Jacob Forehand named Tidewater AREC's new Peanut Extension Specialist

Jacob Forehand has been named Tidewater Agricultural Research and Extension Center’s new Peanut Extension Specialist and begins his tenure at the Tidewater AREC on April 25, 2024.

In this role, Forehand will provide information to producers in the peanut growing region of Virginia, organizing field day events, and conducting applied research focusing on peanut variety evaluation across Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina.

Forehand is originally from Edenton, North Carolina, and credits working as a fifth generation family farmer as the experience that fueled his enthusiasm for agriculture. He received his Bachelor of Science in Crop Science from N.C. State University and during an undergraduate summer internship, he discovered a passion for applied research, extension, and weed science.

He is currently completing a Master of Science in Crop Science from N.C. State with a research focus on cotton seed quality and its implications on PRE herbicide tolerance under the direction of Associate Professor Charlie Cahoon and N.C. State Extension Cotton Specialist Guy Collins.

Forehand answered some questions about why he joined Virginia Tech and the Tidewater AREC:

What drew your attention to this position?

“The ability to have an impact on the whole Virginia-Carolinas region through the work of the Peanut Variety Quality Evaluation program is one thing that really 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/or why do you enjoy working with this particular 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. Through working with Charlie Cahoon, I got 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.”