2023-24 NC State Extension Annual Report

TRANSFORMING TOMORROW 2023 Annual Report

MISSION We extend research-based knowledge to all North Carolinians, transforming science into everyday solutions that improve their 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.

STRATEGIC PLAN NC State Extension’s 2030 strategic plan charts a course for us to continue meeting the diverse needs of North Carolinians for years.

A CENTURY OF SERVICE

go.ncsu.edu/ TransformingTomorrow

NC State Extension is housed in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, and includes faculty and staff from the College of Natural Resources and the College of Design at NC State University.

Lincoln signs the Morrill Act, establishing land-grant colleges for teaching agriculture and mechanical arts in every state.

1862

James A. Butler is hired as the state’s first county agent, serving in Iredell.

1889 The North Carolina College of Agriculture and Mechanical Arts, now NC State, opens its doors as the state’s land-grant institution.

1907

The Smith-Lever Act formally creates a national Cooperative Extension System. Extension in N.C. is born on May 8.

1911 Home demonstration agents start the first Girls’ Canning Clubs, precursors to today’s Family and Consumer Sciences programs.

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FROM THE DIRECTOR As we approach the 110th anniversary of the Smith-Lever Act in 2024, it’s a time to both reflect on the past and look ahead to the future.

For more than a century, NC State Extension has connected farmers, families and communities across North Carolina with trusted solutions. Our history of extending knowledge and enriching lives is as rich and diverse as the state we serve.

And with the ongoing support of our partners – and dedication of our experts – we continue to shape the state's future, as you'll see in this report.

We're embracing technological innovations, like AI, while blazing new trails for interdisciplinary research. We're strengthening food systems and growing farms of the future. We're fostering community collaboration and resilience in rural and urban areas alike. We're helping our youth and their families navigate uncharted waters and achieve their full potential. We're protecting natural resources and ecosystems, while promoting sustainability in agriculture.

By addressing local needs and emerging issues today, Extension is positioning North Carolina communities for a brighter future.

We're transferring knowledge, and transforming tomorrow.

A. Richard Bonanno Director, NC State Extension Associate Dean, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Vice Provost, University Outreach and Engagement

Extension formally partners with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.

1936 For the first time, Extension farm demonstration agents are serving all 100 counties.

1952

NC State launches the first university Extension website in the nation. Today, more than 11 million people visit our sites each year.

1960s Extension’s 4-H program expands to include urban youth, while the Civil Rights Act promotes racial integration across Extension programs.

1993

NC State is awarded the official National Thanksgiving Turkeys.

Extension specialists oversee their care at the university’s turkey education unit.

2019

2022

Tomorrow

Extension’s annual economic impact to North Carolina is valued at $2.1 billion.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS 5-6

A System of Solutions

7-8

Agriculture

9-10

Food and Nutrition

11-12

A Mecca In the Mountains

13-14

4-H Youth Development

15-16

Natural Resources

17-18

Investing In the Future

19-20

In Your Neighborhood

21-22

Connecting Communities

Wherever You Call Home, Extension Is There Extension forms a pipeline of knowledge and innovation unlike anything else in the state. From the mountains to the coast, in all 552 cities and towns along the way, Extension is everywhere for North Carolina.

Mitchell Madison

Haywood

Swain

Macon

McDowell

Henderson

Polk

Transylvania

Clay

#1 TRUSTED SOURCE FOR NORTH CAROLINIANS

101

1,000+

200+

Local Centers

Experts

Websites

Federal $15.2M State $49.7M I County $85.5M II Other $28.8M TOTAL

$179.2M

I

Incl. $42.6M in local facility investments by county partners

II

Grants, contracts, donations, etc.

3

27–1 ROI

Economic return on government investments

$2.1B

Extension’s annual economic impact on N.C.

