10/07/2026
🍎🐄📺More than 200 eighth graders from Haywood County Schools visited the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Mountain Research Station to get a glimpse of their future.
The Waynesville facility hosted N.C. Farm Bureau Career Day, giving groups of students a chance to see agriculture in action from areas across NCDA including the Fair, along with local farmers, NC Wild, Haywood County Soil & Water Conservation District, and Haywood Electric Membership Corporation.
“I never knew you could get a job flying a drone to survey farmland,” said Cesar, a student at Canton Middle School. “That was cool to see.”
Students encountered a cow that’s part of a research project to improve the health of herds across the state and learned the link between aquaculture and the fountain of youth.
“Fish are used in some products that people use to keep their skin looking good,” shared Aubrey, an eighth grader at Bethel Middle School. “That’s another part of the business.”
The kids also discovered uses for various varieties of locally grown apples, and how pictures and videos help farmers market their products.
“I really like photography, so that was something new I learned,” said Brantley, another Bethel student. “It was cool seeing the connection between that and farming.”
Presenters shared with eighth graders that when students get to high school, they can continue exploring careers through classes such as animal science, horticulture, and marketing.
“This is a great way to showcase the many career possibilities with our department, our partner agencies, and our local farmers,” said Kyle Miller, the Mountain Research Station Superintendent. “There are many pathways they may not have known about until this event. This day gets them thinking about what’s ahead, and what jobs match their interests. We hope to grow future leaders who may one day serve farming families and others right here in North Carolina.”
This is the sixth year the Research Station has hosted Farm Bureau Career Day.
