Peanut Seed Germination Key Following Cold Snap

Clint Thompson Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Peanuts

By Clint Thompson Peanut seed in the ground during last weekend’s cold snap probably didn’t make any progress coming out of the ground, says University of Georgia Cooperative Extension peanut specialist Scott Monfort. “I expect no matter what, it slowed down anything that hadn’t come out of the ground yet,” Monfort said. Concerns mounted last week over whether farmers should …

Final 2019 Cotton Crop Numbers

Clint Thompson Alabama, Cotton, Florida, Georgia, USDA-NASS

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agriculture Statistics Service (NASS) has released the final production figures from the 2019 cotton crop. Chris Singh, with NASS in Washington, D.C., reports the crop was up 8% from 2018. The 2019 final all cottonproduction was estimated at 19.9 million 480-pound bales, up 8% from the 2018 crop. The United States all cotton yield …

Alabama Cattlemen Tracking Legislative Session

Clint Thompson Alabama, Cattle, Legislative

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the 2020 Alabama Legislative Session. But state lawmakers did meet to finalize a budget for the upcoming fiscal year. Alabama Cattlemen’s Association (ACA) Executive Director Erin Beasley explains where things stand with not only the budget, but other bills they have been tracking. For more information, contact the ACA office in Montgomery. Sponsored ContentCIR Agriculture …

SBA Accepting Applications from Agricultural Businesses

Clint Thompson Alabama, Florida, Georgia

It was recently announced that the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) opened applications for agricultural businesses for SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) programs. Tyron Spearman has more details. Sponsored ContentCIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsMarch 1, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Offers Targeted Research for Florida Cattle IndustryFebruary 20, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Allows Viable Research in the Cattle IndustryFebruary 6, 2026Florida …

Working with Florida Foodservice Industry During Beef Month

Clint Thompson Beef, Florida

Beef Month in Florida has seen a different look this year. But the Florida Beef Council (FBC) continues to work in various ways to promote the beef message. According to FBC Director of Education & Promotion DeAnne Maples, that includes working with folks in the foodservice industry. For more information about your Beef Checkoff, go to the FBC website. Sponsored …

Georgia Beef Month Promotions Continue

Clint Thompson Beef, Georgia

May Beef Month continues in Georgia, and various promotions are underway to get the beef message out to consumers. Georgia Beef Board (GBB) Executive Vice President, Dale Sandlin, explains how they are getting that message out. For more information about your Beef Checkoff go to the GBB website. Sponsored ContentCIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsMarch 1, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Offers Targeted …

Cotton Planting is Ahead of Schedule

Clint Thompson Alabama, Cotton, Field Crops, Florida, Georgia, Peanuts

Last week, cotton planting progressed in many areas of the country. USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey says cotton planting is ahead of schedule. But Rippey says the current pace of peanut planting is behind the 5-year average. In Alabama, 41% of the cotton crop has been planted, which compares to 43% last year. The 5-year average is 42%. For the peanut …

Stink Bugs Already a Problem

Clint Thompson Alabama, Corn, Cotton, Florida, Georgia, Pest/Pest Control, Soybeans

By Clint Thompson Corn growers across the Southeast need to already be on the lookout for stink bugs, says Auburn University Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist Katelyn Kesheimer. “I would caution growers to get their plans in place and start scouting early. We’ve already started seeing southern green stink bugs and stink bug nymphs down in southern Alabama. Adults are …

Alabama General Fund Budget Increases Funding for Agriculture

Clint Thompson Alabama

Agriculture and forestry would benefit from increased funding under a General Fund (GF) budget approved last week by the Alabama Legislature. According to the Alabama Farmers Federation, the package, funded at almost $2.4 billion, awaits action by Gov. Kay Ivey, who could sign or veto the bill, or add executive amendments. The Legislature is set to reconvene next Monday, May …

USDA Reminds Florida Producers to Complete Crop Acreage Reports

Clint Thompson Florida

(GAINESVILLE, Fl) – USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) offices in Florida are currently open to phone and virtual appointments only but can still work with producers on timely filing crop acreage reports. FSA staff can provide assistance over the phone, by email and through virtual meetings via Microsoft Teams. Acreage reporting dates vary by crop and by county. Contact your …