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Extension Agent Network

Beta-testing N.C. PSI-developed technologies in the field to accelerate seamless adoption on North Carolina farms.

The N.C. PSI Extension Agent Network is committed to helping growers solve real-world problems in the field through cutting-edge plant science innovation. Agents in this network leverage their strong relationships at the local level to both drive future N.C. PSI projects and to beta-test technology being developed by the N.C. PSI on-farm.

The N.C. Extension Agent Network represents 32 different counties from across North Carolina.

What N.C. PSI Extension Agents Do:

  • Beta-test PSI developed technologies in the field to accelerate seamless adoption on North Carolina farms
  • Participate in monthly Zoom meetings to discuss developed technologies and production needs in North Carolina
  • Host PSI-developed technology outreach events within Counties
  • Serve as a champion for N.C. PSI across North Carolina

In exchange for their participation, N.C. PSI Extension Agents will receive a $5,000 stipend to their salaries over the course of one year. This stipend support comes from the generosity of the NC Soybean Producers Association, NC Corn Growers Association, NC Small Grain Producers, the Interagency Digital Equity Funds, private donors and the N.C PSI.

Meet the N.C. PSI Extension Agent Network

Our Extension Agent Network represent the diverse geography and crop production systems encountered across North Carolina. Members of the Extension Agent Network are part of 10 cohorts, each of which works closely with a N.C. PSI faculty member on a specific area of focus:

2025 SAS agent cohort
Agerpoint agent cohort
Multispectral agent cohort map 2025
  • Aaron Moore, agriculture and commercial horticulture agent, Union County
  • Owen Washam, commercial horticulture and forestry agent, Montgomery County
  • Jalynne Ward, field crops agent, Washington County
  • Gabriella de Souza, consumer horticulture agent & Extension Master Gardener℠ Program coordinator, New Hanover County
  • Cody Craddock, agriculture and horticulture agent, Randolph County
  • Bruce McLean, agriculture and horticulture agent, Columbus County
STEPS agent cohort 2025 map
  • Meghan Baker, small farms agent, Buncombe County
  • Karen Blaedow, vegetable and small fruit agent, Henderson County
  • Sam Marshall, ornamental nursery and greenhouse area specialized agent, Western Region
  • Douglas Clement, county extension director and agriculture, community development and Firewise agent

Funded by N.C. Commodity Boards and David Peele

Funded by the NC Department of Information Technology 

Funded by the North Carolina Tobacco Trust Fund Commission

precision pest agent cohort map 2025

Funded by the North Carolina Tobacco Trust Fund Commission

Sensor Development Agent Cohort map 2025

Funded by the North Carolina Tobacco Trust Fund Commission

Disease Diagnostic Agent Cohort map 2025
  • Karen Blaedow, agriculture agent, Henderson County
  • Doug Clement, County extension director and agriculture & horticulture agent, Cherokee County
  • Cody Craddock, agriculture & horticulture agent, Randolph County
  • Aaron Moore, small farms agent, Union County

Extension Agents Explore AI for Agriculture

Artificial intelligence promises to transform agriculture. This spring, 15 Extension agents from across North Carolina took a deep two-day dive into the use of artificial intelligence in agriculture during a workshop at NC State’s Plant Sciences Building aims to position agricultural agents as key links in ensuring that farmers benefit.

Special thanks to the donors who made this possible