April 8, 2021
Row Crop Acreage Steady As Prices Rise
Alabama row crop acreage is expected to remain steady in 2021 as farmers welcome better prices but brace for surging input costs.

Acreage estimates are nearly identical to 2020, save a 33% increase in winter wheat acres. That’s according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Prospective Plantings report released March 31.
Houston, Pike Counties Take Top Honors At Farm-City Lunch
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 in Birmingham, April 8.

Both counties received $300 from new contest sponsor, Alabama Farm Credit.
Houston County chair Randy Davis, center, is pictured with Alabama Farm Credit CEO and President Mel Koller and Alabama Farm-City Committee Chairman Jeff Helms.
Pike County chair Traci Shaver, center, is pictured with Alabama Farm Credit CEO and President Mel Koller and Alabama Farm-City Committee Chairman Jeff Helms.
A.L.F.A. Leaders Meet Gov. Ivey
Members of Agricultural Leaders For Alabama (A.L.F.A. Leaders) Class V were recently in Montgomery, where they met with elected officials such as Gov. Kay Ivey.

The group of 16 farmers
  • learned about the legislative process
  • practiced advocacy skills
  • participated in media training
  • worked on their capstone project
Farmers Learn Ins And Outs Of Serving On Committees
New commodity committee members met at the home office April 1 to learn about
  • impacting policy
  • staying relevant in the Alabama Farmers Federation
  • growing as leaders

It's a new program the Federation is launching to better equip decision-makers and commodity influencers.
Farm Tools
  • New assistance — totaling $14.9 million — is available for farmers who suffered losses due to Hurricane Michael in 2018. Farmers in the following counties are eligible: Barbour, Bullock, Coffee, Covington, Crenshaw, Dale, Escambia, Geneva, Henry, Houston, Pike, Montgomery and Russell. Read more.

  • Updated nutrient management records from Alabama Extension will help poultry producers easily keep track of documentation as the new 5-year CAFO permit is implemented. Click here to access paperwork. Questions? Contact Alabama Farmers Federation Poultry Division Director Russ Durrance.
Quick Clicks
Events & Deadlines
  • April 15 — Baleage Workshop in Headland. Call (334) 693-3800 by April 13 to register.


ICYMI: Simply Southern TV Is On RFD Each Wednesday
Watch Simply Southern TV for stories about farmers and rural living. The show airs Wednesdays on RFD-TV at 5 p.m. Central. Upcoming shows on RFD-TV include:


  • April 21: Social media sensation Brenda Gantt, Vann Vocal Institute, 2020 Outstanding Young Farm Family Finalists the McCraneys, an interview with State Young Farmers Committee Chair Brady Peek and a Southern Bite recipe for Fried Corn, sponsored by Sweet Grown Alabama