AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. (ACES) – In some areas of the state, the hot, dry weather may have limited the availability of some forages. These conditions often tempt livestock to consume anything that is green. Some poisonous plants have become masters at surviving these conditions. Perilla mint is one of the most dangerous. Characteristics An escaped ornamental, the leaves of perilla …
Beef Short Course Targets New Producers
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. (ACES) — New cattle producers will want to attend the Alabama Cooperative Extension System’s new Beef Systems Short Course. The short course is a multi-night lecture series covering the fundamentals of beef production. It is geared toward new and limited experience producers. Kim Mullenix, an Alabama Extension beef specialist, says producers have the option to take the …
Cotton Leafroll Dwarf Virus Present in Alabama Cotton, Scouting Essential
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. (ACES) —Extension professionals have already confirmed the presence of Cotton leafroll dwarf virus (CLRDV)—the causal agent of Cotton Blue Disease—on multiple research substations across Alabama. The aphid transmitted disease has been monitored closely since its appearance in cotton fields during the fall of 2017. Kassie Conner, an Alabama Extension plant pathologist, said the virus was confirmed in …
Scouting and Managing Spider Mites in Vegetables
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. (ACES) – Summertime can be a productive season for growing vegetables. However, it is also a time that can be hot and dry. These are the perfect conditions for spider mites, a pest that can cause widespread damage quickly. When present in high numbers, they can be pests for many aspects of farming There are many species …
Massive Yellow Jacket Nests Appearing
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. (ACES) — Imagine a colony of yellow jackets the size of a Volkswagen Beetle, filled with 15,000 of the stinging insects. Now, imagine more than 90 of these super nests in Alabama. It happened in 2006, and Charles Ray, an entomologist working with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, said that 2019 may be shaping up to mirror …
The Buzz: Pollinators are Essential
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. (ACES)— In the spirit of National Pollinator Week, the Alabama Cooperative Extension System salutes pollinators everywhere who are irreplaceable pieces of the puzzle in gardens, cropland and flowerbeds. Bees are more than honey-makers and hive builders. Bees are essential to the most important part of the food chain—pollination. Importance of Pollinators Bees are essential for the pollination of one-third …
Farmers Preparing for Drought Conditions
While recent rains were welcome, more than 34 percent of Alabama still faces abnormally dry or moderate drought conditions. This has many livestock producers worried about providing their animals with enough to eat and drink. Landon Marks, an Alabama Extension animal science regional agent, said some northeastern Alabama areas are starting to see effects of the abnormally dry weather. “Water …
Plant Bugs Put Heavy Pressure on Cotton
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. (ACES.edu)—The season’s early onset of drought-like conditions has several insects on the move early. Plant bugs and stink bugs are moving from their wild host plants into cotton earlier than farmers usually expect. Alabama Cooperative Extension System entomologist Ron Smith said the plant bug situation is not one producers are unfamiliar with, but earlier action will be required to keep …
Fire Ants Cause Issues for Farmers
Fire ants are a great issue for farmers on many levels. Not only do they cost famers time and money but they can cause damage to equipment. Whether it is in pastures or hay fields, farmers must determine the best option to treat fire ants. Should I Treat My Fields? Dr. Fudd Graham, an Alabama Extension entomologist, said the first step …
Alabama Irrigation Workshops
The Alabama Soil and Water Conservation Committee has been working with the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), the Alabama Cooperative Extension System (ACES) and Auburn University (AU), to identify which watersheds will have funding priority. In response to this initiative, Alabama Extension will host two free irrigation workshops for producers that include trainings, as well as on-farm demonstrations of …
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