“We’re just praying for rain”: Alabama farmers feeling impacts of ongoing drought
The latest map from the U.S Drought Monitor shows parts of Alabama experiencing a moderate to extreme drought, with conditions worsening in October.
farmers
Deadline for USDA farmer discrimination initiative only weeks away
From the West Alabama Newsroom– Time is running out for farmers who believe they were discriminated against by the USDA — to apply to become a part of the billion dollar settlement initiative. “January 13th is the deadline,” said Selma attorney Faya Rose Toure. Toure is helping Black Belt farmers who believe they were discriminated against — go through the…
$2.2 billion dollar USDA discrimination initiative underway
From the West Alabama Newsroom– A $2.2 billion dollar USDA Discrimination Financial Assistance Program for farmers is currently accepting applications. The initiative is open to anyone who believes they were discriminated against by the USDA — up until January 1st of 2021. “Anybody who tried to get a loan with USDA and didn’t, they may have been discriminated against. They…
USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack Visits Macon County to Announce New Projects
Tom Vilsack, the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, was in Macon County on Monday to announce another $325 million for agricultural projects intended to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Eastchase Farmer’s Market Opens with Social Distancing Restrictions
The Shoppes at Eastchase’s 16th annual Farmer’s Market kicked off Saturday. Hundreds of people stopped by for the opening weekend. “It’s one of the first days. The sun is shining brightly. People are able to get out in the open air,” Marketing Director Suzanna Wasserman said. Organizers explained extra guidelines are in place for the safety of shoppers and vendors…
Rain, Coronavirus Impacting Local Farmers
Recent rain and flooding are causing concerns for many in our area. And it’s also impacting our local farmers. This is normally the time of year when farmers are preparing their fields and planting corn. But those plans have been put on hold due to the excess water. Troy Fillingim is a farmer in Pike and Coffee counties who says…
AG Commissioner Speaks at Farm City Week Breakfast in Selma
From the West Alabama Newsroom– Folks in Selma are celebrating Farm City Week. The annual Button Hole Breakfast was held Thursday morning at the Central Alabama Farmer’s Co-op as part of the festivities. Farm-City week is a chance to educate people about the importance of farming. Organizers say the week highlights the contributions farmers make to society. They say it…
Pike County Farmers Prepare for Harvest Season
Drought conditions continue to affect parts of the state -especially in Pike County, where farmers are getting ready to pick their crops. “You have your scattered rain and this is just one of the places that ain’t just got enough rain. It’s the later cotton and peanuts that need a little bit more rain to finish them up,” Pike County…
Farmers Receive Assistance After Shutdown Ends, New Concerns On Horizon
Alabama farmers have begun receiving their government checks that were delayed during the partial government shutdown. The shutdown ended January 25th. Now, there are new concerns with a new crop season just days away. February is a very busy month for farmers, with trade shows and deadlines looming for the upcoming crop season. “Well the government shutdown came to an end…
Alabama Crops Suffer Damage After Hurricane Michael
It has been almost two weeks since Hurricane Michael hit south Alabama. Farmers in the area say they weren’t hit as hard as they were expecting. Along County Road 4404, on the outskirts of the city of Banks in Pike County, farmer Mike Wilson was busy with the Tuesday’s work. He said he was nervous when he found out Michael…
