Monster veggies take over Exhibit Hall 2
CULLMAN, Ala. - Exhibit Hall 2 is one of the first stops upon entering the Cullman County Fair. Known as the Agriculture Hall, the vegetable hall or veggie exhibit, the hall hosts the home-grown vegetable and produce entries.
Last year was the inaugural year for...
Auburn faculty awarded USDA NIFA grant to research sustainable agroforestry
AUBURN, Ala. – A team of faculty at the Auburn University College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment (CFWE) are pursuing more sustainable forms of agroforestry thanks to a new grant awarded by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). Their research will focus...
Local agricultural business employing drone tech
CULLMAN, Ala. - Peinhardt Living History Farm recently partnered with retired Assistant Cullman Police Chief Jason Mickle and his crop spraying business Sky Spray for crop protection.
Mickle said this is the first season for Sky Spray, which uses drone technology, and the first time...
ACES: Fall armyworm outbreaks impacting Alabama producers
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. — Fall armyworms are plaguing pastures and hayfields in many areas of Alabama. These pests can quickly invade and destroy a stand of healthy forages in a manner of hours. This makes scouting extremely important for producers to be able to...
Agriplex ‘Harvest to Home’ dinner Sept. 12
CULLMAN, Ala. - Alabama Farm Credit will present the North Alabama Agriplex’s ninth annual Harvest to Home Local Foods Dinner and Auctions Thursday, Sept. 12, at 5 p.m. at the Wallace State Community College Dr. William F. PeinhardtConference Center in Hanceville.
Doors will open at...
ACES: Manage now for next year’s blueberries
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. — As summer continues to sizzle, blueberry season is fizzling out in Alabama. Most blueberries in central Alabama hit peak production near July 4, then berry production begins to decline. Mallory Kelley, an Alabama Cooperative Extension System home grounds, gardens and...
Berlin Farmers Market hosts Sweet Grown Alabama Tractor Show
BERLIN, Ala. - On Saturday, July 13, attendees gathered at the Berlin Farmers Market for a morning of fun, fresh produce and old tractors, as the market celebrated Sweet Grown Alabama Day. Organized by Sweet Grown Alabama, Inc., the state’s nonprofit agricultural branding program,...
ACES: Get those pumpkins planted
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. - Halloween season starts in July, at least according to gardening standards. For those wanting to grow their own pumpkins for spooky jack-o’-lanterns or festive fall centerpieces, early to mid-July is the time to get those pumpkin seeds in the ground.
Getting...
Celebrate Sweet Grown Alabama Day this Saturday, July 13 in Berlin
Sweet Grown Alabama Day means showing love to Alabama farmers, and we want to invite you to join us on Saturday, July 13, to celebrate all things local. Participating is as simple as supporting an Alabama farmer. We encourage you to make a purchase...
Auburn research examines feasibility of hydroponic strawberry production
AUBURN, Ala. – Fresh Alabama strawberries in November, December, January and February?
It’s not as far-fetched as it may sound. In fact, research taking place at the Auburn University Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station (AAES) is showing great promise in growing strawberries in alternative production systems,...
Cullman County 4-H holding signups for Cullman Chicken Project
CULLMAN, Ala. - Cullman County 4-H is holding signups for its Cullman Chicken Project, an initiative designed to engage youth in the hands-on experience of raising chickens. Open to all youngsters ages 9-18 in the community, this project offers a unique blend of agricultural...
‘Trees are Terrific… in Cities and Towns!’
CULLMAN, Ala. - Members of the Cullman Tree Commission were on-site at the Cullman County Extension Office Monday, Feb. 5, to judge and choose a handful of winning posters created by area students for the annual Arbor Day Poster Contest.
Students from four schools participated...
Summer garden class, seed swap returning to library Feb. 22
CULLMAN, Ala.- Punxsutawney Phil did not see his shadow on Feb. 2, lending hope to an early spring. The Cullman County Extension Office and Cullman County Public Library main branch are planning ahead, hosting the popular class Planning and Planting a Summer Garden on...
Tree sale coming to Agriplex Feb. 24
CULLMAN, Ala. - After surviving the recent ice storm, many residents may be dreaming of warmer temperatures and sunny days spent in the garden. Give your landscape a boost and support local educational programs by attending the Cullman County Natural Resources Planning Committee’s native...
