Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Temple Grandin's Athens State Lecture Series to Provide A Variety of Insight

Temple Grandin's Athens State Lecture Series to
Provide A Variety of Insight

Written By
Cayce Lee
Social Media Specialist, ALCTA


Temple Grandin is as difficult to sum up as the Autism Spectrum she lives in and advocates knowledge for.  It takes a laundry list approach to let people know about her, her story, her advocacy, her accomplishments and what is going on around her.

Temple Grandin is:
  • Autism Advocate
  • Doctor of Animal Science
  • Professor at Colorado State University
  • Consultant to the Livestock Industry
  • Animal Behaviorist
  • Created the "Hug Box"
  • Subject of HBO'S  award winning biopic Temple Grandin
  • Listed as one of Time's 100 Most Influential People in the world "Heroes" Category
  • Featured in NPR and TV Shows like The Today Show, 48 Hours, 20/20 and others
  • Featured in BBC's Special The Woman Who Thinks Like a Cow
  • Featured in magazines - People, Forbes, US News and others
  • Subject of a Bravo Biopic
  • Produced several DVD
  • Designed human handling systems for half the cattle-processing facilities in the US
  • Featured in the best-selling book Anthropologist from Mars
  • Author
    • The Way I See It: A Personal Look at Autism and Asperger's
    • Different ... Not Less
    • Animals Make Us Human: Creating the Best Life for Animals
    • Unwritten Rules in Social Relationships: Decoding Social Mysteries Through the Unique Perspective of Autism
    • Animals In Translation: Using the Mysteries of Autism to Decode Animal Behavior
    • Developing Talents
    • Emergence: Labeled Autistic
    • Thinking in Pictures
  • Diagnosed on the Spectrum
 On August 28, 2014, Temple Grandin will be on the campus of Athens State University as a Livingston Concert and Lecture Series Speaker.   Grandin will be addressing three different groups while on campus in the Carter Gymnasium before her April 29th appearance in Nashville, Tennessee for the Autism and Asperger's Syndrome Conference. (Details here.)

The first of the lectures will at at 2:00PM.  Grandin will have Agricultural Talk with local cattlemen.
This portion of the lecture series is free and open to all local cattlemen.

The second of the lectures will be Student Dialogue.  This portion of the lecture series is reserved for Athens State University Students and invited guest.

The third of the lectures will be at 7:00PM.  This portion of the lecture series will be free and open to the public but requires a reservation. During this public lecture there will be a Questions and Answer segment.

To obtain a reservation for the 7:00PM lecture, please email grandin@athens.edu

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

Limestone County Extention Office Host Class on Estate Planning for Farmers and Land Owners





Limestone County Extension Office Host Class on
Estate Planning for Farmers and Land Owners


Written by
Cayce Lee
Social Media Specialist, ALCTA


The Limestone County Extension Office will be hosting a workshop to answer questions and assist in preparing farmers and other land owners in preparing their estate on August 7th from 6:00PM-9:00PM at their offices on Market Street in Athens, AL.  Instructor of this course will be  Dr. Tufts, Associate Professor of the Department of Forestry, Wildlife and Nature Resource Management within the College of Agriculture at Auburn University.

This informative class, Estate Planning Session for Farmers and Land Owners, will provide information and education on topics including Advanced Directives for Health Care, Power of Attorney, Distribution Plans in Will or Trust among others.  This informational forum hopes to provide attendees with more insight  and understanding when they meet with an estate planning attorney when the times comes.

This is a free class but per-registration is required.  Class size will be limited to 35 people.

To register call the Limestone County Extension Office at 256-232-5510.



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Monday, July 28, 2014

Tanner Alabama AAMU Alumnus Among White House and USDA “Champions of Change”





AAMU Alumnus Among White House and USDA “Champions of Change”

An Alabama A&M University alumnus and noted farmer will be among 15 “Champions of Change” to be recognized by the White House and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Tuesday, July 29, at 10 a.m. (Eastern).

