CEFS and N.C. Cooperative Extension are happy to announce the Lunch & Learn Webinar Series for 2026. 

Melissa Bell, CEFS Field Research, Education, and Outreach Liaison, will discuss how to care for warm-season crops, including best management practices for planting, regular maintenance for plant health, trellis options, fertilization and harvesting for several common summer fruits and vegetables. Explore strategies to manage pests, nutrient needs and environmental stress using methods suited to the region’s climate. This session is ideal for growers seeking a robust and healthy summer harvest.

When: 12 p.m. -1 p.m., Tuesday, April 14, 2026

Where: Zoom

Register here.

Please apply to join us in supporting NC full-time K-14 teachers, staff, and administrators (must be full-time employees with school districts) to engage in a 3-day innovative agricultural experiential learning program. This training is open to all disciplines. Each group will consist of approximately 15 participants.

Program Dates: April 17-19 (group 1) and April 24-26 (group 2)

The program is funded by the USDA Professional Development for Agricultural Literacy (PDAL) Program and led by Dr. Kathleen Liang at NCA&T, offering new knowledge and skills to participants in a dynamic agri-food system interface to enhance everyone’s ability and capacity to develop exciting new curricula/activities for our students. Compensation will be provided to each participant when eligible. The application deadline is January 31, 2026.

The training will be held the NC. A&T University Farm and Farm Pavilion, located at 3020 McConnell Rd, Greensboro, NC 27401. Application is FREE, and grant funds will cover Lodging (Lodging will be authorized only for overnight travel 35 miles or more from your home location to NC A&T University Farm/Farm Pavilion, and the lodging location will be forthcoming), Meals, Materials, and Training supplies. Translation and special accommodations can be arranged.

Goals and Objectives:

To increase the number of K-14 educational professionals trained in the
agri-food system sciences via

1. expert-guided interdisciplinary research to enhance faculty expertise and
   encourage widespread implementation of educational innovation at K-14
   levels;
2. immersive learning experiences (e.g., on-farm activities, experiential learning training) and curriculum development and teaching training for K-14 education to improve student success outcomes
3. continuous support, coaching, and mentorship for participants to integrate food and agricultural science concepts in their classes across disciplines to help students explore career opportunities in food and agriculture.

Please see the information session PowerPoint here and apply here.

If you have additional questions or comments, please reach out to Tiffany Slade at 336-285-4653 or sladet@ncat.edu.

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Twilight Farms Tours

Join EMFS, and the Haywood Community College Small Business Center as we meet two Haywood farmers with Unique Market and Production Practices.

Please note that farm tours are open only to owners of currently operating farms. Space is limited, and pre-registration is required.

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Mighty Gnome Market Garden

This farm plans its CSA from the ground up—literally. A detailed crop plan guides planting schedules and quantities to keep shares balanced and consistent. By coordinating with a local Food Hub, they find markets for surplus produce, reducing waste and strengthening their farm’s overall profitability. Attendees will be introduced to record keeping and crop planning practices, improving market planning and decision-making for increased profits.

DETAILS

• The farm tour of Mighty Gnome Market Garden takes place 5:30 to 7:00 PM.
• There is no charge for the farm visit.
• Limited space; register early!

Special Note: The address will be shared with you once you register.

Got 2 Be NC – NCDA’s Marketing Services: Navigating Your Food Business Series

Join NC State Extension as we welcome NCDA’s Got 2 Be NC Marketing team on an informational webinar on how this program supports food and agriculture businesses across NC. The session will conclude with a Q&A with the Got 2 Be NC Team.

Got 2 Be NC – NCDA’s Marketing Services:

Navigating Your Food Business Series

Join NC State Extension as we welcome NCDA’s Got 2 Be NC Marketing team on an informational webinar on how this program supports food and agriculture businesses across NC.

Register for this Zoom webinar using the link below!

https://ncsu.zoom.us/meeting/register/1ahc4h14Tm-IcqJa7DMX4g

The session will conclude with a Q&A with project leaders.

From Farm to Experience: Building Agritourism Success

Discover how agritourism can transform your farm into a thriving, diversified business.

Shipley Farms, a 153-year-old family farm in the Western North Carolina mountains, has evolved from a legacy of Hereford cattle, sheep, and tobacco into a modern, value-added operation centered on their Signature Beef brand. Since 2014, the family has successfully integrated tours, events, hospitality, and lodging to support their brand and generate supplemental income. In this unique workshop, participants will join one of Shipley Farms’ standard tours and experience agritourism in action.

The tour will be followed by an open, candid discussion covering what’s worked, what hasn’t, and key lessons learned along the way. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to expand, this session offers practical insights and real-world inspiration to help you grow your own agritourism venture.

Speaker: Gray Shipley, Shipley Farms

This workshop will be held at Shipley Farms located at 1699 Linville Creek Road, Vilas, North Carolina – look for signs for parking and farm store