{"id":7466,"date":"2023-04-24T13:01:39","date_gmt":"2023-04-24T17:01:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/psi\/?page_id=7466"},"modified":"2026-03-09T11:37:53","modified_gmt":"2026-03-09T15:37:53","slug":"extension-agent-network","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/psi\/outreach\/extension-agent-network\/","title":{"rendered":"Extension Agent Network"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n\n\n<p>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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-ncst-mini-story ncst-askew-media-text has-blue-400-background-color\"><div class=\"ncst-askew-media-text__container\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-ncst-text-column\"><h2 class=\"ncst-text-column__heading\">The N.C. PSI Extension Agent Network represents 32 different counties from across North Carolina.<\/h2><p class=\"ncst-text-column__teaser\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-ncst-buttons\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-ncst-button is-style-secondary\"><a href=\"#meet\" class=\"btn ncst-block__button-link\" data-ncst-lightbox=\"false\" data-ua-cat=\"Button Block\" data-ua-action=\"Button Click\" data-ua-label=\"#meet\"><span class=\"text\">Meet the Extension Agent Network<\/span><span class=\"arrow-indicator\">\n<svg class=\"wp-block-ncst-wolficon wolficon\" role=\"img\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use xlink:href=\"#wolficon-arrow-right-bold\" \/><\/svg>\n<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-ncst-media\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1500\" height=\"844\" src=\"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/psi\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2025\/06\/Untitled-1.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-79001\" style=\"aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:contain\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/psi\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2025\/06\/Untitled-1.png 1500w, https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/psi\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2025\/06\/Untitled-1-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/psi\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2025\/06\/Untitled-1-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/psi\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2025\/06\/Untitled-1-768x432.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What N.C. PSI Extension Agents Do:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Beta-test PSI developed technologies in the field to accelerate seamless adoption on North Carolina farms<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Participate in monthly Zoom meetings to discuss developed technologies and production needs in North Carolina<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Host PSI-developed technology outreach events within Counties<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Serve as a champion for N.C. PSI across North Carolina<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>In exchange for their participation, N.C. PSI Extension Agents receive a stipend to their salaries to support their effort in our Network. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-ncst-thumbnail-gallery\" id=\"ncst-thumbnail-gallery0\"><div class=\"thumbnail-gallery__controls-container\"><button class=\"scroll prev\" disabled><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\"><path d=\"M448,216.66H205.64l103.87-97.57L256,64,64,256,256,448l53.51-53.51L205.64,295.34H448Z\"><\/path><\/svg><span class=\"sr-only\">Previous<\/span><\/button><span class=\"thumbnail-gallery__page-indicator-numerals\"><span class=\"thumbnail-gallery__current-page\">1<\/span>\/3<\/span><button class=\"scroll next\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\"><path d=\"M64,295.34H306.36L202.49,392.92,256,448,448,256,256,64l-53.51,53.51,103.87,99.15H64Z\"><\/path><\/svg><span class=\"sr-only\">Next<\/span><\/button><\/div><div class=\"thumbnail-gallery__viewport\"><ul class=\"thumbnail-gallery__container ncst-gallery\"><li class=\"thumbnail-gallery__item\" data-gallery-item=\"0\"><figure><a href=\"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/psi\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2025\/05\/AI-101-group-discussion-.jpg\" data-fullsize=\"1500x844\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/psi\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2025\/05\/AI-101-group-discussion--150x150.jpg\" alt=\"Small group talking in a conference room\" data-id=\"78883\" data-link=\"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/psi\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2025\/05\/AI-101-group-discussion-.jpg\" class=\"wp-image-78883\" \/><\/a><figcaption>Extension Agents and NC&#160;State researchers discuss the use of artificial intelligence in agriculture during a 2-day workshop at the Plant Sciences Building.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"thumbnail-gallery__item\" data-gallery-item=\"1\"><figure><a href=\"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/psi\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2025\/05\/CHR-tractor.jpg\" data-fullsize=\"1500x844\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/psi\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2025\/05\/CHR-tractor-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"78884\" data-link=\"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/psi\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2025\/05\/CHR-tractor.jpg\" class=\"wp-image-78884\" \/><\/a><figcaption>Researcher Chris Reberg-Horton met with Extension Agents to share how he\u2019s 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.