Billy B. Bridgeforth, a 1980 soil science AAMU graduate, will be distinguished as
a trendsetter during a program recognizing leaders from throughout the U.S. who are making significant positive impacts on the next generation of farming and ranching

Bridgeforth.jpg
Billy B. Bridgeforth
Bridgeforth is a fourth-generation farmer in Tanner, Ala., whose Darden Bridgeforth & Sons operation grows cotton, corn, wheat, soybeans, and canola using a variety of cutting-edge agronomic techniques and land conservation practices.   As Chairman of the National Black Growers Council, Bridgeforth advocates on behalf of Black farmers in the United States and abroad.

The program Tuesday will feature USDA Deputy Secretary Krysta Harden, who will discuss efforts to ensure that beginning farmers and the growing ranks of agriculture—women, young people, immigrants, socially disadvantaged producers, returning veterans and retirees—have access to the programs and support they need. The event will include a discussion about how to continue growing and supporting the next generation of America’s farmers and ranchers.

The Champions of Change program was created as an opportunity for the White House to feature individuals, businesses, and organizations doing extraordinary things to empower and inspire members of their communities.   

To watch this event live, visit www.whitehouse.gov/live.  To learn more about the White House Champions of Change program and nominate a Champion, visit www.whitehouse.gov/champions.  For more information on opportunities to support new and beginning farmers, visit www.usda.gov/newfarmers.

Hopewell Women-In-Agriculture Conference coming to Birmingham


Alabama A&M University
P. O. Box 1027 (303 Patton Hall)
Normal, AL 35762-1027
(256) 372-5654
(256) 372-5034 (Fax)
 
Jerome Saintjones,jerome.saintjones@aamu.edu, (256) 372-5607



August 16th, 2014 - Hopewell Women-In-Agriculture Conference held at the Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church, 4817 Jefferson Avenue SW, Birmingham, AL 35221

Presented by Small Farms Research Center, Alabama A&M University in collaboration with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, Project Hopewell, Inc, and Hopewell Women-In-Agriculture Association.

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Friday, July 25, 2014

Mudslinging, Engine Roaring Fun Comes to Tanner Alabama This Weekend




Mudslinging, Engine Roaring Fun Comes 
to Tanner Alabama This Weekend



Written By
Cayce Lee
Social Media Specialist, ALCTA



If you hear a little roaring coming from the Tanner High School don't fret, that's just the mighty
trucks and tractors from all over the United States coming to participate in the Alabama Championship Tractor and Truck Pull. 

Join the Tanner Quarterback Club for this annual fundraiser that revs things up and slings a little mud.  This event has been going strong for 37 years now.  The Tanner Quarterback Club collects the proceeds to assist in upgrading the facility and providing financial assistance to the high school and youth sports organizations.

The Alabama Tanner Quarterback Club Tractor and Truck Pull is considered one of the largest events in the South.This two day festival includes seven classes sanctioned by the NTPA/Mid-South Pullers Association each night competing for titles and prizes -- and bragging rights.

If you want to join the revving, rowdy, mudslinging fun, head to Tanner High School 12060 Sommers Road, Tanner, AL.  Gates opens at 3:00PM and the dirt starts flying at dirt starts at 7:00PM.  The concession stand will be stocked and ready and waiting for attendees. Prices at the gate each night are children under 6 years of age are FREE, children ages 6 -12 are $10 and ages 13 and up are $15.

Local Festival Celebrates American Farming Heritage, Contributions and Equipment



Written by
Cayce Lee
Social Media Specialist, ALCTA


Local Festival Celebrates American Farming
Heritage, Contributions and Equipment


Two miles north of the Elm Street and Elkton Road intersection takes on a life of the past, present and future of American farming.  The Piney Chapel American Farm Heritage Days roll onto the green rolling meadows of the rich and oft rewarding soil of north Limestone County on August 1st and 2nd. 

An amazing collection of vintage and modern equipment comes together during this two day festival.  This showcase of gasoline engines, steam engines, antique tractors, cars, trucks, horse drawn equipment are just part of the interest of this heritage festival.   The Parade of Power is a sight to behold with the power motors revving past in processions.   Then the competitions kick off with these mechanized workhorses at the center of the show

The Chain in the Box competition uses a box that has been spray printed on the ground.  One end of the chain is attached to the ground.  The other end is attached to the tractor and the rest of the chain is pulled out of the box and stretched by each competitor competing for the best time.