Burke

WEST EST T

Jackson

276

Avery

Yancey

Buncombe

Graham

Cherokee

ANNUAL EXPENDITURES

Watau

New or revised publications

Rutherford

Cu rri t uc k

en

s Tyrrell

Dare

Moore

Cumberland

Richmond

Pamlico

Sampson

Jones Duplin

Scotland Robeson

Craven

Lenoir

Hoke

Hyde

Beaufort

Wayne

SO SO SOU OUTH UTH HC CEN ENTRA TRA RA AL Anson

an

Harnett

Mecklenburg

Union

k

Montgomery

t an

Beaufort

Pitt

Greene

Lee Stanly

Washington

Wilson

Lincoln Cabarrus

uim

Edgecombe Martin

Johnston

Gaston

rq

Bertie

Chatham

Randolph

Rowan

uo

Nash

Wake Davidson

Catawba

NORTHEA N NORTHE NOR RT EA EAST E AS

Durham

Iredell

sq

Alexander

Franklin

Orange

Hertford Halifax

n

Guilford

Alamance

Warren Granville

Forsyth

Davie

e

Cleveland

Person

Pa

Yadkin

Vance

Pe

Caldwell

Caswell

NORTH NOR RTH R TH CENT TRAL TRA T RAL RA AL A L

Wilkes

Gates

Northampton

Rockingham

Stokes

md

Surry

C h o wa

uga

Alleghany

Ca

Ashe

Onslow

SOUT UTH UT HEA HEAST EAS AS ST S T

Craven Carteret

Bladen

Pender New Hanover

Columbus Brunswick

78 Rural Counties* 22 Urban / Suburban Counties* 101 Extension Centers

26K+

Educational programs statewide

18 Research Stations Partnered with NCDA&CS

*11.5M

4 NC State Field Labs

Total web visitors

*Based on N.C. Rural Center definitions

*34.3M Total pageviews

~181K

Educational outreach activities

*Data is underreported due to change in analytics platforms during the year

go.ncsu.edu/ ExtensionImpacts 4

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A System of Solutions

ADMINISTRATION

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.

A CASE STUDY IN JONES COUNTY

Rich Bonanno, Ph.D. Director Associate Dean, CALS Vice Provost, Outreach and Engagement abonann@ncsu.edu

Susan Kelly

IDENTIFY ISSUES Extension experts in every county engage with farmers, businesses and families to determine local challenges

THE ISSUE Fish farmers contacted Mike Frinsko, Extension area agent for aquaculture, with a pressing need to boost production of hybrid striped bass (HSB) at local hatcheries.

Assistant Director County Operations sakelly2@ncsu.edu

Sarah Kirby, Ph.D. Assistant Director State Program Leader, FCS sdkirby@ncsu.edu

Nikki Kurdys

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

THE SOLUTION Frinsko connected with Ben Reading, a CALS scientist specializing in striped bass physiology and reproduction, whose research resulted in higher-quality domestic broodstock that spawn mass numbers of HSB for farmers.

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.

TRANSFER RESULTS Extension delivers research-based resources back to communities, translating knowledge into solutions

THE RESULTS Frinsko helped hatcheries implement Reading’s research, then provided technical training and assistance throughout the spawning process.

Associate Director State Program Leader, 4-H mjyoder@ncsu.edu

Today, North Carolina ranks No. 1 in the U.S. for HSB production, while N.C. hatcheries are able to produce superior HSB, decrease prices and grow N.C. aquaculture. go.ncsu.edu/ AboutExtension

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Growing a Stronger Agricultural Future Extension innovates better agricultural products and practices, helping to grow agribusinesses and foster the long-term success of North Carolina agriculture.

New Flight Path for N.C. Poultry When it comes to the U.S. poultry industry, North Carolina rules the roost. But rising costs, shifting markets and the ongoing threat of bird flu require the state’s producers to adjust their approach. For Extension poultry specialist Ken Anderson, it’s not a question of chicken or the egg; it’s both, as he guides the industry’s transition toward cage-free aviary production. go.ncsu.edu/PromotingPoultry

N.C. AGRICULTURE SNAPSHOT

$103.2B

Economic Impact

737,679 Jobs

Healthy Soils = Healthy Crops Assessing soil health isn’t as simple as having it hop on a scale or say, “ahhh.” It’s affected by a medley of microscopic factors, from fungi and bacteria to the tiniest of organisms found in the ground.

