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Official Facebook of the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. We take the university to the people.

The Alabama Cooperative Extension System (Alabama A&M University and Auburn University) is an equal opportunity educator, employer, and provider.

10/28/2026

The College of Agriculture at Auburn University has been awarded its largest single grant in the college’s history to establish a new program with the International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC). The new Feed the Future Fertilizer and Soil Health Innovation Lab is receiving approximately $10 million from the U.S. Department of State. This research effort seeks to adapt soil health and fertilizer solutions through partnerships with agricultural agencies, growers, non-profits, private-sector partners, research institutions and universities in the U.S. and developing nations. Rishi Prasad, associate professor and Extension specialist in nutrient management at Auburn, leads the grant-funded initiative with a focus on efficient implementation.

“We are part of this global innovation so we can help empower farmers in the U.S. and participating countries,” Prasad said. “By taking our institutional knowledge and expertise to these countries, we’ll benefit U.S. agriculture, as well, through new markets, stronger supply and better agricultural products for use here at home.”

Read more about this project and others on our website. Link in the Links Section of our page.

10/27/2026

Farm to School in Alabama

A garden can turn food and agriculture lessons into hands-on experiences.

Children can plant seeds, observe changes, keep a garden journal and eventually taste something they helped grow. You do not need a large garden to get started. A container of herbs or a few vegetables can introduce children to how food grows.

Alabama Extension’s Grow More Garden Series provides easy-to-follow instructions for growing fruits, vegetables and herbs. The collection includes crops ranging from broccoli and carrots to strawberries and watermelon.

Find the Grow More Garden Series and Alabama’s home gardening guide on our website. Checkout the Links section on our page.

10/27/2026

LAST CALL! This event is happening Thursday October 29! Do you fish in the Valley Creek watershed? We want to hear from you!

Anglers are invited to join us at the Bessemer Recreation Center for a community workshop as part of an EPA-funded project led by Auburn University.

We're working with anglers and local communities to better understand aquatic litter challenges and identify strategies to help keep our waterways clean and healthy. Whether you fish occasionally or spend every chance you get on the water, your experiences and perspectives can help inform future solutions and outreach efforts.

RSVP with the link on the graphic.

Stay tuned for additional workshop opportunities this fall.

10/27/2026

Pecan trees are a treasured part of Southern landscapes, but getting a good crop isn’t always guaranteed. On this episode of Southern Ground, hosts Chip East and Shane Harris discuss common factors that affect pecan production, from pests and diseases to weather conditions and tree health, and share practical tips for helping pecan trees thrive.

Listen to the full episode on our website. A direct link to all of our podcasts is available in the Links section of our page.

10/26/2026

An apple a day keeps the doctor away … or does it?

Apples aren’t a cure-all, but they bring plenty to the table! Fiber, water and beneficial plant compounds make this crunchy favorite a nutritious addition to your day.

Get more from every bite:
Leave the skin on for more fiber.
Pair apple slices with peanut butter for a satisfying snack.
Add chopped apples to salads or gently cook them with cinnamon for a cozy fall treat.

October is Apple Month. It is a great time to find a new favorite variety! Get the facts behind the familiar saying and learn more ways to enjoy apples: https://www.aces.edu/go/7045

10/26/2026

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently announced the election and enrollment deadlines for the Price Loss Coverage (PLC) and Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) programs for the 2026 and 2027 crop years.

Farmers should understand the fundamental differences between the ARC and PLC programs:

PLC provides price support and triggers payments when the marketing year average price falls below the effective reference price.
ARC provides revenue support and triggers when revenue falls below a guaranteed revenue level. Revenue is determined by county yield (not individual yield for ARC-County) and marketing year average prices.

Several decision guides are available to assist in making decisions. Read more about the analysis and find guidance on our website. Link available in our links section.

10/26/2026

🐓The 4-H Poultry Pioneers has helped to complete research for several different breeds of chicken, so each week for the rest of the year, we will be showcasing a few of these birds and several fun facts about them. Today, we are highlighting the Rhode Island Red.

This beautiful chicken produces eggs with a brown shell color, that have a yolk color score of 5.3, and have an average egg weight of 54.0 grams or 1.9 ounces.

Do you have any Rhode Island Reds in your backyard flock?

10/25/2026

What’s the buzz about the 2026 Great Southeast Pollinator Census?

Join Alabama Extension Home Horticulture Agent Bethany O’Rear for the next Smart Yards Webinar to hear updates from this year’s census.

Wednesday, October 28, 2026, 1 p.m. Central. Live via Zoom

Register to receive the Zoom link and view upcoming webinar dates: https://www.aces.edu/go/2414

Hosted by Alabama Extension’s Home Horticulture team on the fourth Wednesday of each month, the Smart Yards Webinar Series covers gardening, fruits and vegetables, lawn care, wildlife, home pests and more.

10/24/2026

Small actions at home can help protect your family and the environment. During Red Ribbon Week, October 23–31, join Alabama Extension in putting medication safety into practice:

Secure medications to prevent access by children and guests.
Check your medications regularly so you know if anything is missing.
Take unused or expired medicine to a local prescription drug drop box.

Contact your local pharmacy or police department to find a nearby disposal location. Proper disposal helps prevent medication misuse and keeps unwanted medicines out of our waterways.

Find more tips and resources from Alabama Extension: https://www.aces.edu/go/7007

10/23/2026

Meet Bridgette Brannon, Food Safety & Quality Extension Agent!

Thinking about taking your homemade foods from the kitchen to the marketplace? Bridgette and Alabama Extension’s Food Safety and Quality team can help you get started.

Through Alabama Cottage Food Law certification training, you’ll learn which foods you can sell, labeling requirements, food safety practices and the rules for selling your products. Online and in-person options make it easier to find training that fits your schedule.

Learn the rules, earn your certification and take the next step toward starting your home food business with confidence.

Contact your county Extension office to connect with a Food Safety and Quality agent and learn about available training.

Address

322 Mell Street
Auburn, AL
36849

Website

http://www.aces.edu/, https://www.aces.edu/blog/topics/nondiscrimination/nondiscrimination/, https://www.aces.edu/calend

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