By Clint Thompson Another hemp season is under way across Alabama. The same core group of about 75 producers are still invested in an industry that is still in its early stages of development across the Southeast region. Katelyn Kesheimer, Auburn University assistant professor and Extension specialist, said five different meetings in January generated questions among attendees. Growers voiced their …
North Alabama Peach Producer: Worst I’ve Been Hurt
By Clint Thompson The mid-March freeze event stymied peach trees already in bloom in central and northern Alabama. It is a significant loss for producers, believes Jeremy Calvert, who operates J Calvert Farms in Cullman, Alabama, “I’ve picked 14 crops, and I think this will be my 15th. This is the worst I’ve been hurt,” Calvert said. “We still have …
Alabama Christmas Tree Grower Workshop
Alabama farmers and Christmas tree enthusiasts can learn more about Christmas tree production during a grower workshop scheduled for Saturday, April 22 at 10 a.m. EDT. Alabama Cooperative Extension is coordinating with the Southern Christmas Tree Association to host the workshop which will be held at the Wadsworth Christmas Tree Farm at 3071 Dexter Road, Wetumpka, Alabama, 36092. Attendees will …
Alabama Hemp Production: Active Group of About 75 Growers
By Clint Thompson Alabama’s hemp meetings this winter generated interest among returning growers and those hoping to produce the crop for the first time. Katelyn Kesheimer, Auburn University assistant professor and Extension specialist, discussed the state of the industry, which attracted between 10 and 30 growers at five different meetings in January. “We definitely have a much smaller but more …
Rain, Rain Go Away: North Alabama Needs Multiple Days of Sunshine
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 …