AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. — The hard work of Alabama Cooperative Extension System professionals was recently recognized at the 2025 National Association of County Agricultural Agents Conference. Held in Billings, Montana, Alabama Extension earned seven national awards, three national finalists and several regional and state awards.

Alabama Extension Director Mike Phillips said these awards showcase the dedication of Extension professionals to carrying out the mission and values of the organization.

“It is exciting and rewarding to see this level of engagement and extending science-based information on a national scale,” Phillips said. “We are competitive with our peer institutions on the national stage, and I am very proud of our employees for the passion, dedication and care they show in their work.”

The National Association of County Agricultural Agents is an organization made up of professional Extension educators. The heart of its mission is to enhance its members’ professional growth as well as Extension as a whole.

National Awards

Extension Agents Carmen Flammini, Bethany O’Rear, Brian Brown, Dani Carroll and Jacob Turner won the NACAA Search for Excellence in Consumer or Commercial Horticulture award.

At the conference, members of the Alabama Extension Home Horticulture team won the Search for Excellence in Consumer or Commercial Horticulture award. This award was based on the team’s Hydroponic Systems for Home Gardeners and Educators workshop. Team members include Extension Agents Carmen Flammini, Bethany O’Rear, Brian Brown, Dani Carroll and Jacob Turner.

“Winning this national award is validation that teamwork, dedication and truly listening to community needs are effective strategies for transforming lives,” Flammini said. “This award empowers us to continue working in that direction, knowing that our efforts are making a real difference. Developing programs based on what the community needs and on the strengths of our Extension team members is the key to lasting impact.”

Other national recognitions include three achievement awards, given to Extension Agents Rebecca Catalena and Kerry Steedley and County Extension Director Abby Peters. Three Distinguished Service Awards were also presented to County Extension Directors David West, Gavin Mauldin and Kristen Roberson.

Three Alabama Extension professionals were also named national finalists. These include Extension Agent Jacob Kelley (Feature Story), Professor Jeremiah Davis (Search for Excellence in Livestock Production) and Extension Specialist Kent Stanford (Search for Excellence in Sustainable Agriculture Recognition Program).

Extension employees dedicate countless time and resources to educating Alabama residents. Becky Barlow, Alabama Extension assistant director for agriculture, forestry, wildlife and natural resources programming, said the professionals she works with are second to none.

“Our Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resource team members do amazing work every day,” Barlow said. “It is wonderful to see their Extension programs recognized nationally. The work of these individuals results in improved stewardship of Alabama’s natural resources, expanded economic markets and safer food systems for the enhanced wellbeing of everyone. They are very deserving of this recognition, and I am proud of their achievements.”

Regional and State Awards

The following Extension professionals received regional and state awards from the National Association of County Agricultural Agents. Read more about these award-winning projects at nacaa.com/award-winners.

Southern Region Winners

• Edward Sikora — Bound Book/eBook
• Sonja Thomas — Newsletter
• Courtney Heaton — Personal Column

State Winners

• Brian Brown — Audio Recording
• Jennifer Davidson — Educational Video Recordings
• Landon Marks — Event Promotional Package
• Rishi Prasad — Fact Sheet
• Jack LeCroy — Publication
• Jacob Kelley — Published Photo
• Vanessa Roberts — Search for Excellence in 4-H Programming
• Jennifer Davidson — Search for Excellence in Agriculture Awareness and Appreciation
• Jennifer Davidson — Search for Excellence in Environmental Quality, Forestry and Natural Resources
• Calen Monroe — Search for Excellence in Farm and Ranch Business Management