2025-26 NC State Extension Annual Report

EMPOWER AND EQUIP

2025 Annual Report

MISSION We extend research-based knowledge to all North Carolinians, transforming science into everyday solutions that improve lives and grow our state.

NC State Extension is housed in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, with faculty and staff from the College of Design, College of Natural Resources and College of Veterinary Medicine.

VIEW OUR DIGITAL REPORT go.ncsu.edu/ ExtensionImpact2025

FROM THE DIRECTOR 2025 tested us.

Leadership transitions reshaped our organization. Farmers navigated market volatility. Families stretched budgets further. Communities in western North Carolina continued rebuilding after Hurricane Helene. Young people asked hard questions about their futures.

But Extension showed up.

Since becoming director last August, I’ve seen firsthand how Extension responds in moments like these. From helping farmers apply research-based innovations to providing families with healthier choices, from building more resilient communities to equipping 4-H youth with career skills, we meet North Carolinians where they are — often in their most uncertain moments — with clarity, commitment and action.

$2.1B

Extension’s annual economic impact on N.C.

That's what Extension does. We empower people with knowledge. We equip communities with tools. We turn research into resilience.

This work belongs to our 1,200-plus Extension experts, thousands of volunteers, and the local, state and federal partners who continue to invest in North Carolina's future.

27–1 ROI

Economic return on government investments

#1

Trusted source for North Carolinians

I've spent my first months listening, learning and working alongside remarkable people doing essential work. The pages ahead show how we’re empowering and equipping North Carolinians for what comes next.

David Monks

Director, NC State Extension Associate Dean, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences 2

Wherever You Call Home, Extension Is There

TABLE OF CONTENTS 5-6

System of Solutions

7-8

Agriculture

9-10

Food and Families

11-12

Recovery to Resilience

13-14

4-H Youth Development

15-16

Natural Resources

17-18

Investing In the Future

19-20

Hometown Heroes

21-22

Land-Grant In Action

ANNUAL EXPENDITURES

Federal $14.3M State $49.4M I County $49.3M II Other $30.2M TOTAL I

$143.2M

Incl. $10M in local facility investments by county partners II Grants, contracts, donations, etc.

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101

1,200+

200+

11M

24M

Local Centers

Experts

Websites

Total web visitors

Total pageviews

Extension Is Everywhere Extension is NC State University in your community, connecting North Carolinians with research-based solutions that address local challenges and create lasting impact.

78 Rural Counties* 22 Urban/Suburban Counties* 101 Extension Centers 18 Research Stations Partnered with NCDA&CS

4 NC State Field Labs *Based on N.C. Rural Center definitions

27K+

6.6M+

$17.8M+

Educational programs

Educational contacts

Volunteer time and services Based on $34.79/hr. (independentsector.org)

3,000+ Publications available

go.ncsu.edu/ ExtensionImpacts

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A System of Solutions Extension operates through a continuous cycle — listening to local needs, applying university expertise and sharing practical solutions — turning knowledge into action that strengthens families, businesses and communities across North Carolina.

PROTECTING FARMWORKERS IDENTIFY ISSUES Extension experts in every county engage with their communities to define local challenges

THE ISSUE More than 100,000 farmworkers play a critical role in the success of North Carolina agriculture – a rapidly evolving industry sustaining communities statewide – underscoring the need for comprehensive, research-based training that protects workers and strengthens the industry.

ADMINISTRATION David Monks, Ph.D. Director Associate Dean, CALS dwm@ncsu.edu

Ben Chapman, Ph.D.

Interim Associate Director State Program Leader, ANR/CRD bjchapma@ncsu.edu

Annie Hardison-Moody, Ph.D. Associate Director State Program Leader, FCS amhardis@ncsu.edu

Keith Walters

RESEARCH SOLUTIONS County- and campusbased experts collaborate to research and better understand the issues

TRANSFER RESULTS Extension delivers research-based tools, training and guidance back to communities

THE SOLUTION NC State Extension’s Farmworker Health and Safety Education Program partners with producers and community groups to deliver research-based training focused on injury prevention, heat safety and workplace health. Programs are tailored to real conditions in the field and delivered where farmworkers live and work.

Interim Assistant Director County Operations kbwalter@ncsu.edu

Mike Yoder, Ph.D. Associate Director State Program Leader, 4-H mjyoder@ncsu.edu

THE RESULTS Each year, the team reaches thousands of farmworkers statewide with training and resources that reduces risk, improves safety practices and supports a healthier agricultural workforce.

