Madison County - Alabama Extension

09/01/2026

🍅🥕🌽We are ONE WEEK away from the 250 lb Challenge ending! If you've donated any amount of produce you've grown, report it here: https://www.aces.edu/blog/topics/grow-more-give-more/grow-more-give-more-250-pound-challenge/

Madison County is currently in 6th place, let's bump that up!!

08/31/2026

What an incredible evening celebrating Madison County agriculture at our inaugural Farm-to-Table: A Table of Neighbors event!

Guests enjoyed a locally sourced meal while learning more about the impact of agriculture in our community through highlights of Hubert Family Farms, Vaughn Farms, Howling Fresh Farm, and Scott's Orchard, along with an inspiring keynote address from Madison County Commission Chairman Rex Vaughn.

This event would not have been possible without the dedication and support of so many individuals and organizations.

Farm-to-Table Planning Committee
Sinead Lounmala, Lilly Oaks, Christina Garrick, Deanna Patton, Tony Osani, Hannah Vaughn Creed, Katie Sowell, and Andrea Crain

Master of Ceremonies
Tami Culver Allen, Deputy Commissioner of the Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries

Platinum Sponsors
Madison County Farmers Federation, Huntsville-Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau, and AMRV RC&D

Gold Sponsors
Leo Law Firm, LLC and First South Farm Credit

Silver Sponsors
Sweet Grown Alabama, Redstone Federal Credit Union, Trustmark, and Madison County Soil & Water Conservation District

In-Kind Supporters
AU Research & Innovation Campus, Hazel Green FFA String Band, Howling Fresh Farm, Scott's Orchard, Vaughn Farms, and River House Photo

Thank you to everyone who attended, supported, sponsored, and helped bring this vision to life. Together, we celebrated the farmers, producers, and agricultural leaders who help make Madison County thrive. We look forward to continuing this tradition and strengthening the connection between our community and local agriculture for years to come.

08/24/2026

Are you looking to make a difference in the lives of young people in your area? Apply to be a part of the Alabama 4-H AmeriCorps program here in Madison County! 🍀🌟

4-H AmeriCorps members help deliver high-quality youth development opportunities to communities across Alabama. They engage with Alabama 4-H youth in grades 4-12 to deliver hands-on educational programming focused on STEM, workforce readiness and healthy living. This year long program offers its members great benefits and a flexible schedule! If interested in applying and to learn more, visit https://www.aces.edu/go/4HAmeriCorps

Are you looking to make a difference in the lives of young people in your area? Apply to be a part of the Alabama 4-H AmeriCorps program! 🍀🌟

4-H AmeriCorps members help deliver high-quality youth development opportunities to high-need communities across Alabama. They engage with Alabama 4-H youth in grades 4-12 to deliver hands-on educational programming.

Counties with open Alabama 4-H AmeriCorps positions include Baldwin, Coffee, Dallas, Fayette, Jefferson, Limestone, Madison, Marshall, Shelby and Tallapoosa. To learn more details about the program and to apply, visit https://www.aces.edu/go/4HAmeriCorps

08/20/2026

Get ready, North Alabama! Alabama A&M University and its partners are gearing up for the third North Alabama Ag Expo—and you are invited!

If you have an ag-related product or service, conduct agricultural research, or provide resources that are vital to people and communities, this is your opportunity to get involved. Sponsors, exhibitors, and vendors are welcome!

The North Alabama Ag Expo is a free, fun, family-friendly event happening Saturday, November 14, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at AAMU’s The Agribition Center, located at 4925 Moores Mill Road in Huntsville.

But don’t wait! Sponsor, exhibitor, and vendor spaces are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Learn more and sign up today at www.aamu.edu/agexpo.

Come out and celebrate all things agriculture in North Alabama!

For more information, contact Wendi Williams at (256) 372-4953 or Rosie Landers at (256) 361-9737.

08/19/2026

🌧 Is YOUR home rain ready? ☔

Simple, nature-based practices like rain gardens, bioswales, permeable pavement, and more can slow runoff, filter pollutants, and protect Alabama's waterways.

