NCACAA honors Duplin extension rising leader

Jessica Hall was recognized for excellence in livestock programming and producer impact

KENANSVILLE — What started as a college internship for Jessica Hall has developed into a rewarding career supporting livestock producers. Now serving as a livestock agent at the NC Cooperative Extension Duplin County Center, her commitment to the field has recently been recognized with one of the highest honors for young professionals — the NCACAA Young Agent Award.

“I really love the work that I do and the people I get to work with — both staff and livestock/forage producers,” Hall told Duplin Journal.

Raised on a small hobby farm in Benson, Hall brings a deep-rooted passion for agriculture to her role. She helps Duplin County producers navigate modern farming challenges with confidence and care.

For Hall, this award represents more than just recognition; it’s a tangible acknowledgment of her impact.

“It’s nice to know that everyone sees value in the work that we do. I love what I do, and I’m honored to be recognized for it,” Hall shared. “I’ve tried to expand on the existing programs while adding several new ones to serve new populations. I like to think that those efforts have been effective.”

In the last few years, the extension office has introduced programming for horses, sheep, goats, and dairy cattle. These additions have helped attract new audiences and deepened engagement within the community. Collaboration with other agents and university specialists has been central to Hall’s approach, creating more robust and meaningful learning opportunities for producers.

“I really love when I get to partner with other agents and specialists to bring more depth to a program because I always end up learning a lot, too,” said Hall.

Partnerships with county departments and local businesses have also enabled the creation of innovative events, such as equestrian clinics and AI certification courses, aimed at enhancing producer education and operational success.

“We have an amazing team of researchers and specialists at the university that are great about keeping agents updated on new things as they come out and offering us training that we can take out into our communities.”

Among the most impactful initiatives are innovative programs such as the Small Ruminant Field Day and the Cattle Reproduction School. These efforts combine academic expertise, practical skills, and producer participation to provide cutting-edge knowledge and hands-on experience.

Supporting a wide range of farm operations requires adaptability and a deep understanding of her clients. Whether through text, phone calls, email, or even Snapchat, she meets producers where they are and customizes her outreach accordingly.

“Every farm is different. Whether a huge commercial farm, small homestead, or something in between, it’s about getting to know the people and the operation,” Hall explained. “Our favorite answer in Extension is ‘it depends,’ so I get to say that a lot, but the fun part is diving deeper to help producers identify the factors at play and eventually getting them to the answer they need.”

Her work emphasizes building strong relationships, understanding individual farm goals, and providing practical, research-backed recommendations that align with their realities.

Looking ahead, she believes that producers must remain vigilant and adaptable. Rising input costs, pest pressures, shrinking farmland, and unpredictable market trends are all likely to shape the next five years. Yet, she sees promise in emerging technologies like drones and AI in breeding. Hall also stressed the importance of turning to credible sources like the Cooperative Extension for support.

Hall’s growth as an agent is fueled by ongoing education, including her pursuit of a Ph.D. She credits both Extension’s training resources and her clients’ lived experiences as essential to her development.

“It’s nice to work somewhere that encourages you to continue learning. My clients have also been a huge part of my growth as an agent. Some of these guys have been farming longer than I’ve been alive, so while I may be able to help them out with some things, they’re teaching me, too. That wisdom is invaluable to me,” said Hall.