FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – Betty A. Green was inducted into the Cumberland County Agricultural Hall of Fame in a ceremony held at the Judge E. Maurice Braswell Cumberland County Courthouse Friday, Nov. 21, 2025.
The event also recognized Paige Smart as the 2025 Cumberland County Farm Bureau Outstanding Young Farmer of the Year.
Green was recognized during the annual Farm City event hosted by the Kiwanis Club of Fayetteville. Green’s official portrait was unveiled during the ceremony and will hang on the wall with those of past inductees in the I.B. Julian Auditorium of the Cooperative Extension office at the Cumberland County Agriculture Center, located at 301 E. Mountain Dr., Fayetteville.
Green grew up on a farm in Robeson County and graduated valedictorian of her class at Hilly Branch School in 1964. Green went on to North Carolina Central University where she earned a degree in home economics, graduating in 1969. Green went on to earn a Master of Education degree from North Carolina State University in 1983.
In 1980, Green became a Cooperative Extension 4-H agent in Cumberland County, a position she held for 18 years. During her time as a 4-H agent, Green launched innovative programs that empowered youth such as the agricultural public speaking contest, 4-H talent show and fashion show. Green expanded 4-H offerings to include science, talent development, clothing and textiles, public speaking and more.
A particularly significant contribution was Green’s development of the 4-H Embryology Program in Cumberland County Public Schools. Children learned biology and science by witnessing the life cycle of baby quail birds. The embryology program was adopted by schools statewide and is still used in classrooms today.
Green played a pivotal role in establishing 4-H clubs on Fort Bragg and Pope Air Force Base. Today, five sites operate 4-H clubs on Fort Bragg.
Green founded the Cumberland County 4-H Alumni Association and also founded the Cumberland County Leaders Association to support and train volunteer leaders.
In 1988, Green received the Distinguished Service Award from the National Association of Extension 4-H Agents – the association’s highest award. Green is a life member of the North Carolina 4-H Association and is a past secretary and vice president of the association.
Green is an active member of Harry Hosier United Methodist Church and the Fayetteville Chapter of the N.C. Central Alumni Association.
“Betty Green devoted her life to opening doors for thousands of children through the Cumberland County 4-H program. Her vision, leadership and unwavering belief in young people continue to shape our community,” said Cumberland County Cooperative Extension Director Lisa Childers. “As we induct her into the Cumberland County Agricultural Hall of Fame, we honor not only her remarkable career, but the countless lives forever changed by her guidance.”
Young Farmer of the Year
Paige Kennedy Smart has been selected as the 2025 Outstanding Young Farmer of the Year. She was recognized at the Farm City banquet held at the Kiwanis Recreation Center. A fifth-generation farmer from the Grays Creek community, Paige works alongside her father, David, and her brother, Ryan. She is also the granddaughter of the late Alton Earl Smith, who was inducted into the Agricultural Hall of Fame in 2021.
Drawing on her extensive knowledge of forage and cattle management, Paige introduced contract grazing to the family operation and now hosts more than 200 beef cattle each season. She has established a successful hay business and recently expanded the farm’s reach by opening S & K Farm Market, which offers fresh beef, pork, chicken, lamb, and a wide variety of locally produced goods.
A graduate of N.C. State University, Paige is committed to using her expertise to strengthen and grow her family’s farming legacy.
Watch the 2025 Agricultural Hall of Fame feature video on the Cumberland County YouTube channel at youtube.com/CumberlandCountyNC.
About N.C. Cooperative Extension
North Carolina Cooperative Extension is a strategic partnership of NC State Extension, The Cooperative Extension Program at N.C. A&T State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA-NIFA), and local government partners statewide. Extension delivers research-based education and technology from NC State and N.C. A&T that enriches the lives, land and economy of North Carolinians. Extension professionals in all 100 counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee provide educational programs specializing in agriculture, youth, communities, health and the environment.