Tuberville Visits Alabama for Farm Bill Listening Sessions |
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Alabama farmers shared challenges and concerns with U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., during farm bill listening sessions Aug. 1-2.
Tuberville serves on the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee and heard concerns related to:
- Reference prices
- Labor
- Young/beginning farmers
- Technology
The current farm bill expires Sept. 30.
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Corn
Corn harvest has begun in a few areas throughout the state. Current conditions are favorable. Farmers will see an increase in harvest in the coming weeks.
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Beef
The Mid-Year U.S. Cattle Inventory Report was released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in July. Findings confirmed the U.S. cattle industry remains in the contraction phase of the U.S. cattle cycle through the first half of 2023.
U.S. cattle inventory continues to decline as all cattle and calves totaled 95.9 million head July 1, down 3% compared to last year. This is the smallest cattle inventory since 2014.
This decline was driven by declines in the following major categories:
- U.S. beef cows were estimated at 29.4 million head, a 3% decline from a year ago and a 52-year low.
- The U.S. calf crop was estimated at 33.8 million head, down 1.9% from 2022. This is the fifth consecutive annual decline in calf crop and is the smallest calf crop since 2014.
- Beef heifers held for replacement were estimated at 4.05 million head, down 2.4% from a year ago. This is the lowest number ever recorded for the July inventory report.
- U.S. cattle on feed is down 2% from last year at 13.1 million head.
Despite tighter cattle supplies and higher beef prices, domestic demand for beef remains strong. Per capita beef consumption is forecast at 58 pounds per person, down 1.5% from 58.9 pounds in 2022.
Overall, tightening supplies of cattle with continued demand domestically and globally are bullish signs for both cattle and beef prices throughout the remainder of 2023 and into next year. Click here for more.
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Dairy
Record heat across the country this summer is a reminder of the importance of staying hydrated. Thanks to high protein levels and nutrient density, milk is a good choice for rehydrating. These properties help the body maintain critical fluid balance. Read more here.
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Forestry
The Alabama Forestry Commission (AFC) is warning forest landowners to beware of a timber cutting scam. The permit "lumberjack" contract with names Rafael Ruis Delvizo or Lumber Tech Frames Inc. are fake. Neither are representatives of AFC and are in no way affiliated with the agency. If you are contacted or have been approached by anyone using this counterfeit document, please contact Scott Rouse, AFC's deputy attorney, at (334) 328-7831.
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Peanuts
During the 2023 Southern Peanut Growers Conference, Dr. Marshall Lamb shared research by Dr. Ondulla Toomer on utilizing high-oleic peanuts on layer hens. The research results also delved into egg nutritional quality as a potential alternative to soybean meal for feed.
Hens in peak production were fed three diets:
- Conventional with corn and soybeans
- Corn and soybeans plus unblanched, shelled high-oleic peanuts
- Corn, soybean and whole in-shell high-oleic peanut
Research shows no significant difference in:
- Chicken body weight or the six-week average egg weights
- Egg parameters
- Egg grade for the three diets
The research shows feeding an unblanched, high-oleic peanut diet could be beneficial for providing highly digestible dietary energy, protein and fat, while not adversely impacting production performance. For peanut-producing states like Alabama and Georgia, which are also large producers of poultry and eggs, utilizing shelled peanuts or whole peanuts as an additional feed source could increase the demand and use for locally grown peanuts.
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Pork
U.S. House Agriculture Committee Chairman G.T. Thompson, R-Pa., plans to include language in the 2023 Farm Bill to nullify the effects of California's Proposition 12 on other states.
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Federation Holds Dairy Meeting |
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The Alabama Farmers Federation Dairy Educational Meeting was a great success, said Federation Dairy Division Director Colton Christjohn.
Almost 30 dairymen and industry professionals gathered in Chambers County July 26 at Darrell Rankins' farm.
The agenda included a farm tour, discussion of herd management practices and an overview of forage options for cattle operations.
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Southern Peanut Growers Conference Held in Florida
The 2023 Southern Peanut Growers Conference was July 27-29 in Destin, Florida. Peanut farmers from Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi and Florida attended.