The field of competition continues with the Fast Crank which goes to the fast manual start of a tractor and Slow Races which goes to the slowest run tractor on the field.  The kids will also take to the field for a tykes Peddle Pull with the winner have strong legs and endurance on their side.  The ladies are not left out of the fun either with the Skillet Throw -- featuring the attempts of interested parties to heave the skillet the furthest.

August 1st kicks off  at 7:00AM when the show grounds open welcoming everyone.  Admissions is $5.00 person per day and children 10 and under will enjoy free admission.  Free parking adds to the value of the day's worth of fun too.   Vendors with a variety of items will be on hand including parts, crafts and nic-nacs.  You never know what treasure will be waiting for you.  Live entertainment fills the air at 5:30PM  and into the evening on Friday featuring local bands.

The day kicks into full swing with a Tractor Ride sponsored by the Limestone County Farmers Federation departing at 10:00AM.  The tractors will roll down the scenic Richard Martin Rails to Trails with the permission of the Limestone County Commission allowing mechanized traffic onto the trail exclusively for this event.  .A small layover in Elkmont, AL allows passengers a chance to explore the area shops and grab lunch provided by the Limestone County Cattlemen's Association.  Then it's back on the Richard Martin Rails to Trails for the historic portion where the procession will cross the battleground of the Battle of Sulfur Creek Trestle.  Then it's down a portion of the Noah Bike Trail to finish out this crowd pleasing favorite at the showgrounds.  Anyone interested in hopping aboard the trailer of one of the tractors of this event needs to contact David Hargrove 256-431-6226 or Marvin Putnam 256-431-2316 for further details.
 
The concessions will open and waiting with a variety of goodies including the traditional Southern faire of Pintos and Cornbread.  Concessionaires have an extra treat for arrivals  and primitive campers on Saturday morning with hot breakfast biscuits.

From Nashville, take Interstate 65 south until Alabama's Exit 361-ELKMONT.  Turn right immediately then turn left on Elkton Road and follow the signs.  Show grounds will be approximately 5 miles on the right.

From Huntsville/Birmingham, go north on Interstate 65 and take Alabama Exit 354 and go south on U.S. Highway 31 for approximately 1/2 miles.  Turn right at the traffic light onto Elm Street.  Travel approximately 1/2 mile to the traffic light at Elkton and Elm streets and turn right.  Go north  approximately 2 miles on Elkton Road and watch for the show grounds on left.

For more information, please contact:
David Hargrove .......... 256-431-6226
Allen Dement  .............256-431-0619
Marvin Putman  ...........256-431-2316
Mike Hodges  ..............256-206-5926

Thursday, July 24, 2014

22nd Annual Ardmore Police & Reserve Rodeo Fun Starts July 26th



Written By
Cayce Lee
Social Media Specialist, ALCTA


Get ready for a little bronco busting, barrel racing and have a little boot scootin'  fun!  It's time for the 22nd Annual Police & Reserve Rodeo in Ardmore Alabama/Tennessee on August 1st - 2nd.  This annual event helps raise funds for training, safety gear and other necessities of the Ardmore Police Reserve members who volunteer their time to keep their community safe.

The Ardmore Police & Reserve Rodeo Queen  judging is this Saturday, July 26th at 26155 Thach Rd. Athens, Al 35613. Come cheer your favorite contestant and see who will be in the Queen's Court. This year's Ardmore Police & Reserve Rodeo Queen's Pageant is held at The Cowboy Church of Limestone County and horsemanship demonstrations will also be done there at 2-S Arena.


Grab your favorite jeans and cowboy hat and head to the Ardmore Police & Reserve Rodeo Dance on July 31st at 6:30PM in John Barnes Park on Ardmore Ridge Road, Ardmore, Tennessee.  Music by The Johnny Collier Band will fill the air and you dance the night away.   You'll also get a chance to throw a few curve balls at the dunking tank target sink an Ardmore Police or Reserve officer.  The proceeds from the dunking booth will be donated to the family of Molly Paysinger. Molly is a 2 year old that was diagnosed with leukemia and is now at St. Jude's receiving treatments. Molly and her family are from the Ardmore area and the Ardmore Police & Reserve want to help support this sweet child through this challenging time.

