By Clint Thompson Sweet Grown Alabama continues to be an effective tool in connecting retailers and consumers to locally grown produce. Even though the program is still in a growing stage, it is becoming widely recognized across the state. Aisling Walding, assistant director of Sweet Grown Alabama, talked about the program’s growth and its spike in popularity. “We are still …
Alabama Pecan Leader: Looking for Good Year
By Clint Thompson One Alabama pecan industry leader is confident in this year’s crop, though it may not live up to last year’s total yields. Bryan Wilkins, Auburn University research associate, attributes that to an expected decrease this year in Elliotts, a popular variety produced in the Southeast. “We’re looking for a good year. It’s going to be a little …
Drought Monitor Update: Dry Conditions Expanding in Georgia, Alabama
The July 31 release of the U.S. Drought Monitor shows dry conditions spreading and worsening across some areas in Georgia and Alabama and covering parts of Florida. Abnormal drought is observed in Southwest Georgia and much of the northern part of the state. Dry conditions in the southwest corner of the state start in Seminole and Decatur counties, expand eastward …
Looking Back: Alabama Strawberry Season Struggles With Neopestalotiopsis
By Clint Thompson Alabama’s strawberry season could have gone better. The presence of Neopestalotiopsis ensured that Alabama’s crop would not be as successful as growers would have liked. Edgar Vinson, assistant research professor and Extension specialist in the Department of Horticulture at Auburn University, talked about the season and the disappointment felt as a result. Neopestalotiopsis has been a danger …
Sweet Grown Alabama Day Celebrates Locally Grown
Montgomery, Ala. – Alabamians from across the state came together on Saturday, July 26, to celebrate the bounty and beauty of locally grown products on Sweet Grown Alabama Day. From farmers markets and roadside stands to grocery stores and community events, the day was filled with pride, flavor and support for Alabama’s farmers and fishermen. Sweet Grown Alabama Day served as …
Alabama Peaches Not Yielding Like Expected This Year
By Clint Thompson Alabama’s peach crop this year was on par with the 2024 crop up until harvest season. Harvests did not finish that way, however, according to Edgar Vinson, assistant research professor and Extension specialist in the Department of Horticulture at Auburn University. He discussed this year’s yields as harvest season continues for producers. “It was kind of a …
Alabama Citrus Survey for Growers Impacted by Freeze/Snow Event in January
By Clint Thompson Alabama Extension is asking the state’s citrus producers to complete a survey to assess the extent of damage from the January freeze and snow event earlier this year. The short, anonymous survey will help researchers and Extension professionals evaluate the extent of the damage across the cold-hardy citrus region; guide future research and recovery efforts; and strengthen …
Rain, Rain Go Away: North Alabama Specialty Crops Impacted By Excess Moisture
By Clint Thompson North Alabama fruit and vegetable farmers have had plenty of rainfall to work with this summer. It has been above average throughout the region, according to Eric Schavey, regional Extension agent in Northeast Alabama. He highlighted the various impacts from the increased rainfall growers experienced in June and July. “Two weeks ago, we were 5.5 inches higher …
Bacterial Spot Observed in Alabama Tomatoes
By Clint Thompson Alabama vegetable growers must be aware that bacterial spot disease has been observed in tomatoes in South Alabama. Ed Sikora, professor and Extension plant pathologist in the department of entomology and plant pathology at Auburn University, discussed the disease and its propensity to becoming widespread. “One (disease) I saw down in the Wiregrass is bacterial spot. It’s …
Alabama Rains Have Vegetable Growers Concerned About Disease Development
By Clint Thompson Consistent rains in May and early June have Alabama vegetable growers concerned about disease development in this year’s crops. Ed Sikora, professor and Extension plant pathologist in the department of entomology and plant pathology at Auburn University, noted in an Alabama Extension blog that certain diseases like early blight on tomatoes, bacterial spot on tomatoes and peppers …

