Climate change, farming practices and evolving food systems impact soil health too. Enter new Extension soil specialist Mallory Choudoir, who explores ways to bolster soil health and maximize crop productivity for farmers. go.ncsu.edu/ExtensionSoilHealth

#1

Sweet Potatoes, Tobacco and Poultry / Egg

#6

Total Livestock Sales

45,000 Farms

#2

Christmas Trees, Hogs and Turkeys

#9

Total Farm Sales

Battle of the Bugs In farm fields across the state, a modern-day Battle of Thermopylae plays out during the growing season.

Instead of Spartans and Persians, outnumbered farmers fight off an onslaught of insect invaders.

Aphids, thrips, beetles, stink bugs, weevils, moths and more. Despite their small mouths, they take a big bite out of producer profits. And the Leonidas of our story? He's Jim Walgenbach, Extension entomology specialist. go.ncsu.edu/BugBattle 7

Crops

Animal Ag

30.5%

69.5%

Sources: USDA-NASS, North Carolina Agricultural Statistics; NC State, N.C. Agriculture Summary

N.C. PSI Extension Agent Network Delivers Solutions to Farmers In 2023, NC State Extension and the university's North Carolina Plant Sciences Initiative (N.C. PSI) launched a program to boost the delivery of research to farmers.

The N.C. PSI Extension Agent Network will use the vast resources of Extension as an outlet for N.C. PSI research innovations, which aim to increase crop yields, create new varieties and extend growing seasons.

“This is a great way to ensure the technology we're developing is relevant on-farm in North Carolina,” said Rachel Vann, N.C. PSI platform director for Extension, Outreach and Engagement. “An exciting aspect of getting this off the ground is that farmers were the initial supporters of this network.”

The 12 experts in the inaugural network will receive an annual stipend. More agents will be able to apply in the future.

“This network is part of a larger effort within NC State Extension to connect researchers from the entire college to Extension agents across our program areas,” said Rich Bonanno, NC State Extension director. “They bring a wealth of knowledge and will help ensure that research results address real-world problems and create positive impacts in North Carolina and beyond.” go.ncsu.edu/PSI-ExtensionNetwork Rachel Vann (right), Extension soybean specialist, and Keely Marlowe (left), Extension intern from Cleveland County, examine plant samples at NC State’s Plant Sciences Building. Collaboration between campus researchers and county experts is integral to the initiative.

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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.

Extension Food Safety Experts Help an Apple Farm Expand its Business When Jeff Nix took over management of Flavor Full Farms, a multi-generational apple orchard in Henderson County, he wanted to expand the business. Nix and his wife, Dale, turned to NC State Extension food safety experts Lynette Johnston and Elena Rogers, who helped the farm launch a packing house and apple slicing operation.

Over the past few years, they have imparted a deep knowledge of food safety that enables the Nixes to comply with federal and state sanitation standards.

The apple slicing business provides tasty, nutritious snacks to school children in Western North Carolina. Launching it required an in-depth understanding of pathogenic contamination and how to keep microscopic germs out of the slicing room.

“In helping them see the value of food safety, we're ultimately protecting public health,” Rogers said. “You can’t get it wrong.”

Johnston made on-farm visits to conduct food safety training. Rogers makes regular visits to check in and answer questions.

“I love the purpose of Extension; it’s all about service and helping people find solutions.”

Lynette Johnston, Extension food safety specialist

"If it hadn’t been for Elena and Lynette, I don’t know how we'd be operating,” said Dale. go.ncsu.edu/GrowingBusiness 9

Sliced apples at Flavor Full Farms before being packaged for school lunches. NC State Extension food safety experts help farmers ensure their food products are safe to eat.

SAFE AND HEALTHY FOOD CHOICES Food Safety

SNAP-Ed (Steps to Health)

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.

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 nationwide. NC State’s SNAP-Ed program, Steps to Health, celebrated its 16th year in FY2023.

