Jacob Forehand was recently named Tidewater Agricultural Research and Extension Center’s new peanut Extension specialist. He will provide information to producers in the Virginia peanut-growing region, organize field day events and conduct applied research focusing on peanut variety evaluation across Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina.
Forehand is originally from Edenton, North Carolina, and credits working as a fifth-generation family farmer for the experience that fueled his enthusiasm for agriculture. He received his bachelor’s degree in crop science from N.C. State University. During a summer internship, he discovered a passion for applied research, Extension and weed science.
He is currently completing a master’s degree in crop science at NCSU with a research focus on cotton seed quality and its implications on pre-emergent herbicide tolerance.
Forehand answered some questions about why he joined Virginia Tech and the Tidewater AREC:
Q:
What drew your attention to this position?
A:
The ability to have an impact on the whole Virginia-Carolinas region through the work of the Peanut Variety Quality Evaluation program is one thing that really drew me to this position. I also enjoy being able to interact directly with growers and help them solve problems. Getting back close to home was an additional bonus.
Q:
Why do you enjoy working with this crop?
A:
I have enjoyed working with peanuts from an early age. I like how different they are from many other row crops in their management, how they grow and the logistics surrounding harvesting.
Q:
What are you most looking forward to in your new role?
A:
I really look forward to being able to interact directly with farmers. Through working with NCSU Extension weed specialist Charlie Cahoon, I got a brief glimpse of how Cooperative Extension can support growers, and it showed me how valuable the unbiased information coming out of Extension programs is for growers. I also look forward to being able to provide growers with research-backed information regarding varieties, as variety selection can be one of the most important decisions growers can make.”
