AFVGA Executive Director Expresses Concerns with AEWR

Clint ThompsonAlabama

By Clint Thompson The lack of a farm bill is concerning for Alabama fruit and vegetable farmers. But at the forefront of their minds is the current labor situation, specifically the Adverse Effect Wage Rate, tied to the H-2A program. Blake Thaxton, executive director of the Alabama Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (AFVGA), talked about the challenges his producers are …

Strong Peach Season Expected for Alabama Growers

Clint ThompsonAlabama

By Clint Thompson Count Alabama as another state that should rebound with a bumper peach crop this year. After a Georgia industry leader confirmed his expectation of a bountiful crop to AgNet Media, Edgar Vinson, assistant research professor and Extension specialist in the Department of Horticulture at Auburn University, expressed optimism regarding this year’s peaches in Alabama. “We’re seeing pretty …

Alabama Strawberry Disease Update

Clint ThompsonAlabama, Strawberries

By Clint Thompson Alabama’s strawberry crop has progressed this year with minimal disease impact. Yes, diseases have been present in some fields, but their severity has been lessened this year. Ed Sikora, professor and Extension plant pathologist in the department of entomology and plant pathology at Auburn University, believes the lack of consistent rains have made certain diseases less impactful …

AFVGA Executive Director Voices Frustration About Lack of New Farm Bill

Clint ThompsonAlabama

By Clint Thompson What was due at the end of last September is still not in place as the calendar hits mid-April. Who knows when a new farm bill will be in place? Blake Thaxton does not. The executive director of the Alabama Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association expressed his frustration about the piece of legislation that was scheduled to …

NIFA Grant: Auburn Researchers to Study Experiences of Women in Farming

Clint ThompsonAlabama

AUBURN, Ala. – The number of farms in the U.S. operated by women has increased 27% in recent years. Yet, despite their growing number and influence, little is known about the needs of women in farming, the challenges they face and their economic impact on agriculture. A team of agricultural economists from the Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station was awarded $650,000 …

Alabama Extension Agent Highlights Current Weather Challenges Impacting Producers

Clint ThompsonAlabama

By Clint Thompson Weather conditions over the past month have challenged Alabama fruit and vegetable farmers. Excessive rain delayed growers from being able to get in the fields. Neil Kelly, Alabama regional Extension agent in Southeast Alabama, highlighted that challenge his producers have faced in recent weeks. “The biggest thing is just getting fields ready; getting ready to plant. We’ve …

Alabama Peach Trees in Better Position to Withstand Potential Freeze Event

Clint ThompsonAlabama, Peaches

By Clint Thompson Sufficient chill hours have Alabama peach trees where they need to be during bloom season. One Extension agent believes they will help the trees survive any potential freeze event. “We got a little bit better chill this year. There were some varieties that I think would have made it through the freeze last year, but they just …

Alabama Strawberries Progressing Well

Clint ThompsonAlabama, Strawberries

By Clint Thompson Alabama strawberries are progressing well, according to one industry expert. Edgar Vinson, assistant research professor and Extension specialist in the Department of Horticulture at Auburn University, liked how his state’s strawberry crop has progressed and believes plant timing is a big reason why. “What I’ve seen, it’s pretty hopeful, pretty positive. Plants have got really good size …

Abnormally Dry Conditions Present in Southeast

Clint ThompsonAlabama, Drought, Florida, Georgia

Abnormally dry weather conditions are more prevalent in one area of the Southeast, though the region remains mostly drought free, according to the latest release of the U.S. Drought Monitor. The southwest corner of Alabama and part of the Florida Panhandle are abnormally dry. The dry area in Alabama starts in Mobile and Baldwin counties and expands northward to include …

El Niño Helps Alleviate Dry Conditions Across SE

Clint ThompsonAlabama, Drought, Florida, Georgia

By Clint Thompson The El Niño weather pattern this winter has helped alleviate most of the dry conditions across the Southeast (SE). According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, abnormally dry conditions are mostly present in areas across North Alabama and North Georgia. Abnormal and moderate conditions are also observed along the west coast of Florida. Dry conditions stretch as far …