Nearly 170 growers and producers from across the state filled the University Farm Pavilion to learn about small-scale agriculture and ways to meet their farm’s needs.
The 2026 Small Farms Field Day, sponsored by Cooperative Extension at N.C. A&T, held the annual event on June 11, offering attendees a closer look at not only the latest developments at the University Farm but also tips and trades to better their own business.
“We recognize that small farmers on the backbone of North Carolina; you represent more than 80 percent — of farms in North Carolina,” said M. Ray McKinnie, Ph.D., associate dean and Extension administrator. “You maintain rural North Carolina, you're the ones that's at the local country store, you're buying there, you're keeping the small dealerships in operation there by going down and buying that tractor tire at the service station or down at the local shop, so we know that small farms are the backbone, and that you are a valid entity in North Carolina's thriving ag economy.”
This year’s event offered different tracks for horticulture and livestock tours on the farm as well as workshops inside the Pavilion looking at value-added products. Topics varied from swine insemination and soil sampling to growing shiitake mushrooms on tree logs and freeze drying and dehydrating fruits, vegetables and meat products.
Gregory Goins, Ph.D., associate dean of research in the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, told this year’s guests that their involvement would help foster “healthier communities and stronger rural economies.”
Inoculating Mushroom Logs
Nematodes and Soil Sampling
Aerial & Ground Drones
“[Small Farms] Field Day is where research leaves the laboratory and becomes practical solutions on the farm,” said Goins. “And so, we're honored to work aside alongside of you to advance farm prosperity, strengthen rural communities, opportunity, and support the long-term sustainability of agriculture across the region.”
In addition to guided tours, Small Farms Field Day offered interactive and educational forums for participants, including a rainfall simulator, information on garden bed preparation and honey production, a session on risk management for farm businesses, and a Stop the Bleed demonstration performed by agromedicine coordinator and NC AgrAbility director Crystal Cook-Marshall, Ph.D.
Mica Knowles of Henderson, N.C., said she has been coming toto the field day for about five years to get help with her gardens.
“It’s very educational,” Knowles said. “I love coming out here because there’s a lot to learn. … You meet all different kinds of people, too.”
Thomas Savage Jr., owner of Allied Organic Farms in Person County, said he had attended the value-added track to learn how to adapt his fruit production.
“I grow a lot of grapes, peaches and blueberries, so I wanted to learn about freeze drying and dehydration so I could add more life to them in terms of sales,” said Savage. “On each topic, I learned a lot about what type of equipment is being used and the presenters were very knowledgeable.”
