Sumter County-Alabama Extension

07/19/2026

Samuel Ginn College of Engineering

07/17/2026

Mark your calendar for Alabama Extension’s Natural Resources Webinar Series! Join Alabama Extension experts and partners as they share practical knowledge to help landowners, outdoor enthusiasts and community members better understand and care for Alabama’s natural resources.

Upcoming topics include pollinators, outdoor stewardship, prescribed fire alternatives, forest wildlife, and native fruits and nuts.

All webinars are free and held via Zoom. Visit https://www.aces.edu/go/3996 to register.

07/16/2026

Join Alabama Extension and partners for an exciting and informative event designed to support your health, wellness, and everyday living.

Health, Wellness & Safety Expo
August 22, 2026
11 AM to 2 PM

Greater Peace Life Center
1650 Jeter Avenue
Opelika, AL 36801

Enjoy a variety of sessions led by Extension experts:

Sonja Thomas, Pesticide Safety Specialist
Nkenge Hyter, Nutrition Health and Wellness Agent
Gwen James, Line Dance instructor

• Pesticide Safety Education
• Food & Nutrition Tips
• Chair Exercises
• Line Dancing for Fun & Fitness
• Mental Health Resources
• Home Horticulture Insights

SWAG BAGS & COMPLIMENTARY SNACKS!

Sponsors: Dancing with Gwen & Cook’s Pest Control

The Alabama Cooperative Extension System (Alabama A&M University and Auburn University) is an equal opportunity educator, employer, and provider. If you need a reasonable accommodation or free language access services, contact Sonja Thomas at [email protected] by August 7, 2026.

07/16/2026

Cottage Food Law Safety Training

~ Understand the law
~Understand where foods can be sold
~Recognize labeling requirements
~Basic food safety practices

August 6, 2026
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Hale County Extension Office
701 Hall Street
Greensboro, AL 36744

For more information, contact Alice Moore at (334) 216-0738.

$25 Certification Fee

Registration link: www.aces.edu/go/cottagefoodbusiness

07/16/2026

🍽️ Become a Certified Food Safety Manager! 🍽️
The Alabama Cooperative Extension System invites food service professionals, restaurant managers, school nutrition staff, childcare providers, and anyone interested in food safety to attend the ServSafe Manager's Course in Marion!
📅 July 27-28, 2026
⏰ 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
📍 Perry County Health Department
1748 South Washington Street
Marion, AL 36756
✅ Learn essential food safety practices
✅ Prepare for the ServSafe Manager Certification Exam
✅ Enhance your food safety knowledge and protect your customers
💲 Course Cost:
• $150 (book included)
• $80 (book not included)
🔗 Register today: aces.edu/go/servsafe
📞 For more information, contact Alice Moore at (334) 216-0738 or [email protected]

07/16/2026

Join us to learn more about recognizing calving problems early, safe assisted deliveries, and after care for both calves and cows.
Dr. Soren Rodning, Extension Veterinarian and Professor, will be conducting a demonstration with our Dystocia Calving Simulation Model!
Thursday, August 13 from 4:00-6:00pm in Butler, AL.
This is a FREE program, but please RSVP as supper will be provided for registered participants.
Calving Simulation Registration Link: http://aub.ie/ChoctawCalving
I hope each and every one of you has a gorgeous rest of your Monday!
Thank you for all you do!

07/16/2026

The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) tracks cyclosporiasis cases each year because it is a reportable disease in Alabama. This means doctors are required by law to report it within a certain time frame. As of July 15, 2026, ADPH has confirmed 11 cases of cyclosporiasis. More cases may be identified as testing and awareness increase.
Right now, there is no single food or water source that explains the nationwide increase. ADPH is still monitoring the situation and sharing information about how to prevent this illness.
Out of the 11 cases, 9 people live in the Northern District, 1 in the Northeastern District, and 1 in the Southwestern District. Here's a link to our Districts Map: alabamapublichealth.gov/blog/assets/publichealthdistrictsmap.pdf.
Of these cases, no one has been hospitalized or died. Two cases involve international travel, and one is linked to a foodborne outbreak at a local Mexican-style restaurant chain.
Cyclosporiasis, an illness caused by a tiny germ, is spreading in more than half of the U.S. It can cause diarrhea, nausea, and extreme tiredness. Health officials are still looking for the source. If you have these symptoms, contact your doctor. For tips on staying safe, visit cdc.gov/cyclosporiasis/prevention/index.html.

07/15/2026

🌴 Virtual Summer School Preview: Day 4
Register at tx.ag/vss2026

Strong organizations don't just develop leaders at the top—they invest in the leaders in the middle.

Join us on Thursday, July 16, for two engaging sessions focused on helping mid-managers grow, lead with confidence, and develop those around them.
⭐ Session 1: Strengths at the Center
Learn how a strengths-based approach can help leaders maximize their impact and better support their teams.

🤝 Session 2: Leading from the Middle
Explore practical leadership strategies for influencing up, down, and across your organization while creating the conditions for others to thrive.

Featuring Dr. Lisa Kaslon, Amelia Mitchell, Callie Nelson, and Rochelle Sapp, this day is designed for anyone who supervises others, leads teams, or wants to strengthen leadership capacity within Extension.

📅 Thursday, July 16
🕐 1:00–2:00 PM CT | Virtual via Zoom
Open to all Extension professionals!

07/15/2026

https://www.aces.edu/blog/topics/food-safety/increase-in-cyclosporiasis-cases-highlights-importance-of-food-safety/

US health officials have reported an increase in the number of domestic cyclosporiasis cases—an illness caused by the parasite, Cyclospora.

07/15/2026

Prescribed fire during the growing season is a powerful but underused forest-management tool in the Southeast. By more closely mimicking natural fire regimes, growing-season burns can improve control of hardwood competition and support the development of high-quality wildlife habitat.

Growing-season burns can be an important part of a long-term management strategy. They can help restore fire-adapted ecosystems and improve forest health. These burns can also strengthen resilience, enhance biodiversity, and support wildlife populations.

For Alabama landowners and land managers, growing-season fire can improve the effectiveness of a prescribed fire program. Burns should only be conducted when conditions are appropriate and management objectives align.

Find out more information about prescribed fire burning here https://www.aces.edu/go/6550 or contact your location Extension Forestry, Wildlife, and Natural Resources agent.