College and Major: Auburn University College of Human Sciences, Nutrition/Dietetics
Hometown: Birmingham, Alabama
Career Goals: I would love to work in chronic disease prevention. My dream is to be a diabetes educator and become a registered dietitian.
Hobby or Fun Fact: My favorite hobbies include singing and playing guitar. Music is such a good stress-reliever, and I absolutely love it. If I was not studying nutrition, I probably would have done something music related.
This week, I had the opportunity to attend Camp iCare, where I helped run activities, play with the children, and set up learning stations. This camp revolves around teaching the youth about smart money habits and foundational life skills that serve as a foundation for their later years. I absolutely love the mission and the kiddos were precious.
One of my favorite activities was the market simulation that we had the kids complete. They were given a certain number of dollars to spend and an event to buy for. They used some of their money skills to choose wisely. They all had a blast with this activity and it was so fun to see their new knowledge being used in a real-life situation.
Another great activity was our service project, where the children decorated and created bags for patients at Mercy Medical. They had a great time getting to be creative and serve the community with their talent and sweet hearts.
What a fun few days and what a great experience!
So far, one of my favorite parts of my internship has been helping out at the Extension table at the Phenix City Farmers Market. We offered many free resources from cooking books to gardening resources and supplies that individuals could take home. Our table included Extension members across many disciplines, from agriculture to nutrition. My favorite part of the entire experience was having one-on-one discussions with the visitors, who were excited to talk all things gardening, nutrition, and cooking. I offered some of my personal nutrition and gardening knowledge and many people were excited to learn something new!
Engaging in these conversations is honestly my favorite part of Extension work. No matter where we travel, there are always conversations to be had and people who are more than willing to learn something new, as well as teach us! It makes my day to see how excited individuals are to talk about their passions and learn from the resources we provide. What a gift to be part of Extension!
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.