an educational outreach system, led by state land-grant universities, that delivers research-based programs that improve lives and strengthen communities. collaboration solutions community leadership resilience innovation compassion trust
prosperity
MISSION
We extend research-based knowledge to all North Carolinians, transforming science into everyday solutions that improve lives and grow our state.
VISION
We are the trusted, goto resource for connecting research and education to communities, economies and families, creating prosperity for all North Carolinians.
FROM THE DEAN
As I reflect on 2024, a year of change and transition, I first want to thank Rich Bonanno for his visionary eight-year leadership as Extension director, and Sarah Kirby and David Monks for their exceptional interim co-leadership as we search for our next director.
Most importantly, I'm proud of our Extension family's extraordinary impact across North Carolina. This report showcases our 1,000-plus Extension experts' vital role and resilience advancing our land-grant mission in good and challenging times.
Every day, across every community, our people provide essential support for agriculture, food and nutrition, 4-H youth development, natural resources and much more. With unmatched will and wisdom, they deliver timely research solutions driving innovation and prosperity statewide.
Looking ahead, with our accelerated focus on workforce development and innovative technology such as genome editing, artificial intelligence, precision agriculture and more, Extension will continue future-proofing our state’s prosperity in 2025 and beyond.
To our partners and supporters: thank you for your trust and investment. As you’ll see in the following pages, you fuel our mission to serve every corner of North Carolina, propelling us toward a more resilient, innovative and prosperous future.
Garey Fox, Ph.D. Dean, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences NC State University
Wherever You Call Home, Extension Is There
AL NORTH L CENT R A RTH
N E NORTHE A EAST NORRT AS
SOUTUTHHE AST H S
A System of Solutions
NC State Extension serves as a bridge between North Carolinians and our university’s cutting-edge science. Through Extension, we convert research results into practical applications that address real-world situations statewide.
GROWING NEW FARMERS
IDENTIFY ISSUES
Extension experts in every county engage with farmers, businesses and families to determine local challenges
RESEARCH SOLUTIONS
County- and campusbased experts collaborate to research and better understand the issues
THE ISSUE
Beginning farmers in North Carolina often face significant barriers, such as limited access to land, resources and training, which hinder their ability to establish successful farming operations.
THE SOLUTION
Extension completed a study in 2024 involving farm incubators across the state. The research aimed to understand the structure, functioning and overall capacity of these incubators to support new farmers, and how Extension could better support their development.
TRANSFER
RESULTS
Extension delivers research-based resources back to communities, translating knowledge into solutions
THE RESULTS
The findings provided Extension efforts like NC FarmLink, NC Farm School and the Local Food Program with a clearer understanding of the challenges and opportunities within North Carolina’s farm incubators. Moving forward, Extension is better positioned to cultivate new farming businesses and strengthen the state’s agricultural economy and workforce.
ADMINISTRATION
Sarah Kirby, Ph.D. Interim Director Interim Associate Dean, CALS sdkirby@ncsu.edu
David Monks, Ph.D. Interim Director Interim Associate Dean, CALS dwm@ncsu.edu
Susan Kelly Assistant Director County Operations sakelly2@ncsu.edu
Nikki Kurdys Assistant Director HR and Operational Strategy njkurdys@ncsu.edu
Dale Monks, Ph.D. Associate Director State Program Leader, ANR/CRD cdmonks@ncsu.edu
Mike Yoder, Ph.D. Associate Director State Program Leader, 4-H mjyoder@ncsu.edu
go.ncsu.edu/ AboutExtension
Growing a Stronger Agricultural Future
Extension drives agricultural innovation, empowering farmers with cutting-edge solutions that enhance productivity, profitability and industry growth.
