Alabama Extension has released its Private Pesticide Applicator Training and Testing for the 2022 calendar year. The classes are designed for producers who need to take the private pesticide applicator test in order to purchase restricted use products. They will also be discussing chemical safety and sprayer calibration during the class. Any farmer or applicator who applies pesticides on a …
HLB Quarantines Established in Multiple Alabama Counties
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, in conjunction with the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI), is putting in place new quarantines for huanglongbing (HLB) or citrus greening disease. The quarantines are confined to areas in Baldwin and Mobile counties in Alabama. The action is necessary because HLB was detected in plant tissue samples …
Alabama Hemp Application Deadline is Nov. 29
Hemp applications remain available through Nov. 29 for Alabama farmers wishing to become a grower or a processor/handler for the 2022 growing season. Katelyn Kesheimer, Auburn University Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist, encourages interested applicants not to waste time in completing the application process. “The Department of Ag only has so many people on staff and now they’re working on …
Irrigation Income Tax Credit: Alabama Deadline is Jan. 31
The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries reminds producers that the 2021 Irrigation Income Tax Credit is available and covers costs for irrigation equipment, fuel conversion and reservoirs. The deadline to submit is Jan. 31, 2022. For more information, see agi.alabama.gov/irrigation. The Alabama Department of Revenue requires farmers to complete a precertification process before they can claim the Qualified Irrigation …
Alabama Extension Touts Crop Rotations
By Clint Thompson Vegetable farmers hoping to reduce input costs should implement crop rotations. This management system helps protect against unwanted pests and diseases while reducing fertilizer and insecticide inputs, said Eric Schavey, Regional Extension agent in Northeast Alabama during the Alabama Extension Commercial Horticulture Webinar Series. “The main goal in crop rotations is to reduce the amount of the …
Hemp Applications: Alabama Extension Says Growers Fill Out Soon as Possible
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 Pecan Production Still Reeling From 2020 Hurricanes
By Clint Thompson The hurricanes that wiped out pecan production in two Alabama counties last year are still having an impact on pecan yields this season. Alabama Extension Research Associate Bryan Wilkins confirmed that even though pecan harvests have begun across the state, there is minimal, if any, production in Mobile and Baldwin counties. “There’s not a lot to get. …
Whitefly Management Key for Alabama Producers
Alabama Extension reminds vegetable producers to be on the lookout for silverleaf whiteflies this fall. The pests have become more common during the fall in the Southeast. An increase in activity has led to a reduction in yields for vegetable crops. These include yellow squash, zucchini, tomato, cucumber and snap beans. Costly Impact Whiteflies feed on the leaves but also …
Alabama Extension Agent to Strawberry Producers: Stay on Schedule
By Clint Thompson North Alabama strawberry producers need to stay vigilant in their management strategies this fall and winter. It will help protect against potential stress that might arise, which could lead to vulnerability against new diseases like Neopestalotiopsis Fruit Rot. That’s the message that Eric Schavey, Regional Extension agent in Northeast Alabama “The talk has been that I’ve been …
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 …