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.
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.
N.C. PSI Launches Extension Agent Network
N.C. PSI Agent Network Expands
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 five cohorts, each of which works closely with a N.C. PSI faculty member on a specific area of focus:
PSA/Cover Crops Cohort with Chris Reberg-Horton
Funded by N.C. Commodity Boards and David Peele
- Meghan Baker, small farms agent, Buncombe County
- Mikayla Berryhill, field crops agent, Person and Granville Counties
- Tim Britton, agriculture agent, Johnston County
- Mike Carroll, field crops agent, Carteret and Craven Counties
- Andrea Gibbs, field crops agent, Hyde County
- Rod Gurganus, community & economic development and field crops agent, Beaufort County
- Kathryn Holmes, horticulture agent, Rockingham County
- Della King, agriculture agent, Duplin County
- Dylan Lilley, field crops agent, Hertford County
- Morgan Menaker, field crops agent, Union County
- Blake Szilvay, field crops agent, Randolph County
- Jalynne Waters, agriculture agent, Washington County
Digital Ag Cohort with Kenny Sherin
Funded by the NC Department of Information Technology
- Austin Brown, field crops agent, Camden County
- Matthew Clay, horticulture agent, Wilkes County
- John Lyttle, agriculture agent, Durham County
Precision Pest Ecology with Anders Huseth
Funded by the North Carolina Tobacco Trust Fund Commission
- Adam Formella, agriculture agent, Currituck County
- Melissa Huffman, agriculture agent, Onslow County
- Zach Parker, field crops agent, Sampson County
- Heather Schronce, field crops agent, Cleveland and Lincoln Counties
Sensor Development with Mike Kudenov
Funded by the North Carolina Tobacco Trust Fund Commission
- Cyndi Lauderdale, horticulture agent, Wilson County
- Sam Marshall, area specialized agent, Western Region and Haywood County
- Brittany Pendleton, field crops agent, Nash County
Disease Diagnostic with Qingshan Wei
Funded by the North Carolina Tobacco Trust Fund Commission
- 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
N.C. PSI Extension Agent Network Training
This spring, agents in the Cover Crops cohort were trained on a new imaging technology to begin beta-testing in the field.