ACES: Amid industry, environmental struggles Christmas tree prices remain relatively steady
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. — There is nothing quite like the scent of Christmas trees. These natural living room centerpieces are beloved and provide an aesthetic that fits the season. However, choosing the right tree and caring for it can be a daunting task. An...
Rusty and Beth Daniel named 2024 Farm Family of the Year
SIMCOE, Ala. – This year’s Cullman Farm-City Banquet was hosted by the Cullman County Farm-City Committee at Camp Meadowbrook Tuesday night, Nov. 21, and a new Farm Family of the Year was selected. This year’s winners are Rusty and Beth Daniel, owners of 4D...
Students learn leadership skills at annual Youth Leadership Conference
COLUMBIANA, Ala. - The 2023 Alfa Youth Leadership Conference helped 87 high school freshmen and sophomores from across Alabama develop crucial life and ag advocacy skills at the Alabama 4-H Center in Columbiana Nov. 13-14.
The two-day conference was hosted by the Alabama Farmers Federation...
2023 Cullman Farm-City Banquet set for Nov. 21
CULLMAN, Ala. – Farm-City Week is just around the corner, and the Cullman Farm-City Committee has been hard at work through the year to bolster the idea that industries should work hand in hand to deepen the connection between rural farmers and urban workers...
Cullman Farm-City Tour to explore local agritourism farms Nov. 1
CULLMAN, Ala. - Cullman Farm-City will host its annual Farm City Tour on Nov. 1, departing from the Cullman County Extension Office. Guests are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes, as they will be visiting a handful of Cullman’s beautiful farms, witnessing and learning about...
James and the giant…pumpkin?
CULLMAN, Ala. - Visiting the Cullman County Fair brings around all sorts of interesting things to look at and explore. Exhibit halls burst at the seams with vendors, arts and crafts, needlepoint, 4H posters and baked goods. One fan favorite, year after year, is...
‘I’m humbled and I’m proud of what we do’
Darrell Haynes nominated for Southeastern Farmer of the Year
CULLMAN, Ala. – Every year the Sunbelt Ag Expo selects a Farmer of the Year from each Southeastern state and recognizes them at the Sunbelt Ag Expo, where the overall winner is announced. Cullman County’s Darrell...
North Alabama Agriplex Harvest to Home dinner Sept. 14
CULLMAN, Ala. - The North Alabama Agriplex is set to host its annual Harvest to Home fundraiser dinner on Thursday, Sept. 14, 2023, at the William F. Peinhardt Conference Center at Wallace State Community College.
Doors open at 5 p.m., with a silent auction beginning...
Alabama Extension celebrating Sweet Grown Alabama Day today
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. - There is something special about home-grown tomatoes, freshly picked okra and local honey. Add to that dairy products from just down the road or self-care items made by your neighbor and you have a winning combination. At first glance, these...
ACES: Plant bugs dominate cotton fields; weather forces management tweaks
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. - The 2023 Alabama cotton crop had a late and slow start. Spring rains and cool temperatures caused planting delays, then slowed emergence and seedling growth. Summer was a tale of two Junes. Early June brought extended dry weather. However, abundant—sometimes...
North Alabama Agriplex makes progress with Community Hub capital campaign
CULLMAN, Ala. - The North Alabama Agriplex recently raised $2,400 with its Grub for the Hub local burger night at Goat Island Brewing, benefiting the community hub capital campaign, “A New Home for the Harvest.” The leadership of the Agriplex is also celebrating many...
Cullman’s award-winning Haynes Farm to be featured on national TV
CULLMAN, Ala. - The Hayneses of Cullman County who run Haynes Farm will receive statewide and national exposure with a feature on Simply Southern TV.
The feature details how and why Haynes Farm earned the title of Alabama’s 2023 Farm of Distinction. As Alabama’s honoree,...
Cullman County’s Haynes selected for prestigious A.L.F.A Leaders program
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - The sixth class of the Agricultural Leaders for Alabama (A.L.F.A. Leaders) program was recently announced after a rigorous application and interview process. Eighteen participants will join the ranks of Alabama Farmers Federation county presidents, board members, legislators and other leaders at...
