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On the Backroads, Again

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small pepper plants in containers in front of a pole barn and parked tractor

Feb 4, 2026

NC State Faculty Receive Ag Research Grants to Grow North Carolina Agriculture

The North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has awarded grants to 11 NC State University researchers that support a range of agricultural projects to boost new crop production and innovative solutions that advance the state’s agricultural economy. 
man reversing lawnmower in field with onlookers

Feb 2, 2026

Growing Success: NC State’s Horticultural Science Hits Record Enrollment as Green Industry Surges

NC State Horticultural Science has reached record enrollment as North Carolina’s green industry is booming. From groundbreaking research to the JC Raulston Arboretum’s 50-year celebration, the department remains the vital engine for the state’s thriving agricultural economy. 

Jan 22, 2026

Meet the Superhero Farm Robots in Training

NC State students and researchers are creating robotic field hands that could help grow and harvest your next salad. 
Scientist in greenhouse

Jan 20, 2026

NC State Genome Editing Center’s Tim Kelliher Connects Biotech to Farmers’ Needs

Tim Kelliher, leader of NC State’s Genome Editing Center for Sustainable Agriculture, says taking time away from college to work 12-hour days on farms inspired his career in plant development and genetics. 
Melinda Knuth

Dec 15, 2025

Knuth Named a Goodnight Early Career Innovator

Melinda Knuth, assistant professor of horticultural science, has been recognized as one of NC State’s Goodnight Early Career Innovators for her pioneering research at the intersection of traditional plant sciences and human behavior. 
Ariana Phouangkeo

Dec 9, 2025

Feeding Communities Inspires Horticultural Science Student Ariana Phouangkeo

Graduating student Ariana Phouangkeo's rewarding journey from food science to the agroecology-urban horticulture major at NC State led her to participate in research, global study abroad programs and a supportive community passionate about agriculture and feeding communities. 
Ingrid Tuyuc in front of the NC State Memorial Bell Tower

Dec 8, 2025

The Next Generation of Resilient Horticulturalists

Horticulture graduates from North Carolina State University, including Brooke Matusko, Alisha Ray and Ingrid Tuyuc, are ready to tackle global food system challenges with innovative solutions in plant sciences, emphasizing resilience and advanced crop technologies. 
a photograph of the back of a group of people wearing red graduation caps and gowns

Dec 8, 2025

Fall CALS Grads Look to the Future

Three soon-to-be graduates reflect on their time with CALS, what they’ve learned and what comes next. 
Man holds out cut orange sweetpotato in front of crowd

Nov 12, 2025

20 Years to Grow on: Future-proofing NC State’s Covington Sweetpotato

As NC State University’s renowned Covington sweetpotato turns 20, plant breeders are working tirelessly to add resistance to a new pest, using the latest tools. 
Man holds up a tomato plant as he speaks to a group outside.

Nov 11, 2025

On the Backroads, Again

Researchers from five NC State colleges joined the N.C. Plant Sciences Initiative’s 2025 Backroad Tour, learning more about Western North Carolina agriculture and considering ways their expertise can help solve farm problems.