The April issue of Specialty Crop Grower Magazine highlights the Florida Citrus Show, which was held on March 13 in Fort Pierce, Florida. The event offered various educational talks, including research updates for citrus growers, and pepper management for vegetable growers. The Alabama Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association Conference and Trade Show was held Feb. 5-7 in Gulf Shores, Alabama. …
Tuberville, Moore Reintroduce Bill to Boost Alabama Pecan, Tree Nut Farmers
WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville is continuing his efforts to boost Alabama’s agriculture community and make healthy foods more accessible for Alabama’s seniors by reintroducing the Farmers’ Market Expansion Act, legislation that would make pecans and other tree nuts eligible for the USDA’s Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP). “The Farmers’ Market Expansion Act would be a huge win for both our seniors and …
Weather Challenges in Northeast Alabama
By Clint Thompson Parts of Northeast Alabama are receiving increasing amounts of rainfall in recent weeks. But dry conditions are needed with planting season on the horizon. “You can drive 45 minutes northwest, and they’ve got four inches of rain where we got like one inch of rain. Then you get on around Huntsville and they got about 7.5 inches …
Christmas Tree Workshop for New Growers
By Clint Thompson Alabama farmers and homeowners interested in learning how to grow Christmas trees are invited to attend a Christmas tree workshop, hosted by Alabama Extension. It will be held on April 5 at the Farm House Café in Thorsby, Alabama. Sign in will begin at 9:30 a.m. with the classroom educational session being held from 10 a.m. to …
H-2A Hangup: Some Alabama Producers Not Getting Workers in Timely Fashion
By Clint Thompson Alabama is not a large user of the H-2A program. But it is vital to those specialty crop producers who rely on it for an adequate labor force. That’s why it is concerning to hear some growers in the central part of the state not receiving their workforce in a timely manner. David Lawrence, regional Extension agent …
Alabama Peach Producers Optimistic About Upcoming Season
By Clint Thompson Alabama peach producers are optimistic about this year’s crop following adequate chilling hours this winter. Whether that optimism stays up until harvest season remains to be seen. Edgar Vinson, assistant research professor and Extension specialist in the Department of Horticulture at Auburn University, provided an update on how growers are viewing this upcoming peach season. “They’re pretty …
Unsolicited Seed Packages Delivered to Alabama Residents
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) recently received reports of “unsolicited” seeds being delivered to residents across the state through the United States Postal Service (USPS). The seeds reported were identified as tomato and onion seeds and tested negative for harmful compounds. The practice, known as agricultural smuggling, is the illegal import or export of agricultural …
Alabama Strawberry Producer: Potential for a Good Season
By Clint Thompson Strawberry season has already brought a wide range of emotions to one Alabama producer. Taylor Hatchett, a grower in Chilton County, discussed this year’s crop at the Alabama Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association Conference and Trade Show in Gulf Shores, Alabama. “This is going to be an interesting strawberry year. This year we had problems with the …
Spider Mite Control Key for Strawberry Growers Managing Neopestalotiopsis Disease
By Clint Thompson Southeast strawberry producers must be wary that spider mites could make the neopestalotiopsis disease problem worse, says Phil Brannen, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension fruit disease specialist. “I think growers need to be looking for spider mites more aggressively, scouting and definitely you need to be aware of that. They could exacerbate or increase the problem,” Brannen …
Mark Your Calendars: AFVGA Annual Conference and Trade Show Set for Gulf Shores in 2026
By Clint Thompson Alabama fruit and vegetable growers can go ahead and mark their calendars for next year’s Alabama Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (AFVGA) Conference and Trade Show. It will once again be held in February in Gulf Shores, Alabama, says Blake Thaxton, executive director of the AFVGA. “It is an ideal time, and I think we’re gaining steam …