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 ContentNuseed Carinata Covers New GroundNovember 1, 2024TriEst Ag Group: Partners in ProfitabilityApril 1, 2024SECURE FUNDING NOW | USDA-Sponsored Farming Project Underway in the Southern …
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 ContentNuseed Carinata Covers New GroundNovember 1, 2024TriEst Ag Group: Partners in ProfitabilityApril 1, 2024SECURE FUNDING NOW | USDA-Sponsored Farming Project Underway in the Southern PiedmontFebruary 1, 2024
Ripple Effect: Hurricane’s Aftermath to be Felt for Years on Alabama Pecans
Two counties in Alabama known for pecan production had little to zero pecans harvested this year after being hit hard by Hurricane Sally. Unfortunately, it is likely to have a ripple effect on pecan production in Baldwin and Mobile Counties for years to come, says Bryan Wilkins, Alabama Extension Research Associate. Extension Testimonial “This was the biggest crop some of …
Avoiding a Shutdown: H-2A Help Essential in Harvesting Crops Next Spring
The early onset of the coronavirus pandemic spelled doom for certain sectors of the agricultural industry. Restaurants shut down, unemployment rose, and suddenly, fruit and vegetable producers across the Southeast faced a decreased demand for their produce. There was also temporary concern among farmers about how suspended travel from foreign countries would impact H-2A workers trying to get in the …
Control Insects Now; Don’t Wait Until Spring
The time is now to control insects in brassica crops like cabbage, broccoli, collard greens, kale and turnips. According to Ayanava Majumdar, Extension Professor in Entomology and Plant Pathology at Auburn University, they are still going to be a problem in the spring. “The emphasis should be on preventing buildup of these insects on your farm because it only gets …
CFAP 2 Deadline is Dec. 11
The U.S. Department of Agriculture reminds vegetable and specialty crop producers who wish to apply to the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) 2 that the deadline is Friday, Dec. 11. This program provides relief to farmers facing market disruptions and associated costs due to COVID-19. It is a program that Adam Rabinowitz, Assistant Professor and Extension Economist at Auburn University, …