Together, they strengthen the backbone of our state’s $100-plus billion agriculture industry — and the food systems we all rely on.

go.ncsu.edu/ProtectingFarmworkers

go.ncsu.edu/ AboutExtension 6

Growing a Stronger Agricultural Future Extension equips producers to adapt, innovate and lead North Carolina agriculture into the future.

N.C. AGRICULTURE SNAPSHOT Drones at Work on the Farm Sometimes the best way to solve problems on the ground is from the air. Extension experts use drones and aerial imaging to help farmers, land managers and communities spot issues early, respond faster and make smarter decisions — turning drone data into practical solutions that strengthen farming across North Carolina. go.ncsu.edu/HelpFromAbove

$102B

Economic Impact

965,000 Jobs

Preparing a New Generation of Ag Leaders Nearly 1,000 Sampson County fourth-graders discovered that agriculture is more than farming — it’s a gateway to careers in science, business and technology. Through Extension’s Youth Pork Day, students met industry professionals and glimpsed how their curiosity and talent could shape North Carolina’s agricultural future. go.ncsu.edu/NextAgLeaders

Top Counties by Ag Sales Agriculture drives economic impact for communities statewide.

Rooted in Tradition, Growing the Future Tobacco helped build North Carolina and remains a cornerstone of our rural economy — but the industry faces significant challenges. Shifting markets, labor costs and environmental factors threaten farms that have sustained communities for generations. Extension delivers research-based solutions that honor this heritage while positioning growers for tomorrow. go.ncsu.edu/HeritagetoHighTech

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Top 10 rural counties Top 10 suburban/urban counties Based on total ag sales, 2022 Census of Agriculture

42,000+ Farms

Leading the Flock: Extension Powers N.C. Poultry Two pardoned Thanksgiving turkeys made headlines. Thousands of North Carolina poultry farmers make a living — with Extension's help. Through cutting-edge research innovations on bird health, biosecurity and production, Extension ensures the state's largest agricultural sector remains resilient and competitive.

Two North Carolina turkeys were pardoned at the 2025 White House Thanksgiving ceremony, putting the state's poultry industry in the national spotlight. But Extension's work happens on research stations and farms statewide — helping thousands of producers protect flocks, boost efficiency and strengthen the state's $40 billion poultry industry.

When highly pathogenic avian influenza threatened producers statewide, Extension experts delivered rapid biosecurity training that helped producers

Extension experts help power North Carolina’s $40-billion poultry industry with science-based solutions that protect bird health and producer profitability.

protect their operations. When rising feed costs and shifting markets squeezed margins, Extension provided data-driven strategies farmers could implement immediately.

"Extension doesn't wait for problems to arrive — we help producers stay ahead of them," said Ken Anderson, Extension poultry specialist.

From disease prevention and production innovations to helping growers transition to cage-free systems, Extension ensures North Carolina's largest agricultural sector stays competitive and resilient.

"The industry evolves constantly," Anderson said. "Extension makes sure our producers lead that evolution — not just survive it." go.ncsu.edu/LeadingtheFlock 8

Building Healthier Families and Communities Extension equips families with nutrition knowledge, food safety skills and financial tools to make healthier choices and live better lives.

Cooking Up Resilience Hurricane Helene swept through North Carolina’s mountain counties in late September 2024, knocking out power across the region. No power means no refrigeration, which soon results in ruined food.

“Most of us were without power for at least two weeks,” said Niki Maness, Extension’s Family and Consumer Sciences agent in Yancey County. “At that point there's no saving anything.”

NC State Extension experts are adept at finding solutions to local issues.

For Maness, it meant tailoring her programs to meet renewed interest in preserving food and preparing meals with shelf-stable goods.

She acquired a mobile kitchen, stocked it with the likes of beans, rice and tortillas, and went out into the community to give cooking lessons.

“I've got recipes that can be used with canned tuna and rice. You can add more seasonings and maybe add a starch to change the whole meal up,” she said.

The heightened interest in preserving and storing food prompted Maness to increase the number of canning classes.

“After people lost refrigeration for so long they wanted to learn how to preserve their food,” she said.

Niki Maness, Extension Family and Consumer Sciences agent in Yancey County, uses her mobile kitchen to help communities learn how to prepare nutritious meals with shelf-stable ingredients.

go.ncsu.edu/CookingUpResilience 9

SAFE AND HEALTHY FOOD CHOICES Food Safety

EFNEP

The CDC estimates 48 million Americans get sick from foodborne diseases each year. Extension’s Safe Plates Food Safety Information Center equips families and food businesses with evidence-based information to help them make safer food choices.

The Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) helps limited-resource families make healthy choices that prevent chronic disease and reduce healthcare costs.

1,383 families enrolled

30,002 social media followers 281 food managers trained 29 events/trainings statewide

12,446 youth participated in 4-H EFNEP

98%

86%

96%

improved diet quality

now practice daily physical activity

practice better food resource management

Consumer Food Preparation and Preservation

Steps to Health

Efforts like the Extension Master Food Volunteer program, Med Instead of Meds, Cook Smart, Eat Smart and others teach safe, healthy food preparation techniques in communities statewide.

NC State’s Steps to Health promotes nutrition education and improved access to healthy food and lifestyles for individuals and families facing economic constraints.

21,720 participants increased knowledge of safe home food handling, preparation or preservation

2,991 program participants

14,770 participants intend to use local foods for cooking, preparing or preserving

5.85M impressions from digital and print campaigns

32,423 adults consumed more fruits and vegetables

25 food pantries completed healthy food access training

go.ncsu.edu/ExtensionFCS 10

12,500+ hours

contributed by Extension staff

120,000+ people

reached through relief efforts

47,000+ hay bales distributed to farmers

Still here — supporting recovery in all 25 affected counties

From Recovery to Resilience When Hurricane Helene devastated western North Carolina, Extension didn't wait for the water to recede. From emergency supply centers to flood-ravaged farms, our experts led recovery efforts that reached more than 120,000 people.

One year after Hurricane Helene, Extension is still here.

Extension remains part of these communities — reseeding pastures, testing soil, supporting mental health and working alongside neighbors to build a more resilient, prosperous future together.

“We all asked the same question:

'How can we help?'

And then we got to work."

David Davis, Extension Director, Yancey County

go.ncsu.edu/ RecoverytoResilience

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Developing the Leaders of Tomorrow Extension’s 4-H program empowers young people with the skills, confidence and career readiness to lead and succeed for decades to come.

From Sheep to STEM: 4-H Prepares Youth for the Future The 4-H’ers from Onslow County showing sheep at the 2025 State Fair were following a time-honored tradition. Generations of young people have exhibited livestock, doing their part to showcase and promote agriculture.

Across the fairgrounds, other 4-H’ers were showcasing different projects — crafts including artwork, basketry, bead jewelry, candle making, leather articles, needlework, pottery, quilts, soap making and woodworking, along with photography and entomology.

“4-H is more than livestock,” said Shannon McCollum, Extension statewide youth development specialist for NC 4-H. “It is STEM and Family and Consumer Science, citizenship and civic education, leadership 13

and plant science. Our slogan is ‘learn by doing’ and that's what you see in all our projects.”

Showing livestock and showcasing arts and crafts might seem dissimilar, but they have important similarities. They teach core 4-H values, equipping today's youth for tomorrow’s workforce.

“Anytime a young person is preparing a 4-H project, they are learning valuable life skills,” said Tara Taylor, 4-H agent in Onslow County. “They are learning to manage their time and be responsible.

Through these opportunities our youth are finding their passion and what sparks their interest time and again.”

At the N.C. State Fair, Onslow County 4-H staff help spotlight how hands-on learning prepares young people to lead — from agriculture to STEM and beyond.

go.ncsu.edu/SheeptoSTEM

4-H BY THE NUMBERS 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.

> 273,016 participants in 4-H activities > 25,616 participants in 4-H clubs and camps > 15,182 volunteers supported 4-H Preparing Youth for What's Next Through hands-on programs in leadership, STEM, health, agriculture and career readiness, 4-H equips North Carolina youth with the skills to succeed in college, careers and life.

> 31,355 youth enhanced their knowledge of leadership and personal development

> 22,296 youth enhanced their knowledge of technology and engineering

> 24,123 youth enhanced their knowledge of civic engagement

’ers are...

likely 2X more

to have the goal of being a leader

likely 3X more

to participate in community service

likely 2X more

to report living life with intentionality & purpose 14

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Protecting Our Shared Environment Extension experts deliver research-based solutions that protect natural resources and support North Carolina's $75-plus billion forest, wood products and tourism industries — while helping residents make informed decisions that strengthen environments, economies and communities.

