How Alabama Cooperative Extension Works
The Alabama Cooperative Extension System (ACES), usually called Alabama Extension, is the state's main outreach arm for its land-grant universities. It answers questions about crops, cattle, timber, lawns, food safety, family finances and youth programs, and it runs 4-H. If you have a sick tomato, a hay test to run, a livestock project or a child who wants to show a goat, your county Extension office is a good first call. The facts below come from published Alabama Extension pages and flyers, and details change, so check with your county office.
Who Runs It
Per the Alabama Extension flyer A Ready Partner, the system carries out the land-grant mission shared by Alabama A&M University and Auburn University, in cooperation with Tuskegee University. The system's about page describes it as a joint effort of Alabama A&M and Auburn that aims to give everyone access to information that improves quality of life and economic well-being. The state office is at Duncan Hall, Auburn University, AL 36849, phone (334) 844-4444.
Offices and Facilities
The same flyer lists these figures for the system:
- 67 county offices, one for each Alabama county
- 9 urban centers
- 6 research and extension centers
- 3 plant diagnostic laboratories
- a 4-H Center, an Agribition Center and the Graham Farm and Nature Center
The flyer says county offices rely partly on counties donating office space and utilities. County offices are listed in the directory at www.aces.edu/directory, according to the about page.
What Alabama Extension Covers
The flyer lists six program areas:
- Agriculture
- Forestry, wildlife and natural resources
- Family and consumer sciences
- Economic and community development
- 4-H and youth development
- Urban affairs
The website sorts its topics a little differently, with sections for Alabama 4-H, farming, fish and water, food safety, forestry and wildlife, home and family, lawn and garden, and urban Extension. Besides in-person help, the flyer says Extension delivers programs through its website, self-paced online courses, mobile apps, digital books and interactive videoconferences.
Funding
Per the flyer, Extension is paid for through federal, state and county appropriations, federal grants, private partnerships and grants, and county donations of office space and utilities. County support is part of how local offices keep their doors open.
Soil Testing
A soil test is the classic Extension errand. The Auburn publication Home Soil Testing: Taking a Sample, reviewed in October 2021, says sample boxes and information sheets are available from your county Extension office or a garden center. Its steps:
- Collect 15 to 20 uniform cores from random spots in the garden, lawn or shrub bed and mix them in a clean bucket.
- Put about 1 pint of the mix in a sample box, and take separate samples for areas that differ.
- Sample gardens and new lawns to tilled depth, established lawns 2 to 3 inches deep and trees and shrubs 6 inches deep around the drip line.
- List the plants you plan to grow on the information sheet, and enclose a check or money order for the service charge.
- Mail the sample to the Soil, Forage, and Water Testing Laboratory, 961 S. Donahue Drive, Auburn University, AL 36849.
Nematode, disease and insect samples must be mailed separately, and your county office can explain how.
Master Gardeners
The Alabama Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Program is directed by the Home Horticulture team. Master Gardeners are volunteers trained by Extension to teach others and who work alongside agents in local communities. The Master Gardener Helpline number is 1-877-252-4769. The page does not say how to join or which counties participate, so ask your county office.
Alabama 4-H
According to the 4-H eligibility page for the 2026-2027 club year, Alabama 4-H is open to youth ages 9 to 18, and Cloverbuds ages 5 to 8 take part as participants rather than members. The club year runs August 1 to July 31, and 4-H age is figured on January 1. The divisions are:
- Junior: ages 9 to 11
- Intermediate: ages 12 and 13
- Senior I: ages 14 and 15
- Senior II: ages 16 to 18
Events are for active members of chartered 4-H clubs, and Cloverbuds cannot join animal, Shooting Sports or RiverKids programs. Membership ends July 31 after high school graduation. Projects range from gardening to horses. The Alabama 4-H Grows page lists tiered garden projects, plus watermelon and sweet potato challenges, and says enrollment is through 4HOnline or the county Extension office. The horse project requires buying or leasing a horse (no stallions) and caring for it at least 90 days.
