By Clint Thompson Sweet Grown Alabama continues to be an effective tool in connecting retailers and consumers to locally grown produce. Even though the program is still in a growing stage, it is becoming widely recognized across the state. Aisling Walding, assistant director of Sweet Grown Alabama, talked about the program’s growth and its spike in popularity. “We are still …
Alabama Pecan Leader: Looking for Good Year
By Clint Thompson One Alabama pecan industry leader is confident in this year’s crop, though it may not live up to last year’s total yields. Bryan Wilkins, Auburn University research associate, attributes that to an expected decrease this year in Elliotts, a popular variety produced in the Southeast. “We’re looking for a good year. It’s going to be a little …
Mark Your Calendars: AFVGA Conference and Tradeshow Scheduled for Feb. 4-6
It is never too early to start thinking about the 2026 Alabama Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (AFVGA) Conference and Tradeshow, scheduled for Feb. 4-6, 2026, in Gulf Shores, Alabama. The three-day event will be held at The Lodge at Gulf State Park. The theme for next year’s show is “Game Plan for Growth: Team AFVGA.” AFVGA Executive Director Blake …
Drought Monitor Update: Dry Conditions Expanding in Georgia, Alabama
The July 31 release of the U.S. Drought Monitor shows dry conditions spreading and worsening across some areas in Georgia and Alabama and covering parts of Florida. Abnormal drought is observed in Southwest Georgia and much of the northern part of the state. Dry conditions in the southwest corner of the state start in Seminole and Decatur counties, expand eastward …
Looking Back: Alabama Strawberry Season Struggles With Neopestalotiopsis
By Clint Thompson Alabama’s strawberry season could have gone better. The presence of Neopestalotiopsis ensured that Alabama’s crop would not be as successful as growers would have liked. Edgar Vinson, assistant research professor and Extension specialist in the Department of Horticulture at Auburn University, talked about the season and the disappointment felt as a result. Neopestalotiopsis has been a danger …
Sweet Grown Alabama Day Celebrates Locally Grown
Montgomery, Ala. – Alabamians from across the state came together on Saturday, July 26, to celebrate the bounty and beauty of locally grown products on Sweet Grown Alabama Day. From farmers markets and roadside stands to grocery stores and community events, the day was filled with pride, flavor and support for Alabama’s farmers and fishermen. Sweet Grown Alabama Day served as …
Southeast Specialty Crop Leaders Provide Overview of Production Season
By Clint Thompson Fruit and vegetable farmers have mostly concluded their summer harvests and are now preparing for the upcoming fall season. Chris Butts, executive director of the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA), highlighted the challenges associated with spring production and what growers experienced this summer’s harvests. “I think it kind of depends on who you ask. In …
Alabama Peaches Not Yielding Like Expected This Year
By Clint Thompson Alabama’s peach crop this year was on par with the 2024 crop up until harvest season. Harvests did not finish that way, however, according to Edgar Vinson, assistant research professor and Extension specialist in the Department of Horticulture at Auburn University. He discussed this year’s yields as harvest season continues for producers. “It was kind of a …
Region’s Specialty Crop Leaders Applaud National Farm Security Action Plan
By Clint Thompson Farm security is national security, and the Trump administration is ensuring both are protected with the National Farm Security Action Plan. The plan highlights agriculture as a focus of the nation’s national security, addressing threats from foreign adversaries, including China. “We feed the world. We lead the world. And we’ll never let foreign adversaries control our land, …
Rain, Rain Go Away: North Alabama Specialty Crops Impacted By Excess Moisture
By Clint Thompson North Alabama fruit and vegetable farmers have had plenty of rainfall to work with this summer. It has been above average throughout the region, according to Eric Schavey, regional Extension agent in Northeast Alabama. He highlighted the various impacts from the increased rainfall growers experienced in June and July. “Two weeks ago, we were 5.5 inches higher …