Farmers have another tool to gather in-depth agricultural information with the launch of the Alabama Farmers Federation’s Alabama AgCast.

The weekly podcast features interviews with Federation staff and experts on topics ranging from farm programs and trade to animal nutrition and pest management. Federation Communications Director Jeff Helms said Alabama AgCast grew out of a need to provide members detailed information when COVID-19 hampered in-person meetings.

“We’ve been talking about the possibility of starting a podcast for a few years,” Helms said. “The coronavirus pandemic helped us define its mission and target audience. When meetings were suspended, the Federation began holding conference calls with county leaders to update them on rapidly changing agricultural markets and programs. AgCast meets the ongoing need for timely agricultural information.”

The Federation’s Governmental and Agricultural Programs (GAP) Department is taking the lead in developing podcast content.

“Our directors work closely with government agencies, land-grant university researchers, Alabama Cooperative Extension System specialists, elected officials and others who have a wealth of information farmers can use,” said GAP Department Director Brian Hardin. “Many of these experts already were scheduled for the Alabama Farm and Land Expo and other meetings. Alabama AgCast gives us another way to deliver educational programming for Federation members.”

Alabama AgCast is available through iTunes and Google Play. Each episode is about 15 minutes long. Episodes will be available each Wednesday.

“The audio podcast format is ideal for providing busy farmers in-depth information,” Helms said. “Whether you’re on the tractor, checking cows or driving to town for supplies, AgCast is an easy way to get agricultural news and updates.”