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Preserving North Carolina’s Farmland

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a group of students posing for camera

May 26, 2026

2026 California Spring Trials: Expanding Industry Perspectives Through Experiential Learning

NC State horticulture students gained real-world industry practice and exposure to innovation during the 2026 California Spring Trials, connecting classroom knowledge with leading plant breeders and companies. 
Jing Zhang with smartphone in a blueberry field

May 14, 2026

From Unexpected Beginnings to the Future of Digital Agriculture

N.C. PSI faculty affiliate Jing Zhang breaks new ground using high-tech tools to gather and analyze data better and faster for improved plant breeding and crop production. 
Mary Archer next to NC State's "The Egg" sculpture

May 13, 2026

Mary Archer Joins NC State’s Horticultural Science Faculty

NC State alumna Mary Archer joins the Department of Horticultural Sciences as an assistant professor, bringing expertise in landscape design and a passion for student mentorship. 
two wolf statues made of copper weaved metal standing on a brick patio surrounded by trees

May 13, 2026

2026 William Neal Reynolds Distinguished Professors Announced

Ten professors in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences have been named William Neal Reynolds Distinguished Professors, which recognizes outstanding scholars, leaders, teachers and mentors. 
Jing Zhang in blueberry field

May 11, 2026

Ripe for the Picking

Jing Zang, a horticultural science professor and N.C. Plant Sciences Initiative faculty affiliate, is working with blueberry growers to develop a more precise way to determine the best time to harvest, using computer vision and AI. 
Environmental Psychology Class.

May 10, 2026

Environmental Psychology Course Shapes How Students Experience the World

Blending psychology with agriculture, art and global perspectives, this hands-on course challenges students to examine how built and natural environments influence well-being and human behavior. 
Two adults analyzing plant on table

May 6, 2026

From “Dry Content” to “Plant Murder Mysteries”: How One DELTA Grant Reimagined Student Engagement

When Jodi Driedger, director of undergraduate programs in NC State’s Department of Horticulture Science, approached the DELTA Grants team, she had a clear problem with no simple solution.​ Students in HS 201 (The World of Horticulture: Principles and Practices) struggled to engage with the material on plant nutrition. It was dense, visual and technical –… 
graduating student standing in from of Kilgore Hall

May 5, 2026

From Roots to Regalia: Three Horticultural Seniors Share Their Journeys

Graduating seniors Rin Mauney, Allison Langston and Savannah Oliver are prepared to bring their unique skills to the horticultural workforce, helping ensure a more prosperous and innovative future for our green industries. 
Issac Lewis

May 4, 2026

Issac Lewis: CALS Employee of Excellence Award for Customer Service and Outstanding Advising Professional

Isaac Lewis, an undergraduate program specialist in Horticultural Science, received the CALS Employee of Excellence award for his student advocacy and innovative group advising model that provides one-on-one support to new students. 
Farmworkers picking berries in a field in New Hanover County, North Carolina.

May 3, 2026

Preserving North Carolina’s Farmland

North Carolina faces significant farmland loss to urban sprawl. NC State Extension and NC FarmLink provide critical tools, like conservation easements and succession planning, to help families protect their agricultural heritage.