Alabama Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association 

AFVGA’s board met Jan. 23 at the Chilton County Research and Extension Center. The board discussed AFVGA membership updates, evaluated last year’s conference and brainstormed topics for the 2019 conference and trade show. Sessions and grower tracks, along with hands-on demonstrations, will be featured at the conference.

-Hunter McBrayer, executive director

Beef

American Farm Bureau Federation economists shared a market outlook during the annual convention in January. They said many of the largest foreign markets for U.S. beef, like Japan, are not problematic. Beef exports to Canada slipped in 2018, but the South Korea free trade agreement provided additional opportunities. U.S. beef exports for 2018 were a record 3.1 billion pounds.

-Brian Hardin, Governmental & Ag Programs Department director

Cotton

The 2019 Wiregrass Cotton Expo is Feb. 14 at the National Peanut Festival Fairgrounds in Dothan. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. Topics include cotton markets, production and disaster aid.

-Carla Hornady, division director

Dairy

At Dairy Goat U, youth and adults will get hands-on educational experience with dairy goats and milk production. The event is March 30 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine. To learn more, visit facebook.com/groups/dairygoatu/.

-Guy Hall, division director

Wildlife

The Alabama Department of Conservation & Natural Resources deployed self-service chronic wasting disease (CWD) sampling stations in north Alabama as part of its increased CWD surveillance. Sample station freezers are in Fayette, Lamar, Marion, Marshall, Franklin, Lauderdale and Colbert counties and can receive samples 24/7. For more information and specific locations, visit outdooralabama.com.

-William Green, division director

Peanuts

Alabama peanut production meetings begin this month. Farmers will be updated on the latest research for diseases, weeds, insects and peanut varieties, along with a market update to help plan for the 2019 peanut season. Visit alpeanuts.com to learn more.

-Brian Hardin, Governmental & Ag Programs Department director