Associate Horticulture Agent,
Davidson County

Professional Achievements:
Amy-Lynn Albertson has been recognized among her peers as a leader and visionary in the horticulture field, providing programs to address new and emerging trends. She has been highly visible through programming and marketing efforts and continues to engage in professional development. She has also been able to expand programming due to her ability at marshaling both human and fiscal resources. All of the efforts have combined to enhance Cooperative Extension partnerships and garner county support. Amy-Lynn is self-directed, conscientious, a risk taker, innovative, a role model. 

“Putting Small Acreage to Work”
Alternative agricultural enterprises are being actively sought after, not only by farmers but also by non-traditional Extension clientele.  Piedmont Extension agents from six counties, in conjunction with the NCSU Dept. of Agricultural and Resource Economics, developed an extensive training to evaluate possible alternative enterprises.  The conference “Putting Small Acreage to Work”, held in Winston-Salem, November 2003 and 2004, was attended by 305 citizens.  Speakers at the conference included experienced farm owners and Extension Professionals.  In 2005 a series of “Small Acreage Success Stories” were organized to introduce individuals who have participated in the “Small Acreage” program to hands-on farm experiences through tours.  By actually seeing and touching a live working farm, participants saw the ins and outs of different small farm enterprises. Eighty Nine people participated in the tours in four different counties.  Enterprises that were included on the tours were “Pine Needle Production with Loblolly Pines”, “Fee Based Hunting”, “Cut Flowers and Herbs”, “Grapes” and “Blueberries”.  A tour was also taken at the Center for Environmental Farming Systems in Goldsboro NC, where goat, organic dairy, pasture turkey and chicken production areas were toured.  In 2006 a six week course was offered to for new and transitioning farmers to explore different agricultural enterprises and the tools to write business plans for their own enterprises.  Fourteen farm families participated in the program.  Four of the farm families have gone on to start new farm enterprises after completing the course.

“Lexington and Thomasville Farmers Markets”
In the winter 2004 Cooperative Extension met with Davidson County produce growers to discuss the possibility of a “growers only” farmers market in the area.  Two area flea markets were the only local markets available to the growers.  At these flea markets, the growers have to compete with retailers who are buying their produce in from other areas and re-selling it.  Extension and the area growers wanted to create a market place that would give local growers an even playing field in pricing.  A focus on quality and locally grown produce, flowers and plants was also a primary objective.  By working with the city governments in Lexington and Thomasville, two new “grower only” farmer’s markets were opened in the summer of 2006.  The Thomasville Farmers Market had a structure built with funds raised by PACE (People Achieving Community Enhancement).  Private donations totaling $50,000 were collected to build an open air market structure that is only to be used by the farmer’s market in Thomasville.  The Lexington Farmer’s Market is located at the historic southern rail and freight depot in Lexington.  The city of Lexington is working to renovate the depot and provide a passenger rail stop in Lexington.  Extension and Lexington department of Community Development have collaborated to write a grant to the Golden Leaf Foundation to aid in the renovation of the depot and provide an interior structure for the market which currently operates on the street in front of the depot.  Extension certifies each farm that participates in the markets to ensure the “grower only” aspect of the market.  Horticulture and FCS have worked together to assist various growers to have their kitchens certified by NCDA so they can sell value-added products such as jams, jellies, salsa and baked goods. At each market day vendors are averaging a profit of $200.

“Master Gardener Program”
The Master Gardener Program had not been offered in Davidson County before 2002 when it was offered for Davidson County and Randolph County residents.  Two more classes have been taught in Davidson County.  Thirty two volunteers have been trained in the Master Gardener Program and 18 remain active volunteers. Over 4200 volunteer hours have been completed in Davidson County saving the county over $63,000.00.

Accomplishments:
2006 NC NACCA 2nd Place Search for Excellence in Young, Beginning or Small Farmers/Ranchers
2006 NC NACCA Communications Award for publication team effort, "Be Healthy, Grow What You Eat"