenture grants for farmers, helping farmers with financial assistance applications from hurricane recovery, grants for improvement of educational programs, beef cattle management, alternative crops, production efficiency, bee school, helping growers with increased marketing and acquiring certification and continuing education. By adopting recommended practices and participating in extension programs, farmers, homeowners, and businesses have reduced environmental impacts of waste products, pesticides, and fertilizers. Extension efforts are critical to the continued sustainability of the agricultural industry in Wilson County and have resulted in a total impact of an estimated $4 million for local farmers and forest landowners in 2019 by either reducing costs or increasing productivity. Wilson County Cooperative Extension assisted Wilson County farmers with the NCDA&CS Agriculture Disaster Assistance program. In all, Cooperative Extension staff assisted 52 growers to complete 80 applications with a value of $3.1 million.
Cooperative Extension educational programs give home gardeners and landscapers the knowledge to enhance the value of their landscapes while protecting natural resources through planting drought tolerant and/or native plants, conserving water through proper landscaping techniques, and lawn maintenance. Many of these programs are held in the Wilson Botanical Gardens. The mission of the Gardens is to promote horticultural education through the use of outdoor classrooms. Adults and children can heighten their appreciation of how horticulture, gardening, landscape design and environmental stewardship are linked to the land they inhabit. Implementation of these practices provides food and shelter for wildlife, reduces erosion and runoff of pesticides, and reduces strain on local water resources. Production of fruits and vegetables in home landscapes has increased as a result of extension classes and information. These horticulture programs are enhanced through the efforts of 28 trained Extension Master Gardener Volunteers. There were 15 new Extension Master Gardner volunteers that completed training in 2019. Based on survey results indicating an average $123.25 value per consultation, the information provided by the extension agent and the Extension Master Gardener Volunteers to 150 clients was worth $18,488 in 2019. Additionally, the volunteers contributed 2,253 hours of their time at a value of $25.43 per hour for a total of $57.294 along other contributions to support the program.
4-H has expanded and adapted to reach an increasing number of youth in Wilson County. A total of 5,845 youth participated in 4-H programs in 2019. Youth learned and employed critical life skills in the areas of Consumer and Family Science, Animal and Plant Science, Leadership skills, Civic engagement, Career guidance, STEM and Healthy Lifestyles. The skills these youth gain will mean better jobs, higher wages, improved quality of life, and greater service in leadership roles. Wilson County 4-H has community clubs for youth to join or they can participate as members at large. In total, there are 225 4-H Club members. At the 2019 4-H Youth Livestock Show and Sale, youth earned over $308,000 in the sale of their animal projects and another $8,000 in scholarship and awards. The majority of this income is used to support a college education for participants. During the summer, 392 young people were exposed to exciting hands-on educational day camps such as environmental stewardship, cooking, agriculture, leadership, robotics, horticulture, and more. In Wilson County schools, 5,801 young people were reached through school enrichment and afterschool programs such as Embryology, Magic of Electricity, Project Learning Tree, Health Rocks, and Steps to Health.
Cooperative Extension programs for families and consumers addressed a variety of issues in 2019. Wilson County supports the FCS program and funded a kitchen remodel in 2019 valued at over $30,000 that will allow for better FCS programming. Food safety education as well as home food preservation education was provided. Many North Carolinians are affected by chronic disease and conditions that compromise their quality of life and well-being. Cooperative Extension provided classes and programs to help citizens learn healthy and nutritious cooking skills, Cook Smart Eat Smart, recipes for savings, and pressure cooking classes. Through educational programs, 151 participants increased their consumption of fruits and vegetables, 185 participants increased their physical activity and 185 participants consumed less sodium.
