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,...
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’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...
Local youth exhibit award-winning animals at State Livestock Expo
Roots revisited: Junior livestock competitors return to Garrett Coliseum
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Nostalgia, intensity and grandeur filled the ring at the 2026 Junior Livestock Exposition (JLE) in Montgomery, March 16–18 as competitors stepped into new-to-them arenas to exhibit finely fitted animals.
Before rodeo athletes kicked up dust during the Southeastern Livestock Exposition...
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...
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...
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...
From Mississippi roots to Alabama fields: The David Russell story
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. - In the heart of the Mississippi pine belt, about an hour south of Jackson, stood a small cattle farm, where working hard and making do with what you had was a fact of life. For a young David Russell, this...
Beef Quality Assurance training March 24 in Cullman
CULLMAN, Ala. - A Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) training will take place Tuesday, March 24 at 6 p.m. at the North Alabama Agriplex, 1714 Tally Ho St. in Cullman. This event is a joint effort of the Cullman County Cattlemen’s Association and the Cullman...
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...
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...
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...
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,...
Fall armyworms marching in Alabama fields
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. – They say there are only a few things that are certain in life. Most forage producers in the Southeast would argue fall armyworm invasions are one of them. Yes, once again, fall armyworms are making their way onto the scene...
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...
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...
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...
‘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...
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,”...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
Unsolicited seed packages from China delivered to Alabama residents
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) has received multiple reports of “unsolicited” China origin seeds being delivered to residents across the state through the United States Postal Service (USPS). The packing is often mislabeled as “jewelry.”
So far, residents from...
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...
Agriplex Heritage Skills: Raised bed gardening
CULLMAN, Ala. – It was on the frigid side Tuesday night, but that didn’t stop avid gardeners dreaming of spring from turning out for the North Alabama Agriplex’s Heritage Skills class on raised bed gardening.
Agriplex Director Rachel Dawsey led the lecture, which allowed participants...
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...
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...
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...
Ivey awards $26M in CARES Act funds for Alabama Agriculture Stabilization Program
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Governor Kay Ivey on Wednesday awarded $26 million of the Coronavirus Relief Fund for the Alabama Agriculture Stabilization Program- for farmers, ranchers and agricultural operations hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Agriculture has an economic impact of over $70 billion in the...
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...
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...
Learning farm life in real time
CULLMAN, Ala. - The North Alabama Agriplex has been hosting its Touring Farms for Kids program for the past 24 years. The program is a hands-on, two-day summer experience that introduces children to the rich farming traditions and agricultural diversity of north Alabama.
This year,...
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...
Lydia Haynes elected to State Equine Committee
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Amid the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, Alabama farmers gathered in the Capital City Dec. 7-8 to fine-tune commodity-specific leadership, charting the course for a productive new year.
Those Alabama Farmers Federation commodity committee elections were held during the organization’s...
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...
‘I’m humbled and I’m proud of what we do’
Darrel 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 Darrel...
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...
Growing hemp in Alabama: Informational meeting set for Nov. 4
The latest United States Department of Agriculture Farm Bill allows for the production of hemp throughout the United States. Historically, hemp was grown as a fiber crop for thousands of years and was once grown on large acreages in the United States. During this...
Food safety top priority in Alabama produce industry
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. - With Alabama’s growing season in full swing, produce growers are working to ensure continuing food safety during the COVID-19 pandemic. The CDC, USDA and FDA agree that there is no indication the virus can infect consumers through food or food...
High heat, minimal moisture hurt yields, bottom line
Zero. Zip. Zilch.
That’s how much rain Terry Wyatt’s 500-acre cotton crop received in September.
“Cotton likes hot weather, but you have to have some rain,” said Wyatt, whose non-irrigated cropland in Harpersville was in the heart of Alabama’s most persistent drought based on the U.S....
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...