As part of the Ardmore Police & Reserve Rodeo fun, a $250 Gift Certificate to Adam's Western Wear of Ardmore will be given away each night at the rodeo. For $3.00 a chance, two lucky individuals will enjoy the pick of the store.  Anyone interested can ask any  Ardmore Reserve or  Police Officer about purchasing tickets.  Attendees at the Rodeo Queen contest Saturday, the Street Dance Thursday July 31st and both nights of the rodeo can purchase chances to win.

The big show comes to town August 1st & 2nd as John Barnes Park on Ardmore Ridge Road as the Cowboy and Cowgirls compete for the titles and prestigious Rodeo Buckles. You can enjoy bull riding, calf roping, barrel racing and much more. It's a great family event. Bring the kids and enjoy the rodeo clowns too.
 
Get your advanced tickets at Ardmore Police Department 26704 Main Street, Ardmore Town Hall 26704 Main Street, Ardmore City Hall 25844 Main Street, Reliance Bank 26772 Main Street, CB&S Bank 26314 Main Street, Peoples State Bank 26327 Main Street, First National Bank 26591 Main Street and Adams Western Wear 28100 AL-251 in Ardmore TN/AL. Reliance Bank 112 North Jefferson Street in Athens, AL and First National Bank 206 S 1st Street in Pulaski, TN.   Advanced prices are $12 adults & $8 kids 6-12.

For ticket information: 256-423-2146 or Rodeo@ardmorepolice.com Join the conversation at Facebook.

Vegetable Production, Management and IPM Field Day and Workshops August 6th

 
Jerome.Saintjones@aamu.edu  Jerome Saintjones  
Alabama A&M University P.O. Box 1027 | Normal, AL 35762
 
 
 
August 6th, 2014 - Vegetable Production, Management and IPM Field Day and Workshops held at the Alabama A&M University's Winfred Thomas Agricultural Research Station, 372 Walker Lane, Hazel Green, AL 35750 from 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
 
 
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Tuesday, July 8, 2014

AAMU Hosting USDA-SBIR Webinar July 10

 

 

Monday, July 7, 2014

AAMU Hosting USDA-SBIR Webinar July 10

 
Alabama A&M University will team with the Technology Regional Innovation Cluster Huntsville (TechRich) and the USDA’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program to host a webinar conveying opportunities for small business and higher education institutions. The webinar will be held Thursday, July 10, 10:00 a.m. in the Dawson Building (room 225) on the AAMU campus. Virtual attendance can be accessed via http://aamu.adobeconnect.com/webinaraamu/ .

The webinar will be facilitated by Charles Cleland, USDA SBIR national program manager. In addition to providing access to the webinar from various remote locations, organizers are preparing for as many as 40 people to attend the physical campus site.

USDA’s SBIR program awards grants to qualified small businesses to research important scientific problems and opportunities in agriculture and rural development. Other agency aims include stimulating private sector technological innovations; strengthening the role of small businesses in meeting federal research and development; boosting private sector commercialization of innovations; and fostering participation by women-owned and socially and/or economically disadvantaged small businesses.

SBIR Phase I grants top at $100,000 for a duration of up to eight months. However, Phase II grants are limited to $500,000 for a term up to two years for previous Phase I awardees. Participation by university faculty or government scientists as consultants or subcontractors in SBIR projects is strongly encouraged.

For additional information about the webinar, contact Christi Jackson, deputy project manager, Technology Regional Innovation Cluster Huntsville (christi.jackson@wbcna.org), at (256) 961-7956, or Dr. Teresa M. Orok, executive director of AAMU Small Business Development Center, at (256) 372-5603. For assistance with technical and connection issues related but prior to the webinar, contact Adolph Scissum at adolph.scissum@aamu.edu or Oliver Dillard at oliver.dillard@aamu.edu.


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