These efforts and accomplishments have been made possible through local community support including Extension Advisory leaders, volunteers, local businesses, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and the Wilson County Commissioners. Private and grant funding sources have contributed $410,514 to support Wilson County Extension programs in 2019. Wilson County Cooperative Extension had 24,937 face to face contacts and 1,468,844 indirect contacts. This increased dramatically over the previous year due to a social media campaign for Cooperative Extension in Wilson County. In addition, 703 volunteers contributed 3,862 hours of their time to support development and delivery of Cooperative Extension programs in Wilson County. While it is estimated that the total monetary value of volunteer time contributions is $98,210, this value is overshadowed by their accomplishments and those of the staff at the extension center to enrich the lives, land, and economic prosperity of Wilson County people.II. County Background
Wilson County is located in the Coastal Plain Region of North Carolina and covers an area of 373 square miles. It has seven incorporated towns, with the City of Wilson being the largest (Population 49,628). The current population of the entire county is 81,667. The county's racial profile is approximately 47% white, 40% African-American, 10% Hispanic/Latino (Hispanics are included in applicable race categories) and 1.9% other.
Seventy-six percent or 25,704 working Wilson County residents worked inside of Wilson County. Twenty-four percent or 8,201 residents work within North Carolina, but outside Wilson County. Only 0.3% percent or 113 residents work outside of North Carolina. The unemployment rate reported in September of 2017 was 6.3% which was higher than the state unemployment rate of 4.1 percent, however it was down from the annual 2016 Wilson County rate of 8.1%. Wilson County is designated as a Tier 2 county and has remained in the Tier 2 classification since 2016.
Agriculture and agribusiness provided jobs for 11.2 percent of Wilson County's working residents according to a study completed by Dr. Mike Walden in 2015. Wilson County agriculture is critical to the economic viability of the rural communities in the county. Wilson County is a leader statewide in the production of a number of crops.
Agriculture continues to provide a major economic impact to the county with farm income estimates of over $114 million dollars in 2018. Wilson County farmers had many challenges in 2018 from mother nature. 2018 was the wettest year recorded at RDU, coupled with a drought in June and July and two hurricanes/tropical storms in the fall. Overall, estimated gross farm income is down over $32 million from the previous year. The majority of the decrease was due to decreases in tobacco but also to nursery income figures as Gardens Alive closed in 2018. These situations will bring financial challenges to the agriculture community in 2019.
Tobacco production remains the mainstay of most farming operations in the county and generated an estimated $25 million in gross farm income, more than any other commodity in Wilson County. Yield were decreased by at least 40% due to two hurricanes/tropical storms this fall. Tobacco was impacted more than any other crop. In addition to tobacco production, Wilson County has a long and rich history of selling tobacco and continues to be a hub of leaf sales. Completing the 129th season, the Wilson Tobacco Market is still the "World's Greatest Tobacco Market." Unfortunately, the hurricanes and tropical storms significantly impacted the volume of tobacco sold on the market.
Nursery and greenhouse production contributed $22 million to farm income in 2018, down $10 million from the previous year. Unfortunately, Gardens Alive, the largest container nursery in the state and located in Wilson County, was closed mid-season. Consumer horticulture thrives in Wilson County through the Wilson Botanical Gardens (WBG). The WBG is a 11 acre public garden and a 1 acre Children's Secret Garden has been installed. The WBG is maintained entirely by the Wilson County Extension Master Gardener Volunteers.
Sweet potatoes are the key horticultural crop grown in Wilson County. Sweet potato production generated sales of over $25 million in 2018. Agriculture producers continue to diversify into the production of vegetables and other specialty crops. This production has increased dramatically over the past five years and this trend is expected to continue. Wilson County is the second largest sweet potato producing county in North Carolina that has seven sweet potato packinghouses and facilities that have the capacity to cure 5.6 million bushels or approximately 1/3 of the state’s sweet potato crop. Other key commercial horticultural crops are watermelons, peppers, cucumbers, lettuce, strawberries and others. There are also two vegetable packinghouses and one cucumber grader in the county.
This past year brought many changes to the Wilson Farmers Market Association. After electing new board members and officers, the group decided to sell twice per week at the new Whirligig Park Farmers Market shelter in downtown. The City of Wilson offered to provide management and marketing to assist the group. To be more reflective of the offerings, the name of the new market is the Wilson Farmers and Artisan market.