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"thumbnail-gallery__item\" data-gallery-item=\"2\"><figure><a href=\"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/psi\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2025\/05\/shelley-hunt.jpg\" data-fullsize=\"1500x844\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/psi\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2025\/05\/shelley-hunt-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"78881\" data-link=\"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/psi\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2025\/05\/shelley-hunt.jpg\" class=\"wp-image-78881\" \/><\/a><figcaption>SAS\u2019 Shelley Hunt guided agents through a hands-on training covering SAS Viya. an AI and analytics platform. <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"thumbnail-gallery__item\" data-gallery-item=\"3\"><figure><a href=\"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/psi\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2025\/05\/robots2.jpg\" data-fullsize=\"1500x846\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/psi\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2025\/05\/robots2-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"Group looking at a small, dog-like robot\" data-id=\"78879\" data-link=\"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/psi\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2025\/05\/robots2.jpg\" class=\"wp-image-78879\" \/><\/a><figcaption>Alex Brown (left), a graduate student in NC&#160;State&#8217;s Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, demonstrates a robot called Wolf Puppy to participants in the AI 101 training for Extension agents.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"thumbnail-gallery__item\" data-gallery-item=\"4\"><figure><a href=\"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/psi\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2024\/12\/plant-mapping-tool-web.jpeg\" data-fullsize=\"844x1125\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/psi\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2024\/12\/plant-mapping-tool-web-150x150.jpeg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"77759\" data-link=\"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/psi\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2024\/12\/plant-mapping-tool-web.jpeg\" class=\"wp-image-77759\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/psi\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2024\/12\/plant-mapping-tool-web-150x150.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/psi\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2024\/12\/plant-mapping-tool-web-300x300.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/psi\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2024\/12\/plant-mapping-tool-web-400x400.jpeg 400w, https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/psi\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2024\/12\/plant-mapping-tool-web-600x600.jpeg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a><figcaption>Agents begin beta-testing a new imaging technology in the field.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"thumbnail-gallery__item\" data-gallery-item=\"5\"><figure><a href=\"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/psi\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2024\/03\/20240314_144933-scaled.jpeg\" data-fullsize=\"2560x1920\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/psi\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2024\/03\/20240314_144933-150x150.jpeg\" alt=\"Extension Agent Network beta-test training\" data-id=\"65200\" data-link=\"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/psi\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2024\/03\/20240314_144933-scaled.jpeg\" class=\"wp-image-65200\" \/><\/a><figcaption>In 2024, agents in the Cover Crops cohort were trained on a new imaging technology to begin beta-testing in the field.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"thumbnail-gallery__item\" data-gallery-item=\"6\"><figure><a href=\"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/psi\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2024\/03\/20240314_130618-scaled.jpg\" data-fullsize=\"2560x1504\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/psi\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2024\/03\/20240314_130618-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"Extension Agent Network beta-test training\" data-id=\"65197\" data-link=\"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/psi\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2024\/03\/20240314_130618-scaled.jpg\" class=\"wp-image-65197\" \/><\/a><figcaption>In 2024, agents in the Cover Crops cohort were trained on a new imaging technology to begin beta-testing in the field.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"thumbnail-gallery__item\" data-gallery-item=\"7\"><figure><a href=\"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/psi\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2024\/03\/20240314_140020-scaled.jpeg\" data-fullsize=\"2560x1920\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/psi\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2024\/03\/20240314_140020-150x150.jpeg\" alt=\"Extension Agent Network beta-test training\" data-id=\"65199\" data-link=\"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/psi\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2024\/03\/20240314_140020-scaled.jpeg\" class=\"wp-image-65199\" \/><\/a><figcaption>In 2024, agents in the Cover Crops cohort were trained on a new imaging technology to begin beta-testing in the field.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"thumbnail-gallery__item\" data-gallery-item=\"8\"><figure><a href=\"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/psi\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2024\/03\/20240314_140300-scaled.jpeg\" data-fullsize=\"1920x2560\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/psi\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2024\/03\/20240314_140300-150x150.jpeg\" alt=\"Extension Agent Network beta-test training\" data-id=\"65204\" data-link=\"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/psi\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2024\/03\/20240314_140300-scaled.jpeg\" class=\"wp-image-65204\" \/><\/a><figcaption>In 2024, agents in the Cover Crops cohort were trained on a new imaging technology to begin beta-testing in the field.