USDA Designates Counties as Primary Natural Disaster Areas

Montgomery, Ala. USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) announced a Secretarial natural disaster designation for five Alabama counties as primary natural disaster areas due to a recent drought. Additional areas in the state and adjacent states were named as contiguous disaster counties. This designation will extend much-needed emergency credit to producers recovering from drought through emergency loans. Emergency loans can be used to meet various recovery needs including the replacement of essential items such as equipment or livestock, reorganization of a farming... read more ❯
LIVESTOCK SHELTER OPEN IN ALABAMA IN PREPARATION FOR HURRICANE IDALIA

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – In preparation for Hurricane Idalia, entry requirements have been lifted for livestock animals that are moving across state lines. The following temporary sheltering facility has agreed to provide a place for evacuees with livestock including horses and cattle to stay. Pike County Cattlemen's Association - Cattleman Park
4100 US HWY 231 S
Troy, AL 36081 Building Number: 334-566-0892 The shelter is only equipped to shelter livestock, not pets or companion animals such as dogs or cats. These facilities will be available at... read more ❯
Commissioner Pate Advises Horse Owners to Vaccinate for EEE & West Nile Virus

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) Commissioner Rick Pate has announced that a horse has tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) by the ADAI’s veterinary diagnostic laboratory in Auburn. The positive result originated from a horse in Baldwin County. 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%, while the rate for EEE is almost 90%. “Unfortunately, mosquito-borne viruses like EEE... read more ❯
Yellow Legged Hornet

On Tuesday, August 15, 2023, the Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) announced the first detection of the yellow-legged hornet (YLH), Vespa velutina, in North America. The specimen was reported by a beekeeper near the port of Savannah, GA. This hornet is not to be confused with the Northern giant hornet discovered in Northwestern USA in 2020, which has not been found outside of that region. The yellow-legged hornet is a predator of honeybees and poses a risk to Alabama’s beekeeping... read more ❯
Commissioner Pate Hosts Farm Bill Discussion Tour with U.S. Senator Tuberville

Who: Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries Rick Pate
U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville What: Commissioner Rick Pate is hosting Farm Bill Public Hearings with
U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville. When & Where: Tuesday, August 1, 2023 9:15 a.m. Coastal Alabama Community College
1900 Highway 31 S, Bay Minette, AL 36507 12:00 p.m. Wiregrass Research & Extension Center
167 AL HWY 134, Headland, AL 36345 3:00 p.m. Snead State Community College
220 N Walnut St, Boaz, AL 35957 Wednesday, August 2, 2023 9:30 a.m. Alabama Wildlife Federation
3050 Lanark Rd, Millbrook, AL 63054 Montgomery, Ala.... read more ❯
Department Accepting Century & Heritage Farm and Bicentennial Farm Applications

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) is now accepting applications for their annual Century & Heritage (C & H) Farm and Bicentennial Farm programs. ADAI created these programs to help recognize and celebrate family farms that have significantly impacted Alabama history and agriculture.
A Century Farm is one that has been in the same family continuously for at least 100 years and currently has agricultural activities on the farm. The farm must include at least... read more ❯
Alabama Agricultural Development Authority Accepting Applications for Meat and Poultry Processing

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The Alabama Agricultural Development Authority (AADA) is accepting loan applications under the Alabama Meat Processing Program (AMPP). This program is a result of a $15 million award from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) through the Meat and Poultry Intermediary Lending Program (MPILP) to the AADA. Applications for Phase I are open now and will close September 14, 2023. The low interest loans are intended to support meat and poultry slaughter and processing businesses in Alabama. Loans... read more ❯
Black Vulture Depredation Sub-Permit Application Open

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) announces they will begin administering the Black Vulture Depredation Sub-Permit program to protect livestock. Livestock producers experiencing depredation from black vultures may apply for this no cost permit to take up to three birds. The permit is good for this calendar year and must be renewed each year. All applicants for the depredation sub-permit must agree to the requirements found in the Authorizations and Conditions section of the black vulture... read more ❯
Commissioner Pate Issues a Stop Sale Order on Certain Engine Lubricating Oil

Under the authority of the State of Alabama, Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries Rick Pate has issued a stop sale order for certain engine lubricating oil. Laboratory analysis has shown the following products do not comply with the standards adopted by the Alabama Board of Agriculture and Industries. The products listed below have been inspected and found to be in violation of state and (or) federal law. Xpress Lube Pro 5W-20 Xpress Lube Pro 5W-30 Xpress Lube Pro 10W-40 It is hereby illegal to sell... read more ❯
USDA Awards $15 million Grant to the Alabama Agricultural Development Authority for Meat and Poultry Processing

Montgomery, Ala. - The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) awarded $15 million to the lender Alabama Agricultural Development Authority (AADA) to support meat and poultry slaughter and processing businesses in Alabama. The USDA Meat and Poultry Intermediary Lending Program (MPILP) is awarded to the lender, AADA, in the form of a grant. Businesses engaged in the processing of meat or poultry can apply for a loan from AADA as an ultimate recipient. Loans can be used to purchase or... read more ❯