The Alabama Cooperative Extension System is known for providing education and outreach to the people of Alabama through its offices in all 67 counties. Now, thanks to an expanded partnership with Simply Southern TV, Alabama Extension is also reaching audiences weekly as they tune into the show from the comfort of their homes.

Starting in January 2026, Alabama Extension became the presenting sponsor of Simply Southern TV, which is produced by the Alabama Farmers Federation. Every episode of the 30-minute show now includes a full segment focused on Alabama Extension programs and educational efforts.

Mike Clardy, communications director for Alabama Extension, said this step is helping reach a new audience with timely information.

“Our partnership with the Alabama Farmers Federation reflects a shared commitment to education, service and storytelling,” Clardy said. “Together, we’re highlighting the people, programs and research that strengthen agriculture, families and communities across the state.”

Simply Southern TV started its 12th season on the air in January. Alabama Extension’s original sponsorship dates back to 2021 and season 7.

“Back then, we provided content for every other episode, and the focus was really on gardening and home horticulture,” Clardy said. “Eventually, we branched out and provided segments about other program areas. This new agreement allows us to do even more and gives us additional airtime to tell those impactful stories every week.”

Jeff Helms, communications director for the Alabama Farmers Federation, said the increased partnership is a testament to the strong relationship that exists between the two organizations.

“Alabama Extension hosted the farmer meeting in January 1921 which led to the creation of the Federation,” Helms said. “We continue to share a mission to improve the quality of life for Alabamians — especially farmers and rural families. Extension has been a loyal sponsor and contributor for Simply Southern TV. We are excited to offer audiences even more content from Extension specialists and agents.”

Through its history, Simply Southern TV has shared the state’s best stories focused on farming, gardening, forestry, rural living and youth in agriculture. Those stories have been discovered all over Alabama, from its highways and backroads to its barnyards and metros.

The first 13 Alabama Extension segments aired for the first time between January and March. The segments covered content about all focus areas including agriculture, forestry and natural resources; human sciences; 4-H; and urban programs.

During an on-set interview, viewers learned more about new Alabama Extension Director Eve Brantley and her vision for the organization. Among other topics, these features have promoted the importance of soil testing; provided an update on cotton jassid, a new pest for Alabama cotton farmers; covered the Your Money, Your Life financial education program; and introduced the Green Up Alabama initiative.

“We have a lot of flexibility in how we share the story of Alabama Extension within Simply Southern TV,” Clardy said. “We can go out and shoot video in our counties and produce a segment, or we can bring agents and specialists right into the studio for interviews. Video is a powerful storytelling tool, and this agreement ensures over a million Alabama households experience our messages through video every year.”

New episodes for the second half of season 12 begin airing in July.