AgPackStrong!

Mar 3, 2025

Growing Excellence in Turfgrass Education

When Dewayne Krege first enrolled at Lees-McRae College, he envisioned a future in business. However, a love for the outdoors and a part-time job at Elk River Country Club ignited… 

Oct 28, 2020

Alumni Spotlight: Archie Griffin Plans Farm of the Future

What keeps Archie Griffin up at night? More often than not, it’s a foreboding sense that he may one day lose the farm that his grandfather started building in the 1960s. 

Oct 21, 2020

Lake Wheeler Field Lab Names New Superintendent

Bridget Lassiter, a Crop Science alumna, brings a can-do attitude to her new role as the first female superintendent of NC State’s Lake Wheeler Road Field Lab. 

Sep 28, 2020

Alumni Spotlight: Jimmy Simpson, Still in the Game

NC State Alumni Jimmy Simpson oversees all the Town of Cary’s 45 athletic fields, volleyball courts, and supporting facilities with a team of 23 full-time employees. An avid high school baseball player and fan, he saw sports turf management as a long term connection to stay in the game he loves. 

Jun 26, 2020

Alumni Profile: Dorian Perez

Crop and Soil Sciences alumni Dorian Perez tried college, twice. But when the first pass didn’t stick, he tried another route that started him towards his field of dreams. 

Oct 25, 2019

NC State Alumni Take the Field in World Series

The Washington Nationals' beautiful field is courtesy of John Turnour, a 2001 NC State turfgrass graduate. John will be on the largest of sports stages as the Nationals host the World Series for the first time. 

Feb 9, 2018

AgPack Strong: Ag Institute Grad Jason Barbour Diversifies

On his farm near Four Oaks, Jason Barbour grows a lot of the usual North Carolina crops – tobacco, sweet potatoes, small grains, soybeans and corn. But in recent years he’s added a crop that wouldn’t make that list: popcorn.