CFAP Expansion Doesn’t Include Hemp; Growers Respond

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U.S. Hemp growers are disappointed the recent Coronavirus Food Assistance Program commodity expansion does not include hemp. Last week, the Department of Agriculture expanded the commodities covered under the program that provides COVID-19 relief to producers. CFAP includes commodities that USDA can prove saw losses of 5% or more in the first quarter of 2020. The U.S. Hemp Growers Association …

Uncertainty in the Pecan Market

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One thing is certain about this year’s pecan crop in Alabama and Georgia – it is loaded. One thing that is not certain is what kind of price those pecans command at the market once they’re harvested this fall. University of Georgia Cooperative Extension pecan specialist Lenny Wells said there are various factors that will impact prices for farmers this …

Bonnie Plants, Inc. Relocates Headquarters to Opelika, Alabama, Makes Gift to Auburn

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(August 2020) – Bonnie Plants, Inc. (Bonnie) is breaking ground on a new state-of-the-art corporate headquarters building that will bring about 60 jobs to Opelika, Alabama. In addition, Bonnie and Auburn University (AU) have entered into a formal partnership with investments by Bonnie across several key areas of the university – including the Harbert College of Business and the College …

Hemp Scouting Important This Time of Year

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Heat and humidity in the Southeast means hemp producers face challenges this season with regards to pests and diseases. Matthew Brecht, cannabis grower, hemp expert and plant pathologist with Marrone Bio Innovations, said scouting is essential for growers especially since not much research has been done with this relatively new crop. “Right now (hemp) should be transitioning to flowers. You …

Alabama Pest Alert

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According to the Alabama Extension Commercial Horticulture Facebook page, insect pressure has increased significantly over the past two months. This was reported in 20 locations across Alabama, where moth counts from pheromone traps were collected. For example, the beet armyworm moth numbers were 823 as of Aug. 15, a 1.2X increase from the 682 reported on July 31. Host plants …

Recent Rains Beneficial for Pecan Crop

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Recent rainfall is a sight for sore eyes for pecan farmers on the verge of harvesting this year’s crop, according to University of Georgia Extension pecan specialist Lenny Wells. “We’ve had years where August and September we didn’t get a drop of rain. Even with the best irrigation the percent kernel didn’t fill out as good as you would expect,” …

Peak Time for Insect Pressure

Web AdminAlabama, Pests, Top Posts, Vegetables

Heat and dry weather conditions make this a peak time for insect pressure. Ayanava Majumdar, an Auburn Extension Professor in Entomology and Plant Pathology, cautions fall vegetable growers about insect pests and to scout regularly. “Insects love the heat because they grow through their life cycle faster because of the extra heat. They grow faster. They mate and reproduce faster …

Alabama Farm Credit Partners with Sweet Grown Alabama

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MONTGOMERY, Ala.— Sweet Grown Alabama, the state’s agricultural branding program, is pleased to welcome Alabama Farm Credit as a founding member of the non-profit organization. “Alabama Farm Credit is proud to be a founding member of Sweet Grown Alabama. We believe that the strength of agriculture in our state is dependent on finding every way possible to maximize the value …

Fall Vegetable Crops Susceptible to Whiteflies

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Unless more rain in the upcoming weeks can knock back populations, whiteflies are a huge concern for fall vegetable growers, according to Stormy Sparks, University of Georgia (UGA) Extension vegetable entomologist. “Right now, it’s looking pretty bad. It could be devastating. The populations are really high, and we’re just now getting started,” Sparks said. “I’ve got squash where the adult …

USDA Announces More Eligible Commodities for CFAP

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Application Deadline Extended to Sept. 11 (Washington, D.C., Aug. 11, 2020) – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced today that additional commodities are covered by the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) in response to public comments and data. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is extending the deadline to apply for the program to Sept. 11, and producers …