ADAI Seeking Claims from Grain Producers Owed Payment by Hansen-Mueller Co.
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) is pursuing recovery of a surety bond to help compensate Alabama grain producers who have not received payment for grain sold to Hansen-Mueller Co. in 2025. ADAI is encouraging affected producers to submit a claim for review as soon as possible to hmclaims@agi.alabama.gov no later than 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 23, 2026.
Producers who sold grain to Hansen-Mueller Co. in 2025 and have not been paid may be eligible... read more ❯
USDA Confirms New World Screwworm in Texas
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) confirmed the detection of a New World screwworm (NWS) in Zavala County, Texas. The affected animal, a 3-week-old calf, had larvae present in an umbilical lesion. This marks the first reported case of New World screwworm in the United States during the current outbreak. NWS is an animal health concern and is not a food safety or food quality issue.“USDA has worked diligently to monitor... read more ❯
ADAI Encourages Meat Processors to Apply for USDA Expansion Grant
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries (ADAI) is encouraging eligible meat processors across the state to take advantage of a new funding opportunity through the USDA Rural Development’s Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program – Phase 4 (MPPEP 4).
The program provides $60 million in grant funding to support beef-focused processing facilities and strengthen local and regional supply chains. Funding is intended to help processors expand capacity, improve efficiency and increase competitiveness within the American beef industry.
“Alabama’s... read more ❯
Asian Longhorned Tick Detected in Alabama
The Asian longhorned tick (Haemaphysalis longicornis) is native to eastern Asia but was first confirmed in the United States by the USDA in 2017. As of April 2026, it has been detected on a dog in DeKalb County and reported in 24 eastern states. This tick alternates between hosts and the environment, feeding on humans, domestic animals, and wildlife. It is a confirmed vector of Theileria orientalis (a significant livestock pathogen) and can also transmit Rickettsia rickettsii (Rocky Mountain spotted... read more ❯
USDA Designates 30 Alabama Counties as Primary Natural Disaster Areas
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Alabama Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries Rick Pate announced that USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins has designated a total of 30 Alabama counties as primary natural disaster areas due to recent drought. Twelve additional counties were listed as contiguous disaster counties.
“These drought conditions are placing significant stress on Alabama farmers and ranchers, impacting crops, pastures and livestock across much of our state. We strongly encourage producers to contact their local USDA office to learn more about available assistance,... read more ❯
Commissioner Rick Pate Attended “A Great American Agriculture Celebration” at the White House
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) Commissioner Rick Pate recently attended the “A Great American Agriculture Celebration” held on the South Lawn of the White House. He joined agricultural leaders, President Donald Trump and USDA Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, farmers and industry representatives from across the country to recognize the vital role agriculture plays in feeding and fueling America.“I was honored to attend the Great American Agriculture Celebration and represent Alabama’s hardworking farmers, foresters and... read more ❯
ADAI Urges Producers to Report Crop Damage Following Recent Freeze
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) is encouraging specialty crop producers across the state to report any crop damage from the recent freeze to their local USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) county office. These reports are critical in evaluating potential assistance and determining whether a federal disaster declaration may be warranted.
Initial reports from farmers indicate early-season fruit crops were among the hardest hit. Producers in several regions have reported significant losses to early varieties of... read more ❯
Commissioner Pate Advises Horse Owners to Vaccinate for EEE and West Nile Virus
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Due to recent warmer temperatures, Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) Commissioner Rick Pate and State Veterinarian Dr. Tony Frazier encourage horse owners to vaccinate for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) and West Nile Virus (WNV).
WNV is a significant health threat to horses because it can cause severe neurological diseases. Most cases occur during mosquito season, which starts in the summer and continues through fall.
EEE is a mosquito-transmitted disease that is more severe than WNV. The mortality... read more ❯
Commissioner Pate Receives the Alabama School Nutrition Association’s Friend of the Year Award
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - During the Alabama School Nutrition Association’s (ASNA) annual meeting, Commissioner Rick Pate was awarded their Friend of the Year award.“I am truly honored to receive the Friend of the Year Award. The work that school nutrition directors and staff put in every single day to serve Alabama’s students does not go unnoticed,” said Commissioner Pate. “I am especially grateful for their partnership in embracing Alabama’s Farm to School Incentive Program. Because of their willingness to connect with... read more ❯
ADAI is Accepting Applications for the 2026 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) is now accepting grant applications for projects that enhance the competitiveness of U.S. specialty crops in foreign and domestic markets. The application deadline for these specialty crop block grants through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is Thursday, March 26, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. CST.
“As interest in locally grown food continues to rise, Alabama’s specialty crop industry is stronger than ever,” said Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries Rick... read more ❯