Watson Lawrence

Work Experience

Watson came to Extension with 20 years experience as a self-employed farmer in Gates, North Carolina where he commercially produced grain, peanuts, soybeans, hogs, and chickens.

Watson currently conducts educational programs in the area of agronomic crop production. He serves as an appointed Director for the VA-Dare Soil and Water Conservation District and works on issues important to water quality management. He also sits on many committees as the Cities representative to the agricultural community. He has expertise in conducting on-farm tests in the areas of field crop production. He is also involved in promoting direct marketing for small-scale farms.

Education:
2000-Master of Science-Horticulture-Virginia Tech Institute and State University
1976-Bachelor of Science-Agronomy-North Carolina State University

Positions:
2002-Extension Agent-Unit Coordinator-VCE Chesapeake
2002-Director of Agriculture-City of Chesapeake
2000-Extension Agent-VCE Chesapeake
1996-Associate Extension Agent-VCE Chesapeake
2001-2008-Member Chesapeake Agricultural Advisory Commission
1997-2008-Director Virginia Dare Soil & Water Conservation District
1997-2008-Secretary Chesapeake Farm Bureau Board of Directors
1995-2003-Director N. C. State University Agricultural Foundation
1976-1996-Commercial Farmer-Self Employed

Honors/Awards:
2007 Communications Award-Southeastern U. S. Regional Winner-Individual
Newsletter-National Association County Agricultural Agents
2005 State Team Award-Epsilon Sigma Phi
2005 Pesticide Disposal Award-Virginia Department of Agriculture and
Consumer Services
2004 Watershed Connections Outstanding Director Award
Virginia Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts
2003 Plastic Pesticide Container Recycling Award-Virginia Department of
Agriculture and Consumer Services
2001 Communications Award-State Winner
Virginia Association Agricultural Extension Agents-Video Tape/TV

Major Efforts:
Row Crop production is the largest agricultural enterprise in Chesapeake. Major efforts in Extension Education are to improve production practices and stimulate farm income. Efforts are directed towards written, instructional as well as on-farm demonstration.