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Below you'll find a list of all posts that have been categorized as “Alabama”
By Clint Thompson Alabama’s peach crop is far below what some growers are accustomed to. But many producers are thankful just to have a crop, says Alabama farmer Jeremy Calvert. A mid-March freeze event froze out some of the state’s peaches. “Peaches, I think, can be safely said for the state of Alabama, they’re pretty good. There’s probably something like …
By Clint Thompson If history is an indicator, this spring’s drought could lead to warmer and drier conditions this summer. James Spann, chief meteorologist at the Alabama Weather Network, discussed the unusually dry conditions that encompassed the Southeast for approximately nine months in an interview with AgNet Media. He said the last time dry conditions were this bad during the …
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala.—The Alabama Cooperative Extension System and the Alabama Master Gardeners Association recently welcomed hundreds of volunteers and horticulture educators to Huntsville, Ala., for the 2026 Alabama Master Gardeners Association Annual Conference. Hosted by the Master Gardener associations of Limestone, Madison and Morgan counties, the event highlighted the important role of Extension Master Gardener volunteers as Extension educators. Kerry …
By Clint Thompson Alabama’s strawberry production thrived this year, mostly because weather conditions were ripe for a successful crop. Strawberry producer and Alabama Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association President Taylor Hatchett talked about her crop which flourished amid prolonged dry conditions. “For the most part it’s been fairly dry, and the strawberries really do great with drier conditions,” Hatchett said. …
By Clint Thompson Scattered rains last weekend in Southeast Alabama were a welcomed sight for producers. But considering the drought’s impact in the region, growers need those rains to continue. “Right along the Houston-Geneva County, the southern parts of the county along the state line, it’s mighty dry,” said Neil Kelly, Alabama regional Extension agent in Southeast Alabama. Almost all …
Rethinking Success in Specialty Crops Winter meeting season has wrapped up in Alabama. Fruit and vegetable growers now turn their attention to strawberries, spring vegetables and — if the good Lord allows — a strong outlook for 2026 crops. Earlier this month, the Alabama Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association (AFVGA) gathered in Gulf Shores for its annual conference. It was …
By Clint Thompson What a difference a year makes for one Alabama tomato producer. Chad Smith, who grows tomatoes in St. Clair County in the central part of the state, is preparing this year’s crop amid unusually dry conditions. It has created a challenging environment to plant tomato plants, though it’s still much better than 2025. “Take last year, it …
By Clint Thompson Early-season peaches will be sporadic this year thanks to a late-season freeze event in mid-March. The quality and quantity of early peach varieties is in doubt as a result. Jeff Cook, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension agriculture and natural resources (ANR) agent for Peach and Taylor counties, discussed the situation facing his growers. “It depends on location. …
Drought continues to wreak havoc in the Southeast region. In the April 16 release of the U.S. Drought Monitor, conditions are worsening across North Florida, South Georgia and Southeast Alabama. Florida Exceptional drought is being observed over a large portion of the North Florida area, starting in Gulf, Calhoun and Jackson counties, spreading eastward to Alachua, Union and Baker counties. …
By Clint Thompson Count Alabama’s strawberry growers as one ag group benefiting from the current hot and dry weather conditions. David Lawrence, regional Extension agent in central Alabama, explains why. “It’s good for the strawberries. The strawberry guys are loving it,” Lawrence said. “Not a lot of berries are going to waste being as dry as it is.” Extreme drought …
