Growing the Future of Agriculture

From picking produce with his grandfather to heading up the state`s agricultural research stations, NC State alum Hunter Barrier has dedicated his career to supporting North Carolina`s farmers. 🌾

Recently named director of the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Research Stations Division, Barrier works to create a bridge between university science and real-world farming across North Carolina`s 18 research facilities.

"Our research stations are great places to work," he said. "Employees come to work with a purpose, learn something new regularly, work with their hands, solve real problems and contribute to an industry that affects everyone."

Barrier recently visited NC State`s Agronomy Club to speak about what drives his passion for agricultural research and discuss its importance. He regularly visits universities to make students aware of what research stations do and to highlight career opportunities in the agricultural industry.

Read his story at the link in our bio.

CALS` turfgrass science graduates are teed up for success with North Carolina`s $6 billion golf industry. ⛳️

The opening of Lonnie Poole Golf Course on Centennial Campus in 2009 created an outdoor laboratory for CALS students, and opened more pathways into the turfgrass profession.

Brian Green, Lonnie Poole’s director of course maintenance for the last 13.5 years and current president of the Carolinas Golf Course Superintendents Association, earned an associate degree in turfgrass management from CALS’ Agricultural Institute in 1995. He says he got his first job through word-of-mouth from a professor.

“I’ve been in the industry ever since,” he said.

Read more in CALS Magazine about how a turfgrass science degree prepares CALS students for their careers at the link in our bio.

North Carolina ranks second in the nation for projected farmland loss. NC FarmLink is working to change that. 🚜🌾

The @NCStateExtension program helps farmers and landowners navigate complex farm transitions and connects new farmers with available land.

Noah Ranells, eastern director of NC FarmLink and himself an Orange County farmer, carries a passion for farming and a commitment to preserving agriculture.

“We will never be able to future-proof agriculture to a degree where we’re not going to need local land to produce food," he said.

Read more about NC FarmLink and how it`s helping save North Carolina farmland for future generations at the link in our bio.