N.C. AGRICULTURE SNAPSHOT
Transforming Hog Waste Into Farm Wealth
Extension is leading research on an innovative joint venture to improve waste management for North Carolina pork producers. By testing a subsurface drip irrigation system, Extension experts aim to reduce odor, minimize nutrient leaching and lower emissions – all while converting wastewater into a natural fertilizer. This sustainable approach could offer farmers a cost-effective way to boost productivity and protect the environment. go.ncsu.edu/WastetoWealth
Turning Swords Into Plowshares
Extension is helping U.S. Army Civil Affairs Soldiers turn global “gray zones” into thriving green zones. Through the Special Warfare Rural Engagement and Mapping Course, these elite troops gain hands-on agriculture skills to support stability in agrarian regions worldwide. By bridging military strategy with Extension expertise, the program both strengthens global security and highlights the far-reaching impact of Extension’s agricultural knowledge and collaboration. go.ncsu.edu/SwordstoPlowshares
Breaking Berry Boundaries
Extension specialists Lisa Rayburn and Gina Fernandez are working with CALS alum Cal Lewis to bolster long-cane raspberry production in North Carolina. The team's research focuses on adapting an innovative production system – cultivating raspberry canes in cooler climates before moving them to high tunnels – for the Southeast. They aim to diversify the state's berry industry, offer farmers new high-value crop opportunities, and provide consumers with fresh, locally grown raspberries. go.ncsu.edu/BreakingBerryBoundaries
Healthy soil is the foundation of agriculture. It’s difficult to produce a bountiful harvest without soil that contains the necessary nutrients and the right amount of water retention.
In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, the soil in North Carolina’s western counties was far from healthy. The storm’s devastating floodwaters deposited toxic sludge, pathogens and pollutants in farmers’ fields, creating health risks to both humans and livestock.
In the weeks after the storm, a four-member NC State Extension team assessed soil conditions at 18 farms across western North Carolina. Alongside local Extension agents, the team tested the soil and water for contaminants and agricultural risks.
The group was led by Steph Kulesza, an NC State Extension specialist in nutrient management and animal waste who provides technical support and insights to Extension experts, industry decisionmakers and farmers. After evaluating the samples, the team will provide critical guidance to help producers recover.
Across the state, Extension experts apply researchbased solutions to help farmers make the most of their soil, preserving growers’ livelihoods and ensuring a robust supply of food, fiber and ornamental crops for consumers go.ncsu.edu/SoilStrikeTeam
As part of the soil strike team, Extension soil fertility specialist Luke Gatiboni takes soil samples from a flood-ravaged field in western North Carolina.
Promoting Better Health Through Food and Nutrition
Extension helps people make healthier choices and live better lives through education in nutrition, health, food safety, food preservation and local foods.
Cultivating
Nutrition from Africa to
Appalachia
NC State Extension specialist Basheera Enahora is dedicated to improving health outcomes through nutrition education. She works through Extension’s Family and Consumer Sciences program to serve families across North Carolina, particularly in lowerresourced communities.
In the summer of 2024, Enahora was one of six College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) representatives to travel to Kenya. The group learned about agriculture and nutrition in the country and established relationships that can foster future partnerships.
It was also an opportunity to observe programs and practices that can benefit the people of North Carolina.
“The trip to Kenya provided an opportunity to see cultural-based food practices firsthand and better understand how we might develop community programs to increase diet diversity,” she said.
Enahora has begun turning the insights into actionable projects. She collaborated with fellow CALS faculty on a grant proposal aimed at improving nutrition security and promoting climate-smart agriculture in rural eastern North Carolina.
From Africa to the Appalachians, NC State Extension food and nutrition efforts are helping families. Whether it is educating people about food safety after a natural disaster, teaching healthy cooking classes in Extension centers across the state, or providing nutrition information through programs like Steps to Health, FCS agents deliver evidence-based programming that improves lives. go.ncsu.edu/CultivatingNutrition
Basheerah Enahora, NC State Extension nutrition education specialist (third from left), met with colleagues at the University of Nairobi last summer to explore potential collaborations around food security and nutrition issues impacting rural communities in North Carolina and Kenya.
Food Safety
The CDC estimates 48 million Americans get sick from foodborne diseases each year. Extension’s Safe Plates Food Safety Information Center provides consumers and food businesses with evidencebased information to help them make safer food choices.
Efforts like the Extension Master Food Volunteer program, Med Instead of Meds, Cook Smart, Eat Smart and others teach healthy and safe food preparation techniques for the public.
8,551 participants increased knowledge of safe home food handling, preparation or preservation
21,062 participants intend to use local foods for cooking, preparing or preserving
68,418 adults consumed more fruits and vegetables
SAFE AND HEALTHY FOOD CHOICES
SNAP-Ed (Steps to Health)
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program – Education (SNAP-Ed) promotes nutrition education and improved access to healthy food and lifestyles for limited-resource individuals and families. NC State’s SNAP-Ed program, Steps to Health, celebrated its 17th year in 2024.
3,327 individual program participants
21,460 educational contacts statewide
10.8M impressions from digital and print campaigns
EFNEP
The Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) helps limited-resource families make healthy choices that prevent chronic disease and reduce healthcare costs.
