SMITHFIELD – Seth Ballance has joined the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service in Johnston County as the new Commercial Horticulture Agent. Seth grew up on a hog farm in Northern Wayne County where he found his passion for agriculture. He attended North Carolina State University and received a Bachelors in Biological and Agricultural Engineering Technology as well as minors in Horticulture Science and Extension Education.
While at NC State, Seth participated in the internship program with Cooperative Extension in Johnston County where he became interested in pursuing a career with Extension. Working closely with the Agricultural Agents, he realized his passion for horticulture crops, prompting him to receive his minor in Horticulture Science. Seth also did Undergraduate research at NC State where he assisted in in variety trials and nutrient deficiency studies on a variety of vegetable and ornamental crops. This experience helped to teach him the principles and purpose of research and the importance spreading this research to farmers in order to provide them with the most up-to-date information.
“We are fortunate to have Seth Ballance joining our team and leading our efforts to support producers of vegetable crops and fruits in Johnston County. He is a native of Eastern NC which gives him a valuable viewpoint on the struggles that farmers in our region face. I am excited to see what the future will bring and the assistance that he will bring to our local farmers,” said Bryant Spivey, County Extension Director.
After working with Extension in Richmond County for the last six months, Seth is excited to be returning to the county where he found his passion for horticulture, and Cooperative Extension.
He will be providing assistance to vegetable growers, beekeepers, and pond owners. Seth is based out of the Johnston County Agricultural Center in Smithfield and can be reached by calling the Extension office at 919-989-5380, or by email at seth_ballance@ncsu.edu.
Welcome back to Johnston County!