Drought Monitor Update: Moderate Dry Conditions Cover Most of Alabama

Clint ThompsonAlabama

By Clint Thompson Drought-like conditions continue to cover the majority of Alabama. According to the most recent release of the U.S. Drought Monitor, moderate conditions in the state start as far south as Mobile and Baldwin counties near the Gulf of Mexico and stretch northward to North Alabama counties, including Lauderdale, Limestone, Madison and Jackson counties. Severe conditions are concentrated …

Dry Weather Means Less Scab Pressure for Alabama Pecan Producers

Clint ThompsonAlabama

By Clint Thompson Prolonged dry weather conditions across Alabama means minimal scab disease pressure on the state’s pecan crop. That’s positive news for growers who have already begun harvests this season, says Bryan Wilkins, Auburn University research associate. “The scab really didn’t hurt us this year. I’ve got people that didn’t spray at all. But even some of the homeowners, …

Dry Weather Impacting Northeast Alabama

Clint ThompsonAlabama

By Clint Thompson Northeast Alabama remains considerably dry. Some areas have not received any measurable moisture for more than a month, according to Eric Schavey, regional Extension agent in Northeast Alabama. “We’re going on 42 days at my farm (without rain), and since May 25, I’ve had 2.3 inches of rain,” Schavey said. “It doesn’t look like any rain for …

Drought Monitor: Dry Conditions Worsening Across Alabama

Clint ThompsonUncategorized

By Clint Thompson Drought is expanding and worsening in Alabama, according to the most recent release of the U.S. Drought Monitor. Almost the entire state is covered in drought-like conditions. Most of Alabama is either abnormally dry or moderately dry, though severe drought is observed in parts of Wilcox, Marengo, Perry and Dallas counties in the southwest part of the …

Drought Monitor: Alabama Still Mostly Dry

Clint ThompsonAlabama

Drought-like conditions remain prevalent across most of Alabama, while abnormally dry conditions are observed in Southeast Georgia. This is according to the most recent release of the U.S. Drought Monitor. Abnormally dry and moderately dry conditions comprise most of Alabama, except for an area located along the Alabama-Georgia border. Moderate conditions are observed in Southwest Alabama, starting in Mobile and …

Alabama Extension Specialist: Potential for Neopestalotiopsis is Having Severe Impact

Clint ThompsonAlabama

By Clint Thompson The threat of neopestalotiopsis on strawberry plants in the Southeast is having a “severe impact on the industry,” according to Edgar Vinson, assistant research professor and Extension specialist in the Department of Horticulture at Auburn University. “A lot of nursery owners have opted either to not sell plants or are advising the growers that they’re taking the …

Extended Dry Period Impacted Alabama Citrus

Clint ThompsonAlabama

By Clint Thompson This year’s citrus crop in Southwest Alabama is nearing ready to be harvested. According to Jacob Kelley, regional Extension agent in Southwest Alabama, the production was impacted from the prolonged dry period in the area this summer. “Citrus is looking pretty good. Disease pressure has been low. We’ll see what that looks like here in a couple …

Rains Mean Potential for Increased Disease Pressure in Southwest Alabama

Clint ThompsonAlabama

By Clint Thompson Much-needed rainfall in Southwest Alabama means specialty crop growers should be wary of increased disease pressure in the region. Jacob Kelley, regional Extension agent in Southwest Alabama, cautions producers about the potential for disease buildup moving forward. “The drier weather was nice because of less disease impact. We’ve had a pretty clean year as far as diseases …

Specialty Crop Block Grant Program Projects Announced for Alabama

Clint ThompsonAlabama

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has awarded the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) $495,000 to fund projects that strengthen Alabama’s specialty crop industry through the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP). The program will fund 12 projects to enhance competitiveness of specialty crop growers by using marketing, education and research for Alabama’s specialty crop …

Dry Weather’s Impact on Alabama Pecans

Clint ThompsonAlabama, Pecan

By Clint Thompson Any rainfall at this point in the production season will benefit Alabama pecan farmers, especially considering the prolonged dry period in August. That’s why the potential rain amid Hurricane Francine’s trek northward last Thursday had Bran Futral, Alabama Pecan Growers Association president, excited. “I would tell you probably, this summer, we’ve got irrigation, and early in the …