Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries

10/22/2026

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated nine Alabama counties as primary natural disaster areas due to recent drought. Twenty additional counties were listed as contiguous disaster counties.

This designation allows eligible Alabama producers in these counties to apply for USDA assistance programs, including emergency loans, to help recover from production losses and increased costs associated with the disaster.

Producers are encouraged to contact their local USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) office for details on available assistance, eligibility requirements and deadlines. Find your local USDA Service Center at www.farmers.gov/working-with-us/service-center-locator

10/21/2026

USDA has awarded the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) over $660,000 to fund projects that strengthen Alabama’s specialty crop industry through the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP). The program will fund 17 projects to enhance competitiveness of specialty crop growers by using marketing, education and research for Alabama’s specialty crop industry.

“Alabama’s specialty crop industry, including fruits, vegetables, tree nuts and nursery crops, has experienced tremendous growth during my time as Commissioner. We are proud of the progress these programs have made and the positive impact they continue to have on our farmers and communities,” said Alabama Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries Rick Pate. “ADAI remains committed to helping farmers increase production, expand markets, and grow their businesses

For the list of projects and descriptions or more information, visit, agi.alabama.gov/2026/10/specialty-crop-block-grant-program-projects-announced-3/

10/20/2026

Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries Rick Pate joined Senator Tommy Tuberville, state and federal officials, farmers, forest landowners and agricultural leaders to assess the damage and hear about Hurricane Isaias' impact. Hosted by the Alabama Farmers Federation, the group visited a Covington County cotton farm where the storm's winds ruined the crop days before harvest.

Alabama agriculture experienced significant losses with cotton and timber among the hardest-hit commodities. In Conecuh, Escambia and Monroe counties, crop losses have ranged from 20% to 50%, adding to the challenges farmers already face from high input costs and low commodity prices.

Alabama farmers are encouraged to document their losses and contact their local USDA Farm Service Agency office to report damage and learn more about available assistance. www.farmers.gov/working-with-us/service-center-locator

10/19/2026

It's the time of year when wild birds are migrating south for the winter. With the influx of waterfowl and wild birds that can spread High Path Avian Influenza (HPAI), it is of the utmost importance for poultry owners to follow good biosecurity practices.

✔️ Feed and water your birds in a protected area.
✔️ Do not share tools, poultry supplies or equipment.
✔️ Clean equipment and vehicles.
✔️ Wear shoe covers or clean boots before entering bird pens.

We encourage all poultry owners to implement diligent biosecurity practices to keep Alabama's birds safe!

10/15/2026

As Alabama farmers recover from Hurricane Isaias, ADAI encourages producers to document crop losses or agricultural damage due to the storm’s impact. Alabama Extension is collecting time- and date-stamped photos and videos of damage to crops, livestock, buildings and equipment to help document the storm’s effects on Alabama agriculture. Producers can submit their documentation at www.aces.edu/go/Isaias by 𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐎𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟏𝟔, 𝐚𝐭 𝟓:𝟎𝟎 𝐩.𝐦.

We recognize the hard work of every farm, and understand the challenges of recovery. This information will help create a public report documenting the storm’s impact. No personal identifying information will be included.

Learn more at https://www.aces.edu/go/6984.

10/13/2026

October is Beef Month in Alabama! 🥩❤ Join us in celebrating the hardworking cattle producers who help make our state's beef some of the best in the country. With a $2.5 billion economic impact and over 10,000 jobs supported, we are proud of the role our cattle industry plays in feeding families and supporting communities across Alabama.

Be sure to check out the Alabama Cattlemen's Association on social media throughout the month for fun updates, recipes and events happening across the state!

10/13/2026

Visit the Alabama Farm to School Program's page TODAY at 11:00 a.m. to participate in Apple Crunch Day!🍎

Okay...let’s get ready to CRUNCH! 🍎🎉 Students across Alabama are taking a bite to celebrate Farm to School Month THIS TUESDAY at 11AM CST (via our Facebook Live) to support local farmers, and enjoy fresh apples. Thank you to every school that has signed up to join us in making Apple Crunch Day a success!



There's still time to sign up: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ALACD2026

10/12/2026

Happy National Farmers Day!🧑‍🌾 🚜 Alabama farmers are the backbone of our communities. They work tirelessly to put food on our tables, clothes on our backs and keep our rural economies strong! We want to express our sincere appreciation for the farmers and ranchers whose hard work sustains us all.

10/11/2026

With Hurricane Isaias moving out of the region, Alabama farmers and producers are assessing the storm’s impacts and beginning the recovery process. We encourage producers to document any damage, stay informed and take advantage of available disaster assistance resources.

USDA offers resources to help farmers and producers recover from weather related losses and begin rebuilding their operations. Explore the resources below to learn more about available assistance.

10/09/2026

In celebration of National 4-H Week, October 4–10, ADAI helped paint the nation green by participating in Go Green Monday! 💚

We joined landmarks across the country in lighting their buildings green to honor the six million youth, 3,300+ Extension educators, 500,000 volunteers, and 35 million alumni who make 4-H possible.

Together, we’re celebrating the impact of 4-H and the bright future of the next generation. 🌱💚