Greenhouse, Nursery & Sod

The State Greenhouse, Nursery & Sod Committee met in Mobile June 27-28. Committee members toured the Ornamental Horticulture Research Station; Flowerwood Nursery and Plant Development Services Inc.; and Waters Nursery. Farmers discussed immigration and work visa reform, pesticide regulations and policy. They also spoke with American Farm Bureau Federation’s Allison Crittenden.

-Hunter McBrayer, division director

Dairy

Sign-ups are open for the Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) program. This replaces the Margin Protection Program for Dairy (MPP-Dairy) and is set in place by the 2018 farm bill. The farm bill also states farmers who paid into the MPP-Dairy from 2014-2017 will receive a partial credit for their DMC premiums.

-Russ Durrance, division director

Cotton

Cotton leaf roll dwarf virus has been observed in Alabama the past couple years. Find reference information by searching for “cotton leaf roll dwarf virus” at aces.edu. Efforts are ongoing to characterize symptomology, determine distribution, identify resistant germplasm and develop management strategies.

-Carla Hornady, division director

Forestry

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service is working to increase white oak timber stands for future use in north Alabama. In addition to benefiting wildlife, white oak is important due to its high value for veneer, cooperage, flooring, cabinet-making, furniture and exports. Contact your USDA service center to learn more.

-William Green, division director

Hay & Forage

The Southeastern Hay Contest gives forage and baleage producers a chance to show off their hay quality. Each category winner will receive a cash prize, and the grand prize winner receives free use of Massey Ferguson hay equipment for a production season. Apply by Sept. 19 at sehaycontest.com, or contact Regional Extension Agent Josh Elmore at (205) 646-3610 for more information.

-Brady Ragland, division director

Peanuts

A significant portion of the state’s peanut-growing region has been declared at drought-watch or drought-advisory levels. Without adequate moisture through the growing season, the crop’s ability to efficiently bloom and set fruit will be impacted. 

-Jacob Davis, executive director