HIGHLIGHTS Extension Forestry > $10.9M+ secured to advance forest health, recovery and long-term economic resilience > 600K+ landowners, pros and residents educated on wildfire prevention, invasive species and sustainable management > Elite forest and Christmas tree genetics advanced, boosting productivity, profitability and generational ownership

Wood Products Extension > Targeted technical training improved lumber drying efficiency, product quality and manufacturing performance > Knowledge gains of 65%–75% reported by participants, with drying throughput increases of up to 21% > Research-based guidance shared statewide and beyond, reinforcing wood as a durable, sustainable building material

Tourism Extension > 800+ participants engaged through agritourism and tourism workforce programs across North Carolina > $500K secured to launch a new rural tourism leadership initiative supporting community resilience > Global reach expanded, connecting 1,100+ agritourism professionals across 115 countries Extension experts from across the U.S., led by NC State’s Jennifer Fawcett, explore how topography and tree density influence wildland fires. Photo courtesy of Robert Bardon.

go.ncsu.edu/ExtensionCNR 15

Where Water Flows, Quality Follows As development replaces farms and forests, stormwater overwhelms streams and carries pollutants into waterways. Extension water quality expert Mitch Woodward leads handson workshops that train landowners, contractors and municipalities to repair streambanks — preventing erosion, filtering runoff and restoring habitat while protecting property.

go.ncsu.edu/SavingStreams

From Trails to Tables: Growing Tourism Tourism generates over $35 billion annually for North Carolina, but sustaining that growth requires strategy. Extension partners with state agencies and local communities to expand tourism, train hospitality professionals and promote natural resources and turn environmental assets into economic engines.

go.ncsu.edu/SupportingTourism

When Trees and Farms Grow Together Extension agroforestry experts teach producers how to integrate trees with crops or livestock to improve soil health, increase land value and diversify income. From silvopasture systems that provide shade for cattle to forest farming that yields specialty crops, Extension helps landowners make every acre work harder and smarter.

NC State Extension water quality expert Mitch Woodward guides hands-on streambank restoration workshops, helping landowners and communities protect water quality and strengthen the state’s ecosystems.

go.ncsu.edu/FarmwithForests 16

Investing In the Future Local government partners invested over $10 million in 2025 to help build or update Extension centers in more than 25 counties, reflecting a shared commitment to local education and community impact.

Breaking New Ground in Camden County With support from Camden County leaders, construction broke ground in Nov. 2025 on a new Extension center at a waterfront site that's hosted local programs for decades. The facility will expand 4-H youth development, environmental education, nutrition programming and agricultural training — demonstrating how strong local partnerships help Extension deliver impact and lasting value for communities. The new Extension center is scheduled to open in late 2026. go.ncsu.edu/NewCamdenCenter

Strengthening Extension from the Ground Up Through Expedition Extension, NC State leaders visited all 101 Extension centers statewide, meeting directly with local teams and partners. The effort underscored leadership's focus on listening, learning and investing in local programs — strengthening infrastructure that will help Extension deliver responsive, community-driven solutions for years to come. go.ncsu.edu/ExpeditionExtension

During Expedition Extension, CALS Dean Garey Fox and NC State Extension Director David Monks visited Extension teams statewide to discuss local needs and opportunities

Cultivating Careers Across North Carolina A joint internship program between NC State Extension and the N.C. Plant Sciences Initiative embeds students from counties across North Carolina with Extension agents to tackle real-world agricultural challenges. Interns gain handson experience in pest management, precision agriculture and more — building the next generation of ag professionals and strengthening local expertise. go.ncsu.edu/CultivatingCareers 17

Interns experience the Extension and research system firsthand, building the skills needed to lead North Carolina agriculture into the future.

When Communities Invest, Everyone Thrives The Sanford Agricultural Marketplace didn't happen by accident. It took coordinated philanthropic support, county partnerships and Extension's trusted relationships to transform a vision into reality.

Now farmers connect directly with families seeking fresh food, Sanford has a vibrant downtown hub, and the community celebrates its agricultural heritage while strengthening its economy.

It’s all possible when donors and partners work with Extension to address local needs with lasting solutions, turning trust into tangible impact — one market, one relationship, one community at a time.

"Without Extension, our communities wouldn’t be served, our farmers wouldn’t be helped and our businesses wouldn’t be as strong. Its impact in every county is extraordinary — and supporting that work is critical to North Carolina’s future.”