Eligible projects can receive up to 75% reimbursement, with additional funding for HOAs and businesses. HINT: There's even a rain barrel program!

Rain Ready is a statewide initiative that helps homeowners, businesses, and communities in Alabama implement practical stormwater solutions. This project is funded by the Alabama Department of Environmental Management through a Section 319 Nonpoint Source Grant.

Interested in installing stormwater practices at your home or business?

Click this link to see if you qualify: https://rainready.auburn.edu

08/17/2026

🐝The Great Southeast Pollinator Census is THIS WEEKEND!

This two-day event gives anyone the opportunity to become a citizen scientist and observe, count and celebrate pollinators. For just 15 minutes, you will select a spot and count all the pollinators you see.

Learn more about the census and how you can participate here: https://www.aces.edu/go/6634

The Great Southeast Pollinator Census returns to Alabama Aug. 21 and 22. This two-day event gives anyone the opportunity to become a citizen scientist and observe, count and celebrate pollinators. This is an enriching activity that people can do in just 15 minutes, either alone or with others.

Bethany O’Rear, an Alabama Extension home horticulture agent at Auburn University, said by being involved, everyone can learn a lot and enjoy the little things in nature.

“Participants will get as much from the census as the researchers do, if not more,” O’Rear said. “This is especially true if this is someone’s first time participating.”

Learn more about the census and how you can participate here: https://www.aces.edu/go/6634

08/14/2026

Want to produce more grazing days and reduce hay costs? Join us on September 8 as forage and agricultural economics experts discuss practical strategies to improve pasture productivity and profitability.

📅 September 8
🕓 11:00 AM - 1:45 PM
📍 Northwest Shoals Community College (Building 110)
‼️Attend in person or via Zoom
‼️Lunch provided

Hear from: Dr. Leanne Dillard (Technical Discussion)
Ken Kelley & Max Runge (Economic Discussion)

Investing in your forage program is investing in your bottom line.

In-Person Registration: https://www.aces.edu/go/6693
Zoom Registration: https://auburn.zoom.us/meeting/register/UfXH30UkR0KU1ID3FejF6A

08/11/2026

🚜 Have you ever heard of Farm-City?

Established in 1955, main goal of Farm-City is to deepen understanding of the relationship between rural farmers and urban families.

Distinct differences exist between farm and city life, but rural and urban communities rely heavily upon each other to provide the abundant American way of life.

🇺🇸 The 2026 Farm-City theme is “America's 250: Founded by Farmers” and our Farm to Table dinner is an official Farm-City event!
Learn more about the dinner here: https://www.aces.edu/go/FarmtoTableMadisonCo
Learn more about Farm-City here: https://alfafarmers.org/resources/farm-city/

08/08/2026

Come out and see us at the Providence Farmers Market today. We are celebrating farmers market week and promoting our Farm-to-Table event. Www.aces.edu/go/FarmtoTableMadisonCo

08/06/2026

Did you know this week is Farmers Market Week? 🥕

You can catch Lilly and Sinead out at The Providence Market this Saturday!
Make sure to stop by and say hi while checking out all the local goodies!

Celebrate Farmers Market Week, August 2–8, by recognizing the growers, vendors and shoppers who help local farmers markets succeed across Alabama. Every purchase supports local agriculture, strengthens communities and brings fresh, locally grown products to Alabama families.

Whether you are shopping, selling or preparing to sell at a farmers market, Alabama Extension has resources to help:
Grower’s Permit Information: https://www.aces.edu/go/2891
Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program: https://www.aces.edu/go/5834
Find Farmers Market Locations: https://www.aces.edu/go/6643
Tips for Shopping and Selling Safe Products: https://www.aces.edu/go/6642
Tips for Marketing at Farmers Markets: https://www.aces.edu/go/6643

This week, and throughout the growing season, remember to grow, shop and sell local! Comment or tag your favorite farmers market and go shop with them this week.