Irrigation tax credit for farmers
AUBURN, Ala. – Some Alabama farmers could see a break on their taxes thanks to a new tax credit. This credit allows farmer to count certain costs associated with irrigation, including fuel conversions, equipment and reservoirs, on their income taxes.
Qualification
Only qualified irrigation systems or...
Local farmers honored at 104th annual meeting
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - After a banner year fraught with battles on Capitol Hill and in weather-worn fields, Alabama farmers celebrated resiliency, resolve and their reliance on a higher power Dec. 7-8 in Montgomery.
Themed “Fighting for Farmers,” the Alabama Farmers Federation’s 104th annual meeting welcomed...
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...
Plan to attend 2025 Alabama Row Crops Short Course Jan. 21-22
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. — Alabama producers can brush up on best management practices and prepare for the upcoming growing season at the 2025 Alabama Row Crops Short Course. The course will be held Jan. 21-22, 2025, at the Auburn University Research and Innovation Campus in...
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...
Upcoming virtual field trips to feature honeybees, catfish
Alabama farmers will keep their Virtual Field Trips buzzing with an upcoming tour of Auburn University’s Bee Lab. The Virtual Field Trips are offered through Facebook Live on the Alabama Farmers Federation Facebook page every Friday at 10 a.m. through May 22.
Honeybees will be...
Hurricane Sally slams Alabama; farmers predict major crop losses
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Slow-moving Hurricane Sally stalled for hours along Alabama’s Gulf Coast Sept. 16, her creeping progress flooding fields — and farmers’ hopes for bumper harvests.
“It started blowing high winds about 3 a.m. and didn’t stop till mid-morning. It was a beating,” said...
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,...
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...
Alabama farmers now eligible for Coronavirus Food Assistance Program
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. - Beginning Tuesday, May 26, Alabama farmers and ranchers affected by coronavirus will have an opportunity to apply for monetary relief through the Farm Service Agency (FSA). The Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) will provide up to $16 billion in direct...
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...
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...
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....
Alabama agriculture feeling effects of COVID-19
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. – Practically every industry has been affected by COVID-19 in some fashion. Professionals from the Alabama Cooperative Extension System and Auburn University’s College of Agriculture recently performed a survey to evaluate the impact of the disease on the Alabama agricultural industry.
Adam...
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...
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...
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...
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’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...
Enhance your green thumb at the 28th annual Urban Forestry & Horticulture Conference
FLORENCE, Ala. - The 28th annual Urban Forestry & Horticulture Conference will take place on March 7, 2025, at Cross Point Church of Christ in Florence. Hosted by the City of Florence Beautification Board and Tree Commission, the conference, this year themed “Creating Sustainable...
(PHOTOS) Cullman County youth earn ribbons at Alabama National Fair
Photos and captions from the Alabama Farmers Federation
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...
Planting seeds can provide fall crops and life lessons
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. - With continued hot weather, gardening may be the last thing on people’s minds. However, this is the perfect time to begin planning and planting seeds for a fall garden.
Along with providing nutritious, fresh food, growing a fall garden as a...
(Photos) Local youth win ribbons in Showmanship, Premier Exhibitor during Youth Goat, Beef Shows
All photos courtesy of the Alabama Farmers Federation
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...
Wallace State offering Young Farmer Entrepreneur Camps
HANCEVILLE, Ala. – Wallace State Community College will host two three-day camps for teens and young adults interested in learning about building their own farming business. The Young Farmer Entrepreneur Camps will be held June 1-3 on the main campus in Hanceville and the other June 15-17 at the Oneonta campus.
Wallace State...
Visit the North Alabama Agriplex Jan. 18
CULLMAN, Ala. — The North Alabama Agriplex is opening its doors to the community on Saturday, Jan. 18, from 1-3 p.m. Visitors of all ages are encouraged to visit the property to discover the past, present and future of all things related to agriculture....
‘Grow More, Give More’: Local gardeners can help feed those in need
CULLMAN, Ala. - Home gardeners can now use their passion for gardening to make a difference in their communities through the Alabama Cooperative Extension’s Grow More, Give More project. Cullman County is very blessed to have many organizations helping feed those in need in...