1,638 families enrolled 15,549 youth participated in 4-H EFNEP
Caring for Communities
There are 101 Extension centers and 18 research stations across the state. They’re staffed by experts in agriculture, youth development, food and nutrition, homes and families, natural resources and more.
Extension experts live and work alongside the people they serve. Their jobs are not merely employment – they are a means to help neighbors, serve their communities and enrich lives.
go.ncsu.edu/CaringforCommunities
“This is a job that I love and it’s a group of people I love working with. The very least I can do is show producers that I’m working hard for them… Their livelihoods are at stake.”
Sam Marshall, Extension area agent for
ornamentals
Building a Ready Generation
In a world of change, Extension’s 4-H program equips youth with the confidence and skills to succeed tomorrow by meeting them where they are today.
Teaching Technology to 4-H Youth
When it comes to coding curriculum and career opportunities, there’s an app program for that. A new partnership between 4-H and Apple will help youth evolve from content consumers to content creators.
4-H, the youth development program of NC State Extension, is using assistance from Apple — hardware, financial support, scholarships and educator resources — to teach youth how to code on Apple devices. They will be able to create anything from images to movies to music. They will also learn coding for app development.
The program opens up a number of career opportunities — coder, designer, developer, project manager. It reached youth in a dozen counties last year, with plans for expansion.
“In order to be successful in the future, our kids in North Carolina must have the ability to use technology. This really puts us at the cusp of where our kids need to be,” said Autumn Cano-Guin, Extension 4-H quality youth program specialist.
Apple partnered with 4-H because of its ability to reach youth in every part of the state, including communities traditionally underrepresented in technology, and because of its robust STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) programs. go.ncsu.edu/4-HApplePartnership
North Carolina 4-H participants will learn how to create apps and content on iOS devices thanks to a new partnership with Apple.
4-H’ers are... 4X 2X 2X more likely to give back to their communities more likely to make healthier choices more likely to participate in STEM activities
From the youngest cloverbud to college-age students, 4-H provides learn-by-doing experiences based on youths' interests, guiding them as they develop their own pathways and passions in their formative years.
> 276,389 participants in 4-H activities
> 21,329 participants in 4-H clubs
> 176,825 participants in school enrichment programs
> 10,621 adult volunteers supported 4-H
> 3,710 participants in 4-H camping programs
4-H programs in areas like health, science, agriculture and civic engagement help youth gain the tools and experience to make the world better. Today’s 4-H youth are tomorrow’s leaders.
> 21,316 youth enhanced their knowledge of leadership and personal development
> 17,134 youth enhanced their knowledge of technology and engineering
> 40,527 youth enhanced their knowledge of civic engagement
> 21,759 youth enhanced their knowledge of health
Growing Future Voters
The 4-H Kids Voting North Carolina program engages youth aged 5-17 in mock elections.
The initiative educates kids about the democratic process – and the importance of lifelong civic engagement – even when it’s not a presidential election year.
From identifying key issues to researching candidates to casting ballots, more than 6,000 youth in 27 counties participated in 2024.
go.ncsu.edu/4-HFutureVoters
Friends Ashlyn Pfister (left) and Emory Stephens (right) vote in their local 4-H Kids Voting North Carolina election.
Protecting Our Shared Environment
Extension experts from CALS and the College of Natural Resources (CNR) deliver research-based solutions that support the state’s $97.7 billion forest, wood products and tourism industries while helping residents statewide make informed decisions that foster healthy environments, economies and communities.
CNR’s Extension programs grow the forestry industry while helping consumers manage and sustain our shared natural environment.
