Two new regional agronomists join NCDA&CS
The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services recently hired two new regional agronomists, one serving central North Carolina counties and a second serving northeastern counties.
Colby Lambert will consult with growers in Anson, Guilford, Lee, Montgomery, Moore, Randolph and Richmond counties.
Jacob Searcy will work with growers in Beaufort, Dare, Hyde, Martin, Pamlico, Tyrrell and Washington counties.
Regional agronomists are part of the Field Services Section of the department’s Agronomic Services Division. They provide advice on crop fertilization, nutrient management, lime needs, soil testing, plant tissue analysis, use of animal wastes and composts, nematode analysis, and testing of source water and nutrient solutions.
“Colby’s 11 years with Cooperative Extension have given him valuable experience working with North Carolina growers and crops.” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler.
For the past nine years, Lambert worked in Cumberland County. In 2010, he received achievement awards from both the state and national Associations of County Agricultural Agents. He has extensive experience with field and horticulture crops, forages and ornamentals. He holds a bachelor’s degree in forest management and environmental science from N.C. State University.
To arrange a consultation with Lambert, contact him at 919-255-0514 or colby.lambert@ncagr.gov.
“Jacob has seven years of experience with Cooperative Extension in Beaufort and Bertie counties, so he is very familiar with Coastal Plain agriculture,” Troxler said. “He will be a knowledgeable resource for growers seeking to optimize crop nutrients or manage plant-parasitic nematodes.”
Searcy holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from East Carolina University and a master’s degree in agricultural extension education from N.C. State University. He has extensive experience with tobacco, vegetable and livestock production as well as landscaping.
To arrange a consultation with Searcy, contact him at 252-503-8438 or jacob.searcy@ncagr.gov.
