Extension Economist Offers Reassurances about Meat Supplies

(ACES) — Smithfield Foods has closed a major pork processing facility in South Dakota causing concern about meat supplies and possible shortages among consumers, industry professionals and political pundits. An economist with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System said consumers should think about the industry as a whole and the long-term logistics of moving not only meat supplies but also all …

USDA Invests in Partner-Driven Projects that Protect Natural Resources in Alabama

(USDA/NRCS) — USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) announced that it is investing $1 in Alabama for a partner-driven conservation project through its Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). NRCS will leverage $1,000,235 in partner contributions in Alabama.  “I’m excited to announce the first RCPP awards under the 2018 Farm Bill,” said Ben Malone, State Conservationist in Alabama. “Through collaboration and …

Alabama Farmers and Agribusinesses Eligible for Small Business Loans

Alabama Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries Rick Pate wants to remind farmers and agribusinesses in the state facing unprecedented economic disruption due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, they are eligible for small business loans. The Department of Treasury and Small Business Administration (SBA) recently announced that farms and agribusinesses are eligible for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans as long as …

Alabama Cattlemen’s Members Providing Beef Meals to First Responders

Due to COVID-19, many in Alabama are dealing with various issues. Some are busy responding to those affected by the pandemic. According to Alabama Cattlemen’s Association (ACA) Executive Director, Erin Beasley, many of their members in counties across the state are helping to provide beef meals to various first responders. For more information about ACA, go to their website, bamabeef.org. …

Applying Insecticide in Furrow During Peanut Planting Helpful in Managing Thrips

By Clint Thompson Peanut planting season is upon us and farmers need to be wary of potential thrips pressure when they begin planting their crop, according to University of Georgia Cooperative Extension peanut entomologist Mark Abney. He wants producers to be prepared by applying an insecticide at planting. “If you plant peanuts, you’re going to have thrips. There’s a lot …

Weekly Livestock Market Report Week Ending 04-10-2020

Here are the weekly livestock market reports for Alabama, Florida, and Georgia, for the week ended April 10, 2020, compiled by the Livestock Market News Service for all three states. AL Livestock Market Report: At Alabama Livestock Auctions for the Week ended-April 10, 2020, receipts at 21 markets totaled an estimated 3,300 head compared to 9,390 last week and 9,904 …

Plant 2020 Considerations for Alabama Producers

(ACES) — These are unprecedented times. Large companies are closing doors and sending their employees home to work. Small businesses are shipping inventory out of home garages. Despite the myriad of hardships faced as a result of COVID-19, the world keeps turning. While demand for agricultural products remains high, farmers on every scale are working to balance the rush of …

Alabama Legislature Sets Next Meeting Date for April 28

The 2020 Alabama Legislative session is still under way, but lawmakers have not been spending much time in Montgomery due to the COVID-19 crisis. Plus, Gov. Kay Ivey issued a statewide stay-at-home order a week ago. But, Alabama legislators did briefly meet back on March 31 to pass a joint resolution which gives leadership authority to set meeting times during …

Pandemic Causes Some Stockyards To Suspend Sales

(ALFA) — Several Alabama stockyards suspended cattle auctions this week to protect employees and customers and help control the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Scott Garrett, an owner of Mid State Stockyards, LLP in Letohatchee, said he and several stockyard owners in Alabama talked before suspending sales this week. Because stockyards are classified as essential, he said closures were made by …