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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.

In 2023, the inaugural year for the N.C. PSI Extension Agent Network, 12 Extension agents were selected through a competitive application process. These agents represent the diverse geography and crop production systems encountered across North Carolina and were selected based on the merit of their application, relationships with farmers at the local level and their diverse representation of North Carolina agriculture as a whole.

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

The North Carolina Plant Sciences Initiative (N.C. PSI) is committed to helping growers through cutting-edge plant science innovation. NC State Extension’s mission is to extend research-based knowledge from the university to the field. Extension agents in this network help farmers transform science into everyday solutions that improve crop yields.

Extension Agent Network

Meghan Baker

Meghan Baker

Buncombe County

Small Farms Agent

Mikayla Berryhill

MiKayla Berryhill

Person County & Granville County

Field Crops Agent

Tim Britton

Tim Britton

Johnston County

Agriculture Agent

Mike Carroll

Mike Carroll

Carteret County & Craven County

Field Crops Agent

Andrea Gibbs

Andrea Gibbs

Hyde County

Field Crops Agent

Rod Gurganus

Rob Gurganus

Beaufort County

Community & Economic Development Agent; Field Crops Agent

Kathryn Holmes

Kathryn Holmes

Rockingham County

Horticulture Agent

Della King

Della King

Duplin County

Agriculture Agent

Dylan Lilley

Dylan Lilley

Hertford County

Community & Economic Development Agent; Field Crops Agent

Morgan Menaker

Morgan Menaker

Union County

Field Crops Agent

Blake Szilvay

Blake Szlivay

Randolph County

Field Crops Agent

Jalynne Waters

Jalynne Ward

Washington County

Agriculture Agent

Special thanks to the donors who made this possible

  • North Carolina Soybean Producers Association 
  • Corn Growers Association of North Carolina 
  • North Carolina Small Grain Growers Association 
  • NC State Extension Digital Skills Training Project 
  • David Peele