For more than a year, Federation meetings have included one item on the agenda consistently: spray drone demonstration by Li. Farmers across the state have benefitted from his one-of-a-kind research and his real-time updates on results and findings. His drone presentations and on-farm research have helped farmers across commodities harness innovative technology for crop protection.
ACES Accolades: Graham Named Specialist of the Year
The Alabama Cooperative Extension System congratulates Scott Graham for his recognition as Specialist of the Year by the Alabama Agricultural Consultant Association. Graham received the award among peers and producers at the Alabama Row Crops Short Course Dec. 15. in Auburn, Alabama.
This award reflects Graham’s growing contributions to cotton, peanut, and soybean producers across Alabama, as well as the network of contacts he has established with consultants, agricultural dealers, farmers, and college personnel.
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Melissa Voynich, the Alabama Cooperative Extension System coordinator for Dale County, received the 2023 Ozark Area Chamber of Commerce Community Involvement Award Feb. 22, at the Ozark Business Excellence Awards.
Voynich said the award is indicative of the work Dale County Extension does in the community.
“We were so excited to receive this award because it reflects the amazing contributions of our whole team,” Voynich said. “We are all proud to serve this area.”
In the past calendar year, Dale County Extension professionals helped thousands of youths and adults in at least two to three programs per week. The office reaches 3,000 each month with newsletters and newspaper articles, as well as interacting with residents every day through phone or walk-in services. While assisting more than 750 youths in grades 4 through 6, they visited every school in Dale County, one Ozark City School, the Boys and Girls Club, and other community gatherings as requested.
Pictured from left to right: Dale County Administrative Associate Zandi Foss, Miss Ozark and Chamber Ambassador Savannah Pedroza, Dale County Extension Coordinator Melissa Voynich, and EFNEP agent Abigail Shehee.
Donna Gilbert is the recipient of the 2023 Outstanding Council Member Award from the Alabama Association of Resource Conservation and Development Councils (AARCD). Gilbert received the award during the Alabama Mountains Rivers and Valley Resource Conservation and Development’s annual meeting in Guntersville, Alabama.
Gilbert, a long-time council member, was recognized for her exceptional contributions to various projects and programs, such as her planning and problem-solving skills.
“Congratulations to Donna for her outstanding achievement and her service to the state of Alabama,” said Majed El-Dweik, interim Extension 1890 administrator.
Gilbert serves as the assistant manager at Alabama A&M University’s Agribition Center which is managed by Alabama Cooperative Extension System staff.
About AARCD Councils
Mission
The mission of the AARCD Councils is to “promote, protect, and develop the natural and human resources to secure and enhance the social and economic benefits for people across the state of Alabama.”
Nine councils serve the state of Alabama.
The Alabama Cooperative Extension System congratulates Steve Li on his recognition from the Alabama Farmers Federation as the 2023 recipient of the Rittenour Award for Production Agriculture & Forestry Research. This award recognizes Auburn University faculty for creative research. Li is an associate professor in the Auburn University College of Agriculture and an Alabama Extension weed specialist. He received $10,000 from the Alabama Farmers Agriculture Foundation.
Alabama Farmers Federation President Jimmy Parnell said the Federation was honored to present the Rittenour award to an innovative and outstanding agriculturalist.
“Our farmers need professionals like Dr. Li on their side,” Parnell said. “They have implemented new technology, techniques and field days that have helped improve numerous farmers’ bottom lines.”
“I appreciate it very much,” Li said. “I don’t help people for a return. I wasn’t expecting anything, but this is a pleasant surprise. And I think it’s great to know people appreciate what we do.”
More Information
This is the fifth annual Rittenour award. Read more from the Farmers Federation in their news release.
Find other ACES Accolades at www.aces.edu/go/ACESAccolades.