The North Carolina Center for Poultry Education is pleased to offer professional speaking and educational presentations for conferences, schools, universities, agricultural organizations, industry meetings, leadership programs, and international events.

Dr. Steven C. Brake is an agricultural educator, commercial poultry producer, nonprofit executive, applied researcher, and agricultural advocate with more than 30 years of experience in farming, poultry production, agricultural education, workforce development, and organizational leadership.

Dr. Brake is the founder and chief executive officer of the North Carolina Center for Poultry Education, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit located on a working commercial poultry farm in Pinetops, North Carolina. NCCPE provides more than 3,000 students annually with free, firsthand educational experiences in modern poultry production, animal care, biosecurity, agricultural technology, farm safety, food production, and agricultural career opportunities.

Dr. Brake holds a Bachelor of Arts in Agricultural Communications and Leadership from the University of Mount Olive, a Master of Arts in Agricultural Education and Extension from North Carolina State University, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Agricultural Sciences with a concentration in International Agricultural Development from PATH University of Africa. His doctoral research examined women’s leadership roles in agricultural cooperatives in Guinea.

Drawing from lifelong farming experience, advanced academic study, international research, and decades of work with students and agricultural professionals, Dr. Brake connects practical agriculture with the larger issues affecting food production and rural communities. His presentations help audiences understand that agriculture extends far beyond producing food, fiber, and essential proteins. Agriculture also encompasses science, technology, engineering, communications, public policy, environmental stewardship, business leadership, international development, and workforce opportunity.

Presentations may be customized around topics including:

• Agricultural education and experiential learning

• Agricultural advocacy and building public trust

• Modern poultry production and animal agriculture

• Workforce development and agricultural career pathways

• Emerging agricultural technologies, automation, and artificial intelligence

• Agricultural communications and public engagement

• Leadership and organizational development

• International agriculture and global food security

• Women’s leadership in agricultural cooperatives

• Building partnerships among farmers, universities, industry, and government

• Engaging FFA and non-FFA students in agriculture

• Overcoming dyslexia through education, persistence, and leadership

Career development is a central focus when Dr. Brake speaks with students. He helps young people understand the breadth of opportunities available throughout agriculture, including careers in animal science, veterinary medicine, engineering, automation, data management, food safety, skilled trades, communications, education, agribusiness, and production leadership.

Dr. Brake’s presentations are energetic, practical, and designed to meet audiences where they are. He incorporates photographs, videos, real-world examples, and other visual resources to help participants of every age and level of agricultural experience connect with the subject.

He has addressed university classes, agricultural forums, community-college groups, FFA programs, educators, producers, veterinarians, industry professionals, government representatives, policymakers, and international audiences. His speaking experience includes delivering a keynote address at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C.

Dr. Brake is available for keynote addresses, conference presentations, panel discussions, professional-development programs, classroom presentations, workshops, and customized agricultural education programs.

Please use our contact form to discuss your event, audience, presentation needs, availability, and a customized quote.

Speaking rates:

• Domestic engagements: $2,000 plus travel expenses

• International engagements: $4,000 plus travel expenses

Rates may vary depending on presentation length, preparation requirements, location, travel schedule, and the number of sessions requested.