AFVGA

Over 30 growers from around the state met Feb. 28 at Isom’s Orchard in Athens for the Alabama Extension Commercial Fruit Tree Meeting. Participants learned about peach and apple production from Wes Isom and Auburn Horticulture Department Head Dr. Desmond Layne. A combined 1,000 years of peach-growing experience was accounted for among growers during the discussion and networking session.  

-Hunter McBrayer, executive director

Beef, Meat Goat & Sheep

As of Jan.1, all cattle and calves in the U.S. totaled 94.8 million head, up from 94.3 million head in 2018. In Alabama, all cattle and calves totaled 1.3 million head, a 3 percent decrease from the previous year. All U.S. goat inventory was 2.62 million head, down 1 percent. Alabama goat inventory totaled 49,000 head, a 3 percent decrease.

-Brian Hardin, Governmental & Ag Programs Department director

Cotton, Soybean, Wheat & Feed Grain

The Alabama Crops website is now divided into AUAgResearch.com and aces.edu/blog/category/farming. This change was part of making Auburn University websites ADA-compliant.

-Carla Hornady, divisions director

Poultry

A Keystone Foods hatchery in Eufaula was destroyed during the March 3 tornadoes that tore across Alabama. Chick availability is expected to affect growers’ time between flocks and could affect processing in the area.

-Brian Hardin, Governmental & Ag Programs Department director

Forestry

The Alabama Forestry Commission (AFC) is proposing to repeal and replace an existing regulation offering reciprocity for out-of-state burn managers. The current rule recognizes equivalent or prior training regardless of the state where a person’s training is received. A new rule would specify fees the AFC can charge for prescribed burn training and certification. The new rule should not raise fees above current levels.

-William Green, division director

Peanuts

March is National Peanut Month. The Alabama Peanut Producers Association is thankful for its approximately 900 peanut growers who produce an average of 180,000 acres of peanuts a year and provide over 3,000 jobs in Alabama. To learn more about the peanut industry, visit alpeanuts.com.

-Brian Hardin, Governmental & Ag Programs Department director