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Ripe for the Picking

Research

NC State research flies a drone over dormant warm-season turfgrass research plots.

Jun 3, 2026

Harvesting Data for Agriculture

New technology for better drone-based data collection and analysis is helping turn North Carolina’s agricultural research stations into farms of the future, and an N.C. Plant Sciences Initiative team is intent on delivering even more tech solutions that help farmers put data to work. 
Josué Alarcón Mendoza, a precision horticulture graduate researcher in horticultural science, showcases the tomato harvest from his research plots in Clinton, NC.

Jun 2, 2026

Exploring Cost-Effective Fumigation Methods for Small Growers

Graduate student Josué Alarcón Mendoza's research in precision horticulture aims to make soil fumigation more accessible for small and medium fruit growers. 
Mike Walden, CALS ARE Extension

May 29, 2026

You Decide: How Will You Vote on New Tax Proposals?

State legislators have approved adding constitutional amendments on taxes to North Carolina ballots. NC State economist Mike Walden provides context on the potential pros and cons of these measures. 
A woman speaks to a group during a workshop in a field.

May 28, 2026

Manure Marketplace in the Making: NC State’s Food Animal Initiative Developing New Tool

A new manure marketplace project at NC State University seeks to make the most of this organic fertilizer by creating a tool to connect livestock and poultry producers with row crop farmers. 
A food scientist wearing personal protective gear oversees four Artemis II astronauts tasting food and rating it on their laptops

May 27, 2026

Feeding the Artemis II Crew: A Q&A with NC State Alumna Grace Douglas of NASA

Grace Douglas, the lead scientist for NASA’s Advanced Food Technology research, explores how to provide palatable, nutritious meals for astronauts. 
A woman wearing glasses and a lab coat smiling while holding a petri dish.

May 26, 2026

Breeding Possibilities for Better Crops

Driven by a strong work ethic, Caitlin Kestell, a doctoral student in crop science, pursues genome editing and biotechnology to advance crop improvement and inspire young scientists. 
a young woman and young man holding award plaques stand with a taller old man in front of a gray brick wall

May 19, 2026

Curiosity Guides 2026 Keller Award Winners

Doctoral graduates Anna Yaschenko and Junjian Wang knew early on that genetics would be part of their future. In NC State labs, their innovative research earned them recognition as the 2026 recipients of the Kenneth R. Keller Research Award. 
Mike Walden, CALS ARE Extension

May 15, 2026

You Decide: Is the U.S. Energy Independent?        

NC State economist Mike Walden explains the challenges in filling U.S. fuel needs from domestic supplies versus imported oil. 
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. 
A woman wearing glasses and a lavender jacket holding a phone smiles at the camera through the branches of a bush.

May 11, 2026

Ripe for the Picking

Jing Zhang, 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.