Montgomery, AL – Alabama Agriculture Commissioner Rick Pate unveiled the state’s “Thank a Farmer” initiative during a recent press conference held at Ravello Ristorante in Montgomery. The new campaign aims to increase public appreciation for farmers and raise awareness about where food originates. “Through the ‘Thank a Farmer’ initiative, we’re encouraging Alabamians to show more gratitude for the food they enjoy and the people who grow it.” said …
AFVGA Conference and Trade Show in Gulf Shores, Alabama
By Clint Thompson Alabama’s specialty crop farmers and industry leaders are meeting in Gulf Shores, Alabama, this week to celebrate the state’s fruit and vegetable crops while learning how to remain sustainable for the future. The Alabama Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (AFVGA) is holding its annual conference and trade show on Feb. 5-7 with nearly 300 in attendance. Blake …
Attention Alabama Farmers: USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant Program Applications Being Accepted
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) is accepting grant applications for projects that enhance the competitiveness of U.S. specialty crops in foreign and domestic markets. The application deadline for these specialty crop block grants through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is March 20, 2025, 5 p.m. CST. Specialty crops are defined by USDA …
What’s the Deal? Colder Weather Experienced During Current La Niña
By Clint Thompson January’s cold weather goes against what is normally expected during a La Niña weather pattern. The pattern usually brings warmer and drier conditions during winter months. But this month’s weather has been extremely cold, highlighted by a historic snow event during the week of Jan. 22. Pam Knox, University of Georgia (UGA) Extension agricultural climatologist, discussed this …
Florida Citrus Show More Than a Month Away
By Clint Thompson AgNet Media reminds citrus and specialty crop leaders across the Southeast that the Florida Citrus Show is a little more than a month away. The event is scheduled for Thursday, March 13, in Fort Pierce, Florida. The show will be hosted at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Indian River Research and Education …
Redding Highlights Two Presidential Nominees During Peanut Trade Show
By Clint Thompson Confirmation hearings are currently ongoing for presidential nominees made by President Donald Trump. Two, in particular, are being closely monitored by the agricultural community and were highlighted last week during the Alabama-Florida Peanut Trade Show by Bob Redding. Redding, who works for the Redding Firm and serves as a lobbyist for agricultural groups in Washington, D.C., expressed …
UGA Extension to Host Vidalia Onion Meeting
The University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension will host the Vidalia Onion Crop and Disease Update on Thursday, Feb. 13, at the Vidalia Onion and Vegetable Research Center in Lyons, Georgia. The meeting will start at 10 a.m. and conclude at 1 p.m. The agenda will include a crop update, variety trial walk-through and disease management update provided by UGA …
Chilli Thrips’ Threat to Georgia Blueberries
By Clint Thompson One year ago, Ash Sial, University of Georgia (UGA) entomologist, reported that chilli thrips were the most serious emerging issue impacting the state’s blueberry crop. Not much has changed in a year’s time, unfortunately. “We are really scared of chilli thrips based on what we hear from Florida and blueberry grower experiences. What we hear from Florida …
N.C. Forest Service Reminds Property Owners to be Prepared for Wildfires
RALEIGH – Now is the time for North Carolinians to act on wildfire mitigation practices and Firewise principles. By taking appropriate action, residents can help protect their homes and communities from wildfires by creating a defensible space while reducing risk. “Even though we’re still a few weeks from the official start of spring wildfire season, now is the time for …
There’s an App for That: MyIPM Essential for Blueberry Producers
By Clint Thompson Southeast blueberry producers have the answers to their potential concerns at their fingertips with the MyIPM application (app). The app is accessible by smartphone and can help growers diagnose problems in the field, whether they are a disease or insect issue, and apply necessary control measures. Jonathan Oliver, University of Georgia (UGA) assistant professor and small fruits …