Between The Rows Podcast

Episode 4: Inside NCDA Pesticide Inspections: A Farmer's Guide With Clay Hudson

What should North Carolina farmers know about pesticide inspections? In this episode, we sit down with Clay Hudson, an NCDA pesticide inspector, to discuss what growers can expect during an inspection and how they can stay informed, prepared, and compliant with state pesticide regulations.

Clay breaks down the differences between Private and Commercial Applicator Licenses, recertification requirements, Worker Protection Standard (WPS) training, pesticide recordkeeping, proper storage and disposal, and personal protective equipment (PPE). We also discuss common inspection issues, spray drift investigations, and important considerations for farmers exploring agricultural drone technology.

Clay also shares personal insights from his career with NCDA and explains how inspectors can serve as a valuable resource for growers.

Helpful Resources:

• NCDA&CS – Pesticide Section: https://www.ncagr.gov/divisions/structural-pest-control-and-pesticides
• NC State Extension: https://www.ces.ncsu.edu/
• Worker Protection Standard – Pesticide Educational Resources Collaborative: https://www.pesticideresources.org/wps/

Clay Hudson Contact information 

Cell: (252)-542-0131

Email: [email protected]

Tune in to learn more about pesticide safety, compliance, and the resources available to North Carolina farmers!

NC State and N.C. A&T State universities are collectively committed to positive action to secure equal opportunity and prohibit discrimination and harassment regardless of age, color, disability, family and marital status, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, political beliefs, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation and veteran status. NC State, N.C. A&T, USDA and local governments cooperating.

Episode 3: Jones County Fields with Jacob Morgan

In Episode 3 of Between the Rows, Rachel Howell sits down with Jacob Morgan, Jones County Field Crops Extension Agent and County Director, to talk about what’s happening in the fields across Jones County and what farmers are facing beyond what we see from the road.

Jacob shares what he’s hearing from growers, from production challenges and input costs to weather, markets, and risk management. We also talk about new technologies and management practices, lessons Jacob has learned from farmers, stories from the field, and what he thinks agriculture in Jones County could look like five or ten years from now.

We also talk about Jacob’s Crop Sense podcast and some of the lessons he’s learned from talking with agricultural guests.

Learn more about Crop Sense here:

https://cals.ncsu.edu/crop-and-soil-sciences/news/new-extension-podcast-puts-crop-expertise-in-your-pocket/

This podcast is a resource for your community. If you have ideas for future episodes, topics you’d like us to cover, or stories you want to share, reach out!

Call: (252) 527-2191
Email: [email protected]

NC State and N.C. A&T State universities are collectively committed to positive action to secure equal opportunity and prohibit discrimination and harassment regardless of age, color, disability, family and marital status, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, political beliefs, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation and veteran status. NC State, N.C. A&T, USDA and local governments cooperating.

Episode 2: Greene County Fields with Hannah Howe

In Episode 2 of Between the Rows, Rachel Howell sits down with Hannah Howe, Greene County Field Crops Extension Agent, to talk about what’s happening in the fields across Greene County this growing season.

Hannah shares a little about her role in Extension and gives us a firsthand look at the crops, challenges, and conditions she’s seeing in the county. We talk about the questions farmers are calling about, pest and disease concerns, fertility issues, management practices that are paying off, and what has surprised her in the field this year.

We also look ahead to harvest and discuss what growers should be watching over the next few weeks, along with practical advice for making the most of the rest of the growing season.

We also talk about upcoming pesticide license training opportunities in Greene County. Classes will be held at the Greene County Farmers Market, 470 US-13, Snow Hill, NC 28580:

• August 25: X, Z (SF), and C&T Training — 9–11 AM
• September 16: V Credit — 9–11 AM
• September 22: X, Z (SF), and C&T Training — 9–11 AM

For more information about the pesticide classes or Greene County field crops, contact Hannah Howe at (919) 901-2613 or [email protected].

This podcast is a resource for your community, so plug in, listen, and find out how you can share what you're seeing in your own fields this season. 

Call: (252) 527-2191

Email: [email protected]

NC State and N.C. A&T State universities are collectively committed to positive action to secure equal opportunity and prohibit discrimination and harassment regardless of age, color, disability, family and marital status, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, political beliefs, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation and veteran status. NC State, N.C. A&T, USDA and local governments cooperating.

Episode 1: Welcome to Between the Rows!

In this very first episode, get to know your host, Rachel Howell, the Lenoir County Field Crops Extension Agent. Rachel shares her roots growing up on a family grain farm in Camden, NC, her journey to NC State (Go Pack!), and her passion for serving the growers of Eastern North Carolina.

Discover the mission behind Between the Rows—a podcast dedicated to capturing the valuable, practical knowledge that usually happens during tailgate chats and field days. Rachel breaks down what to expect over the coming months, including interviews with local farmers, university specialists, and ag reps covering everything from corn and soybeans to tobacco and ag tech.

This podcast is a resource for your community, so plug in, listen, and find out how you can share what you're seeing in your own fields this season. 

Call: (252) 527-2191

Email: [email protected]

NC State and N.C. A&T State universities are collectively committed to positive action to secure equal opportunity and prohibit discrimination and harassment regardless of age, color, disability, family and marital status, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, political beliefs, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation and veteran status. NC State, N.C. A&T, USDA and local governments cooperating.