Kevin Howell Chancellor, NC State University

DONATIONS

1,097 Donors Supporting Extension Efforts

1,538 Gifts and New Commitments

$1.1M Value of Gifts and Commitments (FY25)

190 Extension Endowments

Support Extension efforts in communities like yours statewide: go.ncsu.edu/ CALSWaystoGive 18

Extension In Your Neighborhood

BEAUFORT COUNTY

WILKES COUNTY

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.

North Central

Northeast

West

South Central

Southeast

Extension Experts

I

760

528

Local Centers

Campus/Other

Hometown Hero: Chasady Wudkwych

Hometown Hero: John Cothren

Chasady Wudkwych, Extension 4-H agent, says the best part of her job is making a positive difference in the lives of young people through her local 4-H programs. As a six-year veteran of Extension, she also makes a positive impact in her district by serving as a mentor for new agents.

When Wilkes County farmers needed equipment they couldn't afford, local Extension director John Cothren delivered — securing $250,000 in livestock and row crop equipment while championing a successful farmland preservation initiative that strengthens farm operations countywide.

NORTHEAST DISTRICT > Counties: 22 > Households: 755,234 > Food Insecurity: 12% > Ag Cash Receipts: $2.2B > Extension Employees: 165 > Educational Contacts: 3,765,748

> Counties: 20 > Households: 1,019,376 > Food Insecurity: 14% > Ag Cash Receipts: $1.4B > Extension Employees: 176 > Educational Contacts: 470,391

I

597 NC State-funded employees, 121 county-funded personnel and 42 N.C. A&T staff

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.

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NORTH CENTRAL DISTRICT

BRUNSWICK COUNTY

MONTGOMERY COUNTY

AVERY COUNTY

Hometown Hero: Avery Ashley

Hometown Hero: Chrissy Haynes

Hometown Hero: Michelle South

After going through Extension’s Med Instead of Meds program, participants asked about practical ways to use their knowledge. FCS agent Avery Ashley answered the call with his “Healthy Home Cooking” class, equipping families across the county with the tools to prepare nutritious meals and make healthier decisions every day.

Working with county partners, local Extension director Chrissy Haynes helped procure a new facility to replace her team’s 87-yearold building. The 2.5-acre property provides modern spaces and outdoor learning areas — expanding Extension’s capacity to provide educational programming for the community’s farmers, families and youth.

After recovering from emergency surgery for a brain aneurysm, local agriculture agent Michelle South jumped back in to helping farmers recover from Hurricane Helene.

She matched hay and fencing donors with producers still in need, and helped obtain funding for producers to repair pastures and vital infrastructure.

SOUTHEAST DISTRICT

SOUTH CENTRAL DISTRICT

WEST DISTRICT

> Counties: 18 > Households: 652,118 > Food Insecurity: 15% > Ag Cash Receipts: $4.5B > Extension Employees: 153 > Educational Contacts: 892,281

> Counties: 19 > Households: 1,291,891 > Food Insecurity: 13% > Ag Cash Receipts: $2.4B > Extension Employees: 139 > Educational Contacts: 869,170

> *Counties: 22 > Households: 468,305 > Food Insecurity: 16% > Ag Cash Receipts: $599.1M > Extension Employees: 127 > Educational Contacts: 664,639 *Includes Qualla Boundary (Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians)

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Land-Grant In Action From future-proofing our food system and strengthening local economies to promoting public health and protecting natural resources, NC State Extension experts turn science into real-world applications that help North Carolinians prosper.

Extension’s impact is powered by a statewide network of campus-based specialists and county experts who collaborate through formal program teams and day-to-day work. Together, they translate research into practical solutions that address local needs — ensuring communities reap the benefits of our land-grant mission.

RESEARCH TO REALITY: SOLVING LOCAL ISSUES STATEWIDE Agronomic Crops Leverages on-farm research, advanced training and targeted recovery efforts to help North Carolina farmers improve productivity, profitability and resilience.

Animal Agriculture Equips livestock and poultry producers with science-based guidance that strengthens animal health, farm viability and the state’s largest agriculture sector.

Horticulture Provides research-driven expertise that improves the performance, sustainability and economic value of plant, landscape and green industries statewide.

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Local Foods Strengthens local food systems by expanding market access, reducing food insecurity and helping communities turn local agriculture into economic opportunity.

Water Resources Empowers communities to manage and safeguard their water resources through hands-on training and restoration that improves water quality statewide.

Discover how Extension works across North Carolina:

Discover Extension in your community: go.ncsu.edu/CountyCenters

@NCExtension

@NCExtension

@NCStateExtension

@NCExtension

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