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"thumbnail-gallery__item\" data-gallery-item=\"9\"><figure><a href=\"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/psi\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2024\/03\/20240314_135919-scaled.jpeg\" data-fullsize=\"2560x1920\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/psi\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2024\/03\/20240314_135919-150x150.jpeg\" alt=\"Extension Agent Network beta-test training\" data-id=\"65202\" data-link=\"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/psi\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2024\/03\/20240314_135919-scaled.jpeg\" class=\"wp-image-65202\" \/><\/a><figcaption>In 2024, agents in the Cover Crops cohort were trained on a new imaging technology to begin beta-testing in the field.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"thumbnail-gallery__item\" data-gallery-item=\"10\"><figure><a href=\"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/psi\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2025\/08\/IMG_9525-scaled.jpg\" data-fullsize=\"2560x1920\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/psi\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2025\/08\/IMG_9525-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"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.\" data-id=\"79535\" data-link=\"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/psi\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2025\/08\/IMG_9525-scaled.jpg\" class=\"wp-image-79535\" \/><\/a><figcaption>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.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"thumbnail-gallery__item\" data-gallery-item=\"11\"><figure><a href=\"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/psi\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2025\/08\/IMG_9530-scaled.jpg\" data-fullsize=\"1920x2560\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/psi\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2025\/08\/IMG_9530-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"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.\" data-id=\"79536\" data-link=\"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/psi\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2025\/08\/IMG_9530-scaled.jpg\" class=\"wp-image-79536\" \/><\/a><figcaption>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.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"thumbnail-gallery__item\" data-gallery-item=\"12\"><figure><a href=\"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/psi\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2025\/08\/IMG_9532-scaled.jpg\" data-fullsize=\"1920x2560\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/psi\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2025\/08\/IMG_9532-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"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.\" data-id=\"79537\" data-link=\"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/psi\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2025\/08\/IMG_9532-scaled.jpg\" class=\"wp-image-79537\" \/><\/a><figcaption>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.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"thumbnail-gallery__item\" data-gallery-item=\"13\"><figure><a href=\"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/psi\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2025\/08\/IMG_9537-scaled.jpg\" data-fullsize=\"1920x2560\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/psi\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2025\/08\/IMG_9537-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"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.\" data-id=\"79538\" data-link=\"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/psi\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2025\/08\/IMG_9537-scaled.jpg\" class=\"wp-image-79538\" \/><\/a><figcaption>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.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/div><ul class=\"thumbnail-gallery__page-indicator-container\"><li class=\"thumbnail-gallery__page-indicator\"><button class=\"thumbnail-gallery__page-indicator-button\" data-page=\"1\" aria-label=\"Scroll to page 1\"><span class=\"sr-only\">Page 1<\/span><\/button><\/li><li class=\"thumbnail-gallery__page-indicator\"><button class=\"thumbnail-gallery__page-indicator-button\" data-page=\"2\" aria-label=\"Scroll to page 2\"><span class=\"sr-only\">Page 2<\/span><\/button><\/li><li class=\"thumbnail-gallery__page-indicator\"><button class=\"thumbnail-gallery__page-indicator-button\" data-page=\"3\" aria-label=\"Scroll to page 3\"><span class=\"sr-only\">Page 3<\/span><\/button><\/li><\/ul><\/section>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"meet\">Meet the N.C. PSI Extension Agent Network<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>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:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Current Cohorts<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-ncst-accordion ncst-accordion\"><div class=\"accordion\" id=\"ncst-accordion-0\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-ncst-accordion-item ncst-accordion-item panel\"><a class=\"accordion-item__header collapsed\" href=\"#ncst-accordion-item-0-9\" id=\"ncst-accordion-item-heading-9\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-target=\"#ncst-accordion-item-0-9\" aria-controls=\"ncst-accordion-item-0-9\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span class=\"accordion-item__expansion-indicator\"><span class=\"ncst-plus-minus-toggle\"><\/span><\/span><h2 class=\"accordion-item__label h5\">Verdia Diagnostics With Zach Hetzler<\/h2><\/a><div class=\"collapse panel-collapse accordion-item__content-container \" id=\"ncst-accordion-item-0-9\" aria-labelledby=\"ncst-accordion-item-heading-9\" data-parent=\"#ncst-accordion-0\"><div class=\"accordion-item__content\">\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.verdiadx.com\/\">Verdia Diagnostics<\/a> is developing wearable sensors for plant leaves that deliver information about the plant\u2019s 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.