Marketing Class with Dr. Liang
Are you a farmer looking to grow your profits through marketing? Or a gardener wanting to start producing for profit? Whether you grow plants or raise animals, this workshop will teach you skills and connect you with resources to increase your profitability through marketing strategies.
Dr. Kathleen Liang, professor at N.C. A&T State University and director of the Center for Environmental Farming Systems, will teach on mixed marketing methods to expand existing market sales and consumer methods. She will also discuss creating new markets for innovative products, which will include her introducing specialty vegetables, their functional nutrients, and a sampling of the cooked product.
Whether it’s expanding on what you have or trying something new, you are sure to leave with new skills and marketing confidence!
Please bring a laptop or tablet if you can so that you can engage with the online resources Dr. Liang will share about.
When: Thursday, April 2nd at 5-7 pm
Where: N.C. Cooperative Extension, Franklin County Center
103 S. Bickett Blvd, Louisburg, NC 27549
Cost: Free
Registration
NC Farm Succession School
Join this one-day event by NC FarmLink to learn how to secure your farm’s future. You will learn about challenges often faced in transitioning farmland from one generation to the next and how to overcome them.
When: March 31 at 9 am - 3:30 pm
Where: Franke Liske Park
4001 Stough Rd, Concord, NC 28027
Cost: $20
Register online.
Apprenticeship and Host Farm Opportunity
The Center for Environmental Farming Systems (CEFS) is recruiting for their Sustainable Vegetable Production Apprenticeship, looking for both apprentices and host farms.
Program Overview: The Sustainable Vegetable Production Apprenticeship aims to increase the pool of trained agricultural workers for management and entrepreneurial positions at farming operations in North Carolina. The program is open to military veterans interested in agriculture and farming careers, and GI Bill® and VR&E eligible. The Sustainable Vegetable Production apprenticeship requires a commitment of two growing seasons. Apprentices are employees and paid by the host farm and receive educational and professional development support from CEFS.
For students: An apprenticeship provides an opportunity to learn as you work and earn a wage. Your time on the farm is guided by a comprehensive curriculum that ensures you learn farm management skills as your work full-time with an experienced mentor for two seasons. Learn more.
For farmers: This apprenticeship supports farms in attracting and retaining longer-term employees who are motivated to learn, have production experience, and are able to take on more responsibility over time. This program can be a good fit for a current employee who wants to contribute to your operation in a bigger way. Learn more.
More information
Earth Day Ag Showcase at the CEFS’ Small Farm Unit
CEFS is proud to host an Earth Day celebration at the Small Farm Unit of Cherry Research Farm in Goldsboro. Families, students, and community members are invited to explore hands-on activities that connect farming, the environment, technology, and health.
A special highlight of this year’s event is the N.C. A&T Innovation Bus, a state-of-the-art mobile learning space that will showcase cutting-edge technology, agriculture, and innovation for both youth and adults.
Everyone is welcome to register and attend (lunch is included in your registration fee), including youth 8-16, community groups, farmers/gardeners, Veterans/active military members, and everyone who wants to enjoy an exciting Earth Day with us!
When: Wednesday, April 22, 2026 from 9am to 2pm
Where: 400 Old Smithfield Road (NC-581), Goldsboro, NC 27530
Cost: $12 (adults)
$6 (youth)
See more information and registration at the below link.CEFS Earth Day Events
If you are interested in attending, please contact Alejandra Martinez for possible carpooling opportunities.
Planned Activities Include:
● Wayne County Compost Facility – composting & waste reduction
● Beekeeper Association – pollinators & honeybees
● Mark Light (N.C. A&T) – AI & technology playground
● Sanjok Prudel (N.C. A&T) – trees, agriculture & sustainability
● Kathleen Liang (N.C. A&T) – grow-your-own-food activities
● Mallory Choudoir (NC State) – interactive soil games
● Sara Snyder (NC State Agroecology Education Farm) – Agroecology Academy
● Jim White – food safety demonstrations
● Crystal Cook Marshall (N.C. A&T) – personal health & wellbeing
● Jason Davis (University of Mount Olive) – fun with agriculture