ACES: Pinkeye in cattle: Combating an expanded list of viruses and bacteria
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. – Pinkeye is a well-known bacterial infection that cattle producers watch for each year. The number of cases often increase during the summer and into the fall. The bacterium Moraxella bovis is most associated with pinkeye infections. However, an Alabama Cooperative Extension...
ACES: Controlling horn flies in cattle: Is garlic’s pungent power the answer?
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. – Horn flies can become a major issue for cattle during the summer. Commonly used fly control methods include sprays, drenches and dusts. However, a recent trend within the livestock industry is the search for alternative fly control methods. Among the...
Agriplex online spring auction May 4-7
CULLMAN, Ala. - The North Alabama Agriplex will hold its spring online auction Thursday-Sunday, May 4-7, raising funds for its new community hub. The auction features several valuable prize packages including passes to area attractions and restaurants, along with handcrafted items.
Photos and full descriptions of...
ACES expert encourages vegetable growers to scout for armyworms
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. – As the vegetable crop growing season continues, there is a heightened risk for many insect pests. Currently, Alabama Cooperative Extension System entomologists are seeing a drastic increase in armyworm moth numbers. This makes the need for regular scouting measures that...
Funds still available for Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program
CULLMAN, Ala. - According to the Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries, funds are still available for the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP).
SFMNP is a federally funded program administered by the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries’ Farmers Market Authority Section which provides...
Tree Commission discusses achievements, plans for future
CULLMAN, Ala. - The Cullman Tree Commission met at City Hall on Tuesday, April 18, 2023.
City Arborist Charles Chandler reported that several trees on the rights-of-way or easements have been removed in recent weeks due to disease or damage, and several others have been...
Cullman County’s Haynes Farm named Alabama’s 2023 Farm of Distinction
Cullman County recognized with state Farm-City Awards
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Present and future generations of agriculturalists were honored for outstanding outreach efforts and creativity during the annual Farm-City Awards Luncheon and Program April 13 in Birmingham.
Over 400 attendees gathered as students, families and county committees...
Alabama Extension’s commitment to sustaining for the future
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. – Predicting the future is never an easy task, and making decisions for the days and years ahead can be simply paralyzing for many people because of uncertainty. This holds true for the sustainability and protection of the Earth’s resources. To...
Cullman County youth shine at Alabama Jr. Livestock Expo
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Cattle and swine took center stage in Montgomery as Alabama youth exhibited animals and showed off a year’s worth of hard work during the Jr. Livestock Expo (JLE) in March.
The inaugural Jr. Dairy Expo was March 11, while the Jr. Beef...
Agriplex proud to bring back ‘Glean Team’ for another growing season
CULLMAN, Ala. – With food insecurity on the rise, the North Alabama Agriplex is proud to bring back its "Glean Team'' for another growing season. The Glean Team partners with local farmers and growers and local food banks and pantries to diversify their offerings...
Alabama Extension awarded SARE grant to improve land-use efficiency and sustainability in Southeast
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. – Sustainability is big business in the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. Agricultural researchers are constantly looking for new and improved ways for livestock and crop producers to better their operations. Thanks to a recently awarded $380,000 grant from the Sustainable Agriculture...
ACES: Flash drought- conquering a dry domain
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. – Fall has brought a wave of aridity to Alabama along with its pleasant temperatures. In the new climate, homeowners around the state are witnessing their grass brown and plants weaken because of insufficient natural moisture. To assist around the home,...
Local youth shine during Alabama National Fair Livestock Shows
MONTGOMERY, Ala. -- Just outside the ring where youth exhibit meticulously groomed livestock, family and friends cheer on their loved ones — and lend support when the showing gets tough.
“These kids think nothing about getting up and going again when they get knocked down,”...
Marigold Moon
Herbalist and gardener Amelia Gilliland recently began what she calls her “encore career” at her farm Marigold Moon, which she started last year at her home.
After retiring from a 25-year career as a professor in 2020, Gilliland began formal study of herbalism through the...
WFF expands SOA hunting opportunities
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries (WFF) Division continues to expand its unique access to the great outdoors with five new Special Opportunity Areas (SOAs) around the state.
The SOA concept was born six years ago...