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/cbe.ncsu.edu\/verdia-diagnostics\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Read more here<\/a>.\u00a0<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"469\" src=\"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/psi\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2026\/03\/PSA-cohort-1024x469.png\" alt=\"Map of the state of North Carolina with county lines shown. 3 counties are colored and named in turquoise - Buncombe, Montgomery, and Randolph counties.\" class=\"wp-image-81173\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/psi\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2026\/03\/PSA-cohort-1024x469.png 1024w, https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/psi\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2026\/03\/PSA-cohort-300x138.png 300w, https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/psi\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2026\/03\/PSA-cohort-768x352.png 768w, https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/psi\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2026\/03\/PSA-cohort-1536x704.png 1536w, https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/psi\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2026\/03\/PSA-cohort.png 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/buncombe.ces.ncsu.edu\/profile\/luke-owen\/\">Luke Owen<\/a><\/strong>, commercial horticulture agent, Buncombe County<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/montgomery.ces.ncsu.edu\/profile\/owen-washam\/\">Owen Washam<\/a><\/strong>, commercial horticulture and forestry agent, Montgomery County<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/randolph.ces.ncsu.edu\/profile\/cody-craddock\/\">Cody Craddock<\/a><\/strong>, agriculture and horticulture agent, Randolph County<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-ncst-accordion-item ncst-accordion-item panel\"><a class=\"accordion-item__header collapsed\" href=\"#ncst-accordion-item-0-18\" id=\"ncst-accordion-item-heading-18\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-target=\"#ncst-accordion-item-0-18\" aria-controls=\"ncst-accordion-item-0-18\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span class=\"accordion-item__expansion-indicator\"><span class=\"ncst-plus-minus-toggle\"><\/span><\/span><h2 class=\"accordion-item__label h5\">Strawberry Prediction Tool With Jing Zhang<\/h2><\/a><div class=\"collapse panel-collapse accordion-item__content-container \" id=\"ncst-accordion-item-0-18\" aria-labelledby=\"ncst-accordion-item-heading-18\" data-parent=\"#ncst-accordion-0\"><div class=\"accordion-item__content\">\n<p>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 <em>Neopestalotiopsis<\/em> to support early disease identification and field-level decision making.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"469\" src=\"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/psi\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2026\/03\/Disease-Diagnostic-Cohort-1024x469.png\" alt=\"Map of the state of North Carolina with county lines shown. 3 counties are colored and named in red - Union, Wikes, and Surry counties.\" class=\"wp-image-81177\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/psi\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2026\/03\/Disease-Diagnostic-Cohort-1024x469.png 1024w, https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/psi\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2026\/03\/Disease-Diagnostic-Cohort-300x138.png 300w, https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/psi\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2026\/03\/Disease-Diagnostic-Cohort-768x352.png 768w, https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/psi\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2026\/03\/Disease-Diagnostic-Cohort-1536x704.png 1536w, https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/psi\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2026\/03\/Disease-Diagnostic-Cohort.png 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/union.ces.ncsu.edu\/profile\/joseph-moore\/\">Aaron Moore<\/a><\/strong>, agriculture and commercial horticulture agent, Union County<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/wilkes.ces.ncsu.edu\/profile\/matthew-clay\/\">Matthew Clay<\/a><\/strong>, horticulture agent, Wilkes County<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/surry.ces.ncsu.edu\/profile\/joanna-radford\/\">Joanna Eades Radford,<\/a><\/strong> commercial and consumer horticulture agent, Surry County<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-ncst-accordion-item ncst-accordion-item panel\"><a class=\"accordion-item__header collapsed\" href=\"#ncst-accordion-item-0-19\" id=\"ncst-accordion-item-heading-19\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-target=\"#ncst-accordion-item-0-19\" aria-controls=\"ncst-accordion-item-0-19\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span class=\"accordion-item__expansion-indicator\"><span class=\"ncst-plus-minus-toggle\"><\/span><\/span><h2 class=\"accordion-item__label h5\">In-Field Phosphorus Sensor with Debjani Sihi and the STEPS Center<\/h2><\/a><div class=\"collapse panel-collapse accordion-item__content-container \" id=\"ncst-accordion-item-0-19\" aria-labelledby=\"ncst-accordion-item-heading-19\" data-parent=\"#ncst-accordion-0\"><div class=\"accordion-item__content\">\n<p>With collaboration from the <a href=\"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/psi\/past-extension-agent-network-cohorts\/\">2025 STEPS Cohort<\/a> + 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"469\" src=\"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/psi\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2026\/03\/STEPS-Cohort-1024x469.png\" alt=\"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.