Greenhouse, Nursery & Sod

The State Greenhouse, Nursery & Sod Committee sponsored Auburn University Horticulture Department’s 2019 Hort Welcome Day. Representatives welcomed freshmen horticulture students, visited with current students and talked with faculty about research and the future of the industry.

-Hunter McBrayer, division director

Meat Goat & Sheep

The Alabama Sheep & Goat Checkoff will conduct a referendum Oct. 22 to determine if the program should be continued for five more years at the current collection rate of 50 cents per head of sheep or goat sold in the state. The program funds sheep and goat research, product promotion and farmer education. Producers will vote between 8 a.m. and the close of business at their local Alabama Cooperative Extension System office.

-Brady Ragland, division director

Peanuts

The Alabama Peanut Producers Association is hosting the Peanut Pavilion at the National Peanut Festival Nov. 1-10 in Dothan. Farmer’s Night is Nov. 4. Come see us to receive peanut samples and recipes. Learn more at NationalPeanutFestival.com.

-Jacob Davis, executive director

Forestry

On Sept. 25, the Alabama Forestry Commission (AFC) upgraded the Fire Danger Advisory to a Fire Alert due to continued drought conditions. During September, 472 fires burned 5,972 acres. While there is no burn restriction, AFC urges everyone to delay outdoor burning until conditions improve.

-William Green, division director

Dairy

Enrollment for 2020 Dairy Margin Coverage closes Dec. 13. Producers who utilized coverage options in 2019 must certify they’re still producing and commercially marketing milk during the 2020 enrollment period. Sign-ups take place at local U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency offices.

-Russ Durrance, division director

Cotton

Cotton pickers are rolling, and we’ve enjoyed almost uninterrupted sunshine and low humidity. It’s great picking weather but is very dry across the Southeast. Cotton fluffed beautifully, and much is harvest-ready, nearly so or is already in a module. Only a few thousand bales have been reported from classing offices. Color grades are good, but staple, mic, strength and uniformity trend slightly lower than normal.

-Carla Hornady, division director