Youth Livestock Programs
An Auburn article published November 24, 2025 lists 2026 youth livestock events led with Alabama Extension, including the 4-H State Livestock Skillathon on January 23, the State Livestock Quiz Bowl on January 24, the Agribition multi-species show in Central Alabama on February 6 and 7, a goat showing clinic on March 15 and the Junior Livestock Expo at the Southeastern Livestock Exposition on March 16 to 18. It describes the events as open to first-time and experienced exhibitors and notes many are volunteer-led and welcome parents and siblings.
Practical Tips
- Call your county office before you drive anywhere, and ask which agent covers your subject.
- Bring a labeled sample, a photo of the problem and a short history of what you have applied.
- Ask the office for 4-H enrollment steps before the club year starts August 1.
- Ask about county meetings and field days on your crop or livestock.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many county offices does Alabama Extension have?
67, according to the Alabama Extension flyer A Ready Partner.
Which universities run it?
Alabama A&M University and Auburn University, in cooperation with Tuskegee University.
What ages can join Alabama 4-H?
Ages 9 to 18 as members, with Cloverbuds at ages 5 to 8 as participants.
Where do I send a soil sample?
To the Soil, Forage, and Water Testing Laboratory, 961 S. Donahue Drive, Auburn University, AL 36849, using boxes from your county Extension office.
Alabama Listings Covered by This Guide
- Alabama 4-H Fur and Feathers Show
Held each year in Autauga County for Alabama 4-H members; the most recent dates were December 5 and 6, 2025.
- Alabama 4-H Volunteer of the Year Celebration
Held each year in Columbiana to honor Alabama 4-H volunteers; the most recent date was December 12, 2025.
Columbiana, AL | Organizer: Alabama 4-H Official event details - State 4-H Livestock Quiz Bowl and Skillathon
Held each year in Auburn for 4-H livestock exhibitors; the most recent dates were January 23 and 24, 2026.
- Alabama 4-H MidWinter Teen Retreat
Winter retreat for Alabama 4-H teens in Columbiana. Held each year; the most recent dates were February 6-8, 2026.
Columbiana, AL | Organizer: Alabama 4-H Official event details - Alabama 4-H Horse Communication and Creative Arts Contests
Held each year in Montgomery for Alabama 4-H horse project members; the most recent date was March 14, 2026.
- Alabama State 4-H Horse Show
State 4-H horse show for Alabama youth held in Montgomery. Held each year; the most recent dates were May 16-17, 2026.
- Alabama 4-H Teen Camp
Three-day 4-H Teen Camp in Columbiana for Alabama 4-H members. Held each year; the most recent dates were May 27-29, 2026.
Columbiana, AL | Organizer: Alabama 4-H Official event details - Alabama 4-H Summer Camp
Nine summer camp sessions for Alabama 4-H youth run through June in Columbiana. Held each year; the most recent dates were June 1 to July 1, 2026.
Columbiana, AL | Organizer: Alabama 4-H Official event details - State 4-H Livestock Judging Contest
Held each year in Auburn for Alabama 4-H livestock judging teams; the most recent date was June 16, 2026.
- State 4-H Avian Bowl Contest
Held each year in Auburn for Alabama 4-H poultry project members; the most recent date was July 24, 2026.
- Alabama 4-H Center
Alabama 4-H Center in Columbiana hosts 4-H summer camp sessions, teen retreats and volunteer events, plus conferences, workshops and retreats.
Columbiana, AL Website - Alabama Extension Tuscaloosa County Office
Alabama Extension office for Tuscaloosa County, temporarily located at the Tuscaloosa Public Library address on Jack Warner Parkway, open 8:00 to 4:30, with a separate PO box mailing address.
1801 Jack Warner Parkway, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 | (205) 349-4630 - Autauga County Extension Office
Alabama Cooperative Extension System office for Autauga County at 2226 AL-14 W, Suite E, Autaugaville, AL 36003; reach the local team at (334) 361-7273.
