National 4-H Conference is the premier professional and leadership development event for 4-H members ages 16-18 who are actively engaged in 4-H programs. The conference is held in Washington, D.C. The purpose of the conference is to provide…

Archaeologists investigate oyster shell middens (piles of shucked oyster shells) to learn more about America’s earliest human inhabitants. Pottery and other artifacts found in middens provide evidence that Paleo Indians inhabited the coasta…

Effective control of plant parasitic nematodes, soilborne plant pathogens, and some weed pests is a serious challenge for farmers and home gardeners.

Resistant varieties, crop rotation, and pesticides are not always via…

What is Master Gardener?
The Alabama Master Gardener Volunteer Program is an educational volunteer-recruitment program offered through the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. Volunteers work with Extension to bring the latest h…

In the 1930s, beaver populations in Alabama were reduced to about 500 animals as a result of trapping, hunting, and the demand for fur. Conservation efforts, such as reintroductions and regulated harvest, in conjunction with low fur prices …

Selecting the best route of administration, choosing the correct needle, choosing the correct injection site, practicing good sanitation, handling drugs correctly, and proper restraint will ensure proper action of the drug and will …

To ensure the proper use and effectiveness of cattle health products, beef producers must use FDA-approved products and use them only as directed by the label or veterinary prescription (if all requirements are met). All products mu…

What Is Acid Rain?
Acid rain, or acid precipitation, refers to any precipitation that is more acidic (i.e., has a lower pH value) than that of normal rainwater. Carbon dioxide (CO22) in the atmosphere makes all rain slightly acidic because…

Farms in flood-prone areas, or areas in which flooding has been anticipated, should have an emergency plan for evacuation. A farmstead disaster plan must consider the safety of family members and farm workers, livestock, and emergency respo…

A good herd health program is essential for a profitable cattle operation. Healthier, better-performing cattle ensure production of an abundant, safe, wholesome supply of beef products that consumers can purchase and consume with co…

Failing trees cause the most damage and inconvenience both during and after a storm event. Trees fail in storms because they endure stresses that exceed their ability to withstand. The weight of a falling branch, trunk, or whole tree is mas…

Follow these guidelines to be prepared for power outages.

Know where your flashlight and batteries are—and be able to easily access them. Consider purchasing battery-operated lanterns for additional light sources.
Decide which ro…

Hydrangeas, with their pink or blue cloud-shaped flowers and large, soft-green leaves, compose images of lazy summers in the shade. However, this describes only one plant, the bigleaf hydrangea, in a large and varied group. All hydr…

You may be exposed to a chemical in three ways:

Breathing the chemical
Swallowing contaminated food, water, or medication
Touching the chemical, or coming into contact with clothing or things that have touched the chemical
Rem…

Armyworms are most notably seen “marching” in large numbers across lawns. They often feed openly and conspicuously, sometimes during the day, making themselves relatively easy to spot. Most armyworms are large caterpillars with long str…