Franklin County Extension Office-Alabama Cooperative Extension System

11/02/2026

How the 4-H Bake-Off Will Be Judged

To make participation easier for youth across Franklin County, the 4-H Bake-Off will be conducted in two formats based on grade level and school setting.

Grades 4-6 (Traditional School Students)
Students will bring their baked item to their school on their school's designated judging day.
Judging will take place at the school.
Top entries will advance and be recognized according to contest guidelines.

Grades 7-12, Homeschool, and Virtual School Students
Participants will bring their baked item directly to Tractor Supply in Russellville on November 7. Judging will take place on-site during the event. Top entries will advance and be recognized according to contest guidelines.

Why Two Formats?

Elementary students often participate through their local school 4-H clubs, making school-based judging the easiest option for families and teachers. Older youth, homeschool students, and virtual students will compete together at a single county-wide judging location, creating a larger event experience and ensuring all eligible youth have an opportunity to participate.

The Alabama Cooperative Extension System (Alabama A&M University and Auburn University) is an equal opportunity educator, employer, and provider.

Franklin County Extension Office-Alabama Cooperative Extension System

09/16/2026

🍀Congratulations to all of our 4-H Poultry & Rabbit Show participants!🍀

09/15/2026

🌲🪚 CHAINSAW SAFETY WORKSHOP 🪚🌲

Learn how to safely operate and work around chainsaws during this FREE, hands-on safety workshop!

Day 1
📅 October 8, 2026
⏰ 8:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
📍 Ralph C. Bishop Center
201 Ash Avenue, Russellville, AL 35653
🕢 Sign-in begins at 7:30 a.m.

Topics include:
✅ Chainsaw history & safety features
✅ Risk management, PPE & emergency planning
✅ Chainsaw ergonomics & starting protocols
✅ Prevention of chainsaw injuries
✅ Safe limbing and bucking practices
🍽️ Lunch will be provided!

👷‍♂️ Taught by a qualified instructor.

📲 Register online: https://aub.ie/ChainsawSafetyFranklin
☎️ Questions/Day 2 registration: (334) 752-1194

Space is limited—register today!

09/11/2026

🍰 COTTAGE FOOD LAW COURSE 🧁

Have you ever wanted to start or grow a home-based food business? Join us for the Cottage Food Law Course!

📅 Wednesday, October 21, 2026
⏰ 3:00–5:00 PM
📍 Franklin County Extension Office
410 N. Jackson Ave.
Russellville, AL 35653

💲 Cost: $25

This course meets the food safety training requirement of the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) for individuals selling non-hazardous foods as a Cottage Food Business.

📲 Registration is required before class.

👉 Register Here: https://www.aces.edu/go/FRANKLINCFL2026

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn more about starting or operating your Cottage Food Business! 🌟

08/17/2026

🌱 MANAGING FOR PROFIT: BUILD THE FOUNDATION – FORAGES

Want to produce more grazing days and reduce hay costs? Join us September 8 for a practical discussion on improving pasture productivity and profitability!

📅 Date: September 8
⏰ Time: 11:00 AM–1:45 PM
📍 Location: Northwest Shoals Community College, Building 110
💻 Attend in person or via Zoom
🍽️ Lunch provided

🎤 Hear from:
• Dr. Leanne Dillard – Technical Discussion
• Ken Kelley & Max Runge – Economic Discussion

💰 Investing in your forage program is investing in your bottom line!

👉 In-Person Registration:
https://www.aces.edu/go/6693

👉 Zoom Registration:
https://auburn.zoom.us/meeting/register/UfXH30UkR0KU1ID3FejF6A

08/12/2026

07/17/2026

RSVP today at 256-332-8880.

06/05/2026

The US Department of Agriculture has confirmed the presence of New World screwworm in Zavala County, Texas, which is about 50 miles from the US-Mexico border. This is the first detection of this pest in the United States during this outbreak.

Devastating to warm-blooded animals, the New World screwworm is a live-animal health concern, not a food safety or quality issue. As a preventative measure, livestock producers are encouraged to implement routine fly control in their herds.

If you have a suspected infestation, immediately contact Alabama State Veterinarian Dr. Tony Frazier at (334) 240-7253.

For more information about the New World screwworm, read the press release from the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries at https://agi.alabama.gov/animalindustries/2026/06/usda-confirms-new-world-screwworm-in-texas/.

06/04/2026

Pollinator Partners of Alabama Certification Training🦋🐝

June 26—Franklin County
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Address: Russellville Parks Department—201 Ash Ave., Russellville, AL 35653
Contact: Makahla Holloway at 251-423-9415

Cost $40 - includes lunch, a t-shirt, a plant, and a swag bag with goodies. Participants will also receive a certificate for taking the training

Direct Link to register for Franklin County Session at

Want to learn more about pollinators and simple ways to protect them? Join Alabama Extension to become a certified pollinator partner!

05/28/2026

Northwest Alabama, we need your voice. 💙

United Way of Northwest Alabama is launching a community survey to better understand the needs, challenges, and priorities facing our region. Your feedback will help guide future programs, resources, and support for our communities.

📋 Take the survey today for a chance to win a gift card!
🎉 Drawings will be held weekly.

Whether you live, work, raise a family, or simply care about Northwest Alabama, your input matters.

Scan the QR code or complete the survey here: https://una.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0J1kU18HEYxoLr0?source=ip