Southern Herbalist visits Agriplex
CULLMAN, Ala. – The Southern Herbalist, Darryl Patton, visited theNorth Alabama Agriplex Thursday, leading a Heritage Homeschool class about the uses and dangers of medicinal herbs.
The class took a walk and discussed the many plants surrounding the Agriplex. With his encyclopedic knowledge of herbs,...
Beginning farmers invited to tour J. Calvert Farms
CULLMAN, Ala. - The Alabama Cooperative Extension System’s Beginning Farmer Series serves to help new producers develop knowledge and critical skills so they can sustain and grow their farms using technical information, learning networks and other resources.
The series has many programs for increasing confidence...
Battery-powered chainsaws: Quiet but dangerous
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. – Many tool manufacturers are offering batteries as an alternative power source to gasoline in today’s market. Chainsaws are one of the newest pieces of equipment that are now utilizing rechargeable batteries. These newer chainsaws are often quieter and require less...
Cullman’s Hayes 1 of 3 finalists in nationwide organic gardening competition
CULLMAN, Ala. – Cullman’s Kelly Hayes, a second-grade teacher at West Elementary School and owner of Urban Farm and Forage, is one of three finalists in the nationwide Johnny Appleseed Organic Invitational.
“When I found out we had made it to the final three in...
WSCC Culinary Arts welcomes Pate, ADAI
HANCEVILLE, Ala. - Wallace State Community College (WSCC) Culinary Arts students on Thursday welcomed Alabama Commissioner of Agriculture of Industries Rick Pate and representatives from the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) to campus for a lunch prepared with locally sourced products to...
Local farmers awarded for prize tomatoes
CULLMAN, Ala. – The Cullman County Extension Office held its first Tomato Taste-Off Saturday, June 25, at the Festhalle Farmers Market. A total of 11 entries were submitted in the categories of Best-Tasting Slicing Tomato, Best-Tasting Cherry Tomato and Heaviest Slicing Tomato. Many contestants...
Farmers share bounties through local gleaning program
CULLMAN, Ala. - Saturday morning at the Cullman Festhalle Farmers’ Market, local farmer and Master Gardener Brad Mitchell of Legacy Farms dropped off his surplus crops to Linda Holland, who works at the North Alabama Agriplex. His donation will be distributed, along with those...
Tomato enthusiasts prepare for Tomato Taste-Off event at Festhalle Saturday
CULLMAN, Ala. - The Cullman County Extension Office is hosting a Tomato Taste-Off event at Festhalle Farmer’s Market on June 25th to look for the best of the best in the following categories – best tasting cherry tomato, best tasting slicing tomato, best tasting...
Gleann Brook Acres providing better beef with pasture-raised Highland cattle
CULLMAN, Ala. - Scottish Highland cattle are highly sought-after livestock for their docile nature, ability to withstand harsh weather and high-quality beef. Gleann Brook Acres, family-owned and operated business since 2006, has raised more than 200 highlands in over 10 states. Their ranch is...
Alabama poultry’s environmental excellence
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. – Poultry ranks as Alabama’s top-producing agricultural commodity. The industry continues to strive for environmental excellence each day while meeting the demand of consumers.
Advancements in Poultry Production
Through scientific research and adoption of new technologies, poultry farmers are becoming more efficient. In...
Research shows mosquitoes remember, avoid pesticide odors
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. – No one likes dealing with mosquitoes. As potential vectors of diseases, controlling mosquito populations is an important aspect of human health. As reported in Scientific Reports, new research from the United Kingdom suggests that this task may prove to be...
Weed management for spring forages
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala.—As springtime approaches, so do those pesky weeds that keep pastures from producing at the highest level. David Russell, an Alabama Cooperative Extension System weed specialist, said management of spring forages and weed control is an important task that most farmers undertake...
Growers permit cuts costs for farmers
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala.—Alabama is home to more than 170 farmers markets, which thousands of farmers rely on to sell produce that they pour their blood, sweat and tears into growing. The Alabama Farmers Market Authority (FMA) is the governing body of these markets. To...
Alabama peach season to blossom or bust?
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. – For Alabama peach farmers, this time of year is crucial in determining how the growing season will turn out.
