Hay production is one of the largest and most economically significant agricultural enterprises in Alabama with 700,000 acres farmed producing 2,170,000 tons of product valued at $217,000,000 (USDA-NASS).  Hay is used as livestock feed for cattle, horses, and small ruminants. Hay can also be used as bedding, mulch, decoration, and include numerous other uses. Price ranges for hay sales often depend on variety baled, the size and structure of bales, and the quality of the bale. There is little public information on the price of hay, and when combined with the wide variances of size and quality producers and consumers are left to question the true value of hay they seek to sell or purchase. This ultimately leaves both parties searching for a reasonable price point that allows the hay producer and the livestock producer the opportunity to achieve a profit or minimize cost.

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The Alabama Grazing Academy is an advanced grazing school that works with producers to increase the efficiency of grazing management on their farm, taking it to the next level.

Topics include soil health and fertility, year-round grazing, pasture economics, and fencing options. The academy will also feature hands-on demonstrations that include sprayer calibration, weed identification, temporary electric fencing, and many more.

• When: September 15 starting at 9 a.m.
• Where: North Alabama Agriplex, 1714 Talley Ho Street SW, Cullman, AL 35055

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Season 2, Episode 5: Down to Earth:

The Alabama Crops Report podcast is getting Down to Earth! On this episode, hosts Adam Rabinowitz and Katelyn Kesheimer talk with Cole Sikes and Justin Miller, Alabama Cooperative Extension System communications and marketing specialists, about the Down to Earth: Agriculture Sustains Alabama campaign.

The Down to Earth campaign is designed to educate consumers about the sustainable, conservation-minded practices that Alabama’s farmers, ranchers, and forestland owners implement on their operations. Down to Earth provides a platform to answer questions about sustainability in Alabama. Whether your ag experience is in the grocery store, in the classroom, or as your profession—Extension has a resource for you. Through science-based research, Alabama Extension agents and specialists are tackling issues that concern Alabama residents. Learn more about the campaign at www.aces.edu/go/DowntoEarth.

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Congratulations are in order for Marcel van der Wel from Marshall County 4-H, recipient of the 2022 Alabama 4-H Foundation Scholarship. Marcel plans to attend Union University in Jackson, Tennessee in the fall and major in Sports Management.

Marcel says, “In several ways, 4-H has prepared me for my college journey and has challenged me to be my best self. Whether that was improving my leadership skills or showing how important our community is. These are lessons that I will keep throughout life.”

Congratulations Marcel!

The Alabama Cottage Food Law went into effect in 2014 and was revised in 2021. The law states that individuals can produce certain nonhazardous foods in their homes. The new law defines a cottage food as a non-potentially hazardous food that has been prepared in a person’s home that does not require time and temperature control for safety. The law excludes products that use meat, poultry, or fish.

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As many home gardeners know, there are many varieties of corn to choose from. Essentially there is sweet corn and field corn—with a lot of different varieties falling within these two categories.

As a home gardener, there are plenty of things to know before planting corn. There are some varieties that are better for creaming and storing and some better for making feed. Sweet corn is classified by its sweetness, while field corn is mainly used for animal feed, flour and meal. Deciding on what type of corn to plant all depends on the end goal.

Your county Extension office can help you identify plants and pests located in the landscape. All that may be needed is a good-quality photo that meets the following criteria.

One of the world’s largest sources of carbon can likely be found in your backyard. In fact, trees are some of most efficient carbon-capturing organisms in the world. Alabama’s forests work around the clock moving this element and making the world a better, healthier place to live.

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For those that like to find the best deals and are always looking to save money, the Best Buys webinar series is a great opportunity. These webinars will help people discover the items that will offer great discounts during each month.

1st Monday of every Month 11:30 am-12:00 Noon

To Register: www.aces.edu/go/BestBuys2022

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The Money Talks Live webinar series will cover a variety of topics. These 30-minute sessions will provide participants with a wealth of knowledge to help them with their finances.

February 15-Debt Management

March 15-Credit Scores

To Register: www.aces.edu/go/MoneyTalksLive

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