Soybean remains the leading crop by acreage in Northeast North Carolina. According to the 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture, Bertie, Halifax, Hertford, and Martin counties alone harvested 93,600 acres of soybean. In an environment of tight profit margins, fluctuating commodity prices, and evolving regulatory requirements, soybean producers must make informed, data-driven management decisions to remain competitive and economically viable. Access to timely, research-based information is critical to sustaining North Carolina’s agricultural economy.

Extension agents from Bertie, Halifax, Hertford, Martin, and Northampton counties collaborated to host the 2026 Northampton Soybean School. The program served 89 participants (88% farmers) from 15 counties representing 35,795 soybean acres. University specialists delivered research-based education on risk management, marketing strategies, weed management and endangered species regulations, agronomic best practices, and disease management. In addition, 64 licensed pesticide applicators and three Certified Crop Advisors earned required continuing education credits, supporting regulatory compliance and professional development.

Thirty-five growers representing 28,460 acres reported an anticipated average yield increase of four bushels per acre as a result of adopting practices presented during the training. At $11.00 per bushel, this equates to an estimated $1,252,240 in projected farm-level economic impact. This program demonstrates how strategic investment in Cooperative Extension delivers measurable economic returns, strengthens farm profitability, supports regulatory compliance, and enhances the long-term sustainability of North Carolina agriculture.

Objective: Plant Production Systems

Team Members: Billy Barrow (Bertie), Craig Ellison (Northampton), Edward Godfrey (Bertie), Lance Grimes (Martin), Dylan Lilley (Hertford), Brandon Pike (Northampton)