\" class=\"wp-image-81180\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/psi\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2026\/03\/STEPS-Cohort-1024x469.png 1024w, https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/psi\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2026\/03\/STEPS-Cohort-300x138.png 300w, https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/psi\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2026\/03\/STEPS-Cohort-768x352.png 768w, https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/psi\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2026\/03\/STEPS-Cohort-1536x704.png 1536w, https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/psi\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2026\/03\/STEPS-Cohort.png 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/buncombe.ces.ncsu.edu\/profile\/meghan-baker\/\">Meghan Baker<\/a><\/strong>, small farms agent, Buncombe County<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/henderson.ces.ncsu.edu\/profile\/karen-blaedow\/\">Karen Blaedow<\/a><\/strong>, vegetable and small fruit agent, Henderson County<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/haywood.ces.ncsu.edu\/profile\/sam-marshall\/\">Sam Marshall<\/a><\/strong>, ornamental nursery and greenhouse area specialized agent, Western Region<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/cherokee.ces.ncsu.edu\/profile\/doug-clement\/\"><strong>Douglas Clement<\/strong><\/a>, county extension director and agriculture, community development and Firewise agent<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ces.ncsu.edu\/profile\/cari-mitchell\/\">Cari Rosenbalm<\/a><\/strong>, horticulture agent, Alexander county<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ces.ncsu.edu\/profile\/dalton-suits\/\">Dalton Suits<\/a><\/strong>, agriculture agent, Chatham County<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/beaufort.ces.ncsu.edu\/profile\/rod-gurganus\/\">Rod Gurganus<\/a><\/strong>, county extension director and agricultural agent, Beaufort County<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-ncst-buttons\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-ncst-button\"><a href=\"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/psi\/past-extension-agent-network-cohorts\/\" class=\"btn ncst-block__button-link\" data-ncst-lightbox=\"false\" data-ua-cat=\"Button Block\" data-ua-action=\"Button Click\" data-ua-label=\"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/psi\/past-extension-agent-network-cohorts\/\"><span class=\"text\">Past Network Cohorts<\/span><span class=\"arrow-indicator\">\n<svg class=\"wp-block-ncst-wolficon wolficon\" role=\"img\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use xlink:href=\"#wolficon-arrow-right-bold\" \/><\/svg>\n<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-ncst-mini-story ncst-askew-media-text has-green-400-background-color\"><div class=\"ncst-askew-media-text__container\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-ncst-text-column\"><h2 class=\"ncst-text-column__heading\">Extension Agents Explore AI for Agriculture<\/h2><p class=\"ncst-text-column__teaser\">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&nbsp;State\u2019s Plant Sciences Building aims to position agricultural agents as key links in ensuring that farmers benefit<em>.<\/em><\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-ncst-buttons\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-ncst-button is-style-secondary\"><a href=\"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/psi\/news\/extension-agents-explore-ai-for-agriculture\/\" class=\"btn ncst-block__button-link\" data-ncst-lightbox=\"false\" data-ua-cat=\"Button Block\" data-ua-action=\"Button Click\" data-ua-label=\"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/psi\/news\/extension-agents-explore-ai-for-agriculture\/\"><span class=\"text\">Read the story<\/span><span class=\"arrow-indicator\">\n<svg class=\"wp-block-ncst-wolficon wolficon\" role=\"img\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use xlink:href=\"#wolficon-arrow-right-bold\" \/><\/svg>\n<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-ncst-media\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/psi\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2025\/05\/AI-101-group-discussion--1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"Small group talking in a conference room\" class=\"wp-image-78883\" style=\"aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/psi\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2025\/05\/AI-101-group-discussion--1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/psi\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2025\/05\/AI-101-group-discussion--300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/psi\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2025\/05\/AI-101-group-discussion--768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/psi\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2025\/05\/AI-101-group-discussion-.jpg 1500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Extension Agents and NC&#160;State researchers discuss the use of artificial intelligence in agriculture during a 2-day workshop at the Plant Sciences Building.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-ncst-mini-story ncst-askew-media-text has-green-400-background-color mirror-layout\"><div class=\"ncst-askew-media-text__container\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-ncst-text-column\"><h2 class=\"ncst-text-column__heading\">Tour Brings Extension Agents to Ag Tech Startups<\/h2><p class=\"ncst-text-column__teaser\">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.