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 …
Alabama Extension to Host Upcoming Field Days
Alabama Extension is set to host a couple of upcoming field days that will appeal to the state’s specialty crop producers. A specialty crop field day will be held on Friday, Oct. 7 at the Wiregrass Research and Extension Center at 167 State Highway 134 East in Headland, Ala. The event will start at 10:30 a.m. (EST). Those interested in …
Alabama Extension to Host Strawberry Production Meeting
Alabama Extension will hold a strawberry production meeting on Nov. 10 in Jemison, Alabama, beginning at 11 a.m. EST. The meeting will highlight various issues pertinent to strawberry production. Topics include weed management, soil fumigation, disease management, variety selection and budget development. It is a free event and is tailored towards experienced growers as well as beginning farmers. A catered …
IPM Tips for Transitioning from Summer to Fall Vegetable Crops
Alabama Extension is providing Integrated Pest Management (IPM) tips for specialty crop producers transitioning from summer to fall vegetable crops. Sanitation Sanitation is an IPM level one pest prevention tactic. It includes the removal of plant or crop debris immediately after production is over. Growers should not let the vines or plant debris rot at a location while doing other …
Smartphone App Links Alabama Extension to Growers
By Clint Thompson Alabama Extension has a new and improved way of communicating with its growers. The Farming Basics Phone App allows producers to access timely information in an easy and convenient format. The main page consists of various topics growers can click through, including Crops, Diseases, Insects and Weeds. The Contact function at the bottom of the App allows …