Hunter Rhodes Email & Phone Number

Began growing vegetable crops at a very young age, experimenting with different techniques to increase yield, improve quality and produce a desirable product. Began growing 3 to 5 acres annually of mostly watermelons and succulent peas while also operating a pea shelling facility, allowing me to provide a more desirable product and increase sales. This experience allowed me to gain real world agriculture business experience and a greater knowledge of the agriculture industry as well as the sweat equity and other inputs required to produce a marketable product along the way. Obtained a private pesticide applicator license, configured custom fertilization and pesticide application rates, applied pesticides, fertilizers and cultivation with agriculture machinery, analyzed soil reports and prior field history to construct a proactive and sustainable plan for each field in production. Implemented a proactive integrated pest management plan to reduce the costs of pesticide use and labor while providing a higher quality product to customers. Selected seed varieties ideal for the soil types of each field, providing optimal yield and quality. Harvested and marketed crops to both wholesale and retail buyers in local markets, making connections and building relationships throughout the agriculture industry.

Clinton, Nc

Smithfield, North Carolina

Mentored under Field Crops and Horticulture agents, assisting growers to solve current on-farm issues while building trust and relationships with the growers. Planted, maintained, treated and harvested a variety of field trial test plots from 1 to 5 acres including soybeans, sweet potatoes, wheat, cotton and corn. Collected soil sample cores regularly to test pH and nutrient availability in soil on farms throughout the county as well as test plots. Collected plant tissue samples for disease diagnosis, nutrient deficiencies, insect pressure and other issues that growers encountered. Performed analysis on test plots to understand how different treatments such as pesticides, seeding rates, fertilizers, etc. affected growing stages and yields in a variety of crops grown in Johnston County. Networked with many growers and industry influencers throughout the county and state while acquiring an abundance of knowledge of the agriculture industry!

Smithfield, North Carolina

Mentored under Field Crops and Horticulture agents, assisting growers to solve current on-farm issues while building trust and relationships with the growers. Planted, maintained, treated and harvested a variety of field trial test plots from 1 to 5 acres including soybeans, sweet potatoes, wheat, cotton and corn. Collected soil sample cores regularly to test pH and nutrient availability in soil on farms throughout the county as well as test plots. Collected plant tissue samples for disease diagnosis, nutrient deficiencies, insect pressure and other issues that growers encountered. Performed analysis on test plots to understand how different treatments such as pesticides, seeding rates, fertilizers, etc. affected growing stages and yields in a variety of crops grown in Johnston County. Networked with many growers and industry influencers throughout the county and state while acquiring an abundance of knowledge of the agriculture industry!

Four Oaks, North Carolina

Performed inventory analysis on a regular basis, uploaded and managed inventory of over 150,000 plants on an online marketing database designed for all nurseries within Johnston County as well as a different database designed for nurseries nationally. Received large orders placed by wholesale customers throughout the Mid-Atlantic region, allowing me to make many connections throughout the horticulture industry. Pulled the desired plants from the inventory and loaded them for customers. Transplanted cuttings from mother plants to replenish the nursery stock.

Newton Grove, North Carolina