Free Family-Friendly Event Celebrates Agriculture, Innovation and Community Across North Alabama
North Alabama Ag Expo Returns to AAMU for Third Year
Agriculture and innovation in urban and rural communities will take center stage as Alabama A&M University welcomes families, farmers, students and agricultural enthusiasts to the Third Annual North Alabama Ag Expo on Saturday, Nov. 14, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the University’s Agribition Center.
The free event will showcase the region’s agricultural industry through interactive exhibits, educational sessions, live entertainment and activities for all ages. Hosted by AAMU in partnership with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System and other community partners, the expo highlights the people, programs and innovations shaping agriculture’s future across North Alabama.
Families can enjoy a dedicated Kid Zone, live music from Jimmy Ray’s Elderberry Wine band, line dancing led by Alabama Extension’s Nkenge Hyter and opportunities to win door prizes. Free lunch will be provided to the first 500 attendees, and the first 100 children will receive complimentary T-shirts.
Children enjoy an inflatable slide during a previous North Alabama Ag Expo at Alabama A&M University’s Agribition Center.
“This is the third year that Alabama A&M and partners have coordinated the North Alabama Ag Expo,” said Dr. Majed El-Dweik, AAMU’s vice president for research and economic development. “The event’s primary goal is to showcase the best of agriculture across 13 counties in North Alabama. This year we are spotlighting Madison County.”
The celebration will highlight Madison County under the theme “Planting the Future: Growing Madison County Together!” The 12 other participating counties are Cherokee, Colbert, Cullman, DeKalb, Franklin, Jackson, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Limestone, Marshall, Morgan and Winston.
Visitors will have opportunities to explore agricultural research, discover emerging technologies and connect with experts working to strengthen the region’s agricultural economy.
The Alabama Cooperative Extension System will offer educational sessions designed to provide practical knowledge for farmers, entrepreneurs and community members, with topics ranging from artificial intelligence to farm management and innovative food production.
Terence Norwood, a community and economic development specialist at AAMU, will present “AI to Answers.” Dr. Wendiam Sawadgo, an associate professor and Extension economist at Auburn University, will lead “Farm Management Strategies for Building a Successful Business,” while Allyson Shabel, an urban regional Extension agent at AAMU, will present “Microgreens Made Easy.”
Representatives from the Alabama Cooperative Extension System share agricultural resources and information with attendees during a previous North Alabama Ag Expo.
AAMU exhibitors will include the College of Agricultural, Life and Natural Sciences; Department of Family and Consumer Sciences; Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences; Food Product Innovation Center; Winfred Thomas Agricultural Research Station; Global Initiative Program; and National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Grant Project.
The expo is supported by community and industry sponsors, including platinum sponsors COUNTRY Financial, Family Savings Credit Union, Huntsville Tractor & Equipment, Madison County Soil and Water Conservation District, the Madison County Commission, and the Alabama Cooperative Extension System at AAMU. Additional support comes from gold sponsor Alabama Farmers Federation; silver sponsors Carbon Nurture, Woody Anderson Ford and Renewal by Andersen; and bronze sponsors Aquality Farms, New Market Agricultural Supply and North Alabama Hydraulics.
From hands-on learning to agricultural innovation and community connections, the Third Annual North Alabama Ag Expo offers something for everyone while celebrating the industry that helps North Alabama grow.
The event will take place at AAMU’s Agribition Center, 4925 Moores Mill Road, Huntsville. Attendees are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes and come ready to explore.