I believe that mutual respect, openness, creativity, and innovation—the core values of the 21st century—are the hallmarks of Cooperative Extension work.
I believe that Extension educators are called upon not only to affirm these values but also to ensure that they comprise an integral part of our work.
I believe that Extension educators constitute the most valuable of all infrastructure—human infrastructure—and that this deep reservoir built of trust and collaboration retains an infinite capacity for fostering human achievement.
I believe that we are more than simple purveyors of knowledge—we are knowledge enablers whose charge is to add value to knowledge by demonstrating how practical, meaningful, and lasting use can be derived from it.
I believe that our long-standing experience with and affinity for collaborative learning, reflected in the work of Seaman Knapp and Booker T. Washington, singularly equip us for the immense challenges that await us in the 21st century.
I believe that the collaborative learning embodied in Extension work is enhanced by a generous measure of empathy and compassion.
I believe that in an era of frenetic growth punctuated by rampant scarcity, we are called to be sustainers, securing and enriching the lives and livelihoods of those we serve without eroding the ability of future generations to secure and enrich theirs.
I believe that by acknowledging and celebrating our differences, we enhance opportunities for personal growth and enrichment and secure the personal freedom of and respect for all.
I believe that the prevailing winds of change are summoning us to do what we have always done best: to work, to teach, and to inspire through dialogue and empowerment, demonstrating to our diverse audiences the value of accepting and embracing change as an inevitable facet of life and as an opportunity to formulate new ways of thinking, living, and working.
I believe passionately in these ideals and because they embody the essence of Cooperative Extension work, I proudly proclaim and honor them as my own.
The Alabama Cooperative Extension System, the primary outreach organization for the land grant mission of Alabama A&M University and Auburn University, delivers research-based educational programs that enable people to improve their quality of life and economic well-being.
The Alabama Cooperative Extension System congratulates Ali Gotcher for her recognition by the Alabama Farmers Federation as Alabama’s Excellence in Agriculture competition winner.
Gotcher and her husband, Will, competed against 11 other contestants. The Excellence in Agriculture contest is for members who are 18 to 35 years old and receive most of their income off farm. This event allows participants to showcase agriculture’s role in their lives and present solutions to major industry hurdles.
“My husband and I were humbled to be selected as the Excellence in Ag winners for our state,” Gotcher said. “It means so much to us to be recognized for our passion in the agriculture industry and we hope to continue to work towards a brighter future for farmers. I personally hope that I make the Alabama Cooperative Extension System proud by representing us at the national competition in San Antonio, Texas.”
The Gotchers will represent Alabama during the American Farm Bureau Federation national competition in San Antonio, Texas, in January 2025.
Read more about the Excellence in Agriculture competition by reading the news release from the Alabama Farmers Federation.
The Alabama Cooperative Extension System congratulates Andre da Silva on his recognition from the Alabama Farmers Federation as the 2024 recipient of the Rittenour Award for Production Agriculture and Forestry Research. Silva was recognized at the Federation’s Farm and Land Conference Aug. 3 in Montgomery, Alabama.
Silva, an Alabama Extension vegetable specialist, received $10,000 from the Alabama Farmers Agriculture Foundation (AFAF). His work is instrumental in developing best management practices for high-yielding, high-quality vegetable crops. Silva plans to use the prize to further his variety trials and diversify research.
Alabama Farmers Federation President Jimmy Parnell said the Federation was honored to present the Rittenour Award to an innovative and outstanding agriculturalist.
“Alabama farmers are blessed to have Andre da Silva in their corner,” Parnell said. “His practical research is helping farmers stay productive, profitable and on their farms. That’s important in today’s economy. We’re proud to recognize these leaders and thank them for their work.”
Silva was surprised to receive this honor.
“It’s encouraging to see my work and drive to help was recognized,” Silva said. “I like working with people. That’s why I enjoy working for Extension. When a grower has a problem, you help them and then they succeed. It’s rewarding for me to see their harvest of vegetables and high-quality production.”
The Rittenour Award honors Auburn University and Alabama Extension professionals for practical work helping Alabama farmers. It is named for Charles Rittenour, the first president of the Alabama Farmers Federation. This is the sixth annual Rittenour Award. Read more from the Farmers Federation in their news release.
Find other ACES Accolades at www.aces.edu/go/ACESAccolades.
The Alabama Cooperative Extension System congratulates Dennis Brothers on his recognition from the Alabama Farmers Federation as the 2024 recipient of the Duncan Award for Excellence in Production Agriculture and Forestry Extension. Brothers was recognized at the Federation’s Farm and Land Conference Aug. 3 in Montgomery, Alabama.
Brothers is an Alabama Extension associate professor in agricultural economics and rural sociology. As a member of the farm and agribusiness management team, Brothers specializes in poultry economics. As a part of the award, he received $5,000 for poultry-economics research, courtesy of the Alabama Farmers Agriculture Foundation.
Alabama Farmers Federation President Jimmy Parnell said the Federation was honored to present the Duncan Award to an innovative and outstanding agriculturalist.
“Alabama farmers are blessed to have Dennis Brothers in their corner,” Parnell said. “His practical research is helping farmers stay productive, profitable and on their farms. That’s important in today’s economy. We’re proud to recognize these leaders and thank them for their work.”
Brothers’ past projects include the poultry production cost calculator tool, the “New Farmer’s Guide to the Commercial Broiler Industry” publication series and the 2022 Alabama Ag and Forestry Economic Contribution Study.
“I am most honored by the fact this award comes from those whom we serve in Extension — that is the farmers themselves,” Brothers said. “To know that they feel served, and to be recognized as one who has delivered on the promise of Extension, is both humbling and motivating to continue that service in the years to come.”
The Duncan Award honors Auburn University and Alabama Extension professionals for practical work helping Alabama farmers. It is named after Luther Duncan, the first director of Alabama Extension. This is the sixth annual Duncan Award. Read more from the Farmers Federation in their news release.
Find other ACES Accolades at www.aces.edu/go/ACESAccolades.