By Clint Thompson Rainy days and wet field conditions add up to a frustrating summer for Alabama’s vegetable and specialty crop producers. “Soaking wet,” describes David Lawrence, regional Extension agent for commercial horticulture in middle Alabama. “Everything’s under water. Guys are having a hard time getting in the field, falling behind. Disease pressure is through the roof right now. Yep, …
Deadline Nearing for Alabama Disaster Relief Programs
Alabama vegetable and specialty crop producers have until July 26 to apply for the Alabama Agricultural Relief Program. According to the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries, the Additional Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Relief Act, 2019, provides funds for necessary expenses related to losses of crops, trees, bushes and vines related to Hurricane Michael in 2018. The United States Department …
Automation: Future of Farming Today
By Clint Thompson The future of vegetable and specialty crop farming is now – or at least it needs to be. With labor a major concern, Southeast producers’ future may rest with automation, says Wes Porter, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension irrigation and precision agriculture specialist. “Labor prices are going up. Labor is getting harder and harder to find,” Porter …
Wet Summer Expected to Stay That Way
By Clint Thompson A wet summer is expected to stay that way for the foreseeable future, according to the National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center. Pam Knox, University of Georgia Extension Agricultural Climatologist, discusses the impact. “So, last year was wet from all of the tropical activity. We’re just at the beginning of this tropical season this year, so we’ve …
Hemp Survey: Alabama Extension Asking for Grower Input
A group of hemp research and extension faculty, including Alabama Extension, are conducting a survey with hemp producers to gauge research priorities in the future. The group is asking hemp growers to fill out the survey to help with the efforts. This is Alabama’s third hemp production season, though the rainy summer has delayed or deterred growers from planting their …
Citrus Canker Detected: Disease Confirmed in Alabama
Citrus canker has been detected in Alabama. Plant health officials have confirmed the plant disease in a residential area of Baldwin County, Alabama, which is bordered by the Gulf of Mexico and state of Florida. This is the first detection of citrus canker in Alabama. It can affect all citrus species. Though the disease is harmless to humans, it can …
Drought-Less Region: Sufficient Moisture Remains in Alabama, Florida and Georgia
According to Thursday’s release of the U.S. Drought Monitor, most of the Southeast continues to have sufficient moisture amid a wet summer. No areas of Alabama or Georgia are abnormally dry. Only a small part of Miami-Dade County in Florida is abnormally dry. South Carolina has sufficient moisture, except for a small region across the northwest part of the state. …
Sour Ending for Watermelon Season
By Clint Thompson Southeast watermelon producers prefer weather conditions to stay as dry as possible during harvest time. Needless to say, this summer has been anything but ideal for growers in Florida, Georgia and Alabama. Persistent rains, increased disease pressure and diminishing market prices have added up to a challenging couple of months, says Josh Freeman, University of Florida/IFAS Associate …
Less Hemp Acreage in Alabama Amid Wet Conditions
By Clint Thompson If growers’ hemp crops are not planted by now, it is likely too late. Alabama Extension does not encourage growers to pursue planting their crop after June. “I don’t love the idea of planting in July at all,” said Katelyn Kesheimer, Auburn University Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist. “We had some stuff go in at the end …
Making Strides in Alabama
By Hunter McBrayer What a time to be in the fruit and vegetable production industry! We have had an incredible 16 months in Alabama since the coronavirus pandemic began, and I am hopeful this trend continues. Before we look ahead, let’s look at the industry across Alabama. Alabama’s fruit and vegetable industry is unlike many others in the Southeast. We …