Alabama Strawberries Progressing Well

Clint Thompson Alabama, Strawberries

By Clint Thompson Alabama strawberries are progressing well, according to one industry expert. Edgar Vinson, assistant research professor and Extension specialist in the Department of Horticulture at Auburn University, liked how his state’s strawberry crop has progressed and believes plant timing is a big reason why. “What I’ve seen, it’s pretty hopeful, pretty positive. Plants have got really good size …

Abnormally Dry Conditions Present in Southeast

Clint Thompson Alabama, Drought, Florida, Georgia

Abnormally dry weather conditions are more prevalent in one area of the Southeast, though the region remains mostly drought free, according to the latest release of the U.S. Drought Monitor. The southwest corner of Alabama and part of the Florida Panhandle are abnormally dry. The dry area in Alabama starts in Mobile and Baldwin counties and expands northward to include …

El Niño Helps Alleviate Dry Conditions Across SE

Clint Thompson Alabama, Drought, Florida, Georgia

By Clint Thompson The El Niño weather pattern this winter has helped alleviate most of the dry conditions across the Southeast (SE). According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, abnormally dry conditions are mostly present in areas across North Alabama and North Georgia. Abnormal and moderate conditions are also observed along the west coast of Florida. Dry conditions stretch as far …

Weather Challenges for Strawberry Producers in North Alabama

Clint Thompson Alabama, Strawberries

By Clint Thompson Fluctuating temperatures have made strawberry production a challenge in North Alabama, according Eric Schavey, regional Extension agent in Northeast Alabama. “Right now, everyone is focused on strawberries. We get these days where I believe it was 71 degrees (Fahrenheit), but it was 31 that morning. It’s like you’re scraping frost in the evening and then thinking about …

Sen. Tuberville Leads Effort to Freeze AEWR

Clint Thompson Alabama, Labor

Count U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) as one legislator trying to use his political influence to reverse recent action on the Adverse Effect Wage Rate. Along with nine other senators, Tuberville sent a letter (dated Feb. 6) to the leadership of the House and Senate Appropriations Committees, requesting action to freeze H-2A wage rates at the January 2023 levels and …

Alabama Peach Trees Enjoying High Chill Hours

Clint Thompson Alabama, Peaches

By Clint Thompson Alabama peach trees are off to a strong start this year thanks to high chill hours. But growers are also aware this is just the first step in establishing a crop for the upcoming spring, says Edgar Vinson, assistant research professor and Extension specialist in the Department of Horticulture at Auburn University “It’s looking pretty good as …

Alabama Extension to Host Two Irrigation Workshops in February

Clint Thompson Alabama, Irrigation

AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. — The Alabama Cooperative Extension System is offering two irrigation field days in February. The workshops are designed to provide support to farmers as they implement precision agriculture technologies to strengthen preplanting, in-season and harvest management strategies. Brenda Ortiz, an Alabama Extension precision agriculture specialist, said the topics will allow producers to make plans for irrigation use …

Specialty Crop Block Grants: ADAI Accepting Applications

Clint Thompson Alabama

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) is accepting grant applications for projects that enhance the competitiveness of U.S. specialty crops in foreign and domestic markets. The application deadline for these specialty crop block grants through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is March 15, 2024, 5:00 p.m. CST. Specialty crops are defined by USDA …

Hemp Meetings Set for Alabama

Clint Thompson Alabama, Hemp

AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. – The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) will host four industrial hemp meetings for new and seasoned growers next month. Sonja Thomas, Alabama Extension pesticide safety specialist, said all meetings will follow the same agenda, so growers only need to attend one. “The meeting will be an overview of the 2024 hemp season with changes …