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-ncst-buttons\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-ncst-button is-style-secondary\"><a href=\"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/psi\/news\/tour-brings-extension-agents-to-ag-tech-startups\/\" class=\"btn ncst-block__button-link\" data-ncst-lightbox=\"false\" data-ua-cat=\"Button Block\" data-ua-action=\"Button Click\" data-ua-label=\"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/psi\/news\/tour-brings-extension-agents-to-ag-tech-startups\/\"><span class=\"text\">Read the story<\/span><span class=\"arrow-indicator\">\n<svg class=\"wp-block-ncst-wolficon wolficon\" role=\"img\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use xlink:href=\"#wolficon-arrow-right-bold\" \/><\/svg>\n<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-ncst-media\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/psi\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2024\/05\/agents-meeting-with-PSI-startups--1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"Large group of people in a building\" class=\"wp-image-74857\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/psi\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2024\/05\/agents-meeting-with-PSI-startups--1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/psi\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2024\/05\/agents-meeting-with-PSI-startups--300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/psi\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2024\/05\/agents-meeting-with-PSI-startups--768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/psi\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2024\/05\/agents-meeting-with-PSI-startups-.jpg 1500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Extension agents pose with startup company representatives at the Plant Sciences Building on NC&#160;State&#8217;s Centennial Campus.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"ncst-labeled-section wp-block-ncst-featured-content ncst-featured-content is-card-style layout-two-column\">\n  <div class=\"ncst-labeled-section__background\">\n    <div class=\"ncst-labeled-section__container\">\n               <div class=\"ncst-labeled-section__header\">\n                      <h2 class=\"ncst-labeled-section__heading\">Meet some of the Network&#8217;s Agents<\/h2>\n                            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"ncst-labeled-section__content\">\n        \n<div class=\"wp-block-ncst-featured-content\"><a\n    class=\"ncst-content-card wp-block-ncst-content-card with-image with-cta\"\n    href=\"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/psi\/news\/the-heart-of-the-n-c-psi-morgan-menaker\/\"\n    data-ua-cat=\"Content Card\"\n    data-ua-action=\"Content Card Click\"\n    data-ua-label=https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/psi\/news\/the-heart-of-the-n-c-psi-morgan-menaker\/\n  >\n  \n\n          <div class=\"content-card__image-container\">\n        <div class=\"content-card__image-background\">\n          <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1500\" height=\"844\" \n            class=\"content-card__image wp-image-78422\" \n            alt=\"Man seated on the ground in an agricultural field.\" \n            src=\"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/psi\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2025\/03\/menaker-new.jpeg\" \n            style=\"aspect-ratio: 16\/9; object-fit: cover; \"\n srcset=\"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/psi\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2025\/03\/menaker-new.jpeg 1500w, https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/psi\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2025\/03\/menaker-new-300x169.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/psi\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2025\/03\/menaker-new-1024x576.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/psi\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2025\/03\/menaker-new-768x432.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\" \/>\n        <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"content-card__text-container\">\n      \n                          <h3 class=\"content-card__headline\">The Heart of the N.C. PSI: Morgan Menaker<\/h3>\n              \n\n      \t      \t        <p class=\"content-card__teaser\">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\u2019 highest priority needs.<\/p>\n\t      \t    \n              <p class=\"content-card__cta\">Read <span class=nowrap>more&nbsp;<span class=\"arrow-indicator\"><svg class=\"wolficon wolficon-arrow-right-bold\" role=\"img\"  aria-hidden=\"true\">\n            \n            <use xlink:href=\"#wolficon-arrow-right-bold\">\n        <\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n          <\/div>\n\n  <\/a>\n\n\n<a\n    class=\"ncst-content-card wp-block-ncst-content-card with-image with-cta\"\n    href=\"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/news\/nc-plant-sciences-initiative-extension-agent-network\/\"\n    data-ua-cat=\"Content Card\"\n    data-ua-action=\"Content Card Click\"\n    data-ua-label=https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/news\/nc-plant-sciences-initiative-extension-agent-network\/\n  >\n  \n\n          <div class=\"content-card__image-container\">\n        <div class=\"content-card__image-background\">\n          <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1500\" height=\"844\" \n            class=\"content-card__image wp-image-80722\" \n            alt=\"\" \n            src=\"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/psi\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2026\/01\/mikayla-berryhill-3.jpg\" \n            style=\"aspect-ratio: 16\/9; object-fit: cover; \"\n srcset=\"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/psi\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2026\/01\/mikayla-berryhill-3.