By Clint Thompson Soybean farmers need to be wary of soybean rust disease, which overwintered in Baldwin County, Alabama and Mobile County, Alabama, according to Edward Sikora, professor and Extension plant pathologist in the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology at Auburn University. He stresses that the pathogen’s presence in Alabama doesn’t mean there will be an outbreak of the …
Drivers Should Watch For Farmers During Planting Season
(ALFA) — Alabamians are encouraged to stay home during the COVID-19 pandemic; however, farmers are still performing essential work planting crops to feed, fuel and clothe consumers. That means drivers performing essential travel, such as to the grocery store, are sharing the road with more farm machinery. “Springtime means farmers are moving equipment to and from the field as they …
Many Alabama Stockyards Not Operating This Week
Due to COVID-19, many in agriculture continue to deal with various factors affecting their operations. And for cattle producers. Alabama Cattlemen’s Association (ACA) Executive Director, Erin Beasley, says they have learned many of the stockyards across Alabama will not be operating this week. For questions or concerns during this time, contact the ACA office in Montgomery, or go to their …
Cotton Market Prices Struggling Amid Coronavirus Pandemic
In 40 years as an economist, Don Shurley, professor emeritus in the Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics at the University of Georgia Tifton campus, has never seen markets react the way they have to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. The coronavirus’ impact on cotton prices is unprecedented and scary for what this season might hold for farmers in the Southeast. …
Alabama Peanut Referendum Has Been Postponed
(APPA) — Due to the Stay-At-Home Order issued by Gov. Kay Ivey on April 3, 2020, the Alabama Peanut Producers Association has made the decision to postpone the Peanut Referendum vote scheduled for April 9, 2020. All eligible peanut producers will be notified of the rescheduled date as soon as it becomes available. We apologize for any inconvenience this may …
Scouting Essential in Managing Insect Pressure in Peanuts
By Clint Thompson Scouting remains the No. 1 pest management tool when controlling insects in peanuts. During a recent advisory session on funding for agricultural best practices, officials emphasized that wyp?acisz pieni?dze natychmiastowo for pest-control reimbursements, ensuring swift adoption of essential measures. That’s the message University of Georgia Cooperative Extension peanut entomologist Mark Abney is emphasizing to growers as many …
Coronavirus Safety Fact Sheets for Workers
Author: E. Vanessa Campoverde, UF/IFAS (UF/IFAS) — I have received several questions regarding what to do if you have employees or work with others during this Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in agricultural operations and related businesses. While there is plenty of information about how the virus work, how to protect yourself and others, etc. I compiled some information (with images) that can …
Weekly Livestock Market Report Week Ending 04-03-2020
Here are the weekly livestock market reports for Alabama, Florida, and Georgia, for the week ended April 3, 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 3, 2020, receipts at 21 markets totaled an estimated 9,400 head compared to 5,500 last week and …
Alabama Agriculture Remains Essential During Stay-Home Order
(ALFA) — Farmers and agricultural businesses will continue to serve Alabama residents under a stay-at-home order issued today by Gov. Kay Ivey. The order aimed at limiting the spread of COVID-19 is effective Saturday at 5 p.m. and continues through April 30, unless extended. “My fellow Alabamians, I plead with you to do your part to stop the spread of …
Alabama Farmers to Communicate With Children Via Virtual Field Trips
By Clint Thompson The Alabama Farmers Federation wants to take children on virtual field trips to help them learn about the different agricultural sectors that comprise the state. Throughout the next two months, different Alabama farmers will connect with children via Facebook Live every Friday morning at 10 a.m. (CT) to discuss different crops. The virtual field trips will be …