Madison County - Alabama Extension

10/21/2026

Who’s that hooting? Meet four of Alabama’s owls in this week’s Alabama After Dark!

Great horned owl: Alabama’s largest owl species, recognized by its large size and widely spaced ear tufts. It can live in forests, agricultural fields and other habitats with enough prey.
Barn owl: Look for its distinctive white, heart-shaped face. Barn owls hunt small mammals over fields, marshes and other grassy areas.
Barred owl: Found primarily in large forests, this owl has dark eyes, brown streaks on its belly and no ear tufts.
Eastern screech-owl: Small size, ear tufts and patterned feathers help identify this owl, which can be gray, brown or red.

Watch the reel and listen to the distinct “hoots” these owls make. Which ones have you heard?

Learn more about Alabama’s Owls and other Common Birds of Prey here: https://www.aces.edu/go/6971

10/20/2026

It's that time of year again! Bring handmade holiday charm to your front door this season!

Join us for our Wreath Making Workshop on November 20 from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM at the Etowah County Farmers Federation Building (125 Broad St, Gadsden, AL).

For $30 per person, you will:
• Craft a lush, fresh evergreen wreath to take home (all supplies provided).
• Learn directly from local extension agents on the best backyard shrubs and conifers to grow for future homegrown cuttings.

Pre-registration is required! Registration closes November 17.
Reserve your spot today: www.aces.edu/go/wreathmaking2026

10/19/2026

🐖🎉 2027 Madison County 4-H Pig Squeal Project Registration is NOW OPEN! 🎉🐖

Calling all youth ages 9-18 (as of January 1, 2027)! The 4-H Pig Squeal Project is a hands-on opportunity to learn the skills needed to successfully raise and manage a market hog while developing responsibility, record-keeping, and business management skills.

Participants will:
✅ Develop swine management skills
✅ Learn to produce healthy hogs
✅ Gain business management experience
✅ Track income and expenses through recordkeeping
✅ Experience the pride of raising and exhibiting their own project animal

📅 Registration Deadline: Friday, November 13, 2026
💲 Project Cost: $200
📍 Registration and payment must be submitted to the Madison County Extension Office by the deadline.

Questions? Contact Sinead Lounmala at [email protected] or 256-274-7956.

Don't miss this exciting opportunity to learn, grow, and be part of one of Madison County 4-H's most popular livestock projects!

🔗 Register today: www.aces.edu/go/7010

🐖🎉 2027 Madison County 4-H Pig Squeal Project Registration is NOW OPEN! 🎉🐖

Calling all youth ages 9-18 (as of January 1, 2027)! The 4-H Pig Squeal Project is a hands-on opportunity to learn the skills needed to successfully raise and manage a market hog while developing responsibility, record-keeping, and business management skills.

Participants will: ✅ Develop swine management skills
✅ Learn to produce healthy hogs
✅ Gain business management experience
✅ Track income and expenses through recordkeeping
✅ Experience the pride of raising and exhibiting their own project animal

📅 Registration Deadline: Friday, November 13, 2026
💲 Project Cost: $200
📍 Registration and payment must be submitted to the Madison County Extension Office by the deadline.
Questions? Contact Sinead Lounmala at [email protected] or 256-274-7956.

Don't miss this exciting opportunity to learn, grow, and be part of one of Madison County 4-H's most popular livestock projects!

🔗 Register today: www.aces.edu/go/7010

🐷💚🍀

10/16/2026

🐄 Get your hands dirty and learn by doing!

Whether you're new to livestock production or looking to fine-tune your management skills, the Practical Ranch Management Workshop offers hands-on demonstrations and real-world training from Extension specialists and industry experts.

📆 October 27, 2026 from 2- 6pm
📍 Tennessee Valley Research & Extension Center (9494 Experimental Loop, Madison, AL)
💲 $35
Space is limited, so don't wait to register!
🔗 aub.ie/PRMW

10/15/2026

🐝 Have you been thinking about keeping bees? Do you already have bees and would like to learn even more?

Join our Natural Resources Agent, Norm Haley, for workshop that will cover equipment, husbandry, and best management practices to create and maintain a healthy and productive apiary!

