The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries is actively working to pursue a recovery of a surety bond. This bond would help compensate Alabama grain producers who have yet to receive payment for grain purchased by Hansen-Mueller CO. in 2025. ADAI urges affected producers to submit claims no later than 4:00 PM on June 23rd. Rick Pate, Commissioner of Agriculture …
Alabama Department of Agriculture Encourages Meat Processor To Take Advantage of Funding Opportunity
The Alabama Department of Agriculture is encouraging meat processors that are eligible to apply for a new funding opportunity through the USDA Rural Development Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program – Phase 4. According to the Department, “The program provides $60 million in grant funding to support beef-focused processing facilities and strengthen local and regional supply chains. Funding is intended …
Thirty Alabama Counties Designated As Natural Disaster Areas Due To Drought
Thirty counties in Alabama have been designated as Natural Disaster Areas due to the recent drought. Twelve additional contiguous counties have been listed as disaster counties. Alabama Commissioner of Agriculture Rick Pate said, “These drought conditions are placing significant stress on Alabama farmers and ranchers, impacting crops, pastures and livestock across much of our state. We strongly encourage producers to …
Alabama Commissioner of Agriculture Encouraging Horse Owners To Vaccinate
The Alabama Commissioner of Agriculture Rick Pate and State Veterinarian Dr. Tony Frazier are encouraging horse owners to vaccinate for Eastern Equine Encephalits (EEE) and West Nile Virus (WNV). According to the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries, “WNV is a significant health threat to horses because it can cause severe neurological diseases. Most cases occur during mosquito season, which …
Alabama School Nutrition Association Awards Ag Commissioner With Friend of the Year
The Alabama School Nutrition Association has awarded Alabama Agricultural Commissioner Rick Pate with their Friend of the Year Award during their annual meeting. Commissioner Pate said, “I am truly honored to receive the Friend of the Year Award. The work that school nutrition directors and staff put in every single day to serve Alabama’s students does not go unnoticed. I …
ADAI Notice of intent to Suspend Grain Dealer License
Alabama Issues Notice to Suspend Grain Dealer License Over Unpaid Producers The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) has issued a formal notice of intent to suspend a grain dealer license after multiple farmers reported missing payments for delivered grain. Commissioner Rick Pate announced the action following complaints from Alabama producers who had not been paid by Hansen-Mueller Co. …
Alabama Department of Ag Announces Specialty Crop Block Grant Program Projects
Alabama Receives $519,000 in USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant Funding The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) has announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) awarded $519,000 to Alabama through the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP). This funding will support 14 projects designed to enhance the competitiveness, marketing, education, and research of Alabama’s growing specialty crop sector. …
October 12th Proclaimed as Farmers Day in Alabama
Governor Kay Ivey Proclaims October 12 as Farmer’s Day in Alabama Farmers across Alabama are getting long-overdue recognition thanks to a new statewide observance. Last week, Governor Kay Ivey officially proclaimed October 12th as Farmer’s Day in Alabama, joined by Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries Commissioner Rick Pate. We spoke with Commissioner Pate to learn what inspired this important …
ADAI Bicentennial and Century and Heritage Farm Applications Now Open
Honoring Alabama’s Agricultural Legacy The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) is now accepting applications for its annual Century and Heritage Farm Program and the Bicentennial Farm Program. These long-standing initiatives were developed to recognize and celebrate family-owned farms that have made a lasting impact on Alabama’s agricultural history. Southeast AgNet’s Dale Sandlin reports: According to ADAI, these programs …
Africanized Honey bees Detected in Alabama
The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries has confirmed the presence of Africanized honey bees in Barbour County earlier this week. The identification was confirmed after local beekeepers collected a feral swarm. The swarm was humanely euthanized in an effort to protect Alabama’s honey bee populations. Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries, Rick Pate said, “There is no reason for public …










