By Clint Thompson The sooner the better for Alabama producers wishing to fill out a hemp grower application for the 2022 season. Katelyn Kesheimer, Auburn University Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist, talks about why farmers should not delay in getting their applications done as soon as possible. “The earlier you get it in, the earlier the Department of Ag can …
Alabama Hemp Applications for 2022 Offered for Interested Growers
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. — Alabama specialty crop producers interested in growing hemp in 2022 can now apply during the enrollment period. Hemp applications are available through Nov. 29 for those wishing to become a grower or a processor/handler for the 2022 growing season. Applications will be accepted online through the Kelly Registration System (KRS). The application is available through the …
Not Ideal: Tough Weather Conditions for Hemp Production
By Clint Thompson Summer rains and increased pest infestations in the early fall created less-than-ideal conditions for producing hemp in Alabama. Katelyn Kesheimer, Auburn University Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist, details some of the challenges hemp farmers are facing amid fall harvests. “People are dealing with caterpillars. We have corn earworms, yellow-striped armyworms, loopers, fall armyworms; I mean you name …
Hemp Alert: Alabama Growers Watch out for Corn Earworms
By Clint Thompson Alabama hemp producers need to be wary of high insect pressure across the region. Katelyn Kesheimer, Auburn University Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist, said growers especially need to watch out for corn earworms. “The biggest thing that people need to be aware of that we’re dealing with right now is corn earworm. We started finding them in …
Hemp Survey: Alabama Extension Asking for Grower Input
A group of hemp research and extension faculty, including Alabama Extension, are conducting a survey with hemp producers to gauge research priorities in the future. The group is asking hemp growers to fill out the survey to help with the efforts. This is Alabama’s third hemp production season, though the rainy summer has delayed or deterred growers from planting their …
Less Hemp Acreage in Alabama Amid Wet Conditions
By Clint Thompson If growers’ hemp crops are not planted by now, it is likely too late. Alabama Extension does not encourage growers to pursue planting their crop after June. “I don’t love the idea of planting in July at all,” said Katelyn Kesheimer, Auburn University Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist. “We had some stuff go in at the end …
Sweet Corn Alert: Alabama Growers Be Wary of Pests
By Clint Thompson Katelyn Kesheimer’s message to Alabama’s sweet corn producers is simple: “At this point, if your plants are thinking about silking, be prepared to spray.” The Auburn University Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist advises producers to be mindful of corn earworms and fall armyworms. Both need to be taken care of before infestations get out of control. “Corn …
Grower Awareness: Hemp Producers be Mindful of Disease Development
By Clint Thompson Alabama’s hemp season is still in its early stage, but crop disease is quickly becoming a concern for the state’s producers. Katelyn Kesheimer, Auburn University Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist, said weather conditions have been ripe for disease development. “We hadn’t had rain in maybe about a week, then in some spots we got six inches in …
Early Start for Fall Armyworms
By Clint Thompson It’s the calm before the storm for sweet corn producers in Alabama. The cool temperatures have suppressed much of the insect population so far in the growing season. However, that’s likely to change soon, says Katelyn Kesheimer, Auburn University Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist “I did hear about some fall armyworms starting early this year. We may …
Alabama Hemp: More Growers, Less Acres
By Clint Thompson Hemp should soon be going into the ground in Alabama. According to Katelyn Kesheimer, Auburn University Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist, there should be more growers but less acres in 2021. “I think people are realizing they should go down to 1 or 2 acres to start, and don’t start big and make sure you have everything …