31,800 social media followers

117,342 participants in nutrition and physical activity efforts

3,295 food handlers or managers increased safe food handling knowledge

7.9M impressions from social media campaigns 57% of participants increased consumption of

141,758 participants increased their knowledge of safe food

fresh produce

handling, preservation and preparation practices

EFNEP Consumer Food Preparation and Preservation 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.

The Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) is a federally funded initiative that helps limited-resource families make healthy choices that prevent chronic disease and reduce healthcare costs. Efforts cover nutrition, physical activity and cooking on a budget.

1,826 families served in 40 counties

141,161 participants increased their knowledge of home food prep and preservation

47,703 participants intend to use local foods for cooking, preparing or preserving

61,625 adults increased their consumption of fruits and vegetables

98%

80%

95%

of participants improved diet quality

of participants now practice daily physical activity

of participants practice better food resource management

go.ncsu.edu/ExtensionFCS 10

An Extension and Research Mecca in the Mountains

Stretching across nearly 400 acres of fertile farmland, there's an agricultural mecca in Mills River. The Mountain Horticultural Crops Research and Extension Center (MHCREC) is home to dozens of NC State Extension and research professionals who aid farmers throughout the region.

Innovative research and Extension efforts cover commodities from apples, ornamentals and tomatoes to soybeans, hemp and hops.

Located within a half-day's drive of half-adozen land-grant schools, the MHCREC is uniquely equipped to promote agricultural prosperity along the Blue Ridge and beyond.

MHCREC SNAPSHOT Location: Mills River (Henderson County) Size: 397 Acres 23,500 sq. ft. facility (incl. 6 labs, offices and 200-seat auditorium) Employees: 50+ (Extension and Research) Milestones: 1949: Mountain Horticultural Crops Research Station started 1959: Becomes a permanent station with NC State faculy 1985: State funds construction of current MHCREC facility go.ncsu.edu/MHCREC-Feature

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4-H Youth Development Extension’s 4-H program welcomes youth of all beliefs and backgrounds, empowering hundreds of thousands of young people with the skills to lead for a lifetime.

Preventing Opioid Misuse in Rural N.C. Studies show that if children feel free to talk about anything, and if parents listen to their concerns, we can stop problems like substance misuse before they start.

That is the premise of the NC State Extension 4-H Empowering Youth and Families Program (EYFP). The 10-week family leadership program focuses on opioid prevention education for youth and their caregivers in rural North Carolina. The goals are to bolster parenting skills to equip young people to make healthy choices, improve family relationships, and empower families to lead community change.

“After going through the program, they say it's easy to talk with their kids,” said Niki Maness, program administrator in Yancey County.

“They can communicate about things like peer pressure, knowing what substances are, and don’t take pills that aren't yours.”

Afterward, families are encouraged to hold community events and spread the word about what they've learned.

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“That’s our change mechanism, creating advocates who can then educate their community,” said Autumn Cano-Guin, Extension 4-H youth specialist.

The program is now available for all counties in North Carolina, and a training will be held this spring for all interested 4-H professionals.

A USDA-NIFA grant helped launch the program in 2017. 4-H implemented EYFP in three counties the following year, eventually expanding it to 12 counties.

go.ncsu.edu/4HEmpoweringYouth

Extension FCS agent Niki Maness (rear) at Millstone 4-H Camp in Ellerbe with a family that participated in the Empowering Youth and Families Program.

GROWING THE LEADERS OF TOMORROW

4-H’ers are...

4X

more likely to give back to their communities

2X

more likely to make healthier choices

2X

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. >

188,255 participants in 4-H activities

>

19,532 participants in 4-H clubs

>

137,427 participants in school enrichment programs

>

9,652 adult volunteers supported 4-H

>

4,600 participants in 4-H camping programs

4-H programs cover areas like health, science, agriculture and civic engagement, where youth gain the confidence and life skills to make the world better. Today’s 4-H youth are tomorrow’s leaders. >

17,452 youth enhanced their knowledge of leadership and personal development

>

29,635 youth enhanced their knowledge of communications and expressive arts

>

27,527 youth enhanced their knowledge of health

Celebrating the 4-H Legacy Every year 4-H honors the individuals, families and partners that ensure the future of 4-H for North Carolina youth.