2226 AL-14 W, Suite E, Autaugaville, AL 36003 | (334) 361-7273 - Baldwin County Extension Office
Alabama Cooperative Extension System office for Baldwin County at 302A Byrne Street, Bay Minette, AL 36507; reach the local team at (251) 937-7176.
302A Byrne Street, Bay Minette, AL 36507 | (251) 937-7176 - Barbour County Extension Office
Alabama Cooperative Extension System office for Barbour County at 525 School Street, Eufaula, AL 36027; reach the local team at (334) 687-5688.
525 School Street, Eufaula, AL 36027 | (334) 687-5688 - Bibb County Extension Office
Alabama Cooperative Extension System office for Bibb County at 183 S.W. Davidson Drive, Suite A, Centreville, AL 35042; reach the local team at (205) 926-4310.
183 S.W. Davidson Drive, Suite A, Centreville, AL 35042 | (205) 926-4310 - Blount County Extension Office
Alabama Cooperative Extension System office for Blount County at 6700 County Road 1, Cleveland, AL 35049; reach the local team at (205) 274-2129.
6700 County Road 1, Cleveland, AL 35049 | (205) 274-2129 - Bullock County Extension Office
Alabama Cooperative Extension System office for Bullock County at 21578 Hwy 82-E, Union Springs, AL 36089; reach the local team at (334) 738-2580.
21578 Hwy 82-E, Union Springs, AL 36089 | (334) 738-2580 - Butler County Extension Office
Alabama Cooperative Extension System office for Butler County at 101 S. Conecuh Street, Greenville, AL 36037; reach the local team at (334) 382-5111.
101 S. Conecuh Street, Greenville, AL 36037 | (334) 382-5111 - Calhoun County Extension Office
Alabama Cooperative Extension System office for Calhoun County at 1702 Noble Street, Suite 108, Anniston, AL 36201; reach the local team at (256) 237-1621. The office is inside the County Administration Building.
1702 Noble Street, Suite 108, Anniston, AL 36201 | (256) 237-1621 - Chambers County Extension Office
Alabama Cooperative Extension System office for Chambers County at 9 Lafayette Street N, LaFayette, AL 36862; reach the local team at (334) 864-9373.
9 Lafayette Street N, LaFayette, AL 36862 | (334) 864-9373 - Cherokee County Extension Office
Alabama Cooperative Extension System office for Cherokee County at 1526 Chesnut Bypass, Centre, AL 35960; reach the local team at (256) 927-3250.
1526 Chesnut Bypass, Centre, AL 35960 | (256) 927-3250 - Cherokee Farmers Cooperative-Centre
Centre location of Cherokee Farmers Cooperative, part of Alabama Farmers Cooperative, Inc.; phone 256-353-6843 and mail to P.O. Box 2227, Decatur, AL 35609 (page updated January 2025).
Centre, AL | 256-353-6843 - Chilton County Extension Office
Alabama Cooperative Extension System office for Chilton County at 504 First Avenue North, Clanton, AL 35045; reach the local team at (205) 280-6268. A separate mailing address is P.O. Box 30, Clanton, AL 35046.
504 First Avenue North, Clanton, AL 35045 | (205) 280-6268 - Choctaw County Extension Office
Alabama Cooperative Extension System office for Choctaw County at 218 S. Hamburg Street, Butler, AL 36904; reach the local team at (205) 459-2133.
218 S. Hamburg Street, Butler, AL 36904 | (205) 459-2133 - Clarke County Extension Office
Alabama Cooperative Extension System office for Clarke County at 120 Court St, Grove Hill, AL 36451; reach the local team at (251) 275-3121.
120 Court St, Grove Hill, AL 36451 | (251) 275-3121 - Clay County Extension Office
Alabama Cooperative Extension System office for Clay County at 93 County Road 31, Ashland, AL 36251; reach the local team at (256) 354-5976.
