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. PSI Extension Agent Network represents 32 different counties from across North Carolina.

Meet the Extension Agent Network

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 receive a stipend to their salaries to support their effort in our Network.

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Extension Agents and NC State researchers discuss the use of artificial intelligence in agriculture during a 2-day workshop at the Plant Sciences Building.
Researcher Chris Reberg-Horton met with Extension Agents to share how he’s using new imaging technology with computer vision and AI to create more efficient ways to identify plant species and estimate the density and biomass of cash crops, cover crops, and weeds.
SAS’ Shelley Hunt guided agents through a hands-on training covering SAS Viya. an AI and analytics platform.
Alex Brown (left), a graduate student in NC State’s Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, demonstrates a robot called Wolf Puppy to participants in the AI 101 training for Extension agents.
Agents begin beta-testing a new imaging technology in the field.
In 2024, agents in the Cover Crops cohort were trained on a new imaging technology to begin beta-testing in the field.
In 2024, agents in the Cover Crops cohort were trained on a new imaging technology to begin beta-testing in the field.
In 2024, agents in the Cover Crops cohort were trained on a new imaging technology to begin beta-testing in the field.
In 2024, agents in the Cover Crops cohort were trained on a new imaging technology to begin beta-testing in the field.
In 2024, agents in the Cover Crops cohort were trained on a new imaging technology to begin beta-testing in the field.
The Disease Diagnostic Agent Cohort beta testing field application for microDNA plant patches, and the ability to detect NeoP and Anthracnose in strawberries before symptoms are visible on the plant.
The Disease Diagnostic Agent Cohort beta testing field application for microDNA plant patches, and the ability to detect NeoP and Anthracnose in strawberries before symptoms are visible on the plant.
The Disease Diagnostic Agent Cohort beta testing field application for microDNA plant patches, and the ability to detect NeoP and Anthracnose in strawberries before symptoms are visible on the plant.
The Disease Diagnostic Agent Cohort beta testing field application for microDNA plant patches, and the ability to detect NeoP and Anthracnose in strawberries before symptoms are visible on the plant.

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:

Current Cohorts

Verdia Diagnostics is developing wearable sensors for plant leaves that deliver information about the plant’s health in real time. The sensors collect volatile organic compounds and the research aims to identify VOC signatures that signal specific plant diseases and stress in greenhouse environments. The sensors are also used to collect real time data on environmental conditions. Beta testing may extend to field trials for 2026. Read more here.

Map of the state of North Carolina with county lines shown. 3 counties are colored and named in turquoise - Buncombe, Montgomery, and Randolph counties.

Luke Owen, commercial horticulture agent, Buncombe County
Owen Washam, commercial horticulture and forestry agent, Montgomery County
Cody Craddock, agriculture and horticulture agent, Randolph County

This research, partially funded by NC Strawberry Commission, develops AI tools to support strawberry production. We are building automated flower and fruit counting models using both drone and ground-level images, with results delivered through easy-to-use mobile and web applications. In addition, we are developing AI-based detection of strawberry plants infected by Neopestalotiopsis to support early disease identification and field-level decision making.

Map of the state of North Carolina with county lines shown. 3 counties are colored and named in red - Union, Wikes, and Surry counties.

Aaron Moore, agriculture and commercial horticulture agent, Union County
Matthew Clay, horticulture agent, Wilkes County
Joanna Eades Radford, commercial and consumer horticulture agent, Surry County

With collaboration from the 2025 STEPS Cohort + Interns, the Sihi lab is eager to beta-test the first in-field phosphorus sensor for bioavailable phosphorus. This cohort will beta test the sensor in the field across several sites and compare analysis with traditional soil sampling. The technology has potential implications for both crops and livestock.

Map of the state of North Carolina with county lines shown. Several counties are colored and named in green - Buncombe, Henderson, Cherokee, Alexander, Chatham, and Beaufort counties.

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
Cari Rosenbalm, horticulture agent, Alexander county
Dalton Suits, agriculture agent, Chatham County
Rod Gurganus, county extension director and agricultural agent, Beaufort County

Past Network Cohorts

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.

Read the story

Small group talking in a conference room — Extension Agents and NC State researchers discuss the use of artificial intelligence in agriculture during a 2-day workshop at the Plant Sciences Building.

Tour Brings Extension Agents to Ag Tech Startups

The N.C. PSI Extension Agent Network learned firsthand about the agricultural technology being developed in the public and private sectors during a 2-day tour of agricultural startup companies in RTP.

Read the story

Large group of people in a building — Extension agents pose with startup company representatives at the Plant Sciences Building on NC State’s Centennial Campus.

Man seated on the ground in an agricultural field.

The Heart of the N.C. PSI: Morgan Menaker

As part of an Extension agent network working with the N.C. Plant Sciences Initiative, Morgan Menaker is a voice for ensuring that research into problem-solving agricultural technologies addresses growers’ highest priority needs.

Strengthening Connections

Extension Agent Mikayla Berryhill serves as a bridge between growers and researchers, helping ensure that farmers have access to new NC State University technology and a hand in its development.

Lending Ground Truth to Ag Research

Sam Marshall draws on technical expertise, grounded in research, and solid relationships to make a difference for ornamental nursery and greenhouse growers.

Standing in a field of hemp, a scientist speaks into a microphone

Extension Writing the Next Chapter for N.C. Fiber Hemp

As federal regulations reshape parts of the hemp industry, David Suchoff and others with Extension are helping N.C. farmers navigate uncertainty and position fiber hemp as a viable crop.

Woman seated at desk with plate of vegetables and fruits, two vases of flowers and IR-4 publications

Lina Quesada-Ocampo Named Executive Director of the IR-4 Project

The IR-4 Project’s new leader brings over 15 years of experience in applied pest management research and Extension work to her new role.

Extension Agent Network

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

What N.C. PSI Extension Agents Do:

Meet the N.C. PSI Extension Agent Network

Current Cohorts

Verdia Diagnostics With Zach Hetzler

Strawberry Prediction Tool With Jing Zhang

In-Field Phosphorus Sensor with Debjani Sihi and the STEPS Center