Sept. 25, 2003 --- School lunches have improved in the last decade as their fat, cholesterol and sodium levels have dropped.  Fruits and vegetables are more plentiful on many school menus. 

A nutritionist with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System says there are additional improvements to be made to nutrition at schools.  (More...)

Winter Forages Require Sound Planting Practices

Auburn, Sept. 24, 2003 --- Many Alabama producers have already planted winter forage annuals into prepared seedbeds as September draws to a close.  But a forage agronomist with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System said there is still time for producers to plant winter annuals.

Dr. Don Ball, an Extension forage agronomist, said farmers still have the option of overseeding their warm season perennial grasses with winter annual forages.  (More...)

Extension Promotes ENERGY STAR Appliances

Auburn, Sept. 23, 2003 --- The Alabama Cooperative Extension System, along with the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs, encourages Alabamians to buy ENERGY STAR products --- products that may cost more upfront but that provide long-term savings in energy costs.

In an effort to acquaint more Alabamians to these products, both organizations will be providing ENERGY STAR exhibits at the Alabama National Fair in Montgomery, Oct. 3 through 12 and at the Greater Gulf State Fair in Mobile, Oct. 17 through 26.  (More...)

Extension Plant Pathologist Calls for More Research Dollars to Combat Stealth Disease

Auburn, Sept. 22, 2003 --- No one knows more about reniform nematodes than Dr. Bill Gazaway. 

Working on a shoe-string research budget for the past 15 years, Gazaway, now a retired Alabama Extension plant pathologist, has scrutinized them under microscopes and plotted their course through hundreds of fields throughout Alabama.   (More...)

Progressive Farmer’s Idea House and Farmstead Will Benefit 4-H

Auburn, Sept. 22, 2003 --- Progressive Farmer, the nation’s largest farm magazine, has named Oneonta, Ala., as the host city for its first Idea House and Farmstead.  The home is located in Limestone Springs, a private country community built around a world-famous Jerry Pate golf course.  (More...)

Progressive Farmer’s Idea House and Farmstead Will Benefit 4-H

Auburn, Sept. 22, 2003 --- Progressive Farmer, the nation’s largest farm magazine, has named Oneonta, Ala., as the host city for its first Idea House and Farmstead.  The home is located in Limestone Springs, a private country community built around a world-famous Jerry Pate golf course.  (More...)

Consumers Should Use Caution With Under-regulated Supplements, Expert Advises

Auburn, Sept. 17, 2003 --- Aside from being grossly under-regulated and fraught with potential health risks, supplements are also not subjected to the same rigorous research standards as over-the-counter and prescription drugs – yet another reason why consumers should be wary of these products, argues one expert. (More...)

Take a Pill, Live Longer?  Maybe, Scientists Say

Auburn, Sept. 16, 2003 --- Just as Ponce de Leon searched for a fountain of youth, scientists have worked for decades to identify chemicals that may prolong human life.

Now, they think they have found one, and it may be as close as the nearest bottle of red wine, though they’re among the first to caution that drinking red wine is no guarantee you will get adequate amounts of this substance.  (More...)

Katlin Mulvaney Named Miss Alabama 4-H

Auburn, Sept. 15, 2003 --- Katlin Mulvaney of Opelika recently was awarded the title of Miss Alabama 4-H by Auburn University Collegiate 4-H.

Mulvaney, a 4-H’er for eight years, was chosen by a selection committee for her personal qualifications, leadership experience, 4-H awards and recognitions, public speaking abilities, extracurricular activities and essay. (More...)

Alabama Hispanic Community Featured In APT Documentary

Collinsville, Ala., Sept.15, 2003---“Coming to a Crossroads,” a documentary on Alabama Public Television, will examine how people from Mexico and other Central

American countries are finding security and opportunities in Collinsville, Ala., an old-fashioned community in the Appalachian foothills. (More...)

Stress in the Workplace

Auburn, Sept. 11, 2003---Stress is a normal part of life. However, 40 percent of workers report that their jobs are either stressful or extremely stressful. One-fourth report their jobs are the major cause of stress in their lives.

Some stress in the work environment may be good, providing a cutting edge. Many workers tend to be more productive and creative when working under some tension.  However, when creative tension begins to cause physical and emotional problems, then workers need to take stock of what is happening and make some changes.  (More...)

Extension Specialist and Cuban Exile Stresses Reconciliation

Auburn, Sept. 10, 2003 --- As Diego Gimenez and other members of the Alabama agricultural trade delegation waited in a receiving line in Havana last August to greet Cuban President Fidel Castro, he couldn’t help but reflect on the long journey back to his native country --- a journey that took more than two generations to complete.

Forty-two years ago, Gimenez, a young Cuban exile and University of Florida student, decided to act on his opposition to the Castro regime by taking part in the ill-fated Bay of Pigs invasion.  (More...)

Stretching Winter Feed Dollars

Auburn, Sept. 10, 2003 --- Experts predict Alabama farmers will produce about 2.2 tons of hay from each acre in production.  The Alabama Agricultural Statistics Service predicts hay harvest for 2003 will be around 1.70 million tons, down slightly from last year’s 1.75 million tons. (More...)

Counties Hold 4-H Membership Drives

Auburn, Sept. 5----Going back to school isn’t the only activity keeping students busy this Fall.  Early Fall is recruitment season for 4-H, the nation’s largest youth organization.  With more than 6 million members, 4-H seeks to empower youth to reach their full potential, working and learning in partnership with caring adults. (More...)

Crop Rotation and Soil Residue Management Just as Important as Conservation Tillage, Expert Argues

Auburn, Sept. 4, 2003 --- As a student, Charles Mitchell was taught it was impossible to build organic matter on cropland in the wet, humid South.

Now, after working two decades as an Alabama Cooperative Extension System agronomist, he doesn’t buy this argument.  He’s seen firsthand the dramatic successes producers have had building organic matter in their fields through practices such as conservation tillage. (More...)