Alabama Agriculture Commissioner Rick Pate Urges Congress to Provide Economic Relief to Farmers
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Farmers across the state and nation are facing historic economic hardships. Record inflation, high input costs, high interest rates and low prices for several agricultural commodities could force many farms out of business or cause them to choose to no longer farm in 2025, if federal action is not taken by the U.S. Congress. “Our row crop farmers in Alabama are encountering immense financial pressure under high input costs, increased interest rates and struggling commodity markets,” said Alabama... read more ❯
ADAI Supports CWD Genomic Testing for Deer Breeders
On September 3, 2024, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) awarded the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) funding to help the captive cervid herd in Alabama become less susceptible to chronic wasting disease (CWD) by furthering USDA research related to genomically estimated breeding value (GEBV) of deer. To date, research has shown that deer with a GEBV value below -0.056 may be less susceptible to CWD than deer with higher values, and USDA encourages herd management actions... read more ❯
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Confirmed in an Alabama Commercial Broiler Farm and a Backyard Flock
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) and USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) have confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a commercial broiler farm in Cullman County and in a backyard flock in Pickens County. Samples from the flocks were tested and confirmed positive at the Alabama State Diagnostic Laboratory in Auburn, Ala., part of the National Animal Health Laboratory Network. APHIS is working closely with state animal health officials in... read more ❯
USDA Designates Three Alabama Counties as Primary Natural Disaster Areas
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Today, Alabama Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries Rick Pate announced that USDA Secretary Thomas J. Vilsack has designated three Alabama counties as primary natural disaster areas due to a recent drought. Nine additional counties were listed as contiguous disaster counties. “The drought hit famers in this part of the state during the peak of growing season. We hope this disaster relief from USDA will ease some of the financial burdens,” said Commissioner Pate. “We encourage farmers to reach... read more ❯
USDA and Alabama Commissioner of Agriculture Rick Pate Announce Award of $5.9 Million to Projects that Strengthen Food Supply Chain Infrastructure
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) today announced it has partnered with Alabama to award $5.9 million for six projects through the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI) program to build resilience across the middle of the supply chain and strengthen local and regional food systems. "Since the COVID-19 pandemic, prioritizing this project has been essential for Alabama. Before its official launch, I reached out to USDA to emphasize Alabama's need for funding to strengthen... read more ❯
Alabama Farmers Helping Farmers Affected by Hurricane Helene
Montgomery, Ala. - The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) is working to assist farmers who suffered catastrophic losses caused by Hurricane Helene. Torrential rains, exceeding many rainfall records, devasted crops, livestock operations and infrastructure. “We know it will take a long time for these farmers to recover,” said Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries Rick Pate. “Alabama farmers have proven their generosity and willingness to help in the past. We encourage them to reach out to one of these relief... read more ❯
Livestock Shelters Open in Alabama in Preparation for Tropical Storm Helene
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – In response to Tropical Storm Helene, forecasted to intensify into a major hurricane, the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) has been in contact with our partners to provide temporary sheltering facilities for evacuated livestock including horses and cattle. Animals moving in response to Tropical Storm Helene will be exempt from a certificate of veterinary inspection.
The Garrett Coliseum located at 1295 Coliseum Blvd, Montgomery, AL 36107 will open effective immediately and will be taking in horses... read more ❯
Specialty Crop Block Grant Program Projects Announced
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – USDA has awarded the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) $495,000 to fund projects that strengthen Alabama’s specialty crop industry through the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP). The program will fund 12 projects to enhance competitiveness of specialty crop growers by using marketing, education and research for Alabama’s specialty crop industry. “Since I became Commissioner in 2019, the specialty crop industry including fruits, vegetables, tree nuts and nursery crops has grown tremendously,” said Alabama Commissioner of... read more ❯
ADAI Confirms Two Positive Cases of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) in Horses in Alabama
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) confirms two positive cases of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) detected in horses in Covington and Mobile counties. EEE is a mosquito-transmitted disease that is more severe than West Nile Virus (WNV). The mortality rate in horses from WNV is reported at around 30 percent, while the rate for EEE is almost 90 percent. Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries Rick Pate strongly advises horse owners to vaccinate for EEE and WNV. These... read more ❯
Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries Issues Biosecurity Measures for Livestock Shows
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) is issuing guidelines to protect animal health in response to the detection of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in dairy cattle in 12 twelve states. Since livestock shows held in conjunction with fairs across Alabama will be starting soon, attendees should abide by these guidelines. “We know livestock shows are the highlight of fairs across the state and it is a top priority to ensure the health of livestock and their... read more ❯