Through the N.C. 4-H Alumni Awards, we celebrate the ongoing contributions of some of our most active advocates and friends.

The achievements and service of award recipients exemplify 4-H’s mission of “Making the Best Better,” as they create a legacy of excellence.

go.ncsu.edu/4-HAlumniAwards23 14

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Protecting Our Shared Environment Extension professionals in the College of Natural Resources (CNR) support three of North Carolina’s top industries: forestry, tourism and wood products, which contribute over $85 billion to the economy.

Working with more than 1.7 million landowners, natural resource professionals and business leaders, Extension experts in CNR bolstered knowledge of the state’s rich natural environments in 2023:

HIGHLIGHTS Extension Forestry > Enhanced the application of prescribed burning across 52 counties with seven prescribed burn associations > Increased awareness of invasive species among more than 1.2 million people > Secured $13.5M in funding to support military readiness and the enhancement of working and natural lands in 33 counties

Wood Products Extension > Enhanced skills in urban wood drying of high-quality slabs and lumber for 13 professionals, fostering 22% business growth > Increased knowledge of lumber operations for owners of small to midsize companies, creating business growth of 19%

Tourism Extension > Grew awareness of economic and social benefits of agritourism among 10,000+ people > Led the formation of the Global Agritourism Network, with over 550 members from 87 countries > Increased awareness in more than 2,200 individuals of agritourism’s role in rural development

go.ncsu.edu/Homegrown-Agritourism

< Students in the College of Natural Resources learn about controlled forest burns at NC State’s Hill Forest in Durham.

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How to Fathom Forever Chemicals Exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) – a group of nearly 15,000 synthetic chemicals – is a growing concern in North Carolina and beyond. Used for their resistance to heat, oils and water, PFAS exist in a variety of everyday products – from cosmetics and clothing to furniture and food packaging.

Commonly called “forever chemicals” because they break down so slowly, PFAS have been found around the globe in environments and people, where research suggests they can cause significant harm.

NC State Extension specialist Khara Grieger is addressing a pressing need for public education. Grieger co-authored a comprehensive guide on PFAS to help inform industries, families and governments.

go.ncsu.edu/UnderstandingPFAS

Stemming the Tide of Saltwater Intrusion The importance of agriculture for Eastern North Carolina is significant, both as an anchor for the state's largest industry and an economic lifeline for local communities. Thus the high anxiety around high tide, as saltwater intrusion impacts our coastal ecosystems and farmers. To help mitigate the issue, Extension experts launched a study to identify soybean varieties that could grow in the salty environs. As a result, producers' odds of finding a balance between living with nature and generating profits just got a bit better.

go.ncsu.edu/Soybean-Saltwater

Wanted: Anything but Bradford Pears A popular program to raise awareness about the spread of invasive Bradford pear trees across North Carolina's natural landscapes returned in 2023. “Bradford Pear Bounty” program participants received a free native tree in exchange for removing a Bradford pear at home. NC State Extension hosted four new events statewide with the N.C. Wildlife Federation, N.C. Urban Forest Council and N.C. Forest Service.

go.ncsu.edu/BradfordBounty23 Most people are exposed to PFAS via drinking water. Depending on where you > live and your water source, free tests may be available to confirm PFAS levels.

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Investing In the Future Extension’s local government partners invested $42.6 million in 2023 to help build or renovate Extension centers in more than 20 counties.

Farm, Food and Family Education Center Extension and local leaders broke ground in November on the Farm, Food and Family Education Center (F3EC) in Asheboro. When completed by early 2025, the 104-acre campus – replete with a demonstration kitchen, community garden, incubator farm, livestock center and more – will house Extension’s Randolph County Center and serve as a hub for community collaboration and innovation. go.ncsu.edu/F3EC

West End Plaza Agricultural Center Extension’s Rowan County Center also took significant strides toward an office upgrade in 2023. Construction commenced to transform part of the former Salisbury Mall into the West End Plaza Agricultural Center. With roughly $30 million in renovations, the state-of-the-art space will host Extension's Rowan staff and other state agricultural agencies upon completion in 2024.

