LUMBERTON — Mac Malloy, whose family has farmed for generations in Lumber Bridge, has recently been hired as the field crop agent for the Robeson County Agricultural Extension Service.
Malloy, 30, graduated from North Carolina State University in 2003 with degrees in agronomy and agricultural business management. He has been the manager of Proctor Brothers Nursery in Parkton for seven years.
Although this is his first job with the extension service, Malloy has served on the extension’s advisory council for several years. As part of his new job responsibilities, which include helping farmers with issues related to corn, soybeans, cotton, tobacco, peanuts and small grains, he will lead the advisory board that oversees the creation of voluntary agricultural districts in Robeson County.
Malloy said he hopes to help farmers and growers expand their economic base by finding alternatives to typical field crops. His goals, he said, are to help growers explore markets, comply with changing regulations, and provide the latest research-based information on best varieties and production practices.
“It is important that people realize the impact agriculture has on Robeson County and the state. Agriculture is the No. 1 industry in the state. Robeson County is No. 1 in the state for soybean and wheat production, and No. 2 for corn production,” Malloy said. “So many generations have become removed from the farm that they don’t realize any more the impact of agriculture.”
Malloy resides in St. Pauls. He and his wife Suzanne are the parents of 22-month-old twin boys, Ian and Walt.
— Staff writer Bob Shiles can be reached at (910) 272-6117 or bshiles@heartlandpublications.com.
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