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Burke to Take the Helm of Crop and Soil Sciences

Amanda Kerr

a woman wearing a crown and a sash that says NC Watermelon Queen hold a slice of watermelon

Jul 1, 2026

NC Watermelon Queen Shares Five Fun Facts About the Summertime Staple

Find out how many servings of watermelon North Carolina farmers provide, the number of common watermelon varieties, the pollination process for seedless watermelons and more with these facts from CALS student and North Carolina Watermelon Queen Lilah Byrum. 
green leaves with reddish brown spots

Jun 19, 2026

Mapping Cotton Bacterial Blight Resistance

A new study by NC State researchers explores the genetic makeup of cotton plants to identify the source of their resistance to cotton bacterial blight, which has reemerged as a threat to cotton production in the U.S. 
a woman uses a pole trimmer to cut a tall plant into a mickey mouse shaped head

Jun 8, 2026

Planting Magic at Disney World

Alumna Neva Grace Brescia, who majored in agroecology and sustainable food systems, has spent the last six months sowing a bit of wonder as a plant science intern at Walt Disney World. 
A woman wearing glasses and a lab coat smiling while holding a petri dish.

May 26, 2026

Breeding Possibilities for Better Crops

Driven by a strong work ethic, Caitlin Kestell, a doctoral student in crop science, pursues genome editing and biotechnology to advance crop improvement and inspire young scientists. 
a group of people standing in front of a gray brick wall holding awards and making wolf ears signs with their hands

Apr 24, 2026

Celebrating Excellence in CALS for 2026

The CALS Celebration of Excellence 2026 honored more than 70 students, faculty and staff making an impact on campus and beyond. 
leafy vegetables growing in mounded beds on a row crop farm

Apr 21, 2026

NC Farmers Face Spring Drought Conditions

Emmanuel Torres Quezada, assistant professor of horticultural science and an Extension vegetable specialist, discusses how North Carolina farmers can navigate the ongoing drought across the state to maintain crop yields. 
a tractor sprays row crops in a field

Apr 16, 2026

NC State Researchers Join International Research Platform to Improve Nitrogen Use

To better understand the nitrogen cycle and fertilizer use in agriculture, NC State University researchers have joined an international coalition focused on developing data and tools to transform how nitrogen is managed in farming. 
a group of people stand in front of a tractor in a field

Apr 6, 2026

AI in Agriculture Conference Explores the Future of Farming

The AI in Agriculture Conference, hosted by NC State University, brought together more than 460 academics, students, researchers, extension professionals and industry leaders from across the country to explore how AI is reshaping the future of agriculture. 
a group of people tending to a field of lettuce

Oct 22, 2025

Get Growing with the Agroecology Education Farm

From beets and potatoes to muscadine grapes and Swiss chard, students get hands-on experience growing a variety of crops at the Agroecology Education Farm. The public is invited to visit the farm for its annual Harvest Fest on Oct. 25. 
a man wearing glases, a light colored button down shirt and gray sports jacket stands in front of green bushes.

Jul 21, 2025

Burke to Take the Helm of Crop and Soil Sciences

Two-time NC State alumnus Ian Burke, a professor and researcher specializing in weed biology and ecology, will rejoin the Wolfpack as head of the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences effective Oct. 1.