Bryan Cave
Bryan Cave and the staff he works with have a vision for Mitchell County Cooperative Extension.
Defining and crafting that vision was one of the first things on his agenda when he was named interim county extension director.
“We have to be responsive, relevant and respected in the community,” Cave said. “We must work hand in hand with county government, agriculture, industry, schools and the citizens to make sure that Mitchell County is the place we want to raise our families, grow our economy and maintain our rural character.”
This is not the first time Cave has been called upon to lead a county extension office through a rough patch.
During his 34-plus years in NC Cooperative Extension, he became known as someone who developed good working relationships.
For the last decade, that skill has been put to work in Yadkin, Wilkes, Allegheny and Stokes counties where he served as an interim director. He started his career as an assistant agricultural extension agent in Surry County.
“I’m a livestock guy,” he said.
He holds a bachelor’s of science and a master’s in animal science from North Carolina State University. In 2007, he was named director of the Surry County Center.
Cave lives in Surry County and spends two or three days a week in Mitchell County. Asked how long he’ll be here he responds, “as long as I’m needed. I love it here. I’ll stay as long as you like and I’ll go whenever you tell me to.”
Cave said he believes in Extension.
“Extension is relationship-based. It’s about team building,” he said. “I’ve been part of teams that succeeded. If your team doesn’t try something new you’ll never learn. Trying new things is the way you learn. I’ve learned something everywhere I’ve gone. I like learning and I like the people I’ve met here.”
While staying current and relevant is important, Cave stresses, “We don’t need to forget how we got here. There’s a treasure trove of information on this staff and in this community that can be shared. I think a lot of people have forgotten about Extension.
“We’re going to change that. Extension needs to be one of the grassroots groups that facilitates and leads in this community.”
One relationship he sees as key is with TRACTOR Food and Farms, which recently opened its facility in Mitchell County. Cave worked with the first food hub in the state and is eager to share the experience.
“The changes in agriculture are unprecedented,” Cave said. “We have to protect farmland. Mitchell County is at a crossroads with the loss of farmers and the need for young producers. The opportunities are awesome.”
Education and opportunities to educate and involve kids and families by providing programs that foster agricultural awareness and teach youth where food comes from are part of the vision.
Integrated programming with 4-H and Family and Consumer Sciences is part of the plan.
Cave said he believes Mitchell County is alive with opportunities for Extension.