Research & Extension for Commodities

Our commodity research emphases include molecular, cellular, and quantitative genetic techniques for plant improvement; systems agriculture; weed management and modeling; integrated pest management; crop and forage management systems; forage animal research; plant chemistry and quality; and basic and applied physiology of crop plants.

Our Extension Specialists work closely with field faculty in all 100 North Carolina counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee to deliver non-biased, research-based information and technology that make the state’s diverse agriculture more profitable and ecologically sound.

To support these programs, most specialists conduct research on farms throughout the state, the 18 North Carolina research stations, and the Center for Environmental Farming Systems.

Aquatic Weeds

The Aquatic Weed Management Program offers basic information to county Extension personnel and others interested in the management of vegetation in ponds, lakes, and streams. We provide information on everything from plant identification to pesticide license information. 

Cotton

Cotton has been important to North Carolina in agricultural production and the textile industry for many years. Extension provides the latest research and information, including planting conditions, resources for diagnostics and testing, insect scouting guide, variety calculator and more. 

Field Crops

Faculty conduct research on major and specialty field crops across the state, from corn and soybeans to hemp and peanuts. Extension shares the latest information with growers in order to improve yields, reduce costs, and support the ecological health of our farms. 

Forages

Forage plants and grazing lands play a key role in North Carolina’s agriculture. Our work focuses on understanding the factors that determine productivity and sustainability of dedicated bioenergy grasses, forage, and forage-livestock systems and the interactions of plants, animals, and the environment. 

Small Ruminants

The small ruminant research and extension programs bring together all the resources pertaining to production, management, and marketing of small ruminants. We provide producers with extension and research-based information specific to North Carolina small ruminant production. 

Noncropland Weed Management

The noncropland weed management program offers basic information to county extension personnel and others interested in the management of vegetation on highway and utility rights-of-way. 

Organic Field Crop Production

The organic grain production program focuses on equipping North Carolina farmers with the knowledge and agronomic support needed to produce and market organic grain crops. The goal of this program is to enable individuals to adopt and maintain organic crop rotations and to pursue markets for these farm products. 

Peanuts

Peanut breeders use cutting-edge research to develop the next best variety for flavor, appearance, and disease resistance. We provide up-to-date information on peanut production and management in order to assist peanut growers to produce peanuts efficiently, economically and with minimal impact on the environment. 

Soybeans

Faculty study ways to reduce yield losses from pests and diseases. We translate that research to actionable and accessible resources for farmers so they can stay current on weed and insect management techniques and organic soybean production. 

Tobacco

We provide extensive educational and research resources to the tobacco farm sector encompassing agronomics, plant pathology, entomology, agricultural engineering, and agricultural economics. 

Turfgrass

With one of the most robust turfgrass breeding and research programs in the country, NC State is a go-to resource for homeowners, students, Extension personnel and professional turfgrass managers throughout the Southeast. 

Wheat and Small Grains

Stay up-to-date on current weed, nutrient and insect management techniques for small grains based on the latest research. Our extension staff and publications provide growers with the latest news to improve yields and efficiency.