MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Today, Alabama Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries Rick Pate announced that USDA Secretary Thomas J. Vilsack has designated eleven Alabama counties as primary natural disaster areas due to a recent drought. Additional counties were listed as contiguous disaster counties. “We recognize that the drought conditions have hit Alabama farmers hard and hope this disaster relief from USDA will ease some of the financial burdens,” said Commissioner Pate. “We encourage farmers to reach out to their local USDA... read more ❯

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Due to ongoing drought conditions, the Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries (ADAI) has consulted with the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) to waive the hay hauling permit fee. Haulers still must apply for a permit and comply with the requirements. The permits available for loads up to 12 feet wide, 14 feet high with up to 80,000 lbs. on five axles. “The lack of rainfall and high temperatures are affecting livestock producers’ winter forage planting conditions,... read more ❯

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 ❯

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 ❯

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 ❯

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 ❯

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 ❯