AFVGA Executive Director: Neopestalotiopsis Outbreak a Wake-Up Call

Clint ThompsonAlabama

By Clint Thompson The recent revelation that Neopestalotiopsis has infected strawberry plug plants originating from nurseries in Prince Edward Island will impact Alabama producers. Blake Thaxton, executive director of the Alabama Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (AFVGA), has heard various reports of the disease for the past several weeks.  “When the plug growers that are here started receiving tips, all …

Updated Drought Conditions Across Southeast

Clint ThompsonAlabama, Drought

The latest release of the U.S. Drought Monitor shows the recent rainfall has had minimal impact on the drought conditions in Alabama and the Florida Panhandle. Almost all of Alabama is experiencing some level of drought conditions; ranging from abnormally dry, starting in Mobile and Baldwin counties; all the way to extreme drought in parts of Jackson and Limestone counties …

Rains Mean Potential for Increased Disease Pressure in Southwest Alabama

Clint ThompsonAlabama

By Clint Thompson Much-needed rainfall in Southwest Alabama means specialty crop growers should be wary of increased disease pressure in the region. Jacob Kelley, regional Extension agent in Southwest Alabama, cautions producers about the potential for disease buildup moving forward. “The drier weather was nice because of less disease impact. We’ve had a pretty clean year as far as diseases …

Specialty Crop Block Grant Program Projects Announced for Alabama

Clint ThompsonAlabama

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has awarded the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) $495,000 to fund projects that strengthen Alabama’s specialty crop industry through the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP). The program will fund 12 projects to enhance competitiveness of specialty crop growers by using marketing, education and research for Alabama’s specialty crop …

Dry Weather’s Impact on Alabama Pecans

Clint ThompsonAlabama, Pecan

By Clint Thompson Any rainfall at this point in the production season will benefit Alabama pecan farmers, especially considering the prolonged dry period in August. That’s why the potential rain amid Hurricane Francine’s trek northward last Thursday had Bran Futral, Alabama Pecan Growers Association president, excited. “I would tell you probably, this summer, we’ve got irrigation, and early in the …

Drought Monitor: Dry Conditions Worsening, Expanding in Alabama

Clint ThompsonAlabama, Drought

Any rainfall Alabama gets from Hurricane Francine this week will be much appreciated. According to the latest release of the U.S. Drought Monitor, most of the state is at least moderately dry with severe dry conditions being observed in Northwest Alabama and Southeast Alabama. The hurricane moved through Louisiana on Thursday with the potential for the first substantial rainfall coming …

Dry Alabama Could Impact Strawberry Plantings

Clint ThompsonAlabama

By Clint Thompson The lingering dry period affecting all of Alabama could impact strawberry plantings if there is no rain soon. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, most of Alabama is experiencing moderate or severe drought conditions. That doesn’t tell the whole story, however, says Eric Schavey, regional Extension agent in Northeast Alabama. “We are dry. That drought monitor is …

Drought Monitor: Dry Conditions Intensifying Across Alabama, Georgia, North Florida

Clint ThompsonAlabama, Drought, Florida, Georgia

The most recent release of the U.S. Drought Monitor shows worsening drought conditions across the Southeast, especially in Alabama, Georgia and North Florida. Severe conditions are prevalent in southern Alabama, starting in Clarke and Baldwin counties and stretching eastward to Barbour, Henry and Houston counties. Northwest Alabama is also severely dry, starting in Pickens County and stretching northward to Colbert, …

Dry Weather Benefiting Alabama Pumpkin Crop

Clint ThompsonAlabama, Pumpkins

By Clint Thompson The current dry weather sweltering Alabama is having a positive impact on the state’s pumpkin crop; as long as producers are able to apply irrigation. David Lawrence, regional Extension agent in central Alabama, discussed the crop in his coverage area. “We were pretty wet in July, and that’s always a concern when you’re growing cucurbits, is all …

Drought Monitor: Dry Conditions Expanding, Worsening Across Southeast

Clint ThompsonAlabama, Drought, Florida, Georgia

Drought is expanding and worsening across the Southeast, especially in Florida, Georgia and Alabama, according to the most recent release of the U.S. Drought Monitor. All of Alabama is suffering from dry conditions, ranging from abnormally dry to severe drought conditions. The driest part of the state is located in the northwest part of the state. Severe conditions are located …