NC Farm School helps local farmers develop business skills

Published on January 15, 2026

Both sides of her family are local farmers, so Janea Henderson grew up with a legacy to protect. She found the path to do just that through the North Carolina Farm School (NCFS).

Now, thanks to the experience she gained, she runs a successful farming business in Cabarrus: Good Greene Gardens.

This year's session of NCFS is now accepting applications through the North Carolina Cooperative Extension - Cabarrus County. Enrollment is open through Feb. 2. 

Founded in 2012, the program aims to equip participants with the tools and skills needed to turn farming goals into viable businesses. 

The four-month program focuses on agricultural entrepreneurship, including goal setting, research development, marketing, and financial and risk management. Instruction takes place in classrooms and visits to local farms.  

The program follows a “learn-plan-do” model, emphasizing hands-on experience. 

“In farm school, we learned from people who are very good at what they do,” Henderson said. “This helped me discover areas I was interested in and wanted to pursue.” 

Henderson now grows a variety of fruits, vegetables, botanicals and medicinal herbs. She also recently began raising chickens. 

With support from the program, Henderson turned her passion into a profitable enterprise. 

“I’ve gone from not selling anything to expanding on what I’m already growing and turning it into products I can sell,” she said. 

Henderson creates natural skincare products using her farm botanicals and other locally sourced ingredients. She sells them through the Piedmont Farmer’s Market, which has three locations throughout the county. The main market on Winecoff School Road is open every Saturday year-round, and the Harrisburg and Rotary Square locations are open May to October. 

“North Carolina Farm School provides practical tools, useful information and the confidence farmers need to build strong, sustainable operations,” said Sarah Newman, livestock and field crops extension agent. “It does an amazing job of turning ideas and passion into real, working businesses.” 

Henderson said the knowledge and experience gained through the program gave her the confidence to pursue her dreams. She encourages anyone interested to apply. 

After completing the program in 2024, Henderson was connected with Cabarrus County Extension Agents and continues to work with them. That’s been a “phenomenal experience,” she said. “I am so grateful to have them as a resource.” 

Registration closes Feb. 2, and sessions begin in March. For more information or to apply, visit ncfarmschool.ces.ncsu.edu or call 704-920-3310.