While agriculture continues to play a vital role in the county, Wilson County does have four companies that employ over 1000 employees. They are Bridgestone/Firestone, BB&T, Wilson Medical Center, Wilson County Schools, and Alliance One International. In addition, two companies, S. T. Wooten Construction, Inc. and Smithfield Packing Company, Inc. employ between 500-999 people. Wilson County is touted as the largest industrial manufacturing county east of I-95 and within the top 10 counties statewide. Wilson County also grows industry well. WalletHub, a personal-finance website, reported that Wilson was ranked among the top 10 best small cities in which to start a business.
The Wilson County School System serves 11,164 students. There are three high schools, six middle schools, 13 elementary schools, 2 early colleges, and 1 alternative school. The ethnic distribution of the public schools are: 44% black, 30% white, and 26% other. In addition to its public schools, the county is also home to Greenfield School, Wilson Christian Academy, and Community Christian School. The Eastern North Carolina School for the Deaf, a public residential school for deaf children from kindergarten through grade 12, is also located in Wilson. Wilson Preparatory Academy and Sallie B. Howard are two charter schools in Wilson County.
Families and young people in the county face many challenges. In addition to having a high unemployment rate, Wilson County has an extremely high number of adolescent pregnancies and ranks high in the state for sexually transmitted diseases.
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.
Our plant production programs improve production, profitability, and sustainability of the agriculture sector.
| 5581 | Number of pesticide applicators receiving continuing education credits |
| 152 | Number of pesticide credit hours provided |
| 5793 | 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 |
| 18 | Number of Extension initiated and controlled county demonstration test sites |
* Note: Values may include numbers from multi-county efforts.
| 15 | Number of producers who diversified their marketing strategies into local markets (direct, intermediated/food service, institutional). |
| 100 | Number of producers (and other members of the local food supply chain) who have increased revenue |
| 10 | Number of new farms (beginning farmers) selling into local markets for local consumption (in this reporting period) |
| 314 | Number of participants that have adopted farm safety practices |
| 4001 | Number of producers reporting reduction in fertilizer used per acre |
| 30000 | Number of acres in conservation tillage or other Best Management Practice |
| 5450 | 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.
| 2 | Number of producers who improve local food marketing skills or knowledge. |
| 2 | Number of producers who gain skills or knowledge to increase production for local markets. |
| 6 | Number of animal producers who increased knowledge of farm business management, business planning, financial management, marketing, or estate planning. |
| 8 | 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.) |
| 8 | 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.) |
| 112 | Number of producers who increased knowledge of nutrition, ration balancing, mineral supplements, breeding, and reproduction |
| 159 | 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 |
| 67 | Number of producers who increased knowledge of animal waste management practices |
| 54 | Number of animal waste management credits earned through Extension programs |
| 4 | Number of Extension conducted on-site sludge surveys or equipment calibrations |
| 12 | 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.
| 1 | Number of producers who diversified their marketing strategies into local markets (direct, intermediated/food service, institutional). |
| 1 | Number of new farms (beginning farmers) selling into local markets for local consumption (in this reporting period) |
| 1 | Number of producers (and other members of the local food supply chain) who have increased revenue |
| 92 | Number of producers adopting extension-recommended practices related to planning, marketing, and financial management |
| 67 | Number of producers implementing Extension-recommended best management practices for animal waste management |
| 250 | Number of acres where Extension-recommended nutrient applications were used |
| 13 | Number of producers who adopted Extension-recommended best management practices and production changes related to quality assurance (vaccinations, castration, culling techniques, etc.) |
| 8 | Number of producers who adopted Extension-recommended best management practices and production changes related to genetic improvement (AI, heifer/bull selection) |
| 10 | Number of producers who adopted Extension-recommended best management practices and production changes related to nutrition (mineral, feed rations) |
| 4 | Number of producers who adopted Extension-recommended best management practices related to pasture management |
| 92 | Number of producers who adopted Extension-recommended best management practices and production changes related to nutrition, ration balancing, mineral supplement, breeding, and reproduction |
| 67 | Number of producers using improved biosecurity practices |
* 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.