In order to resume adequate growth in the spring, peach trees require a certain amount of exposure to cool temperatures after the...
Avian Influenza makes a return to the Southeast
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. – Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has been confirmed in wild ducks in North Carolina and South Carolina. While professionals have not detected the bird disease in Alabama, migratory birds can bring the threat here in natural flyways.
Ken Macklin, a poultry...
Michael Graveman and Skyla Elliot named 2022 Farm Family
CULLMAN, Ala. - The annual Farm-City Banquet took place Tuesday evening at 6 p.m. at Loft 212. The Farm City Committee alternates between recognizing a Farm Family and a City Family to represent Cullman County for the year. Fred and Delores Osborne were this...
The 2021 Alabama National Fair Youth Beef Cattle Show and Alabama National Fair Goat Shows see winners from Cullman County
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - The 2021 Alabama National Fair Youth Beef Cattle Show and the 2021 Alabama National Fair Goat Show took place in Montgomery’s Teague Arena on Saturday, October 9. This year’s youth livestock events were sponsored by the Alabama Farmers Federation and Alfa...
March of the armyworm
CULLMAN, Ala. - Folks across Cullman County are seeing an increase in brown caterpillars that are helping themselves to lawns, gardens and crops. What are they, and what can be done to stop the damage?
The fall armyworm, called “army” because of its invasive tendencies,...
Cullman Peach Orchard open for the summer
HANCEVILLE, Ala. - The Cullman Peach Orchard is formally owned by Johnathon Clayton, but is largely a family business. His sister Anita Warner explained that Clayton originally purchased the farm in 2007 and began growing peaches shortly after. The first peach trees for the...
Make more from the food you grow
AUBURN UNIVERSITY - Each growing season, producers must decide how and where to sell their crops. Farmers markets, grocery stores, roadside stands and wholesale distributors are excellent established options; however, there are new opportunities to consider. Charitable donations and second-generation uses of fresh fruits...
Livestock making the switch to soy? Everything you need to know!
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. – Did you know? Livestock were on the soy diet before it was cool.
While this may seem a bit surprising, soybeans were a popular forage choice for livestock producers in the 1800s. Around World War II, soybean production started to focus...
Liven up spring gardens with perennial plants
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. – All gardeners know that no spring garden is complete without perennial plants. Adding different textures, colors and shapes, perennials can be the perfect additions to flower beds and landscapes. Early April is prime time for planting perennials. With the right...
Houston, Pike Counties take top honors for Farm-City programs
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Houston and Pike counties are top in the state when it comes to Alabama Farm-City programs, and each group’s members were recognized at the organization’s awards program held in Birmingham on April 8.
County programs are ranked in two divisions. Division 1...
USDA Launches Feral Swine Control Program
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. - Free-ranging populations of feral swine—also known as feral hogs, wild boar or wild pigs—can now be found throughout most of Alabama. Feral swine usually cause significant amounts of damage to agricultural crops, food plots, pastures and a myriad of other...
Wallace State’s horticulture/agriculture program hosting spring plant sale
HANCEVILLE, Ala. – Wallace State Community College’s (WSCC) Horticulture/Agriculture program is currently hosting its spring plant sale. The public is invited to the WSCC greenhouses for the event. Sale hours each week are Monday to Thursday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Friday...
Wallace State’s Small Farmer Training spring/summer courses begin next week
HANCEVILLE, Ala. – Wallace State Community College’s Small Farmer Training program is offering an exciting variety of courses beginning in April and into the fall semester.
Offerings include online courses, one-day classes and specialized summer camps. A spring plant sale will also be conducted between...
Crop Protection Network Releases Free Web Book for Crop Scouting Basics
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. – Corn and soybean producers know that an essential part of pest management is crop scouting. This subject is as vast as the tasks associated with it, and the benefits are evident to farmers. The Crop Protection Network (CPN) has released...
Berlin Farmers Market going up quickly
BERLIN, Ala. - The shed for the Berlin Farmers Market is rising from the field west of the Berlin Community Center and will be in use soon. The market is scheduled to open at 3 p.m. April 19 and will operate from 3-6 p.m....
