The agent in this position will provide leadership for the horticulture programs in Rutherford County in both the areas of commercial and consumer horticulture.
The agent will provide relevant educational programming and training, as well as proactively conduct needs assessments and program evaluations.
North Carolina Cooperative Extension gives our residents easy access to the resources and expertise of NC State University and NC A&T State University through educational programs, publications, and events. Cooperative Extension agents deliver unbiased, research-based information to North Carolina citizens.
Rutherford County is located in the foothills of North Carolina within approximately one hour’s drive of Asheville to the west, Charlotte to the east, and the Greenville Spartanburg metro area of South Carolina to the south. According to data estimates from the US Census, Rutherford County’s population is 66,956.
Rutherford County covers 361,034 acres of land with nearly 66,000 acres in farming production. Beef Cattle, broilers, and the forestry industry are the major contributors to the county’s agricultural economy. The average farm size is 93 acres, with 96.3% of farms being family owned. Other agricultural operations include, but are not limited to: row crops, commercial vegetable production, small-scale blueberry production, small-scale strawberry production, small-scale dairy production (cow and goat), numerous backyard gardens, community gardens, numerous landscaping contractors, and a local farmers’ market.
Rutherford County has an active Extension Master Gardener volunteer program. Master Gardner volunteers assist at the Extension Center with Horticulture-based programs, client calls, and the Extension educational garden. Please click on the link below for more information.
