MOUNT OLIVE, N.C. — A $500,000 investment from the Golden LEAF Foundation is helping the University of Mount Olive expand agricultural education and prepare students for careers in an industry increasingly driven by technology, data and precision farming.
The Golden LEAF Foundation highlighted UMO’s Shady Grove Educational Livestock Facility as an example of how workforce development programs can connect education with the needs of employers and industries across rural North Carolina.
In April 2023, the Golden LEAF Board awarded $500,000 to the University of Mount Olive to support development of the Shady Grove Educational Livestock Facility.
The livestock and forage training facility is designed to provide research and educational opportunities for UMO students as well as the broader agricultural community.
Students will receive hands-on experience and develop practical skills aimed at current and projected regional workforce needs in animal agriculture. A particular focus will be placed on precision agriculture in both crop and animal production, providing students with experience using modern practices and technology.
The project is also designed to reach beyond the university campus.
UMO’s program connects with high school agriculture academies, helping establish a pathway for students interested in pursuing agricultural careers. The facility is expected to provide training opportunities for farmers and host events for high school students to introduce them to career possibilities throughout the agriculture industry.
Golden LEAF says expected outcomes from the project include increasing the number of students who complete curriculum programs, earn industry or third-party credentials and participate in work-based learning opportunities.
The UMO project also leveraged additional state funding. The North Carolina General Assembly provided $1.75 million for construction of the facility, while Golden LEAF funding supports design and infrastructure costs.
The investment is part of Golden LEAF’s broader effort to strengthen the workforce in rural North Carolina by supporting education and training programs tied to demonstrated industry needs.
Agriculture remains one of the foundation’s priority areas. Modern agricultural careers increasingly require skills that extend beyond traditional crop and livestock production to include equipment, technology, data and business management.
Golden LEAF says developing that workforce requires exposing students to agricultural careers early, providing hands-on training and creating pathways that allow students to continue building their skills as they move from high school to college and ultimately into the workforce.
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