By Clint Thompson It is never too early to start preparing for the Christmas holidays; whether you’re a home owner or a Christmas tree producer. According to Jeremy Pickens, Alabama assistant Extension professor in horticulture at Auburn University, Christmas tree farmers are in the final stages of preparation with farms expected to be flooded with visitors in the upcoming weeks. …
Alabama Pecan Industry Lacking Younger Farmers
By Clint Thompson There are multiple concerns challenging the Alabama pecan industry; none more so than the lack of younger growers who will take over the production reins at some point in the future. Alabama Pecan Growers Association President Bran Futral discussed the bleak outlook facing the state’s industry. “One of the things we’re trying to focus on as an …
Alabama Pecan Industry Projected to Produce 3 Million Pounds
By Clint Thompson Alabama Pecan Growers Association (APGA) President Bran Futral predicts a crop load this year of about 3 million pounds. That’s if the state does not encounter a tropical storm or hurricane type of event. Futral made the declaration following the organization’s annual conference in mid-September. He said growers have high hopes for this year’s crop as they …
Protect Your Investment: Alabama Extension Urges Farmers to Take Precautions with Equipment
By Clint Thompson Fall is a busy time of year for farmers. It is harvest season for crops like peanuts and cotton. Fall vegetables are in the ground. Pecan harvests will begin ramping up soon as well. Producers must be aware that their tractors and other farm equipment are at risk as well. Alabama Extension cautions growers about farm equipment …
How Dry Is It? North Alabama Farmers in ‘Water Conservation Mode’
By Clint Thompson The prolonged dry conditions in Northeast Alabama has forced the region’s fruit and vegetable growers to preserve what moisture remains in the ground, according to Eric Schavey, regional Extension agent in Northeast Alabama. “For the month of August, everybody was just kind of riding it out. They hadn’t worked any ground, because they’re trying to let it …
Drought Impacting Alabama Fruit, Vegetable Production
By Clint Thompson Increased drought across Alabama means fruit and vegetable producers are more likely to treat for insects than for any potential disease buildup. The lack of rain, as evidenced by the Sept. 11 release of the U.S. Drought Monitor, means diseases lack the necessary moisture to build up. However, it poses increased risk for insect pressure, says Jacob …
Drought Monitor: Dry Conditions Worsening in Alabama
By Clint Thompson Dry conditions are worsening and expanding in Alabama. Abnormally dry conditions are observed in various parts of Georgia, while drought remains prevalent in South Florida. This is according to the Sept. 4 release of the U.S. Drought Monitor. Southwest Alabama is covered with drought, ranging from abnormally dry to severe drought. The dry conditions start in the …
Alabama Extension Agent Provides Peach Update
By Clint Thompson Peach season has come and gone for Alabama producers. For those growers located in the central part of the state, it was an average year, says David Lawrence, regional Extension agent in central Alabama. He alluded to multiple external factors that could have impacted the region’s fruit this year. “It was okay. It was average; to some …
Entomologist Provides Insect Update for Alabama Producers
By Clint Thompson Insect management is an essential part of a growers’ plan of action, especially as they transition from summer to fall production. Paulo Gimenez Cremonez, Auburn Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist, provided an update on what insects are present and should be a concern to fruit and vegetable growers. “Some of the insects we’re seeing right now mostly …
Alabama Strawberry Growers On Cusp of Another Planting Season
By Clint Thompson Alabama strawberry growers are on the cusp of another planting season. For some, it is more than a month away. For others, it’s about a month away. David Lawrence, regional Extension agent in central Alabama, explained the difference for producers who plant plug plants compared to bare roots. “We’d love to have everything in the ground by …



