West Point’s Walker Johnson earns $4K scholarship at Alabama Farmers Federation 2021 Junior Beef Expo
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - The Cullman County Board of Education (CCBOE) proudly reported that West Point student and CCBOE Fast Track participant Walker Johnson earned a $4,000 scholarship for exhibiting the reserve grand champion animal during the Alabama Farmers Federation/Alfa Insurance 2021 Junior Beef Expo...
Alabama Extension launches Crops Report Podcast
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala.—The Alabama Crops Report Podcast is where the research meets the row. When the armyworms move in or Southern rust conditions are setting in, the Alabama Extension crops team wants to cultivate community by bringing their expertise to producers on the farm....
Cullman Farm-City promotes National Agriculture Day
CULLMAN, Ala. - National Agriculture Day, commonly referred to as National “Ag” Day, is coming up on March 24, and Cullman County’s Farm-City folks are gearing up for a series of events around the day and through the season to celebrate farmers and agriculture...
Avoid planting summer vegetables too early
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala.—In anticipation of enjoying summer vegetables, gardeners often plant too early causing them to struggle. In Alabama the often-warmer temperatures in late winter and spring can fool gardeners into planting too soon.
Alabama summer vegetables
According to Alabama Extension agent Jack LeCroy, of the...
Cullman County’s Ben Haynes recognized for top state honors in National Corn Yield Contest
ST. LOUIS, Mo. - The National Corn Yield Contest, sponsored annually by the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA), recognizes farmers from across the country for their efforts and exceptional results. Although the past year posed numerous tests for all sectors of the American...
Alabama hemp industry still growing strong
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. - Hemp production is still at the forefront of many Alabama producers’ minds as early reports indicate an increase in the number of registered growers in 2021.
The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) is still in the process of approving...
Growing vegetable transplants
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. – With spring on the horizon, it is time to start preparing vegetable transplants. When growing vegetable transplants for the home garden, there are several considerations to be made, from sowing seeds to proper care.
Purchasing
A transplant is simply a plant grown...
Dr. Mike Phillips named director of Alabama Cooperative Extension System
AUBURN, Ala. — Mike Phillips has been named director of the Alabama Cooperative Extension System (ACES), the primary outreach organization for Alabama A&M and Auburn universities, both of which are land-grant institutions with the mission of providing real-life solutions and helping improve the lives...
Backyard composting year-round
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. - Composting is often associated with the hot, summer months. Contrary to popular belief, composting is a process that continues through every season in Alabama, whether in a backyard bin or a woodland forest. Composting year-round diminishes waste sent to landfills...
Grow more, give more
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. - Growing and harvesting your own vegetables is a fulfilling process not only for gardeners and families, but also for communities. With proper tending and care, vegetable gardens can provide a wealth of freshly grown produce.
With Alabama Extension’s Grow More, Give...
Where, oh where are my winter bulbs?
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. – Winter bulbs serve as remedy to the winter blues until spring. However, what if the bulbs simply refuse to bloom? For those who planted winter bulbs and have yet to see results, Lucy Edwards, an Alabama Extension home grounds, gardens...
2021 integrated pest management guides available
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. – Whether an amateur gardener or seasoned agriculturalist, there is no denying that pests can sometimes sneak in and ruin a crop. These pests may appear in the form of insects, weeds or plant diseases—and all can be detrimental. Current and...
Learn to grow Asian fruits & vegetables
Both home gardeners and small-scale commercial growers can benefit from growing Alabama-emergent Asian vegetables. Growing emergent crops, such as bitter melon and yard-long bean, enhances the novelty of a garden, the biodiversity of growing operations and the nutritional quality of meals. Each presentation in...
Contract broiler producers benefit from additional USDA assistance
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Alabama contract broiler farmers are set to benefit from expanded federal assistance eligibility details released recently by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue.
Payments will be based on a decline in revenue when comparing income from Jan. 1-Dec. 27, 2019 to Jan....
26th annual Alabama Beekeeping Symposium Feb. 6-7
The 26th annual Alabama Beekeeping Symposium is going digital! Because of current COVID-19 restrictions, participants will be able to attend this year’s symposium from the comfort of their own homes.
What to expect
The symposium is a two-day online event, running Feb. 6-7. There is a...