93 County Road 31, Ashland, AL 36251 | (256) 354-5976 - Cleburne County Extension Office
Alabama Cooperative Extension System office for Cleburne County at 72 Brockford Road, Suite A, Heflin, AL 36264; reach the local team at (256) 463-2620.
72 Brockford Road, Suite A, Heflin, AL 36264 | (256) 463-2620 - Coffee County Extension Office
Alabama Cooperative Extension System office for Coffee County at 5 County Complex, New Brockton, AL 36351; reach the local team at (334) 894-5596.
5 County Complex, New Brockton, AL 36351 | (334) 894-5596 - Colbert County Extension Office
Alabama Cooperative Extension System office for Colbert County at 201 N. Main St., Tuscumbia, AL 35674; reach the local team at (256) 386-8571.
201 N. Main St., Tuscumbia, AL 35674 | (256) 386-8571 - Colbert Farmers Co-op - Leighton
Colbert Farmers Co-op location at 8140 Main Street in Leighton; it served as the Colbert County polling site for the August 11, 2026 Wheat and Feed Grain Referendum.
8140 Main Street, Leighton, AL 35646 - Conecuh County Extension Office
Alabama Cooperative Extension System office for Conecuh County at 102 Liberty St, Room 103, Evergreen, AL 36401; reach the local team at (251) 578-2762. The office is in the David L. Burt Agriculture Center.
102 Liberty St, Room 103, Evergreen, AL 36401 | (251) 578-2762 - Coosa County Extension Office
Alabama Cooperative Extension System office for Coosa County at 243 Coosa County Road 75, Rockford, AL 35136; reach the local team at (256) 377-4713.
243 Coosa County Road 75, Rockford, AL 35136 | (256) 377-4713 - Covington County Extension Office
Alabama Cooperative Extension System office for Covington County at 23952 Alabama Hwy. 55, Ste 4, Andalusia, AL 36420; reach the local team at (334) 222-1125.
23952 Alabama Hwy. 55, Ste 4, Andalusia, AL 36420 | (334) 222-1125 - Crenshaw County Extension Office
Alabama Cooperative Extension System office for Crenshaw County at 29 South Glenwood Ave., Luverne, AL 36049; reach the local team at (334) 335-6312.
29 South Glenwood Ave., Luverne, AL 36049 | (334) 335-6312 - Cullman County Extension Office
Alabama Cooperative Extension System office for Cullman County at 402 Arnold St. NE, Suite G-1, Cullman, AL 35055; reach the local team at (256) 737-9386. The office is in the Cullman County Office Building.
402 Arnold St. NE, Suite G-1, Cullman, AL 35055 | (256) 737-9386 - Dale County Extension Office
Alabama Cooperative Extension System office for Dale County at 202 South Hwy 123, Suite D, Ozark, AL 36360; reach the local team at (334) 774-2329.
202 South Hwy 123, Suite D, Ozark, AL 36360 | (334) 774-2329 - Dallas County Extension Office
Alabama Extension county office at 429 Lauderdale Street in Selma, serving Dallas County growers, ranchers and 4-H families with educational programs.
429 Lauderdale St., Selma, AL 36701 | (334) 875-3200 Website - DeKalb County Extension Office
DeKalb County Alabama Extension office on Grand Avenue SW in Fort Payne, the local point of contact for agriculture, horticulture and youth programs.
500 Grand Ave. SW, Suite 300, Fort Payne, AL 35967 | (256) 845-8595 Website - DeKalb Farmers Co-Op - Crossville
Farmers cooperative store at 81 Graves Street in Crossville that served as the DeKalb County polling site for the 2026 Wheat and Feed Grain Referendum.
81 Graves Street, Crossville, AL 35962
Plus 40 more. Find yours on your county's page in the Alabama directory.
Guide checked Nov. 11, 2026. Rules and dates change; confirm with the organizer.