Auburn, AL---In the last month, two Alabamians have been killed in tractor overturn accidents. According to the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, 75 percent of all farm fatalities are the result of tractor implement incidents.  About 47 percent of all farm fatalities are the result of tractor overturn. (More...)

Party Poopers: Germs that Can Spoil Your Holiday Fun

Auburn, Nov. 25, 2003 --- Only a few hours after returning home from his holiday office party, Bob was dragged out of a peaceful slumber in his recliner with wrenching cramps, quickly followed by violent vomiting and diarrhea. (More...)

Farm Chemical Phase-out May Be Final Blow for Some Growers

Auburn, Nov. 21, 2003 --- A recent decision to refuse an American request for continued use of a standby farm chemical has not only quashed the hopes of U.S. fruit and vegetable growers but may even have sealed the fate of some.  (More...)

Top Forage Professionals Featured at 2003 Alabama Forage Conference

Auburn, Nov. 12, 2003 --- Alabama farmers have the opportunity to hear from a number of national leaders in forage production at the 2003 Alabama Forage Conference.  (More...)

How Much Fish Is Too Much?

Auburn, Nov. 20, 2003 --- An increasing number of health-conscious Americans are asking the same question: how much fish is too much?

There are plenty of reasons to eat fish.  For one, it’s chock-full of omega-3 fatty acids, substances considered essential to good health.  (More...)

Deep South Fruit and Vegetable Growers Conference Comes to Alabama 

Auburn, Nov. 18, 2003 --- Growers looking for the latest information on alternatives to methyl bromide, pesticide safety, new peach varieties, or research in vegetable production should attend the Deep South Fruit and Vegetable Growers Conference Dec. 3 through 5 at the Adams Mark Hotel in Mobile.  (More...)

Hepatitis Outbreaks Underscore Risks of Raw Food

Auburn, November 18, 2003 --- Health-conscious Americans by the tens of millions are eating more fruits and vegetables.

That’s good, say health experts.  But if a recent wave of hepatitis A outbreaks has taught one lesson, it is that raw food, no matter how healthy, carries its share of risks.  It is a lesson that applies as much to fresh fruits and vegetables as it does to raw oysters and sushi, said one expert.  (More...)

Lewis Appointed to Alabama Urban Forestry Association Board

Auburn, Nov. 14, 2003— Gwen Lewis, an urban Extension agent specializing in urban forestry and environmental education, was recently elected to serve on the Alabama Urban Forestry Association’s Board of Directors.  Her election was announced at the annual meeting in Prattville Nov. 5.

Lewis has been involved in numerous urban forestry-related projects.  (More...)

Knowing How and When to Use a Fire Extinguisher Could Save Your Life and Property

Auburn, Nov. 17, 2003 ---The most important decision to make when you have a fire in your home, barn or business is whether to fight the fire or escape.  This is a critical decision, that could make the difference between life and death. If a fire occurs, consumers should size up the fire quickly and determine if it is small enough to be put out with a fire extinguisher.  (More...)

Mask Takes Reins as Assistant Director

Auburn, Nov. 11, 2003 --- Helping Alabama Cooperative Extension System agents adjust to one of the most far-reaching reorganizations in Extension’s 85-year history is the immediate goal of Dr. Paul Mask, who recently assumed the reins as assistant director for Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources programs.

Mask will play a major role in helping transform the Extension System from a primarily county-delivered program into one in which highly specialized agents will work across county lines.  (More...)

Static Electricity at the Gas Pump Can Spark a Fire

Auburn, Nov. 11, 2003 --- Have you noticed the signs on gas pumps about the dangers of static electricity while refueling your car?  These warnings are not a gimmick.  Static electricity can spark a fire or explosion so consumers need to be careful and heed the warnings.

Static electricity is an electric charge caused by an imbalance of electrons on the surface of a material.  It is most commonly caused by the contact and separation of materials.  The area of contact, the speed of the separation, relative humidity and other factors determine the amount of charge created. One example of this is a person walking across a carpeted floor. Static electricity is generated as the shoe soles contact and separate from the carpet.  (More...)

Dr. Ronald Smith Ends 31-Year Extension Career

Auburn, Nov. 11, 2003 --- Dr. Ronald H. Smith, Alabama Cooperative Extension System cotton entomologist and Auburn University professor of entomology, will retire in December, ending a 31-year Extension career that spanned several major developments in cotton insect control. 

A native of Lawrence County, Smith grew up on a small family farm, one in which he and other family members were involved in every aspect of farming. (More...)

4-H Meat Judging Team Wins Nationals

by Jennifer Miller, Staff Writer, The Enterprise Ledger

The Coffee County 4-H Meat Judging Team went to Kansas City, Kan., as state champions and returned home as national champions. (More...)

Hasty Summons Leads to a Lifetime of Leadership and Service

Auburn, Nov. 10, 2003 --- For Warren McCord, the journey from an undergraduate at Florence State College majoring in biology to a Cooperative Extension administrator and one of the leading experts in community resource development began almost 40 years ago with a hasty summons from Dr. Arthur Hershey, one of McCord’s biology professors.

Having scarcely crossed the threshold of Hershey’s office, McCord was greeted with a straightforward question. “Mac,” Hershey asked, “what do you plan to do when you graduate?”  (More...)

Extension Program Specialist and Associate Receive National Award

Auburn, Nov.7, 2003---Extension Program Specialist Barbara Mobley and Extension Associate Laura Booth, recently received the National Environmental Education Award from the National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences at the Galaxy II Convention, a national Extension conference, in Salt Lake City.  They have also won state and regional awards for environmental education.  (More...)

Nichols Assumes 4-H Leadership

Auburn, Nov. 5, 2003 --- Monday marked the first week on the job for Dr. Lamar Nichols, who was recently selected as the Alabama Cooperative Extension System’s assistant director for 4-H and youth development.

Nichols will provide statewide leadership for all 4-H youth development programs.  In this role, he will work with both Alabama A&M and Auburn University staff on 4-H-related programs and seek ways to secure additional funding for 4-H youth development efforts.  He also will have overall responsibility for the Alabama 4-H Center in Columbiana. (More...)

Extension Economist, Team Receive National Recognition

Auburn, Nov. 4, 2003 --- For the second year in a row, an Auburn University faculty member served on a team that received national recognition for its efforts to educate agriculture professionals about new federal farm policy. (More...)

Hairston Receives Distinguished Service Award

Auburn, Nov. 3, 2003 --- Dr. James Hairston, Alabama Cooperative Extension System water quality scientist and Auburn University professor of agronomy and soil science, recently received the 2003 Distinguished Service Award from the Alabama Chapter of Epsilon Sigma Phi.  (More...)