As we have now entered the holiday season, I am reminded of the importance of our connections. Whether with our family, friends, or coworkers, we all rely on the support of others to find comfort and joy in the community they help us create.
I am a newcomer to the culture and community of Robeson County. As a new member of North Carolina Cooperative Extension, Robeson County Center, it is vital for me to make connections here and over the eight other counties I am tasked with assisting. I am taking this opportunity to tell all of you a little about me and how I came to this position.
Prior to joining North Carolina Cooperative Extension, I spent the last 12 years managing a variety of small-farming operations. I started in Onslow County growing produce for a local restaurant, as well as participating in the Onslow Incubator Farm Program. This experience provided the foundation of my knowledge and was my first time working with N.C. Cooperative Extension. As a beginning farmer, I was overwhelmed by my own lack of information and practical know-how, but the connection I made with Extension gave me access to new ideas and the ability to build the framework of a successful farming operation.
In 2019, I transitioned to a different farm and dove into the turbulent world of the hemp industry. Unfortunately, this career move was not successful and led to me moving on after less than two years. The value I take out of this time in my life was hard learned. Not all business risks will lead to success; it is vital to know where you will be able to sell your product before you grow it!
After this setback, I returned to vegetable production and took over management of a small family farm in Pender County. We grew seven acres of organic produce and during my tenure constructed three high tunnels to increase year-round production. We also heavily invested in shiitake mushrooms, producing between 500-800 new logs yearly. The owner of the farm is excellent at creating connections with local restaurants in Pender as well as in Wilmington, and this consistent outlet for our product is one of the reasons the farm is so successful today.
Through my role in Extension, I aim to take the knowledge I have gained over the last 12 years and give it to new and beginning farmers in my region. I have a focus on small-scale vegetable production, but with ties to North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, I hope to bring a vast number of resources to assist anyone that reaches out. From high tunnel production to specialty crops such as mushrooms, and any other needs I am here and hope to be an asset for farmers in Robeson County as they grow their business!
