Daniel Shires is an Agriculture Extension Agent with the NC Cooperative Extension in Cleveland County. Daniel's main responsibilities are working with commercial fruit and vegetable growers, providing them with educational programs and technical advice on pest management, variety selection, nutrient recommendations, cultural practices and marketing.
In order to tailor recommendations to our local climate and growing conditions, Daniel partners with Extension specialists from NC State University to conduct on-farm research and variety trials. He coordinates annual production meetings and field days to educate growers in the latest production practices and recommendations from University specialists. Daniel is also responsible for the Extension Pesticide Education Program. He provides the recertification training that our local farmers, landscape professionals, right-of-way workers, and pesticide dealers need to maintain their pesticide licenses and private applicator certificates.
Commercial blackberry growers are one of Daniel's key audiences. The Cleveland County area is home to over 400 acres of commercial blackberries and three fresh berry distribution centers owed by global marketers. Cleveland County ships blackberries all over eastern United States and even into Canada. A few years ago, Daniel helped organize the NC Commercial Blackberry and Raspberry Growers Association. This Association provides Daniel with the advice, volunteers, and financial resources needed to plan and implement annual production meetings, field days and research trials for its members and other regional growers. Daniel is very proud of the farmers he works with. They work hard to produce top quality produce that is both safe and nutritious.
Daniel has lived in Cleveland County all his life. He is a graduate of Crest High School and NC State University. He is honored to work for the farmers of this county.
Submitted by Greg Traywick