Jake Haynes
COOPERATIVE EXTENSION: Jake Haynes, Horticulture Extension Agent
Years with the County: 6 months
Briefly describe your job. What do you do?
I provide research-based horticultural advice to homeowners and commercial growers. This involves answering their questions, helping with soil and plant nutrition tests, and sending samples to the North Carolina State University Plant Disease and Insect Clinic for accurate diagnosis. I also develop and lead educational programs for the community, which are often held at places like libraries. Additionally, I offer continuing education for pesticide applicators and landscape contractors. I also coordinate the Extension Master Gardener Volunteer program, leading a 40-hour education program for volunteers. These volunteers then complete 40 hours of service to help expand community access to horticultural education. To maintain their certification, volunteers must also meet yearly continuing education and service hour requirements.
What is a typical workday like for you?
Every day is different. It just depends on what I have scheduled. Some days are spent in the office catching up on questions or working on educational program materials. Other days I am in and out, either visiting farms, attending workshop training, or helping the Extension Master Gardener volunteers.
What is your favorite aspect of your job – what do you enjoy doing most?
My favorite part of my job is definitely the Extension Master Gardener program. There are so many great folks with big hearts willing to lend a hand in our community. It is also interesting to see the dynamics within the group. Some are big on working in the garden and educating others through the manual labor portion of gardening. Others are very information-driven and love to go out into the community as teachers. Finally, some love to promote food security and healthy eating, thus spend a lot of time working in our demonstration garden and other community gardens around the county to grow food for local organizations who help those in need.
What is the County core value you believe most relates to the work you do, and why?
While all of the core values are important and applicable, I think the core value of Doing What Matters Most best relates to this position. At Extension, we are a service to the community, and we empower citizens with good, research-based information to improve their lives through fostering a healthy community.
What do you like best about working for Catawba County?
While I have only been here 6 months, I have really been impressed with the support. Catawba County seems very supportive of its employees, and everyone I have interacted with has been very kind and went above and beyond to address any issues that I have had.
Where did you grow up?
I am from Mount Airy, NC in Surry County, NC.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I love to garden, of course. I also love to cook. I enjoy thrifting and antiquing, as well.
Favorite movie, TV show, and/or book?
Schitts Creek, Abbott Elementary, and Jeopardy are my favorite TV shows.
Favorite musical artist or genre?
Dolly Parton!
If you could have one superpower, what would it be and why?
I would choose to have the ability to instantly become an expert on anything and master any skill. I would use this superpower to help others.