College and Major: Auburn University College of Agriculture, Animal Science Allied Industries
Hometown: Green Pond, Alabama
Career Goals: After graduation, I will transition into my new role as the Alabama Extension animal sciences and forages regional agent for west central Alabama.
Hobby or Fun Fact: I reside in Shelby County and commute four hours daily to Auburn University, while also holding multiple positions and raising two children. However, I love every moment of it and try to never take a moment for granted.
On June 5 and 6, I was given the honor and privileged to attend that 2024 Alabama Association of County Agricultural Agents and Specialists Annual Meeting and Professional Improvement Conference (AACAAS AM/PIC) at the Auburn Marriott Opelika Resort and Spa at Grand National. From the moment I walked through the door, I felt as though I had walked into a huge family reunion. The amount of support for one another, along with raw passion for our profession, was overwhelmingly felt floating in the air. Even as an undergraduate intern, I felt right at home. Professional development opportunities, a tour of Opelika, and lots of great food were all within the agenda. Yet still, I believe the best part of the AACAAS AM/PIC (and perhaps even the most important part) was the fellowship. I never met a stranger the entire two days I was in the company of some of Alabama’s best humans.
We learned together, grew together, ate together, and prayed together. I honestly was not sure what I was walking into on Wednesday, June 5. However, I can hang my hat on the opinion I took away on my departure Thursday night. Every single individual that I had been in the company of for the last 48 hours was TOP NOTCH. Each having their own area of specialty or expertise, yet all coming together for the same goals and outcomes. We all find joy in helping others, no matter if that be within our organization, our community, our state, or nationwide. The fine members, sponsors, and supporters of the AACAAS was no doubt the highlight of my experience. I have never felt more able and driven to make a change in our world–one handshake and smile at a time.
Read More related articlesThe 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.