Bridging the Digital Divide The National Skills Coalition reports that 91% of North Carolina jobs require a digital skill, while the N.C. Department of Information Technology (DIT) estimates more than 1 million adults may lack skills to participate in the digital economy.

Led by Kenny Sherin, Extension's digital literacy program received a $1.3M DIT grant in 2023 to expand its efforts to educate people to use the internet for health, education and jobs. go.ncsu.edu/ExpandingDigitalSkills

Kenny Sherin, Extension broadband access and education coordinator, leads a > team of digital navigators helping North Carolinians learn critical computer skills.

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The Farm, Food and Family Education Center (F3EC) in Asheboro.

Creating a Cornucopia Corn is vital to North Carolina’s $103 billion agriculture industry, and our daily lives. Corn feeds (literally) the state’s pork and poultry industries. Many essential everyday products – from foods and cosmetics to fuels and construction materials – come from corn.

Ron Heiniger has served as Extension’s sole corn specialist for nearly 30 years, supporting N.C. growers with field trials, farm visits and production innovations. To help ensure the future of this key role, NC State Extension and the Corn Growers Association of North Carolina have created the Ronnie W. Heiniger Distinguished Chair in Corn Extension Agronomy.

$1

=

$3

Each dollar a farmer spends on growing a corn crop returns $3 to the local economy.

Help us ensure a bright, bountiful future for N.C. corn: go.ncsu.edu/ FutureofCorn

DONATIONS

1,053 Donors Supporting Extension Efforts

1,352 Gifts and New Commitments

$1.5M Value of Gifts and Commitments (FY23)

189 Extension Endowments

16% Growth in Contributions (FY22 to FY23) go.ncsu.edu/ CALSWaystoGive

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Extension In Your Neighborhood North Central

CAMDEN COUNTY

DURHAM COUNTY

Northeast

West

South Central

Southeast

Partnering with federal, state and local governments, as well as N.C. A&T State University, we operate as part of an educational network called N.C. Cooperative Extension.

Local Extension centers staff 758 professionalsI , while 549 employees work at campus and other facilities supporting our mission.

We celebrate our "Hometown Heroes" – Extension experts from five districts statewide – who change lives and create brighter futures in their communities.

Hometown Hero: Austin Brown

Hometown Hero: Gaebryl Vives

As County Extension Director, Austin Brown has been instrumental in working with local leaders to build a new Extension center for Camden County. As field crops agent, he helps county farmers thrive. He provides in-depth crop data, including monitoring harmful pests. He works closely with the Northeast Ag Expo team to conduct field trials for corn, soybean and wheat varieties.

Gaebryl Vives worked with Extension while a student at Durham Tech, and became a Family and Consumer Sciences program assistant after graduating. While working on his bachelor’s degree at NC State, Vives manages volunteers for Durham Tech’s Harvest Pantry, which grew 2,229 pounds of produce for food insecure community members in 2023.

NORTHEAST DISTRICT > Counties: 22 > Households: 735,855 > Food Insecurity: 10% > Farms: 5,410 > Ag Cash Receipts: $2.2B > Extension Employees: 164 > Educational Programs: 5,769

NORTH CENTRAL DISTRICT > Counties: 20 > Households: 1,003,297 > Food Insecurity: 11.5% > Farms: 14,643 > Ag Cash Receipts: $1.4B > Extension Employees: 171 > Educational Programs: 4,540

Helping Hands Make Light Work Volunteers also enhanced Extension’s impact in 2023, contributing more than $13 millionII of time supporting our programs.