HIGHLIGHTS
Extension Forestry
> 14 events helped 271 individuals enhance their understanding of wildfire risks and effective prescribed fires
> Partnered with NCDA&CS and N.C. Forest Service to educate over 36,000 individuals about invasive insects
> Worked with state agencies to assist in distribution of relief supplies and combat misinformation about North Carolina Christmas trees after Hurricane Helene
Wood Products Extension
> Delivered workshops on high-quality lumber drying, boosting attendee knowledge (65-75%) and drying throughput (19-21%)
> Published Urban Wood Drying Guide with the Urban Wood Network, expanding access to essential wood drying principles
Tourism Extension
> Delivered 20 Agritourism and Societal Wellbeing Program outreach events for 800 participants
> Secured ~$500K from the Appalachian Regional Commission for a new rural tourism leadership program
> Reached 100 stakeholders and produced two peerreviewed publications through the Craft Beverage and Tourism Synergies Program
go.ncsu.edu/ExtensionCNR
Pinpointing Pests
Extension entomologist Steve Frank studies how urban heat islands fuel pest outbreaks that damage city trees statewide, particularly red maples. His research has shown that a 2-degree rise can increase gloomy scale insects 300-fold, accelerating tree decline. His Extension efforts help arborists, landscapers and urban planners implement strategies to protect trees, which boosts air quality, reduces cooling costs, and supports local businesses reliant on healthy urban and agricultural landscapes. go.ncsu.edu/PinpointingPests
Christmas Trees for the Future
Justin Whitehill, Extension Christmas tree specialist in CNR, is leading a nearly $7.5 million project to develop “elite” Fraser firs — the backbone of North Carolina’s Christmas tree industry. By improving disease resistance, climate adaptability and tree quality, Whitehill’s team aims to help growers produce healthier, longer-lasting trees that boost farm profitability and further grow the nation’s No. 2 Christmas tree industry. go.ncsu.edu/FutureFirs
Making Cicada Mania Meaningful
In spring 2024, a 13-year periodical cicada brood emerged in many North Carolina counties. Extension experts like entomologist Matt Bertone and agent Debbie Roos provided timely guidance to residents and growers. While cicadas pose little long-term harm to plants, the event underscores Extension’s vital role in educating communities about insect ecology, biodiversity and sustainable management practices. Their efforts help protect North Carolina’s natural resources, benefiting agriculture, forestry and urban landscapes alike. go.ncsu.edu/CicadaConversations
Steve Frank, Extension entomologist, helps assess the health of trees in urban jungles.
Investing In the Future
Local government partners invested nearly $24 million in 2024 to help build or update Extension centers in more than 30 counties, part of broader ongoing efforts to strengthen Extension infrastructure and connectivity statewide.
Forsyth County Agricultural Park Complex
Forsyth County broke ground on a new 186-acre agricultural park in October 2024. The first phase of the ~$10 million project includes a 26,000-square-foot facility that will serve as the county’s new Extension center. With updated facilities and expanded event spaces, the state-of-the-art center will enhance Extension’s capacity to deliver educational opportunities for local farmers and residents around agriculture, youth development, family health and more. Completion is expected by 2026. go.ncsu.edu/FutureofForsyth
Hyde Center Moving to Mattamuskeet Lodge
A $14.4 million project backed by state and local support will relocate Extension’s Hyde County Center to the historic Mattamuskeet Lodge. Launched in 2024, the project will revitalize the 21,000-square-foot facility into a community hub, including space for events, classrooms, labs, a teaching kitchen and more. Once completed, the Extension center will be a dynamic venue for hands-on learning and community engagement, enriching the lives of local residents. go.ncsu.edu/MovetoMattamuskeet
Future-Proofing Our Food Supply
NC State is preparing North Carolina for the future of agricultural research by integrating high-speed internet and AI at our 22 research stations and field labs. These advancements will enhance data collection, enable real-time insights and drive efficiency, sustainability and long-term success for farmers. A digitized research station network will not only meet today’s needs but also revolutionize agriculture and strengthen rural communities across our state. go.ncsu.edu/Future-ProofFarming
“AI
is
and digital ag
the revolution of our time. It’s about NC State staying on the forefront of innovation.”
Chris
Reberg-Horton, Extension specialist in crop and soil sciences
The Forsyth County Agricultural Park Complex
Bee Research Taking Flight
NC State broke ground on a cutting-edge apiculture research facility at the Lake Wheeler Road Field Lab in 2024, advancing efforts to protect pollinators vital to agriculture. Supported by $4 million from the state, the 5,000-square-foot facility will enable researchers to study honey bee health, genetics and pest management, while expanding Extension programs that support beekeepers and farmers statewide.
The lab is part of a broader effort to bolster bee populations, including the country’s first university endowment dedicated to apiculture research. It's another big step forward in solidifying NC State's global leadership in pollinator research, while ensuring a more resilient food system for North Carolina.
Learn more about our apiculture efforts and how you can help: go.ncsu.edu/BeetheSolution
1,156 Donors Supporting Extension Efforts
1,483 Gifts and New Commitments $1.7M Value of Gifts and Commitments (FY24)
189 Extension Endowments
14% Growth in Contributions (FY23 to FY24)
go.ncsu.edu/ CALSWaystoGive
In Your Neighborhood
Partnering with federal, state and local governments, as well as N.C. A&T State University, we form a statewide network called N.C. Cooperative Extension.
