By Clint Thompson Hemp production has hit a crossroads in Alabama this year. The number of hemp producers in the state has decreased dramatically since when the crop was first produced. However, more growers are starting to transition to producing the crop for fiber hemp instead of floral hemp. Katelyn Kesheimer, Auburn University assistant professor and Extension specialist, discussed the …
Watermelon Quality Essential for Alabama Growers
By Will Jordan Watermelon harvests continue in Alabama. Some growers are winding down, while others have more crop to pick. It is important that producers ensure the highest quality for consumers. The best practices for increasing sweetness levels for that signature watermelon flavor is clouded by some misconceptions. Andre da Silva, Alabama Extension vegetable specialist, shares some insight. Sponsored ContentNew …
Sweet Grown Alabama Day a Success
By Clint Thompson Sweet Grown Alabama Day on Saturday provided the state’s specialty crop producers an outlet to market their product and connect with the state’s consumers. The second annual event emphasized the importance of consumers buying and supporting local farmers, says Aisling Fields, Sweet Grown Alabama assistant director. “With it being our second year, Sweet Grown Alabama Day was …
North Alabama Rains Prompt Growers to Apply Fungicides
By Clint Thompson Recent rain events in North Alabama have prompted specialty crop producers to increase their fungicide applications. Eric Schavey, regional Extension agent in Northeast Alabama, said rainfall in the region has been sporadic in some areas and non-existent in others. But the increased moisture in certain areas has forced growers to apply fungicide sprays to control potential diseases. …
Sweet Grown Alabama Hosts Farm to Table Event
PRATTVILLE, Ala. – Sweet Grown Alabama hosted its third annual farm to table dinner at The Barn at Twin Valley in Prattville on Thursday, July 13. More than 250 attendees enjoyed a dinner full of locally grown products, live music from local band Shackelford Lane and beautiful Alabama farm views. Farmers and ranchers, Sweet Grown Alabama sponsors and supporters, local legislators and community …
Alabama Growers Moving Forward from Disappointing Peach Crop
By Will Jordan Peach losses were unfortunately common for growers in the Southeast. Due to an unseasonably warm February and a freeze in March, much of the crop was devastated, especially in Alabama. Producers can take action to mitigate future crop damage in the future. Edgar Vinson, assistant research professor and Extension specialist in the Department of Horticulture at Auburn …
Muscadine Production: Alabama Extension Specialist Highlights Varieties for Potential Growers
By Clint Thompson Variety selection is essential for growers interested in planting a muscadine crop. Producers should know what varieties work best before they start planting. Elina Coneva, Extension specialist and professor of horticulture at Auburn University, focused on muscadine varieties during a recent webinar. She highlighted those that worked well in her research trials, beginning with the ‘Hall’ variety. …
New Expo Site Enticing Location for Georgia, Alabama Growers to Attend
By Clint Thompson The new site for this year’s Citrus and Specialty Crop Expo will provide a more enticing location for producers from Georgia and Alabama to attend this year’s event. The Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa, Florida, will serve as this year’s location for the two-day event. It will certainly attract more of a presence from growers in neighboring …
U.S. Drought Monitor: North Alabama, Northwest Georgia Abnormally Dry
The latest release of the U.S. Drought Monitor shows diminishing dry conditions across most of the Southeast, though northern Alabama and Northwest Georgia remain abnormally dry. The dry areas in North Alabama start in Lamar, Fayette and Walker counties and stretch to the northernmost counties in the state. Moderate dry conditions are observed in Franklin, Colbert, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Morgan and …
U.S. Drought Monitor: Dry Conditions in North Alabama, Georgia
Rainfall in early-to-mid June has helped alleviate much of the dry conditions experienced across the Southeast, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. Only a small portion of the west coast of Florida is abnormally dry. Those counties include Pinellas, Hillsborough, Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte, Lee and a small part of Collier in southern Florida. Alabama’s northern counties are in need of …