MOUNT OLIVE – Buses lined the University of Mount Olive campus as students stepped into a scene where country music carried across the grounds, conversations filled the air, and the aromas of food vendors mingled with the energy of a day built around agriculture, education, and opportunity.
More than 2,000 high school students, along with educators, alumni, and industry partners, gathered for the University of Mount Olive’s 11th annual AgFest, a signature event designed to connect students with opportunities in agriculture and beyond.
Hosted by the House of Raeford Farms School of Agriculture and Biological Sciences, the daylong event combined hands-on learning, career exploration, and community engagement. Students representing more than 80 high schools across North Carolina arrived throughout the morning, eager to explore opportunities in agriculture and related fields.
“This event gets bigger and better every year,” said Edward Olive, director of the Lois G. Britt Agribusiness Center. “It is all about creating meaningful connections between students and the agricultural industry. It gives them a chance to see what is possible beyond the classroom.”
AgFest featured a large vendor fair with more than 70 exhibitors representing agricultural businesses, organizations, and university programs. Students moved from booth to booth, engaging with professionals, collecting information, and learning about career pathways ranging from animal science and horticulture to agribusiness and technology. In addition to industry exhibitors, multiple disciplines from across campus were represented, giving students a broader look at academic programs and a glimpse into college life at the University of Mount Olive.
To encourage participation, students completed a “bingo card” by visiting exhibitors, with completed cards entered into a drawing for scholarships to the University of Mount Olive.
The success of AgFest is made possible through strong partnerships with corporate and community sponsors. Presenting sponsors, Got to Be NC and Piggly Wiggly, provided foundational support for the event. Additional major sponsors included the North Carolina Electric Membership Corporation, Tri-County Electric Membership Corporation, Four County Electric Membership Corporation, Smithfield Foods, and House of Raeford Farms. “Their support helps cover event costs and ensures students can participate in a full day of programming that includes meals, entertainment, and hands-on experiences,” said Olive.
In addition to the vendor fair, the event included food trucks, sponsored meals, giveaways, and live entertainment throughout the day. Two concerts featuring North Carolina country artists Kaylin Roberson and Christina Eagle, a recent contestant on The Voice, provided a festive backdrop, while an alumni reception brought together former UMO students who now serve as educators and industry leaders. “It is special to see our alumni return, many of them now bringing their own students,” Olive said. “They were once here as participants, and now they are helping guide the next generation.”
University of Mount Olive President Dr. H. Edward Croom emphasized the significance of AgFest within the broader mission of the institution. “We are proud of the growth of our agriculture programs and the interest we are seeing from across the state,” Croom said. “Events like AgFest highlight the strength of our partnerships with industry and our commitment to preparing students for meaningful careers.”
Croom also noted recent investments in the University’s agricultural programs, including the development of a new educational livestock facility and continued expansion within the newly named House of Raeford Farms School of Agriculture and Biological Sciences.
Throughout the day, UMO students played an essential role in organizing and operating the event, assisting vendors, guiding visitors, and ensuring a welcoming experience for guests. Their involvement reflected the hands-on, student-centered approach that defines the University’s agricultural programs.
For many students visiting, AgFest offered a first look at college life and the opportunities available within the agricultural field. For others, it served as a return visit to a campus already familiar through previous participation. “This is more than just an event,” said Dr. Steve Matthis, Dean for the House of Raeford Farms School of Agriculture and Biological Sciences. “It is an experience that helps students see themselves in these careers and envision their future.”
With strong attendance, expanded programming, and continued support from sponsors and industry partners, the 11th annual AgFest reinforced its role as a cornerstone event for agricultural education in North Carolina.