Hometown Hero: Dominque Simon
Extension Experts
I Local Centers: 805 Campus / Other: 572
Meet five Extension experts — one from each of our districts — who go above and beyond to change lives and create brighter futures in their communities.
I 632 NC State-funded employees, 133 county-funded personnel and 40 N.C. A&T staff
Extension FCS agent Dominque Simon is committed to helping people live healthy lives. One innovative initiative involved the creation of story walks at Franklin County libraries. Designed to promote literacy and physical activity, story walks are integrated into the summer reading program, encouraging families to learn together.
Hometown Hero: Jeffrey Cates
As a digital skills agent, Jeffrey Cates works with people who are new to digital devices and connectivity and enhances the abilities of online veterans. He helps jobseekers with online proficiency to increase their employability, offers digital marketing classes for farmers, and teaches youth and adults how to collaborate with artificial intelligence.
NORTHEAST DISTRICT
> Counties: 22
> Households: 1,019,376
> Food Insecurity: 10%
> Ag Cash Receipts: $2.2B
> Extension Employees: 173
> Program Participants: 193,797
NORTH CENTRAL DISTRICT
> Counties: 20
> Households: 1,019,376
> Food Insecurity: 11.5%
> Ag Cash Receipts: $1.4B
> Extension Employees: 190
> Program Participants: 324,527
West
Northeast Southeast North Central
South Central
Hometown Hero: David Davis
Bridget Huffman has been called “the guru” when it comes to 4-H in her district. Youth from 5-18 can participate in her agriculture and livestock programs, learn about substance abuse, and choose from a plethora of community and after-school clubs, special interest programs, and inschool enrichment programs.
Nancy Keith grew up on a dairy farm in Iredell County. Now, as director of the county Extension center and dairy agent, she passes on her knowledge to the next generation. She organizes livestock shows at the county fair, provides leadership for dairy youth programs locally and statewide, and helps with shows at the State Fair.
David Davis’ roles include supervising staff as County Extension Director and helping growers as agriculture and horticulture agent. After Hurricane Helene, he added many unofficial duties: cook, cattle wrangler, supply distributor — whatever his neighbors needed. “We all asked the same question, ‘How can we help?’” he said.
SOUTHEAST DISTRICT
> Counties: 18
> Households: 652,118
> Food Insecurity: 12.7%
> Ag Cash Receipts: $4.5B
> Extension Employees: 165
> Program Participants: 318,515
SOUTH CENTRAL DISTRICT
> Counties: 19
> Households: 1,291,891
> Food Insecurity: 10.7%
> Ag Cash Receipts: $2.4B
> Extension Employees: 141
> Program Participants: 262,580
WEST DISTRICT
> *Counties: 22
> Households: 468,305
> Food Insecurity: 13.1%
> Ag Cash Receipts: $599.1M
> Extension Employees: 136
> Program Participants: 318,879
*Includes Qualla Boundary (Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians)
Hometown Hero: Bridget Huffman
Hometown Hero: Nancy Keith
Hope After Helene
Last fall, Hurricane Helene unleashed historic rainfall, flooding and landslides on western North Carolina. Facing isolation and uncertainty, local Extension teams rallied recovery efforts across the region, promoting unity and inspiring hope.
Together we’ll continue to rebuild, restore and guide WNC through the storm.
Read more about Extension's recovery efforts in these western North Carolina counties. >
Top left: Extension will host field days for livestock producers and use drones to help reseed areas with crops for grazing livestock and pollinators.
Top right: Extension’s Madison County team worked alongside U.S. Army personnel to support their community.
Bottom left: Jerry Moody and team led logistics for relief efforts in Avery County, where local infrastructure was decimated.
Bottom right: Extension worked with NCDOT to move thousands of trailer loads of Christmas trees out of decimated areas.
Right: The sand and silt deposited by floodwaters from Helene made fields in Burke County resemble the sandy soil of the coast.
Qualla Boundary
Recovery
Extension personnel contributed ~12.5K hours to community recovery efforts
Collected nearly $1M in donations to support relief efforts
Relief efforts reached 120K community members
Distributed 47K+ bales of hay for farmers
From future-proofing our food system and nurturing our youth to promoting public health and protecting natural resources, NC State Extension experts change lives and create brighter futures. With local centers in every county, Extension offers careers and services wherever you call home.
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