A rare illness has been traced back to a species of tick commonly found in Alabama. Heartland virus has come into the spotlight as a potential threat to the health of outdoor enthusiasts. However, there is not an immediate cause for alarm.

What is Heartland virus?

Heartland virus was first discovered in Missouri in 2009 and has been detected consistently in Lone Star ticks. This insect is native to the southeastern United States and serves as a vector for the virus.

The disease has been diagnosed in 11 states including Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma and Tennessee. It is unknown if Heartland virus has spread to other areas of the United States. As of this publication, there are no confirmed human infections in Alabama.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed 50 cases nationwide of the tick-borne virus as of last year. Symptoms of the disease include fever, decreased appetite, fatigue, headache, nausea, diarrhea and muscle/joint pain.

According to the CDC, it can take up to two weeks for these symptoms to appear after a tick bite. In some cases, hospitalizations can occur because of severe symptoms in some individuals.

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Electrical disconnects, generators, transfer switches, and electrical panels must be in top working order before the 2022 hot weather begins.

Spring is the time to ensure that your electrical system is properly tuned up. Why in the spring? Labor and supply chain shortages have touched everyone. Motors, large fuses, electronic control parts, boxes, and other electrical parts can be hard to source. This means planning is required. Order in the spring so you will have time to get the parts you need before summer. Remember to think about safety first and de-energize before working with any electrical system. Alabama Extension recommends that you use a trained professional for work on major equipment.

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Alabama cattle producers know March is a great time to use cool-season forage crops and prepare for the grazing season ahead. In March, producers can begin preparation for summer annuals and perennials.

Taking soil samples for fertilizing, planting forages and preparing for rotational grazing are just a few things to do to get ready for spring and summer.

“Seed, fertilizer and herbicides are expensive this year and may be difficult to find, so sourcing those materials in March for planting in April and/or May is the best bet,” said Leanne Dillard, an Alabama Cooperative Extension System forage specialist and assistant professor.

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Simply put, soil carbon is part of the organic matter component of soil. Carbon in the soil is an important source of food for microorganisms in the soil.

“One handful of healthy soil contains billions of microorganisms—more microorganisms than there are people on earth,” said Audrey Gamble, an Alabama Cooperative Extension System soil scientist. “These microorganisms in soils are important for recycling nutrients for plant growth, purifying water and controlling pathogens.”

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The average American consumes 1 to 2 liters of drinking water per day, making water quality a top priority for human health and safety. Although a well may not appear to have any issues, well water quality can change over time because of natural or human-induced contaminants. Private well water quality is not federally or state regulated, so it is crucial for private well owners to test their water regularly to ensure that their drinking water is safe.

Well water testing is not a regulated public service offered by municipalities in the same sense as public water systems. If people want their water tested, it is their responsibility to reach out to the health department or private testing lab to obtain a sampling kit. Private well owners should check their water quality regularly for bacterial contamination. Even if a well appears clean and has no irregular smells, invisible microorganisms can still be present and pose major health risks to those using the water.  In addition to ensuring that the water is safe for drinking, a regular testing schedule helps establish a water quality record for a well.

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Spring is here, and Alabama’s fields and forests will be ‘greening up’ soon. This period signifies the conclusion of winter and dormant prescribed burning period. When dealing with the beast that is fire, it is crucial to know how to stay safe regardless of the burning season.

The use of prescribed fire has proven to be one of the most beneficial tools in agriculture and forest management. In crop fields it removes debris prior to the next planting, controls weeds and reduces pests/diseases. In forestry, running fire through a forest floor allows sunlight to reach lower canopies, decreases natural competition for timber, and nourishes the soil.

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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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The Alabama Food Systems Collaborative strives to support a thriving food system that ensures equitable access, fosters economic opportunities and nourishes its citizens.

Alabama Cooperative Extension System professionals are participating in a statewide partnership and highlighting the opportunity to produce, distribute and enjoy more Alabama-grown food. This common goal has united collaborators from every aspect of the food system supply chain.

“You might not think of the food on your table being part of a system, but every morsel on your plate comes through a complex, interwoven chain of contributors,” said Ruth Brock, Alabama Extension’s point person for the collaborative.

Collaborative Supports Producers, State

Brock said many smaller farmers are limited to selling direct to consumers, unless there is an organized aggregator able to take the products of small- and medium-sized farms to then distribute to wholesale markets. These markets include retail, restaurant and institutional buyers like schools.

Andrew Williams, with the The United Christian Community Association, said the food system needs to be revamped.

“We are at a point in our society where we need to revisit our food system, where our food comes from and our disconnection from the land,” Williams said. “We need to develop an up-to-date food system that we can utilize to be food secure.”

Don Wambles, director of the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) Farmers Market Authority (FMA), said programs like the Alabama Farm to School program can be good for the farmer and good for the state.

“The Alabama Farm to School program provides Alabama farmers a way to scale up production while serving fresh local foods to local schools,” Wambles said. “The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries and the Alabama Department of Education coordinate the Farm to School program. We can assist farmers with connecting to schools throughout Alabama, in turn increasing Farm to School throughout the state.”

Brock said Alabama can benefit from a more robust state and regional supply chain.

“Farmers and ranchers can have access to larger, more diverse markets,” Brock said. “Aggregators and wholesalers will increase job growth. Meanwhile Alabama retail stores, restaurants and institutions will serve and sell fresh, delicious, Alabama-grown products for their customers to enjoy.”

USDA Commits $215 Million to Food Supply Expansion

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that the USDA is making up to $215 million in grants available, as well as other support to expand meat and poultry processing options, strengthen the food supply chain and create jobs and economic opportunities in rural areas.

“For too long, ranchers and processors have seen the value and the opportunities they work so hard to create move away from the rural communities where they live and operate,” Vilsack said. “Under the leadership of President Biden and Vice President Harris, USDA is committed to making investments to support economic systems where the wealth created in rural areas stays in rural areas. The funding we’re announcing today ultimately will help us give farmers and ranchers a fair shake and strengthen supply chains while developing options to deliver food produced closer to home for families.”

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