The first general session, “Exploring the Future of Non-food Uses of Peanuts,” introduced ideas for peanuts to expand into new markets. Another general session, “Strengths of Precision Agriculture,” highlighted new agricultural technology available to farmers.
During sessions, spouses of attendees joined Kirby Holt for a flower-arranging program. Vendors were set up throughout the conference center to educate and sell agricultural products. The third general session, “State of the U.S. Peanut Policy," featured U.S. Rep. Austin Scott, R-Ga., and Bob Redding of the Redding Firm. Dr. Stanley Fletcher gave an update on current peanut and farm policies.
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Drury Named Alabama Catfish Farmer of the Year |
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Golden west Alabama sunshine, catfish ponds and green pastures of grazing cattle paint the picture of excellence at Drury Catfish and Cattle in Greensboro.
“Farming is really all I have ever known,” said Wallace Drury, 35. “I spent my childhood here and always knew I wanted to come back to the farm.”
Wallace further cultivated a love for the land as he earned an ag degree from Auburn University and worked for Alfa Insurance and the Alabama Farmers Federation for six years.
That same work ethic, drive and passion earned him the title of 2023 Alabama Catfish Farmer of the Year. He was selected by fellow catfish farmers and will promote U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish over the next year.
“The award is an honor for me. My dad, Bubba Drury, was named Alabama Catfish Farmer of the Year about seven years ago,” Wallace said. “It is hard to put into words what it means to wake up and be with my dad every day and learn from him on the farm. I look up to him and hope to be half the man he is.”
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Public Ag Research Funding Vital Despite Decline |
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While a glance around many U.S. farms yields a picturesque view — giant tractors, grazing livestock and green fields — a second look shows the impact of decades of public agricultural research.
But advancements like GPS technology, high-quality beef and drought-tolerant seed could stall if stateside research dollars continue declining while competitors amplify spending.
“When ag tends to be doing well, when technology is advanced…we dial back on overall public sector expenditures,” said American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) Economist Bernt Nelson. “It’s difficult to measure private sector expenditures, but we’re seeing those shift, too.”
Public agricultural research and development (R&D) in the 20th century averaged $20 in benefits for every dollar spent, per the U.S. Department of Agriculture. R&D expenses have dropped by a third since 2002’s peak of $7.64 billion.
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U.S. Agricultural Land Values and Cropland Cash Rents Reach New Highs |
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Agricultural land values increased by $280 an acre over 2022, according to U.S. Department of Agriculture National Agricultural Statistics Service. This annual report provides one of many indicators of the overall health of the agricultural economy and illustrates yet another heightened production cost and barrier to profitability faced by farmers and ranchers. |
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The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) Market Intel is presented by AFBF agricultural economists. |
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Simply Southern TV Features New Episodes |
Continue enjoying brand new episodes of Simply Southern TV!
Aug 12/13/16: AU-Bees, the Bee Lab at Auburn University; sporting clays at Selwood Farm; Rural Roundup; Extension feature on Aquaponics; and a Southern Bite recipe for Peach Chess Pie, sponsored by the Alabama Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association
Aug 19/20/23: Outstanding Young Farm Family second runners-up; North Alabama Agriplex; an interview with the Federation’s Mitt Walker about the farm bill; how tomatoes are grown with Allman Farms; and a Southern Bite recipe for The Best Garlic Bread
To find out where and when the show airs near you, visit simplysoutherntv.net and click “Where To Watch.”
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With record-breaking temperatures continuing nationwide, the Labor Department has issued its first-ever hazard alert for heat and plans to step up enforcement in agriculture and construction, which are considered high-risk industries. Click here to read more.
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Black vultures are quickly becoming a predator of young calves in Alabama. To combat the issue, the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries is issuing depredation permits to help livestock producers manage the increasing threat. Click here to learn more.
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Sept. 7 - Alabama Farmers Federation Heritage Cooking Contest in Montgomery
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Sept. 7 - Pork production update meeting hosted by Alabama Extension and the Pork Checkoff at the Cullman County Extension Office. Click here for more information.
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Oct. 17-19 - Sunbelt Ag Expo in Moultrie, Georgia, with Alabama as this year's spotlight state
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