AFVGA Seeking Nominations for Annual Awards Program

Clint ThompsonAlabama

By Clint Thompson The Alabama Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (AFVGA) seeks nominations for its annual awards program. Nominations are due Nov. 1, while the winners will be recognized at the AFVGA Annual Conference in Gulf Shores, Alabama, on Feb. 4-6. Blake Thaxton, AFVGA Executive Director, talked about this year’s awards and the process in selecting the winners. “This is …

Alabama Pecan Industry Lacking Younger Farmers

Clint ThompsonAlabama

By Clint Thompson There are multiple concerns challenging the Alabama pecan industry; none more so than the lack of younger growers who will take over the production reins at some point in the future. Alabama Pecan Growers Association President Bran Futral discussed the bleak outlook facing the state’s industry. “One of the things we’re trying to focus on as an …

Soak It In: Almost Half of Tropical Season Left

Clint ThompsonAlabama, Georgia

By Clint Thompson Just because a hurricane or tropical system has not impacted the Southeast so far this year doesn’t mean that they won’t. Not with tropical season lasting until Nov. 30. Not with water temperatures still favoring development. Pam Knox, University of Georgia (UGA) Extension agricultural climatologist, discussed the current tropical season and reminded farmers in Florida, Georgia and …

Alabama Pecan Industry Projected to Produce 3 Million Pounds

Clint ThompsonAlabama

By Clint Thompson Alabama Pecan Growers Association (APGA) President Bran Futral predicts a crop load this year of about 3 million pounds. That’s if the state does not encounter a tropical storm or hurricane type of event. Futral made the declaration following the organization’s annual conference in mid-September. He said growers have high hopes for this year’s crop as they …

It’s Dry Out There: Drought Monitor Update

Clint ThompsonAlabama

By Clint Thompson Other than most of central and southern Florida, the Southeast is experiencing mostly dry conditions, according to the Sept. 25 release of the U.S. Drought Monitor. The majority of Alabama is either abnormally dry, moderately dry or severely dry. Severe conditions are observed in the western part of the state in parts or all of Monroe, Clarke, …

How Dry Is It? North Alabama Farmers in ‘Water Conservation Mode’

Clint ThompsonAlabama

By Clint Thompson The prolonged dry conditions in Northeast Alabama has forced the region’s fruit and vegetable growers to preserve what moisture remains in the ground, according to Eric Schavey, regional Extension agent in Northeast Alabama. “For the month of August, everybody was just kind of riding it out. They hadn’t worked any ground, because they’re trying to let it …

Drought Impacting Alabama Fruit, Vegetable Production

Clint ThompsonAlabama

By Clint Thompson Increased drought across Alabama means fruit and vegetable producers are more likely to treat for insects than for any potential disease buildup. The lack of rain, as evidenced by the Sept. 11 release of the U.S. Drought Monitor, means diseases lack the necessary moisture to build up. However, it poses increased risk for insect pressure, says Jacob …

Drought Update: Lack of Rain Leads to Worsening Conditions Across Southeast

Clint ThompsonAlabama

By Clint Thompson The lack of rain in recent weeks has led to drought conditions worsening across the Southeast, according to the Sept. 11 release of the U.S. Drought Monitor. Abnormally dry conditions in Alabama start in the southwest part of the state in Mobile and Baldwin counties and expand northward to Colbert and Lauderdale counties. Severe and moderate drought …

Drought Monitor: Dry Conditions Worsening in Alabama

Clint ThompsonAlabama

By Clint Thompson Dry conditions are worsening and expanding in Alabama. Abnormally dry conditions are observed in various parts of Georgia, while drought remains prevalent in South Florida. This is according to the Sept. 4 release of the U.S. Drought Monitor. Southwest Alabama is covered with drought, ranging from abnormally dry to severe drought. The dry conditions start in the …