📆 November 5, 2026 from 9am to 1:30pm
📍 Jackson County Extension Office (205 Liberty Ln, Scottsboro, AL 35769)
💲 $20 (includes lunch and printed materials)
✏ Please register at www.aces.edu/go/6999

10/15/2026

Want to enjoy your patio garden all year long? Learn how to design, plant and enhance your patio garden to be beautiful year round!
📅 Friday, November 13
⏰ 9-11 AM
📍 Guntersville
✏️ Register at www.aces.edu/go/allseasonpatio
💲 FREE!

Want to enjoy your patio garden all year long? Learn how to design, plant and enhance your patio garden to be beautiful year round!

📅 Friday, November 13
⏰ 9-11 AM
📍 Guntersville
✏️ Register at www.aces.edu/go/allseasonpatio
💲 FREE!

10/13/2026

In the aftermath of Hurricane Isaias, Alabama Extension is working with local farm organizations and state and federal government agencies to document agricultural damage to crops, livestock, buildings, and equipment.
Alabama farmers are encouraged to work with their county Extension office to share time- and date-stamped pictures and videos of this damage. Farmers can also submit this documentation online at www.aces.edu/go/Isaias. The deadline to submit videos and pictures is Friday, October 16 at 5 p.m. Madison county producers can contact the Madison County Extension Office at 256-532-1578 or [email protected].
This information will be used to create a public report that documents the effects of Hurricane Isaias on Alabama agriculture. No personal or identifying information of farmers will be included in the report.
Find out more here: https://www.aces.edu/go/6984

In the aftermath of Hurricane Isaias, Alabama Extension is working with local farm organizations and state and federal government agencies to document agricultural damage to crops, livestock, buildings, and equipment.

Alabama farmers are encouraged to work with their county Extension office to share time- and date-stamped pictures and videos of this damage. Farmers can also submit this documentation online at www.aces.edu/go/Isaias. The deadline to submit videos and pictures is Friday, October 16 at 5 p.m.

This information will be used to create a public report that documents the effects of Hurricane Isaias on Alabama agriculture. No personal or identifying information of farmers will be included in the report.

Find out more here: https://www.aces.edu/go/6984

10/12/2026

10/12/2026

Alabama After Dark: Meet the opossum!

When night falls, one of Alabama’s most misunderstood neighbors begins searching for its next meal.

The Virginia opossum is the only marsupial, or pouched mammal, native to the United States. These adaptable, nocturnal animals eat a varied diet that includes insects, rodents and carrion. By consuming these foods, opossums may help control damage to gardens and lawns while serving as part of nature’s cleanup crew.

Opossums are known for “playing possum,” but that is not usually their first response to danger. Most will try to escape. If cornered, they may hiss, growl or display their approximately 50 teeth.

They may look intimidating, but opossums rarely follow through on these defensive bluffs. They also have a remarkable resistance to many viruses and rarely contract rabies.

Learn more about this member of Alabama’s nighttime wildlife at https://www.aces.edu/go/6884

Alabama After Dark: Meet the opossum!

When night falls, one of Alabama’s most misunderstood neighbors begins searching for its next meal.

The Virginia opossum is the only marsupial, or pouched mammal, native to the United States. These adaptable, nocturnal animals eat a varied diet that includes insects, rodents and carrion. By consuming these foods, opossums may help control damage to gardens and lawns while serving as part of nature’s cleanup crew.

Opossums are known for “playing possum,” but that is not usually their first response to danger. Most will try to escape. If cornered, they may hiss, growl or display their approximately 50 teeth.

They may look intimidating, but opossums rarely follow through on these defensive bluffs. They also have a remarkable resistance to many viruses and rarely contract rabies.

Learn more about this member of Alabama’s nighttime wildlife at https://www.aces.edu/go/6884

10/08/2026

Interested in learning more about modern grazing systems and how to maximize your pastures? Well you're in luck! There are two opportunities for you to learn about virtual fencing, grazing systems, conservation incentive programs, and more!

📆 November 10, 2026 from 6-8pm
📍TN Valley Research and Extension Center (9494 Experimental Loop, Madison, AL 35756)
💲This workshop is free with lunch provided
✏Register at: https://www.aces.edu/event/pasture-perspectives-virtual-fencing-grazing-systems-2/

📆December 3, 2026 from 6-8pm
📍NW AL Livestock Auction (14330 AL-243, Russellville, AL 35654)
💲This workshop is free with lunch provided
✏Register at: https://www.aces.edu/event/pasture-perspectives-virtual-fencing-grazing-systems/