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/psi\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2026\/01\/mikayla-berryhill-3-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/psi\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2026\/01\/mikayla-berryhill-3-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/psi\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2026\/01\/mikayla-berryhill-3-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\" \/>\n        <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"content-card__text-container\">\n      \n                          <h3 class=\"content-card__headline\">Strengthening Connections<\/h3>\n              \n\n      \t      \t        <p class=\"content-card__teaser\">Extension Agent Mikayla Berryhill serves as a bridge between growers and researchers, helping ensure that farmers have access to new NC&#160;State University technology and a hand in its development.<\/p>\n\t      \t    \n              <p class=\"content-card__cta\">Read <span class=nowrap>more&nbsp;<span class=\"arrow-indicator\"><svg class=\"wolficon wolficon-arrow-right-bold\" role=\"img\"  aria-hidden=\"true\">\n            \n            <use xlink:href=\"#wolficon-arrow-right-bold\">\n        <\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n          <\/div>\n\n  <\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Special thanks to the donors who made the N.C. PSI Extension Agent Network possible<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/ncsoy.org\/\">North Carolina Soybean Producers Association&nbsp;<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/nccorngrowers.com\/\">Corn Growers Association of North Carolina&nbsp;<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/ncwheat.com\/\">North Carolina Small Grain Growers Association&nbsp;<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ces.ncsu.edu\/2023\/06\/nc-state-extension-to-expand-digital-skills-education\/\">NC&#160;State Extension Digital Skills Training Project&nbsp;<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/tobaccotrustfund.org\/\">North Carolina Tobacco Trust Fund Commission<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/aganalytics.cals.ncsu.edu\/\">N.C. Agricultural Analytics Platform<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/nsf.elsevierpure.com\/en\/projects\/nsf-engines-development-award-creating-climate-resilient-opportun\">National Science Foundation (NSF)<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/calsboards.cals.ncsu.edu\/people\/david-peele-ncals\/\">David&nbsp;Peele<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"ncst-labeled-section wp-block-ncst-automated-posts ncst-featured-content is-card-style layout-three-column\">\n  <div class=\"ncst-labeled-section__background\">\n    <div class=\"ncst-labeled-section__container\">\n               <div class=\"ncst-labeled-section__header\">\n                      <h2 class=\"ncst-labeled-section__heading\">N.C. PSI Extension News<\/h2>\n                                <a\n              href=\"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/psi\/news\/category\/extension\/\"\n              class=\"ncst-labeled-section__link\"\n                              target=\"_blank\"\n                                            rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"\n                            data-ua-cat=\"Featured Content Block\" data-ua-action=\"Label Link Click\" data-ua-label=\"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/psi\/news\/category\/extension\/\"\n            >More news<\/a>\n                  <\/div>\n            <div class=\"ncst-labeled-section__content\">\n        <a\n    class=\"ncst-content-card \"\n    href=\"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/psi\/news\/lending-ground-truth-to-ag-research\/\"\n    data-ua-cat=\"Content Card\"\n    data-ua-action=\"Content Card Click\"\n    data-ua-label=https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/psi\/news\/lending-ground-truth-to-ag-research\/\n  >\n  \n\n          <div class=\"content-card__image-container\">\n        <div class=\"content-card__image-background\">\n          <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1500\" height=\"844\" \n            class=\"content-card__image wp-image-81249\" \n            alt=\"Two people talking in a farm field.\" \n            src=\"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/psi\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2026\/03\/Sarm-Marshall-with-Burke-Co-grower-Dee-Clark.jpg\" \n            style=\"aspect-ratio: 16\/9; object-fit: cover; \"\n srcset=\"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/psi\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2026\/03\/Sarm-Marshall-with-Burke-Co-grower-Dee-Clark.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/psi\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2026\/03\/Sarm-Marshall-with-Burke-Co-grower-Dee-Clark-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/psi\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2026\/03\/Sarm-Marshall-with-Burke-Co-grower-Dee-Clark-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/psi\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2026\/03\/Sarm-Marshall-with-Burke-Co-grower-Dee-Clark-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\" \/>\n        <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"content-card__text-container\">\n      \n                          <h3 class=\"content-card__headline\">Lending Ground Truth to Ag Research<\/h3>\n              \n\n      \t      \t        <p class=\"content-card__teaser\">Sam Marshall draws on technical expertise, grounded in research, and solid relationships to make a difference for ornamental nursery and greenhouse <span class=nowrap>growers.