Source: NCDA&CS, 2/3/14

All North Carolina growers have access to the advisory services of the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services through a regionally based network of agronomists. Recently, the department’s Agronomic Services Division implemented a change in the assignments of two mountain counties. McDowell County is now part of Region 12, which is handled by Dwayne Tate, and Catawba County is now part of Region 14, which is covered by Steve Dillon.  

Tate, who will now cover Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Burke, Caldwell, McDowell, Mitchell, Watauga and Wilkes counties, holds a bachelor’s degree in agriculture from Berea College in Kentucky. He has significant experience conducting agricultural field and research studies at N.C. State University and at the Mountain Horticultural Crops Research Station and Extension Center in Mills River.

Dillon, who will now cover Catawba, Cleveland, Gaston, Henderson, Lincoln, Polk, Rutherford and Transylvania counties, holds a master’s degree in soil science from N.C. State University. He has worked as an agronomist with the department since 1998.

Regional agronomists provide advice on crop fertilization, nutrient management, lime needs, soil testing, plant tissue analysis, use of animal wastes and composts, nematode assay, and testing of source water and nutrient solutions.

Growers can arrange a consultation by contacting the appropriate agronomist directly. Tate can be reached at 828-443-5281 or at dwayne.tate@ncagr.gov. Dillon can be reached at 704-276-1989 or at steve.dillon@ncagr.gov.