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...
Alabama Cooperative Extension System to host Women in Ag Workshop April 25-26
CLEVELAND, Ala. - Female farmers of any experience level are invited to attend the upcoming Women in Ag Workshop, a two-day, hands-on educational event April 25-26, at the Blount County Multipurpose Complex in Cleveland, Alabama. Open to anyone 19 and older, the workshop is...
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...
Mum’s the word
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. – With fall here, the radiant autumn colors of chrysanthemums for sale begin lining the entrances of grocery stores across Alabama. Chrysanthemums, better known as “mums,” are a signature fall flower in the South.
“Mums add variety and color to the fall...
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 celebrates America with 250 Pound Challenge
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. - In celebration of America’s 250th anniversary this year, the Alabama Cooperative Extension System is issuing a bold statewide challenge. As part of the Grow More, Give More initiative, the new 250 Pound Challenge hopes to encourage gardeners to share their bounty.
The goal...
Year-round care and maintenance for perennials
ALABAMA A&M UNIVERSITY, Ala. - With their vivacious blooms and array of colors, herbaceous perennials are a garden favorite and a common sight in Alabama. With the proper care, perennials are long-lasting, fairly low-maintenance flowers. While perennials will die back during the winter months,...
Leading lady: Lake chairs State Women’s Leadership Committee
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - From grimy days cleaning out chicken houses to sweet Sundays dishing up lunch in her Cullman County farmhouse, Lisa Lake is familiar with the duality of farm life.
She’s ready to bring that transparency to the table while chairing the Alabama Farmers...
Extension: Continue to monitor for Chronic Wasting Disease
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. – The approaching deer season is on the forefront of almost every hunter’s mind. With the excitement of a new season, hunters need to be aware of a potential new threat to Alabama’s deer herd in order to ensure abundant deer...
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...
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...
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...
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...
Auburn University Weed Bionomics Lab leads fight against no. 1 crop pest
AUBURN, Ala. - Imagine a weed that can produce 600,000 seeds per plant and grow as much as 2.5 inches per day. Such a weed exists, and it’s not being grown somewhere in a secure lab — it’s widespread in the fields of Alabama...
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....
Annual meeting in review for Cullman County Farmers Federation
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Alabama Farmers Federation leaders were elected at the organization’s 98th annual meeting in Montgomery Dec. 9.
Conecuh County’s Steve Dunn, a row crop and cattle farmer, was reelected secretary-treasurer of the state’s largest farm organization.
Calhoun County’s Jon Hegeman was elected Central Area...
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...
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,...
Farmers invited to free financial planning workshop at Agriplex Feb. 12
CULLMAN, Ala. – Small and upcoming farmers are invited to attend a Financial Planning for Farmers Workshop on Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026, from 6-8 p.m. at the North Alabama Agriplex. The free workshop is part of the Military Veteran & Beginning Farmer series and...
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...
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...
Local youth win during Alabama National Fair Sheep Show contests for Showmanship, Premier Exhibitor
Beginner showmanship winners at the Alabama National Fair Youth Goat Show were, from left, Boone Maples of Lee County, first place; Caleb Watkins of Elmore County, second place; Brooklyn Ray of Cullman County, third place; Troy Gandy of Pike County, fourth place; and Levi...
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...
Falling for Florals: How to create a fall landscape
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. — Every autumn, front porches and flower beds fill up with stunning fall florals that showcase the stunning colors of the season. With the right timing, tools and techniques, people can create a landscape that’s not only beautiful but also easy to...
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...
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...
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...
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...
ACES: Considerations for successful watermelon production
Watermelons can be a great crop for both home and commercial production. The following information outlines several key considerations before growing watermelons.
Preparing the site
Like most crops, watermelons need to be planted on a well-draining site. They should never be planted in a low area...
