Pate Discusses Hemp Program in Alabama

Clint Thompson Alabama, Hemp

Last fall, the Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries (ADAI) accepted hemp applications from eligible growers, processors/handlers and universities in preparation for the second year of the program. Alabama Commissioner of Agriculture, Rick Pate, told Southeast AgNet’s Randall Weiseman that last year’s roll-out of the hemp program was real successful and the number of applications for this year have quadrupled. …

Bringing Together a Blueberry Mechanized Harvester

Clint Thompson Fruits

Joint research to develop a mechanized harvester for fresh blueberry growers could assist in addressing labor shortages and receiving a premium market price. Rod Bain reports. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Industry Supports Administration of Florida Cattle Enhancement BoardJanuary 9, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Significant Support For ResearchDecember 19, 2025Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Considers Efforts Important to Cattle Producers in FloridaDecember …

American Sugar Alliance Touts Sustainability

Clint Thompson Specialty Crops

The American Sugar Alliance recently traveled to two sugar-farming states to talk with sugar producers about the farming practices they are using to sustain the environment. Florida’s sugarcane farmers value the incredible resources and unique ecosystems that the state has to offer and have invested more than $450 million to restore and preserve the Everglades. “We are the original folks …

What is Salsify, and Why You Should Grow it

Dan This Land of Ours, Vegetables

What is salsify, and why you should grow it. Cathy Isom explains this and more. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Imagine a parsnip and a dandelion root had a baby that looked like a brown stick.  That’s salsify. Unlike beets, sweet potatoes, onions, and parsnips, salsify is a lesser-known root vegetable. It shouldn’t be – it’s totally worth …

Georgia Produce Grower Training in Valdosta

Clint Thompson Fruits, Vegetables

The Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) is offering another Produce Safety Alliance Grower Training for compliance with the federal produce safety rule. It will be held February 25 in Valdosta, Georgia. Produce Safety Education and Outreach Coordinator, Maggie Brown, said this training is for growers who need to learn about the new federal produce safety rules in Georgia. This one-day …

Growing the Golden Child of the Vegetable World

Dan This Land of Ours, Vegetables

Cathy Isom tells you what you need to know about the golden child of the vegetable world. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Parsnips seem to be underrated. If they’re in the produce aisle, they’re often hidden. But parsnips are actually the golden child of the vegetable world. Parsnips are actually superior to carrots. Tasty parsnips are chock …

Differences Between Peas and Beans

Dan This Land of Ours, Vegetables

In today’s program, Cathy Isom reviews some of the differences between peas and beans. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Peas and beans do look very similar and fall under the general seed family, but they aren’t the same. Peas are generally round while beans have a wider variety of shapes. Color also varies considerably with non-pea beans. Peas …

Americans Love Affair With Strawberries

Clint Thompson Fruits

Strawberries are widely appreciated for their characteristic aroma, bright red color, juicy texture and sweetness. And in a story from Stephanie Ho, these are just some of the reasons why Americans have a love affair with the popular fruit. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Industry Supports Administration of Florida Cattle Enhancement BoardJanuary 9, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Significant Support For ResearchDecember …

Southeast Pecan Industry Continues to Face Challenges

Clint Thompson Pecans

By Clint Thompson The pecan industry in the Southeast faces several challenges in remaining sustainable for the foreseeable future, according to Lenny Wells, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension pecan specialist. Obstacles including increased competition from Mexico, the trade war with China, and parts of the Southeast region still recovering from 2018’s Hurricane Michael have contributed to decreased market prices. “A …

Hemp Production Meetings Scheduled Throughout Alabama

Dan Alabama, Hemp, Industry News Release

(ACES) — As industrial hemp producers enter their second production year in Alabama, the Alabama Cooperative Extension System is offering informational meetings for interested growers. Alabama Extension’s hemp action team has spent the past year researching and assembling best management practices for new growers in Alabama. Specialists and regional agents will provide informational meetings throughout the state over the next few months. …