Driving Innovation Ahead was the theme of the 2026 National Urban Extension Conference (NUEC), held in Detroit, Michigan, on May 11-14. NUEC 2026 featured several presenters from the Alabama Cooperative Extension System at Alabama A&M University (AAMU). Extension Associate Director Jennifer Wells, Extension Animal Science Specialist Felix Samuel, and Integrated Pest Management Specialist Clement Akotsen Mensah delivered a presentation titled “Alabama Sheep & Goat Summit: Innovative Extension Strategies for Urban Food Systems and Youth Engagement.”

NUEC Presentation

The NUEC presentation focused on the Alabama Goat and Sheep Summit. Summit activities include hands-on training, expert sessions, and 4-H youth development activities. Topics cover animal health (parasite management, nutrition, and reproduction), grazing, and value-added production.

In addition, the team shared survey results from the 120 participants, revealing significant knowledge gains. For example, 86% of the participants indicated they could immediately apply what they learned to their operations. Farmers and goat producers left the event expecting to improve their return on investment through the knowledge gained.

Today, the Alabama Goat and Sheep Summit is recognized as a scalable Extension model. This model supports food security, workforce development, experiential learning, and community resilience through strategic partnerships and innovative programming.

About the Summit

The 2025 Alabama Goat and Sheep Summit was held on November 15 on the AAMU campus and at The People’s Patch Community Farm in Huntsville.

The Summit is designed to address the growing need for sustainable small ruminant production, food security, and workforce development. Target audiences include farmers, Extension professionals, researchers, students, industry experts, and community members.

One of the major strengths of the event is its emphasis on experiential learning. Participants engage in field demonstrations and expert-led sessions. They also gain practical skills they can immediately apply to improve productivity, profitability, and animal welfare.

In addition, the event places strong emphasis on youth engagement and agricultural career development to inspire the next generation of agricultural professionals. Students engage in activities involving animal science, veterinary medicine, agricultural technology, and food systems. These activities help bridge the gap between the classroom and real-world agricultural applications.

A Model for Success

The success of the Alabama Sheep & Goat Summit demonstrates the critical role of Extension programming. Such programming helps address urban and peri-urban agricultural challenges, enhances local food systems, and builds resilient communities. Through continued innovation and engagement, Alabama Extension at AAMU remains committed to empowering producers, supporting youth development, and advancing sustainable livestock production throughout Alabama and beyond.