By Clint Thompson The need for dry weather was a concern for specialty crop producers in North Alabama following a rainy February. The region received a substantial amount of precipitation last month with minimal sunshine. It created challenges for growers trying to maintain their winter vegetables and for those producers preparing to plant their spring crop. “We’ve been wet. It’s …
Foreign-Owned Ag Lands in U.S. Concerning for Alabama Residents
By Clint Thompson The concept of foreign-owned entities purchasing U.S. farmland continues to be a concerning topic for Alabama specialty crop producers. “I’ve probably heard more on that topic here lately than any other. It’s definitely something that’s got people’s attention,” said Preston Roberts, director of agricultural legislation with Alabama Farmers Federation. “It seems like the more it’s being discussed, …
AFVGA Annual Conference Concludes Today
By Clint Thompson Conferences like this week are needed for the Alabama Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (AFVGA) to grow and increase its stature in the Southeast. Not only does it allow university specialists from across the region to provide intel on various fruits and vegetables, it also brings producers together. They can share what is working on their farm …
Registration Still Ongoing for Alabama Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association Conference
By Clint Thompson Registration is still ongoing for the upcoming Alabama Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association annual conference and trade show, scheduled for Feb. 9-10 in Gulf Shores, Alabama. Breakout sessions will cover both days and include presentations from research specialists at the University of Georgia, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, Auburn University, U.S. Department of …
Whitefly Management Options for Alabama Producers
By Clint Thompson Whiteflies remain a concern for Alabama specialty crop producers. Unfortunately, they appear to be a constant pest for growers, says Andre da Silva, Alabama Extension vegetable specialist. He spoke about the pest during the recent Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference in Savannah, Georgia. “Our growers need to learn how to manage them during the season. We …
Alabama Ag Outlook Meeting Focuses on 2023 Production Season, Farm Bill
By Clint Thompson Alabama Extension’s Ag Outlook meeting last week accomplished its objectives. It provided attendees an outlook on what they can expect across the entire agricultural landscape heading into 2023. It also focused on the upcoming Farm Bill, a key piece of legislation that is renewed every five years. Adam Rabinowitz, Alabama Extension economist, headed the meeting, which was …
Alabama to Host Outlook Conference
The Auburn University College of Agriculture and Alabama Cooperative Extension System Farm and Agribusiness Management Team want producers and industry leaders to mark their calendars for Thursday, Dec. 15, for its annual outlook conference. State and regional economic experts will discuss various trends impacting Alabama producers, including the current agricultural economic situation and outlook for the upcoming year. Topics relevant …
Impact of Late Strawberry Plantings Across Northern Alabama
By Clint Thompson The lack of moisture in North Alabama led to delayed strawberry plantings for some growers. Eric Schavey, regional Extension agent in Northeast Alabama, expected this would be the outcome in October. He discussed what this means for those producers impacted. “We got strawberries in, finally. We’re a couple of weeks behind what we needed to. Some people …
Registration Ongoing for AFVGA Annual Conference
Alabama specialty crop producers are reminded that registration is ongoing for the Alabama Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (AFVGA) annual conference and trade show, scheduled for Feb. 9-10, 2023, in Gulf Shores, Alabama. The event will include presentations from Alabama Extension specialists, researchers from the University of Georgia and University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. Topics will …
Alabama Update: Growers Be Wary of Insect-Transmitted Diseases
By Clint Thompson The current drought-like conditions sweeping across the Southeast should have specialty crop producers wary of insect-transmitted virus diseases. The hot and dry weather favors pests like aphids and whiteflies. Growers should be concerned about subsequent diseases, says Ed Sikora, Professor and Extension Plant Pathologist in the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology at Auburn University. He discussed …