I Includes 628 NC State-funded Extension employees and 130 county-funded personnel II Based on estimated value ($31.80/hr.) of volunteer services in 2023 (independentsector.org)

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CRAVEN COUNTY

UNION COUNTY

WATAUGA COUNTY

Hometown Hero: Ashley Brooks

Hometown Hero: Crystal Starkes

Hometown Hero: Jim Hamilton

Ashley Brooks went to poultry judging nationals as a 4-H’er in Halifax County, but “didn’t win anything,” she said. As a 4-H agent in Craven County, she looked on proudly as her team won the 2023 national championship. “I know the value of this program personally and it’s so enriching to see my 4-H’ers go beyond what I did,” she said. “They give back to their community.”

Crystal Starkes is known for innovating in her nine years as a 4-H agent. In 2023, she collaborated with two AgTech elementary schools in Union County to teach "Agriculture + Technology: Connecting Coding to RealLife Agricultural Problems" to K-5 students.

The lessons explored how farmers and scientists use autonomous tractors for crop harvesting and soil quality assessments.

Jim Hamilton has a way with words. The Extension director in Watauga County is a novelist and often writes about Extension’s work for local and regional publications. His Christmas tree story won an award from the National Association of County Agricultural Agents in 2023. He also helped write grants securing $4.6 million for a USDA-inspected facility for Watauga meat producers.

SOUTHEAST DISTRICT > Counties: 18 > Households: 638,365 > Food Insecurity: 12.7% > Farms: 7,657 > Ag Cash Receipts: $4.5B > Extension Employees: 160 > Educational Programs: 6,069

SOUTH CENTRAL DISTRICT

WEST DISTRICT

> Counties: 19 > Households: 1,265,490 > Food Insecurity: 10.7% > Farms: 9,920 > Ag Cash Receipts: $2.4B > Extension Employees: 139 > Educational Programs: 4,576

> *Counties: 22 > Households: 462,225 > Food Insecurity: 13.1% > Farms: 8,788 > Ag Cash Receipts: $599.1M > Extension Employees: 124 > Educational Programs: 5,286 *Includes Qualla Boundary (Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians)

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Connecting Communities Extension's vast array of programs and partnerships revolve around a common concept: connecting communities. Rural and urban, in-person and online. From social channels and video series to local volunteers and trusted publications.

We meet people where they are.

Learn. Grow. Share.

The NC State Extension Master GardenerSM (EMG) program provides trusted gardening knowledge to help North Carolinians cultivate healthy plants, landscapes and communities.

EMG is offered in 75 of Extension’s 101 local centers. The program features nearly 4,000 volunteers statewide, who donated more than $7 million in *time and services in 2023.

go.ncsu.edu/AboutEMG *Based on estimated value ($31.80/hr.) of volunteer services in 2023 (independentsector.org)

Publications Promote Prosperity NC State Extension publications provide practical guidance, backed by science, on a wide array of topics. Extension produced or updated 78 numbered publications this past year, while another 198 factsheets were developed or updated independently by specialists.

Nearly 3,000 publications are available on our website at no cost.

go.ncsu.edu/Extension-Publications

Everyday Solutions for Everyday Lives

Social Snapshot

20K+

Social Media Followers

80%

Increase in Post Shares

NCExtension 21

2.8M

Channel Impressions

NC State Extension’s Homegrown video series connects younger generations of North Carolinians with Extension and the importance of agriculture.

go.ncsu.edu/Homegrown-YouTube

100K+ Video Views

3K Hours Watch Time

< Watch Homegrown’s Greatest Hits

Join Our Pack NC State Extension puts knowledge into action,

delivering research-based solutions to local issues statewide.

From promoting public health and protecting natural resources to nurturing our youth and strengthening our food systems, Extension experts change lives and create brighter futures.

With 101 local centers across every county, Extension offers careers and services wherever you call home.

Are you ready to make a difference?

Find out more!

go.ncsu.edu/ExtensionJobs

go.ncsu.edu/ExtensionImpact2023

NC State University promotes equal opportunity and prohibits discrimination and harassment based upon one’s race; color; religion (including belief and non-belief); sex, including but not limited to pregnancy, childbirth or other related medical condition, parenting and sexual harassment; sexual orientation; actual or perceived gender identity; age; national origin; disability; veteran status; genetic information; or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.

1,000 copies of this public document were printed at a cost of $3.98 per copy.

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