Horticulture; Greenhouse, Nursery & Sod

Alabama Public TV’s (APTV) most recent “Spotlight On Agriculture” highlights aquaponic and hydroponic production, along with specialty crops like peaches, kiwifruit and berries. Watch the episode Sept. 23 at 4 p.m. on APTV.

-Brian Hardin, Governmental &  Ag Programs (GAP) Department director

Hay & Forage

Enter the Southeastern Hay Contest by Sept. 20. Seven category winners will receive cash prizes, and the overall winner will receive $1,000, plus the use of a Massey Ferguson rake or mower for one season. Entries are $22 per sample and must be submitted in coordination with a local Extension agent. To prove your hay is the best, visit sehaycontest.com.

-Brian Hardin, GAP director

Peanuts

Peanut Leadership Academy applications are due Oct. 15. Participants in the 18-month class will develop leadership, networking and public speaking skills. Candidates must derive their primary livelihood from farming, produce peanuts, attend all five sessions and be ages 22-45. Visit southernpeanutfarmers.org to apply.

-Caleb Bristow, division director

Pork

Around 38,000 pigs have been culled in China since the African Swine Fever (ASF) epidemic was reported Aug. 3. Since some feed ingredients could transmit diseases like ASF between countries, producers should review biosecurity protocols and feed with veterinarians and suppliers. ASF does not affect humans, public health or make pork unsafe.

-Guy Hall, division director

Cotton

Farms that do not have a generic base that will be converted to seed cotton base can enroll eligible commodities in ARC/PLC programs by Sept. 28. Access the Farm Service Agency’s full notice of the extension at tinyurl.com/ARCPLC18.

-Carla Hornady, division director

Wildlife

New hunters are encouraged to participate in the Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division’s Adult Mentored Hunting (AMH) program. AMH provides new hunters a one-on-one opportunity with an experienced hunter. Applicants must be at least 19, have a valid driver’s license and be new to hunting or have limited experience. This season’s first event is Oct. 27. For more information, visit outdooralabama.com.

-William Green, division director