&nbsp;<span class=\"arrow-indicator\"><svg class=\"wolficon wolficon-arrow-right-light\" role=\"img\"  aria-hidden=\"true\">\n            \n            <use xlink:href=\"#wolficon-arrow-right-light\">\n        <\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\t      \t    \n          <\/div>\n\n  <\/a>\n<a\n    class=\"ncst-content-card \"\n    href=\"https:\/\/www.ces.ncsu.edu\/news\/extension-writing-the-next-chapter-for-nc-fiber-hemp\/\"\n    data-ua-cat=\"Content Card\"\n    data-ua-action=\"Content Card Click\"\n    data-ua-label=https:\/\/www.ces.ncsu.edu\/news\/extension-writing-the-next-chapter-for-nc-fiber-hemp\/\n  >\n  \n\n          <div class=\"content-card__image-container\">\n        <div class=\"content-card__image-background\">\n          <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1500\" height=\"844\" \n            class=\"content-card__image wp-image-81123\" \n            alt=\"Standing in a field of hemp, a scientist speaks into a microphone\" \n            src=\"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/psi\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2026\/03\/David_Suchoff_hemp.max-1800x1050-1.jpg\" \n            style=\"aspect-ratio: 16\/9; object-fit: cover; \"\n srcset=\"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/psi\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2026\/03\/David_Suchoff_hemp.max-1800x1050-1.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/psi\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2026\/03\/David_Suchoff_hemp.max-1800x1050-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/psi\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2026\/03\/David_Suchoff_hemp.max-1800x1050-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/psi\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2026\/03\/David_Suchoff_hemp.max-1800x1050-1-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\" \/>\n        <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"content-card__text-container\">\n      \n                          <h3 class=\"content-card__headline\">Extension Writing the Next Chapter for N.C. Fiber Hemp<\/h3>\n              \n\n      \t      \t        <p class=\"content-card__teaser\">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 <span class=nowrap>crop.&nbsp;<span class=\"arrow-indicator\"><svg class=\"wolficon wolficon-arrow-right-light\" role=\"img\"  aria-hidden=\"true\">\n            \n            <use xlink:href=\"#wolficon-arrow-right-light\">\n        <\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\t      \t    \n          <\/div>\n\n  <\/a>\n<a\n    class=\"ncst-content-card \"\n    href=\"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/news\/lina-quesada-ocampo-named-executive-director-of-the-ir-4-project\/\"\n    data-ua-cat=\"Content Card\"\n    data-ua-action=\"Content Card Click\"\n    data-ua-label=https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/news\/lina-quesada-ocampo-named-executive-director-of-the-ir-4-project\/\n  >\n  \n\n          <div class=\"content-card__image-container\">\n        <div class=\"content-card__image-background\">\n          <img decoding=\"async\" \n            class=\"content-card__image wp-image-80965\" \n            alt=\"Woman seated at desk with plate of vegetables and fruits, two vases of flowers and IR-4 publications\" \n            src=\"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/psi\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2026\/02\/l-quesada-ocampo-1.jpg\" \n            style=\"aspect-ratio: 16\/9; object-fit: cover; \"\n          \/>\n        <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"content-card__text-container\">\n      \n                          <h3 class=\"content-card__headline\">Lina Quesada-Ocampo Named Executive Director of the IR-4 Project<\/h3>\n              \n\n      \t      \t        <p class=\"content-card__teaser\">The IR-4 Project&#8217;s new leader brings over 15 years of experience in applied pest management research and Extension work to her new <span class=nowrap>role.&nbsp;<span class=\"arrow-indicator\"><svg class=\"wolficon wolficon-arrow-right-light\" role=\"img\"  aria-hidden=\"true\">\n            \n            <use xlink:href=\"#wolficon-arrow-right-light\">\n        <\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\t      \t    \n          <\/div>\n\n  <\/a>\n\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>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&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3872,"featured_media":0,"parent":457,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"source":"","ncst_custom_author":"","ncst_show_custom_author":false,"ncst_dynamicHeaderBlockName":"ncst\/split-header","ncst_dynamicHeaderData":"{\"backgroundColor\":\"blue_400\",\"imageID\":78967,\"imageURL\":\"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/psi\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2025\/06\/IMG_8419.jpg\",\"pageIntro\":\"Beta-testing N.C. PSI-developed technologies in the field to accelerate seamless adoption on North Carolina farms.\",\"imageAlt\":\"\",\"focalPoint\":{\"x\":0.2,\"y\":0.51}}","ncst_content_audit_freq":"","ncst_content_audit_date":"","footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"class_list":["post-7466","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/psi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/7466","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/psi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/psi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/psi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3872"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/psi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7466"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/psi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/7466\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":81181,"href":"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/psi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/7466\/revisions\/81181"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/psi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/457"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/psi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7466"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}