| 98 | Number of teachers trained in 4-H STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) curriculum |
| 1402 | Number of youth (students) increasing knowledge in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) |
| 676 | Total number of female participants in STEM program |
| 90 | Number of youth (students) participating in 4-H dropout prevention (student at-risk) programs |
| 96 | Number of high school age youth (students) participating as members of 4-H clubs |
| 1814 | Number of youth increasing knowledge of life skills |
| 225 | Number of children/youth who improved knowledge of local food and agricultural systems. |
| 367 | Number of youth increasing/improving knowledge, attitudes, skills, and/or aspirations regarding leadership |
| 22 | Number of youth demonstrating increased knowledge of natural resources and environmental issues |
* Note: Values may include numbers from multi-county efforts.
| 55 | Number of teachers using 4-H STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) curriculum in their classrooms |
| 128 | Number of youth (students) gaining career / employability skills |
| 67 | Number of youth (students) gaining entrepreneurship skills |
| 1350 | Number of youth using effective life skills |
| 4 | Number of youth willing to participate in conservation actions |
| 374 | Number of youth increasing their physical activity |
| 4 | Number of youth volunteers serving in new or expanded roles within Extension |
| 28 | Number of youth volunteers serving in new or expanded roles beyond Extension, including community boards and task forces |
| 28 | Number of youth assuming new/expanded leadership roles in the community |
| 375 | Number of youth increasing their fruit and vegetable consumption |
| 125 | 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.
| 40 | Number of participants willing to participate in conservation actions (such as rain gardens, wildlife management, conservation easements, land trusts, generational planning, etc.) |
| 67 | Number of participants increasing their knowledge about best management practices (including storm water systems, septic system maintenance, erosion control, rain gardens, forestry, etc.) |
| 67 | Number of adults demonstrating increased knowledge of natural resources and environmental issues |
* Note: Values may include numbers from multi-county efforts.
| 40 | Number of participants implementing extension-recommended practices to conserve water use and protect water quality |
| 35 | Number of participants that adopted recommended agroecosystem adaption strategies for production agriculture or natural resource management, including for invasive species, pest management, pollutant loads, and wetlands. |
| 41000 | Number of acres under recommended agroecosystem adaption strategies for production agriculture or natural resource management, including for invasive species, pest management, pollutant loads, and wetlands. |
* Note: Values may include numbers from multi-county efforts.
Our consumer horticulture programs teach families and communities about environmentally friendly methods for gardening and controlling pests.
| 9414 | Number of individuals who gain knowledge or acquire skills related to vegetable/fruit gardening |
* Note: Values may include numbers from multi-county efforts.
| 5 | Number of individuals who grow food in community gardens. |
| 7061 | Number of individuals who begin home food production by starting a vegetable and/or fruit garden |
| 9414 | Number of participants who use extension-recommended best management practices in landscapes, turf, and gardens, including pest (insect, weed, disease, wildlife) and soil management |
| 9414 | Number of participants selecting appropriate landscape plants (adapted, drought tolerant, appropriate size, etc.) |
| 7061 | Number of participants growing food for home consumption |
| 2354 | Number of participants adopting composting |
* 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.
| 220 | Number of participants who increase their knowledge of safe home food handling, preservation, or preparation practices |
| 6 | Number of food handlers who increase their knowledge and skills in safe food handling practices |
| 250 | 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.
| 185 | Number of participants increasing their physical activity |
| 185 | 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
| Type of Contact | Number |
|---|
| Face-to-face* |
24,937 |
| Non face-to-face** |
1,468,844 |
| Total by Extension staff in 2019 |
1,493,781 |
* 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.
