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Local Food, Local Opportunities

Dee Shore

Hand holding compost with redworms. A farmer showing the worms in his hands at Chuadanga, Bangladesh.

Nov 10, 2020

Waste Solutions: Vermicomposting

When it comes to waste management, NC State’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences delivers solutions. Learn how Rhonda Sherman helps others use worms to create valuable soil amendments from agricultural wastes. 
Hand with knife slicing a sweetpotato

Oct 27, 2020

Sweet Success With Sweetpotatoes

Sweetpotatoes are North Carolina's state vegetable, and they're not just for Thanksgiving anymore. Find out how North Carolina growers have positioned our state as the leader when it comes to production of this increasingly in-demand crop. 
Two men looking at plants inside a large container garden with purple lights.

Oct 26, 2020

Growing Up: Vertical Farming Makes the Most of Limited Space

Vertical farming, a space-saving approach to growing crops, is taking shape in a shipping container near campus under the watchful eye of horticultural scientist Ricardo Hernandez and his students. 
Todd Wehner

Oct 21, 2020

A Special Specialty Crops Breeder

Todd Wehner’s decades-long work as a plant breeder have earned him recognition as a valued teacher and mentor, researcher and contributor to agriculture and agribusiness. 
Man with boy posing beside of giant jack-o'-lantern

Oct 5, 2020

Growing Giants

With the North Carolina State Fair cancelled this year, the public won’t get to witness the Great Pumpkin and Watermelon Weigh-Off, but you can listen in as three North Carolinians with a passion for horticulture talk about the art, the science and the fun of growing giants. 
Rich Bonanno speaking to a person at an outdoor event

Sep 22, 2020

One-on-One with NC State Extension’s Rich Bonanno

Bonanno discusses the challenges North Carolina agriculture faces today and how NC State Extension, the organization he leads, works to keep the industry at the forefront of the state’s economy. 
Photo of corn maze that says "Gross Farms" and "Visit NC Farms"

Sep 7, 2020

Agritourism: Heading Out to the Farm

Fall usually brings corn mazes, hayrides, pick-your-own pumpkins and more ways to experience North Carolina farms, but the pandemic adds uncertainty for 2020. 
Two children building a stick structure in the woods

Sep 7, 2020

Outdoor Play: At Your Doorstep

Getting outside is good for kids’ health, education and relationships. An updated guide from NC State offers parenting strategies to help make it happen. 
Man behind a row of turmeric plants on a community farm

Aug 24, 2020

Community Gardens: To Plant Is To Believe

Community gardens can give people who don’t have land the chance to grow healthy food while connecting with others. At a garden on a former North Carolina plantation, refugees from Myanmar are reconnecting with their agrarian roots. 
Grounds and other produce displayed at a farmers market stand

Aug 4, 2020

Local Food, Local Opportunities

Interest in locally grown food has grown over the past two decades, and the pandemic has brought more attention to this important segment of North Carolina’s agriculture industry. But it’s also brought challenges and opportunities.