Jacob Forehand Named Tidewater AREC’s New Peanut Extension Specialist
Jacob Forehand has been named the Tidewater Agricultural Research and Extension Center’s (AREC) new Peanut Extension Specialist. He officially began his role at the Tidewater AREC on April 25, 2024.
As Peanut Extension Specialist, Forehand will provide research-based information and educational support to peanut producers throughout Virginia’s peanut-growing region. His responsibilities will also include organizing field day events and overseeing the Peanut Variety Quality Evaluation (PVQE) program across Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina.
Rooted in Agriculture
Originally from Edenton, North Carolina, Forehand credits his experience as a fifth-generation family farmer with inspiring his passion for agriculture and crop production.
He earned his Bachelor of Science in Crop Science from North Carolina State University. During a summer undergraduate internship, he discovered a strong interest in applied research, Cooperative Extension, and weed science, experiences that ultimately led him toward a career serving agricultural producers.
Forehand will complete his Master of Science in Crop Science at North Carolina State University, where his research focuses on cotton seed quality and its implications for pre-emergence (PRE) herbicide tolerance. His graduate work has been conducted under the direction of Associate Professor Charlie Cahoon and North Carolina State Extension Cotton Specialist Guy Collins.
Questions & Answers with Jacob Forehand
What drew your attention to this position?
“The ability to impact growers across the Virginia-Carolinas region through the work of the Peanut Variety Quality Evaluation program is one thing that drew my eye to this position. I also really enjoy being able to interact directly with growers and help them solve problems they may be facing. Additionally, getting back close to home was another bonus of this position.”
What are your thoughts on the peanut industry, and why do you enjoy working with this crop?
“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.”
What are you most looking forward to in your new role?
“I really look forward to being able to interact directly with farmers. Working with Charlie Cahoon gave me a brief glimpse of how Cooperative Extension can support growers and 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.”
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
“In my free time, I enjoy hunting, fishing, and spending time outdoors. While in Raleigh, I enjoy cheering on the Wolfpack at different sporting events. Whenever possible, I enjoy getting back to the family farm and helping out.”
Looking Ahead
Look for articles and updates from Jacob in upcoming editions of Virginia-Carolina Peanut News as he begins planting and evaluating the 2024 peanut variety trials.
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