According to the Alabama Farmers Federation website, the Alabama Farmers Agriculture Foundation (AFAF) is accepting applications through Jan. 15 from farmers who suffered losses related to Hurricane Zeta. The Hurricane Relief Fund was established in response to calls from farmers and businesses who wanted to help their neighbors. It was utilized earlier this year for Hurricane Sally after it made landfall …
Plan Now to Keep Workers Safe During Next Harvest Season
It is likely the coronavirus pandemic will be a threat for most of the country next year, even as vaccines have begun to be administered. Vegetable and specialty crop producers are encouraged to be prepared when planning for next season’s harvest, specifically for how to keep their H-2A workers healthy. Allison Crittenden, Director of Congressional Relations at the American Farm …
Alabama Producers Watch Out for Alternaria Disease
Alternaria disease is alive and well in Alabama vegetables and needs to be monitored, especially as temperatures remain unseasonably mild this winter. Joe Kemble, Alabama Extension vegetable specialist, said growers need to be vigilant in monitoring their crops. “Despite the temperature, disease is still an issue right now. Last week I saw some pretty impressive Alternaria on several brassicas,” Kemble …
Alabama Pecan Industry Forever Changed
Alabama pecan producers in Baldwin and Mobile Counties are still cleaning up debris left behind from Hurricane Sally more than three months ago. What many are not going to be doing, though, is replanting trees that were destroyed on Sept. 16, says Bryan Wilkins, Alabama Extension Research Associate. “The older guys, they told me they’re done. Some of them, they’re …
Foundation Applications Open For Hurricane Zeta Assistance
The Alabama Farmers Agriculture Foundation (AFAF) is accepting applications through Jan. 15 from farmers who suffered losses related to Hurricane Zeta. The application for Hurricane Zeta assistance and a link for contributions are available at AlabamaFarmersFoundation.org. Sponsored ContentTriEst Ag Group: Partners in ProfitabilityApril 1, 2024SECURE FUNDING NOW | USDA-Sponsored Farming Project Underway in the Southern PiedmontFebruary 1, 2024Celebrating 50 Years of …
Chill Hours a Concern for Peach Producers
Peach trees need chill accumulation every fall and winter to produce a substantial crop the following season. Edgar Vinson, assistant research professor and Extension specialist in the Department of Horticulture at Auburn University, is concerned Alabama producers may be lagging behind. “We’re still a little concerned about having enough chill by the end of this month. Typically, we’d like to …
Christmas Tree Sales Up Amid Ongoing Pandemic
Christmas tree sales are booming this year, and COVID-19 may be a reason why. Both Frank Wadsworth, owner of Wadsworth Christmas Tree Farm in Wetumpka, Alabama and Jeremy Pickens, Alabama Assistant Extension Professor in Horticulture at Auburn University, agree that the recommendations that people social distance themselves and stay quarantined has left many with the longing to get outside and …
Cautious Optimism: Low Interest Rates Present Opportunities for Farmers
Interest rates are low and should remain that way for the foreseeable future. Adam Rabinowitz, Assistant Professor and Extension Economist at Auburn University, says vegetable and specialty crop producers may have an opportunity to capitalize. “Interest rates are extremely low, and they are forecast to remain low. That is certainly an opportunity to where if there’s interest on any kind …
Dr. A: Yellowmargined Leaf Beetle Likes Cool Weather
Ayanava Majumdar, Extension Professor in Entomology and Plant Pathology at Auburn University, cautions all vegetable producers one insect to be wary of right now is the yellowmargined leaf beetle. Unlike some insects that thrive only during the summer, or warm conditions, the yellowmargined leaf beetle likes cooler weather and will impact brassica crops. “It’s a small beetle that when you …
Why are Sales of Real Christmas Trees Breaking Records This Year?
Sales of real Christmas trees are breaking records this season. Conversations with tree shoppers may reveal why. (Gary Crawford. Tim O’Connor with the National Christmas Tree Association and several intrepid tree hunters) Sponsored ContentTriEst Ag Group: Partners in ProfitabilityApril 1, 2024SECURE FUNDING NOW | USDA-Sponsored Farming Project Underway in the Southern PiedmontFebruary 1, 2024Celebrating 50 Years of GrowthDecember 1, 2023