Franklin County Extension Office-Alabama Cooperative Extension System

06/05/2026

The US Department of Agriculture has confirmed the presence of New World screwworm in Zavala County, Texas, which is about 50 miles from the US-Mexico border. This is the first detection of this pest in the United States during this outbreak.

Devastating to warm-blooded animals, the New World screwworm is a live-animal health concern, not a food safety or quality issue. As a preventative measure, livestock producers are encouraged to implement routine fly control in their herds.

If you have a suspected infestation, immediately contact Alabama State Veterinarian Dr. Tony Frazier at (334) 240-7253.

For more information about the New World screwworm, read the press release from the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries at https://agi.alabama.gov/animalindustries/2026/06/usda-confirms-new-world-screwworm-in-texas/.

06/04/2026

Pollinator Partners of Alabama Certification Training🦋🐝

June 26—Franklin County
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Address: Russellville Parks Department—201 Ash Ave., Russellville, AL 35653
Contact: Makahla Holloway at 251-423-9415

Cost $40 - includes lunch, a t-shirt, a plant, and a swag bag with goodies. Participants will also receive a certificate for taking the training

Direct Link to register for Franklin County Session at

Want to learn more about pollinators and simple ways to protect them? Join Alabama Extension to become a certified pollinator partner!

05/28/2026

Northwest Alabama, we need your voice. 💙

United Way of Northwest Alabama is launching a community survey to better understand the needs, challenges, and priorities facing our region. Your feedback will help guide future programs, resources, and support for our communities.

📋 Take the survey today for a chance to win a gift card!
🎉 Drawings will be held weekly.

Whether you live, work, raise a family, or simply care about Northwest Alabama, your input matters.

Scan the QR code or complete the survey here: https://una.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0J1kU18HEYxoLr0?source=ip

05/14/2026

Alabama 4-H invites everyone ages 9 to 18 to test their fishing skills through 4-H BIGGEST Catch, a virtual fishing contest!

04/28/2026

While celebrating Extension Week, our Financial Management Agent, Pat Smith, led an informative Financial Defense: Tax Time Season Fraud & Scams program at the Senior Center in Red Bay.

During the session, Ms. Smith educated participants on how to recognize and avoid common money tricks and scams that target individuals during tax season. Each attendee received a placemat as a helpful reminder: “Don’t let scammers pull the wool over your eyes.”

She emphasized that senior citizens are among the most vulnerable groups, particularly when it comes to charity scams, and provided practical tips to help protect their personal and financial information.

Ms. Smith also shared that she is available to present additional programs, including Disaster Season Fraud & Scams and Holiday Season Fraud & Scams, to further support community awareness.

To highlight the importance of vigilance, she noted that Tuscaloosa ranks among the highest cities in the nation for credit card fraud, and that 280 Alabamians have lost a combined $48 million to cryptocurrency investment scams—averaging approximately $170,000 per victim.

04/24/2026

We want to thank our NWA First Teacher Home Visiting Team for all they do!

04/23/2026

Thank you, Tractor Supply Company in Russellville- for your generous donation to the Franklin County 4-H program! Your support helps empower our youth and strengthen our community.

04/21/2026

Here are a few tips to lower your cost of living.💵💰

Inflation continues to fuel an affordability crisis for families, as high costs for essentials outpace take-home wages.

04/20/2026

**CANCELED**

💧 Every Drop Counts! 💧

💦Ready to take control of your lawn and garden irrigation? Join our Smart Irrigation for Homeowners Workshop and learn how to design, build, and maintain an efficient irrigation system—while saving water and money! 🌱

🛠️ What you’ll learn:
• Irrigation basics
• System design & maintenance
• Components (drip & spray)
• Hands-on system building

📍 Two convenient locations:
📅 April 17 | Huntsville | 10 AM – 2 PM
📅 May 1 | Russellville | 10 AM – 2 PM

💲 Cost: $20 (includes lunch + materials!)

👉 Register using the QR code on the flyer or contact Franklin County Extension Office for details at 256-332-8880.

04/16/2026

As we celebrate Alabama Extension Week, it is a time dedicated to recognizing the meaningful impact of the Alabama Cooperative Extension System across our state.
Alabama Extension connects people with practical, research-based solutions that make a difference in their daily lives. This week provides an opportunity to highlight the incredible work happening every day through agents, specialists, and county teams. It is also an invitation for residents to reach out, connect with their local Extension office, and discover the many ways Extension is here to support them.
Each year, Extension staff coordinate more than 6,000 educational events in communities across Alabama. These efforts extend into both rural and urban areas, including Urban Extension programs that serve residents through nine urban centers. This broad reach ensures that individuals, families, and communities have access to valuable knowledge and resources that improve their quality of life.
Alabama Extension Week also highlights the wide range of programs, services, and dedicated professionals serving communities statewide. As a collaborative effort between universities, Extension remains committed to transforming lives by sharing knowledge and helping communities thrive.
A key part of this work is the investment in youth. Through Alabama 4-H, more than 110,000 students participate in leadership development programs that equip them with skills for the future.
From April 12th through the 18th, Extension professionals will host a variety of events in communities across the state. These include local gatherings, campus-based activities, and 14 online webinars, all designed to educate, empower, and connect.
As we celebrate this week, let us recognize the lasting impact of Alabama Extension and the people who make this work possible. Their efforts strengthen communities, support families, and help build a brighter future for Alabama.