Start planning now for spring gardens
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. – While experiencing the cold winter weather, one of the many things people look forward to are luscious spring gardens. It is never too early to start planning. Now is the time for gardeners to begin prepping their gardens for the...
Cullman County farmer Ben Haynes wins state title for corn crop yield
CULLMAN COUNTY, Ala. - Cullman County farmer Ben Haynes recently placed first in Alabama in the 2020 National Corn Growers Association yield contest. Ben’s yield of 266.4 bushels per acre was the top yield in the no-till non-irrigated category.
Haynes, who is the president of...
Federation elects leadership during 99th annual meeting
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - The state’s largest farm organization reelected President Jimmy Parnell to a fifth two-year term during the Alabama Farmers Federation’s 99th annual meeting in Montgomery Dec. 7.
Parnell, a fifth-generation farmer from Stanton in Chilton County, is a partner in his family’s cattle...
Cullman’s Haynes re-elected State Women’s Leadership Committee vice chair
Written by Debra Davis
Still farming.
That was the theme of the Alabama Farmers Federation’s 99th annual meeting in Montgomery Dec. 6-7 where members of the state’s largest farm organization gathered to elect leaders, discuss policy and chart a path into the next century.
COVID-19 brought many...
A cut above: Alabama Christmas tree farms offer holiday fun
As the calendar flips closer to Dec. 25, Christmas tree farms are providing fresh-cut evergreens and festive holiday experiences for families across Alabama.
“From the Gulf Coast to the Tennessee Valley, Alabama farmers grow, trim and prepare trees of all shapes and sizes,” said Hunter...
Heifer Development Program great opportunity for producers
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. – Cattle producers in Alabama with yearling heifers should look to participate in the Sand Mountain Elite Heifer Development Program. This forage-based development program is consigned by cattle producers in the state. The program offers producers a chance to have heifers...
Ground covers for Alabama landscapes
Ground covers are used to provide edgings to pathways, control erosion and add interest to landscape design.
In agriculture, ground cover is the name given to plants that are low growing and are used to cover a large area, giving a carpeted effect. Using several...
Alabama Farm Credit donates hay to hurricane-hit cattle producers
CULLMAN, Ala. – South Alabama cattle producers who lost hay and pasture to hurricanes this fall recently received help from north Alabama agricultural lending cooperative Alabama Farm Credit.
Alabama Farm Credit donated 200 large round bales of hay to cattle producers in Baldwin County, which...
Carver’s guide to preserving carved pumpkins
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. – The ghoulish sights on the front steps this Halloween season should be a glowing Jack-O-Lantern creation, not a rotting pumpkin. Knowing how to best preserve both whole and carved pumpkins is essential to ensure they are fresh throughout the fall...
2021 Alabama hemp grower applications now available; Cullman info session Nov. 5
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. - Hemp grower applications and processor/handler applications are available for the 2021 growing season from Oct. 13 through Nov. 30. Applications can be found on the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) website.
Applications
Full applications, including supporting documents, must be complete...
Focus on harvest safety this fall
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. – Farmers in the Southeast are in the thick of harvest season, making safety more important than ever. Round-the-clock work and pressing time commitments are characteristic of harvest. The stress of these can wear down a person’s mental alertness of safety...
(Photos) Local youth win ribbons in Showmanship, Premier Exhibitor during Youth Goat, Beef Shows
All photos courtesy of the Alabama Farmers Federation
Cullman’s Cole Eubanks exhibits winning animals during 2nd weekend of Alabama National Fair Livestock Shows
Cole Eubanks of Cullman County exhibited Fifth Overall, and the Champion Charolais, during the Heifer Show at the Youth Beef Cattle Show at the Alabama National Fair Oct. 17 in Montgomery.
Eubanks also exhibited the Reserve Champion Charolais during the Heifer Show.
The show was sponsored by...
Harvesting and storing pecans this fall
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. – As leaves begin to darken and pumpkins decorate every doorstep, pecans are ripe and ready for harvest as fall settles in in the Southeast. These nutritious nuts are members of the hickory family and grow on towering shade trees commonly...
Trees for great fall color
Tony Glover, Cullman County Extension
It is often said that if you do not like the weather here in Alabama just wait a little while because it will soon change. Fall is a favorite time of year for many people, including myself- not just because...
