News

Farm agents recognized for customer service

By Bill Moss, Published: January 7, 2024

Agents at Henderson County Cooperative Extension office were recognized for extraordinary customer service during the annual North Carolina Cooperative Extension West District Conference on Dec. 7. 

Extended Food and Nutrition Education Program educator Betsy Hooker was awarded the N.C. Grange Search for Excellence Award for program assistants. Hooker was also recently awarded the New EFNEP Educator Award, Over the Mark-Silver Award and Golden Star Award in collaboration with Amy McEntire at Hillandale Elementary School.

Farmworker Health and Safety Educator Area Agent Chris Just was awarded the N.C. Grange Search for Excellence Team Award. Just is part of the Farmworkers Health and Safety Education Program team made up of seven extension staffers across the state. In 2023 the team organized educational workshops for farm labor contractors, coordinated three Spanish language Pesticide Applicator Schools and hosted a Farmworker Fair. Chris also partnered with Interfaith Assistance Ministries to provide food boxes to more than 100 farmworkers.

4-H Youth Development Agent Hannah Worrell Peeler was awarded the Victoria Jean Cope Award for exceptional growth through professional development. Peeler grew up participating in 4-H and has worked her way up from intern and program assistant and has now been 4-H agent for Henderson County for three years. This past year, all 22 youth that competed at the district level in presentations received a gold or silver medal, 54 youth completed project records, of which 34 went to district competition and all placed.

Commercial Vegetable and Small Fruit Agent Karen Blaedow was awarded the Lois G Britt Award for Outstanding Extension Agent. This award is only given to one agent in the state each year. During her seven years in Henderson County, Karen has developed a reputation among her growers as being indispensable. She is directly involved with local farmers markets across the county and has helped producers and patrons alike. Area tomato, blackberry and raspberry producers look to her for guidance as she researches best practices for growing in Western North Carolina.

Consumer and Commercial Horticulture Agent Steve Pettis was awarded the N.C. Grange Search for Excellence Award for Agriculture and Natural Resources. In just under seven years, Pettis has developed one of the most in-demand programs in extension. He is highly sought after in Henderson County and the surrounding counties as a speaker and expert in horticulture. His effective program includes a tour of nurseries and garden centers, a weekly radio show, Gardening in the Mountain on WTZQ, Farm City Day, Master Gardener training and much more. The clientele numbers that he reaches go up every year and it is not uncommon to have 30-40 clients reach out to him in one day.

County Extension Director and Tree Fruit agent Terry Kelley was awarded the Dr. Joe and Mrs. Lise Zublena Award for excelling at empowering people and providing solutions. The impact of Kelley’s efforts to get disaster relief for fruit growers in Henderson County will be felt for years to come. After many conversations with local legislators and Farm Service Agency officials, Kelley was able to secure around $8 million in disaster relief for growers who were devastated by the April 2021 freeze event. “We are so grateful for your help with this effort," one grower said. "I know that if it had not been for you, we would not have gotten this relief. It has made the difference in whether we can continue to stay in business or not.”