V. Designated Grants Received by Extension
| Type of Grant | Amount |
|---|
| Contracts/Grants |
$46,485.31 |
| Gifts/Donations |
$355,657.00 |
| In-Kind Grants/Donations |
$0.00 |
| United Way/Foundations |
$0.00 |
| User Fees |
$8,372.00 |
| Total |
$410,514.31 |
VI. Volunteer Involvement in Extension Programs
|
4-H |
402 |
1232 |
3980 |
$ 31,330.00 |
|
Advisory Leadership System |
152 |
194 |
0 |
$ 4,933.00 |
|
Extension Master Gardener |
28 |
2253 |
3397 |
$ 57,294.00 |
|
Other: Agriculture |
121 |
183 |
748 |
$ 4,654.00 |
|
Total:
|
703 |
3862 |
8125 |
$ 98,211.00 |
* The number of volunteers reflects the overall number of volunteers for multiple events.
VII. Membership of Advisory Leadership System
- Wilson County Advisory Leadership Council
- Karen Blume
Wanda Jones
Courtney Sharp
David Harrell
Bucky Robbins
Susan Barnes
Randal Barnes
Dennis Vick
RC Hunt
Pam Dew
Paul Farris
Sherry Lucas
KiKi Barrett
Paula Benson
Bonnie Wood
Dail Turner
- Wilson County Ag Advisory Board
- Randal Barnes
Dr. Frank Batten
Carroll Coleman
John Glover
William C. Harrell
R. C. Hunt
Augusta Jones
Lynn Pittman
Marion Pridgen, Jr.
John Lloyd Sharp
Linwood Scott, Jr.
Pender Sharp
Tim Shelton
Tommy Shingleton
Jerome Vick - Wilson County Livestock Association - Board of Directors
- Pres- Thad Sharp IV
VP- Shelton Hinnant
Sec/Tres- Wiley Boyette
David Blalock
Adam Gardner
Jimmy Miller
Robert Simpson
Scott Sullivan - Wilson County Tobacco Advisory Committee
- David Blalock
David Hinnant
Gerald Tyner, Jr.
Adam Gardner
Gary Scott
Ricky Webb
Brooks Barnes
Scott Sullivan
Lynn Pittman
Jason Beamon
Linwood Scott
Thad Sharp, IV
Spencer Davis
Rob Fulghum
Lin Vick
- Wilson County Young Farmers Association - Officers and Board of Directors
- President - Rob Fulghum
Vice-President - Frank Scott
Treasurer - Ron Lamm
Past President - Ryan Beamon
Travis Aycock
Rob Fulghum
Joey Kirby
Tyler Lamm
Daniel Sharp
Mark Batts
Adam Gardner
Rob Glover
Frank Scott
Bennett Williford
Ron Lamm
Andrew Lewis
Wyatt Scott
Walker Shelton
Thomas Webb
- Wilson County 4-H County Council
- Javan Harrell
Charlotte Edwards
Josiah Carpenter - Wilson County 4-H Advisory Committee
- Akea Barrett
Pam Gardner
Beth Barnett
Brenda Wind
Randy Jones
Cynthia Smith
Edwina Lucas
Calvin Woodard
Sherry Lucas - Wilson County 4-H Development Fund Board Members
- Paul Farris, Chairman
Adam Gardner
Pam Gardner
- ECA Officers
- Angela Abrams, President
Nancy Lamm
Ann Baker
Faye Taylo - Wilson County Forestry Advisory Committee
- Billy Lamm
Dwight Batts
Bob Mazur
Colby Lambert
Bucky Robbins
Brandon Webb
Will Tulloss
Dylan Howard
CD Barrett - Wilson County Green Association Board
- Janie Thomas
John Koster
Melissa Dudley - Wilson County Master Gardeners - Officers
- Judy Buzard
Sue Holland
Wanda Jones
Jerney Minshew - Wilson Farmers Market - Board of Directors
- Marcia Garcia, President
Johnathan Edwards, Vice President
Rejeanor Kiefer,Secretary Treasurer
Spencer Davis
Linda Long
Craige Moore
Syndey Pate
Ryan Groesser
- Wilson Botanical Gardens Board
- Robb Hignite
John Sugg
Scott Gordon
Jane Connor
Linda May
VIII. Staff Membership
Norman Harrell
Title: County Extension Director - Agriculture, Field Crops
Phone: (252) 237-0111
Email: norman_harrell@ncsu.edu
Brief Job Description: Responsibilities include administration and educational programs in tobacco, corn, soybeans, grain sorghum, wheat and hemp production.
