Marion County - Alabama Extension Office

10/14/2026

Unwelcome House Guests in Fall: Invasive Insect Pests

Fall is a favorite season for many, as it signals the beginning of colorful leaves and crisp weather. But for many outdoor insect pests, the change in season signals the need to seek refuge from the cold winter ahead. Pests often find cracks and crevices in nature to overwinter, and will use your home as a substitute.

As the weather outside cools, the warmth of the home makes it an attractive spot for these insects. It is time to think about the importance of fall pest-proofing to keep pests from making their home in yours. Follow the link below to learn more:

For many outdoor insect pests, the change in season signals the need to seek refuge from the cold winter ahead.

10/13/2026

In the aftermath of Hurricane Isaias, the Alabama Cooperative Extension System is working with local farm organizations and state and federal government agencies to document agricultural damages made to crops, livestock, buildings, and equipment.

Alabama farmers are encouraged to work with their county Extension office to share time- and date-stamped pictures and videos of this damage. Farmers can also submit this documentation online at www.aces.edu/go/Isaias. The deadline to submit videos and pictures is Friday, October 16 at 5 p.m.

This information will be used to create a public report that documents the effects of Hurricane Isaias on Alabama agriculture. No personal or identifying information of farmers will be included in the report.

Further Reporting
Farmers should also contact their local US Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency (FSA) office to report losses related to Hurricane Isaias. Each county FSA office will complete a Loss Assessment Report as part of the official process of designating a county as an agricultural disaster area. For contact information, visit www.fsa.usda.gov/fsa-office-locator.

https://www.aces.edu/blog/topics/alabama-ready/hurricane-isaias-agricultural-damage-survey/

Alabama Extension is working to document agricultural damages made to crops, livestock, buildings, and equipment from Hurricane Isaias.

10/12/2026

Another great day at work Friday checking out a farm in NW Alabama with Cade Grace, Row Crops Extension Agent, and County Extension Directors in the Northwest region. We visited cotton and soybean fields in which local research about seeding rate in soybeans and skip row cotton is being conducted on the farm of Cameron McIntyre.

10/09/2026

Extension’s Alabama Ready website provides science-based guidance on preparing homes and families, protecting important records, safeguarding livestock and crops, securing equipment and property, and staying safe before, during, and after severe weather events.
Review Alabama Ready resources here:

Emergencies happen every day. AlabamaReady.Info is the place for information related to active emergencies in Alabama. Whether is be a hurricane threatening our shores or a disease outbreak spreading throughout the state, the Alabama Cooperative Extension System is here to help you overcome these hu...

10/09/2026

Join us to learn more about modern grazing systems and how to maximize your pastures! We have two in-person opportunities to attend.

Date: November 10
Time: 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Location: Tennessee Valley Research & Extension Center
Address: 9494 Experimental Loop, Madison, AL 35756
Registration: https://www.aces.edu/event/pasture-perspectives-virtual-fencing-grazing-systems-2/

Date: December 3
Time: 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Location: Northwest Alabama Livestock Auction
Address: 14330 AL-243, Russellville, AL 35654
Registration: https://www.aces.edu/event/pasture-perspectives-virtual-fencing-grazing-systems/

Questions? Contact:
Ali Gotcher
Regional Extension Agent
Animal Science & Forages
Alabama Cooperative Extension System

Office 256.332.8880
Cell 334.752.1718
Email [email protected]

10/08/2026

It was a great two days at the Marion County FAWN program. Thank you to the presenters and partner organizations from Alabama Forestry Commission, Marion County Forestry Planning Committee, NRCS, Tri-County Beekeepers, Marion County Sheriffs Office, Hamilton PD, Hamilton Fire, Kenny Nichols Trapping, and the Alabama Department of Conservation officers.

10/07/2026

Celebrate the season learning the art of making homemade candies. Transform your favorite sweet ingredients into delicious candy, safely preserving seasonal traditions, creating sweet homemade gifts to share with family and friends.
The Alabama Cooperative Extension System (Alabama A&M University and Auburn University) is an equal opportunity educator, employer, and provider. If you need a reasonable accommodation or free language access services, contact Susan Hill at 205-269-1748 or [email protected] by 10/15/2026.
$25 fee - register and pay online at https://www.aces.edu/go/SHOEBOXCANDYMARION2026
November 5, 2026
Choose one of the classes to attend:
Morning Candy Class 1 - 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
OR
Afternoon Candy Class 2 - 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Address:
Winfield City Family Church
3536 State HWY 129 Winfield, AL 35594
Contact:
Susan Hill
[email protected]
205-269-1748

Official Facebook of Marion County - Alabama Cooperative Extension System. Extension is for everyone!

10/07/2026

When Alabamians have a question, the internet can provide thousands of answers. But when they want an answer they can trust, Alabama Extension is ready with something different: a real person who knows.

Alabama Extension has released a new television commercial highlighting the organization’s research-based expertise and its commitment to providing practical information Alabamians can use in their homes, gardens, farms and communities.

Alabama Extension has released a new television commercial highlighting the organization’s research-based expertise.

10/06/2026

Join the Tri-County Beekeepers for their annual honey tasting event. This is great way to explore more about what it takes to be a beekeeper as well take part in the sweeter side of the hive.
Tuesday, October 20th
6:30 PM
State Bank and Trust, Guin, Alabama

10/06/2026

Celebrate the holiday learning the art of making homemade candies. Transform your favorite sweet ingredients into delicious candy, safely preserving holiday traditions, creating sweet homemade gifts to share with family and friends.

The Alabama Cooperative Extension System (Alabama A&M University and Auburn University) is an equal opportunity educator, employer, and provider. If you need a reasonable accommodation or free language access services, contact Susan Hill at 205-269-1748 or [email protected] by 10/15/2026.

$25 fee - register and pay online at https://www.aces.edu/go/SHOEBOXCANDYMARION2026

November 5, 2026
Choose one of the classes to attend:
Morning Candy Class 1 - 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
OR
Afternoon Candy Class 2 - 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM

Address:
Winfield City Family Church
3536 State HWY 129 Winfield, AL 35594

Contact:
Susan Hill
[email protected]
205-269-1748