By Clint Thompson It may have been a dry spring and early summer across the Southeast, but some specialty crops actually thrived under the drought-like conditions. Chip East, Alabama regional Extension agent, discussed the impact the lack of rainfall has had on his farmers’ specialty crops in East Alabama. “Strawberries were good. Blueberries and blackberries are irrigated, and they look …
Alabama Extension to Host High Tunnel Vegetable Workshop
Alabama Extension will host a high tunnel vegetable workshop on Wednesday, June 29 from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The meeting will be held at Gibbons Farm, 1162 County Road 42, Prattville, Alabama 36067. Interested attendees will learn about high tunnel vegetable crop management as well as other topics like irrigation and fertility management, pest exclusion systems, insect monitoring and …
Alabama Extension to Host Strawberry Production Meeting
One of Alabama’s specialty crops will be the focus of an upcoming strawberry production meeting. The state’s growers are invited to attend. Alabama Cooperative Extension System (ACES) will host a strawberry production meeting on Tuesday, June 14 in Jemison, Alabama. The meeting will start at 5 p.m. (est.) and conclude at 9 p.m. The meeting is designed specifically for producers …
Hot and Dry Conditions Impact Crops in Southwest Alabama
By Clint Thompson Specialty crop producers in Southwest Alabama have experienced the highs and lows of the extended drought this spring. Jacob Kelley, Alabama regional Extension agent, described the impact the prolonged dry period has had on his growers. “It had been really dry, which was good for a lot of our blueberry and fruit producers. A lot of my …
USDA Announces Food Purchase Assistance Agreement with Alabama
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) today has signed a cooperative agreement with Alabama under the Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program (LFPA). “USDA is excited to partner with Alabama to promote economic opportunities for farmers and producers and to increase access to locally sourced, fresh, healthy, and nutritious food in underserved communities,” …
Alabama Hemp Production: Rain Needed to Get Started
By Clint Thompson Alabama hemp acreage is expected to decrease this season. That’s if growers feel comfortable enough to plant a crop amid the current hot and dry conditions. It is quite the contrast to last year’s conditions, says Katelyn Kesheimer, Auburn University assistant professor and Extension specialist. “I think I talked to you a year ago and it was …
Hot and Dry Conditions in Alabama
By Clint Thompson Alabama specialty crops that are planted are in desperate need of water. It may be a while before that happens and it concerns Katelyn Kesheimer, Auburn University assistant professor and Extension specialist. “The crops that are in the ground, like corn, they’re thirsty. It’s also impacting weed control,” Kesheimer said. “There’s no rain to activate the (pre-emergence …
What’s Happening? Alabama Extension Plant Pathologist Provides Disease Update
By Clint Thompson There have been no signs of downy mildew disease in Alabama vegetable crops, while tomato spotted wilt has been observed in one tomato field. Those are observations shared by Ed Sikora, professor and Extension plant pathologist in the department of entomology and plant pathology at Auburn University. One of the main points so far this season is …
Alabama Insect Pest Monitoring Report
Alabama Extension cautions vegetable producers about a sudden spike in activity of southern armyworm moths compared to fall or beet armyworms. According to the Alabama Insect Pest Monitoring data generated from April 14 to April 29, there were 40 southern armyworm moths at five locations across the state, compared to five farm armyworms and four beet armyworms. Southern armyworm caterpillars …
Storms May Aid in Transportation of Insect Pests
By Clint Thompson Most of Alabama has received its share of rainfall this spring. But with inclement weather, especially high winds, comes the potential for certain insect pests to be moved from field to field, says Ayanava Majumdar, Extension professor in entomology and plant pathology at Auburn University. “If there’s any moth flights that have already begun, these storms will …