Jessica Anderson
Title: Extension Agent, Agriculture - Livestock
Phone: (252) 237-0111
Email: jessica_a_anderson@ncsu.edu
Jonas Asbill
Title: Area Specialized Agent, Agriculture - Livestock - Poultry
Phone: (336) 318-6000
Email: jonas_asbill@ncsu.edu
Brief Job Description: Serving the poultry industry across 20 counties in the North Central and Northeast districts
Tommy Batts
Title: Extension Agent, Agriculture - Commercial Horticulture, Pesticide Coordinator
Phone: (252) 237-0111
Email: tmbatts@ncsu.edu
Pam Beaman
Title: County Extension Administrative Assistant, Agriculture
Phone: (252) 237-0111
Email: pdbeaman@ncsu.edu
Michelle Daughtridge
Title: County Operations Support Specialist, Agriculture and 4-H
Phone: (252) 237-0111
Email: mbdaugh2@ncsu.edu
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.
Kenyatta Dixon
Title: Extension Agent, 4-H Youth Development
Phone: (252) 237-0111
Email: kenyatta_lanier@ncat.edu
Erin Eure
Title: Area Specialized Agent, Agriculture - Commercial Fruits and Vegetables
Phone: (252) 357-1400
Email: erin_eure@ncsu.edu
Brief Job Description: Provides educational opportunities and technical support to commercial fruit and vegetable growers, agents, and industry in northeastern NC.
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
Cassidy Hall
Title: Area Agent, Family and Consumer Sciences
Phone: (919) 989-5380
Email: cdhobbs3@ncsu.edu
Brief Job Description: My goal is to educate consumers how to better their health through food-based programs. I encourage healthy lifestyles through nutrition education programs and food preservation. I serve as a resource to community members who want to live healthy on a budget while working with markets, food pantries, and community partners.
Joy Harrell
Title: 4-H Program Assistant, 4-H Youth Development
Phone: (252) 237-0111
Email: joy_harrell@ncsu.edu
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
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.
Cyndi Lauderdale
Title: Extension Agent, Agriculture - Commercial Ornamental and Consumer Horticulture
Phone: (252) 237-0113
Email: cynthia_lauderdale@ncsu.edu
Brief Job Description: Commercial Ornamental and Consumer Horticulture
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.
Jessica Manning
Title: Extension Agent, 4-H Youth Development
Phone: (252) 237-0111
Email: jessica_manning@ncsu.edu
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.
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.
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!
Roberto Rosales
Title: Farm Workers Health and Safety Educator - Farm Safety
Phone: (252) 237-0111
Email: rmrosale@ncsu.edu
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
Debbie Stroud
Title: Area Specialized Agent, Consumer and Retail Food Safety
Phone: (919) 515-9149
Email: dlstroud@ncsu.edu
Brief Job Description: Area Specialized Agents in Consumer and Retail Food Safety help to ensure that Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) Agents have access to timely, evidence-based food safety information. This is accomplished by (1) working with FCS Agents in their counties, (2) developing food safety materials and (3) planning and implementing a NC Safe Plates Food Safety Info Center.
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.
IX. Contact Information
Wilson County Center
1806 SW Goldsboro St
Wilson, NC 27893
Phone: (252) 237-0111
Fax: (252) 237-0114
URL: http://wilson.ces.ncsu.edu