In 1985, Danny McConnell received his Bachelor of Science in Horticulture with a specialization in Fruits and Vegetables from North Carolina State University (NCSU). Upon graduating he returned to the farm and continued the diversification of the farm with the construction of greenhouses for growing vegetable transplants to be used in the wholesale vegetable production program. As the years pass, diversification continues at McConnell Farms with the introduction of new apple varieties and the addition of small fruits (strawberries, raspberries, blackberries) and specialty vegetables (asparagus, rhubarb, greenhouse tomatoes, lettuce, herbs, pickling cucumbers and a variety of peppers). Focusing on small fruits and specialty vegetables, the farm now has expanded to an on-site seasonal direct market retail outlet while also maintaining its wholesale vegetable and apple production.