|
Introducing our 2024-25 FRESH From the Garden series. In each newsletter, Doug will share an interview with someone whose career connects to school gardens; whether directly or indirectly, we recognize that school gardens can inspire students in ways that few other “classrooms” can. The opportunity to explore, measure, read, problem solve, work as a team, communicate, discover and theorize–all while being in an outdoor environment–can spark an untapped interest. We’ll kick off this series with a person we’ve come to know and admire for their outstanding work as an Extension Agent for N.C. Cooperative Extension–Mr. Aaron Moore. Here’s his story.
Name: Aaron Moore
Organization: N.C. Cooperative Extension - Union County Center
Position: Agriculture Extension Agent - Commercial Horticulture
Q. What do you do?
A. It’s hard to understand my career without knowing what Extension is, so let’s start there.. N.C. Cooperative Extension is a strategic partnership between our two land-grant universities NC State and NC A&T State, as well as state and local governments, industry and community partners. My job as an Extension Agent is to take research-based information and share that information with the local community through practical learning experiences. Education is the bulk of what I do. However, the education that I provide probably looks much different from what you might think. Most of the time I’m on farms working one-on-one with growers, but I also teach classes and hold field days for hands-on learning and demonstrations. I also work with the greater community by collaborating with other organizations to facilitate agriculture education for schools, 4-H clubs, professional organizations and the general public.
Q. What was your path to your current career?
A. I’ve been in my career field for 18 years and have held a variety of positions along the way. My formal education includes two associate degrees, (Ornamental and Landscape Technology and Turfgrass Management), a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Education, a graduate certificate in Horticultural Science, and I am currently finishing a master’s degree in Horticultural Science at North Carolina State University.
My career path really started with an entry level position at a North Carolina Agricultural Research Station in 2007. In that position I learned that agricultural research and education was the area where I wanted to build my career. In 2013, I went to work for the Horticulture Extension Specialist at NC A&T State University where I worked on research trials and demonstrations in fruit, vegetable and specialty crop research. There I gained more knowledge about Extension and the opportunities available within that organization. Many of the positions I was interested in pursuing required higher degrees so I went back to school and into the position I’m in today.
As an Extension Agent I’ve had the opportunity to pursue my master’s degree and continue to improve my knowledge and skills in my job. Extension really values continued education for employees. Without the support of the universities I’ve worked for and mentors I’ve worked under it would have been a challenge to get where I am in my career. I’ve always believed education and training was a wise investment in my future and at times a necessity to move forward in my career.
Q. How important are math, science and communication skills to finding success in your field?
A. Agriculture Extension relies heavily on science, math and communication to fulfill our mission of sharing research based information. As an Agriculture Extension Agent, I use science and math to calculate fertilizer rates, determine irrigation run times and identify insects, mites, diseases and plants, but that is just the tip of the iceberg. There’s much more of my everyday job that requires math, biology and chemistry. Communication skills are equally important. Having good relationships in the community is vital to success as an agent. If I can’t effectively communicate with the community, they will probably stop considering me a trusted resource.
Q. What is most fulfilling about your career?
A. Extension allows me to work in a field I love and help others in my community. It’s very fulfilling to have that sense of purpose and excitement in my everyday job.
| 
