Empowering Future Leaders: A Summer with Johnston County Extension

Submitted by Johnston County Cooperative Extension

SMITHFIELD — Johnston County Center, NC Cooperative Extension, is proud to highlight the remarkable summer experience of its intern, Chloé Sharpe. Over the summer, she has gained invaluable knowledge, built lasting connections and made significant contributions to the JoCo community through many impactful projects. Sharpe, a Johnston County native, is a rising junior at North Carolina State, majoring in agroecology and minoring in extension education and nutrition.

Working closely with her supervisor, Nicole Youngblood, she experienced a workplace culture that emphasizes collaboration, critical thinking and a balance between hard work and fun. This supportive atmosphere enabled her to thrive and develop both personally and professionally. Throughout her internship, she engaged in a variety of projects that showcased her skills and dedication:

• Farmer Appreciation Social Media Campaign: This major project aimed to introduce farmers to consumers and create connections via social media. Collaborating with Carolina Packers, Home of the Bright Leaf Hot Dog, the campaign featured videos and posts highlighting local farmers. This project has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from the community. Sharpe took the reins as camera person and video editor of the project. This Farmers Feast Series can be found on the JoCo Grows Agriculture Facebook and Instagram pages with full-length interviews and entertainment on the JoCo Grows YouTube channel.

• Consumer Perceptions of Agriculture in Johnston County Survey Study: In collaboration with Dr. Katie Sanders and Youngblood, this ongoing study aims to bridge the gap between farmers and consumers by understanding public perceptions of agriculture in the rapidly developing county. She will go on to continue working with this project as part of an undergraduate research opportunity.

• Strawberry and Blueberry Grower Surveys: Sharpe gathered essential data from local growers, aiding in grant submissions and providing valuable insights for future agricultural planning.

• Peanut Recipe Card: Working with the North Carolina Peanut Growers Association (NCPGA) intern, Lily McLamb, they were able to gather and construct plans for an informative recipe card to promote local peanuts and their culinary uses.

This internship not only allowed Sharpe to develop her skills in social media management, video production and digital communication but also deepened her agricultural knowledge. Through hands-on experiences in field crop operations, plant disease diagnostics and marketing, she gained a well-rounded perspective on the agricultural sector.

Sharpe expressed her gratitude for the transformative experience at the Johnston County Extension Office.

“This internship has been a cornerstone in my personal and professional development,” she said. “The knowledge and connections I have gained here will undoubtedly shape my future endeavors in agriculture and beyond.”

“Chloe has been an outstanding addition to the Johnston County Extension Team this summer. She has added depth to our programs and has touched the public through her video production skills. She is an outstanding young person that I know will do great things in her career,” said Bryant Spivey, County Extension Director.