AFVGA

The Alabama Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association (AFVGA) board recently met to discuss upcoming events, sponsorships and timelines. The board voted to have the 2020 AFVGA Conference and Trade Show at the Lodge at Gulf State Park Nov. 19-20. The conference will cover fruit and vegetable production, food safety, labor and more.

-Hunter McBrayer, executive director

Pork

At the National Pork Industry Forum, Under Secretary of Agriculture for Marketing and Regulatory Programs Greg Ibach announced an African swine fever (ASF) action plan, should the disease be detected in the U.S. In the plan, Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue would immediately declare an “extraordinary emergency” if ASF was detected in the U.S. The U.S. Department of Agriculture would lead the response to control and eradicate the disease, which poses no human health or food safety risks.

-Russ Durrance, division director

Peanuts

Alabama peanut growers will vote on the Peanut Referendum April 9. Find up-to-date polling locations by visiting alpeanuts.com.

-Jacob Davis, executive director

Wildlife

The Conservation Advisory Board met March 1, where the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources discussed the new baiting privileges. For the 2019-2020 season, 151,286 hunting licenses were sold (up from 146,828) and 158,211 baiting licenses were sold.

-William Green, division director

Cotton

Cotton leaf roll dwarf virus (CLRDV) is now considered part of the environment, according to Alabama Extension and Auburn University. Most researchers agree the symptoms are sporadic and impact on yield is inconsistent. However, there are many things researchers now know about CLRDV since its recognition in Alabama in 2017. The disease will likely impact 2020 crops. Learn more at aces.edu.

-Carla Hornady, division director

Beef

Most livestock commodity prices have fallen sharply amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. As consumers raid the meat case at the grocery store, it’s important the supply chain remains unbroken. At this time, there are no known shutdowns of harvest facilities and the USDA remains committed to supplying backup federal inspectors to facilities if needed. 

-Brady Ragland, division director