Farms in flood-prone areas, or areas in which flooding has been anticipated, should have an emergency plan for evacuation. A farmstead disaster plan must consider the safety of family members and farm workers, livestock, and emergency respo…

A good herd health program is essential for a profitable cattle operation. Healthier, better-performing cattle ensure production of an abundant, safe, wholesome supply of beef products that consumers can purchase and consume with co…

Failing trees cause the most damage and inconvenience both during and after a storm event. Trees fail in storms because they endure stresses that exceed their ability to withstand. The weight of a falling branch, trunk, or whole tree is mas…

Follow these guidelines to be prepared for power outages.

Know where your flashlight and batteries are—and be able to easily access them. Consider purchasing battery-operated lanterns for additional light sources.
Decide which ro…

Hydrangeas, with their pink or blue cloud-shaped flowers and large, soft-green leaves, compose images of lazy summers in the shade. However, this describes only one plant, the bigleaf hydrangea, in a large and varied group. All hydr…

You may be exposed to a chemical in three ways:

Breathing the chemical
Swallowing contaminated food, water, or medication
Touching the chemical, or coming into contact with clothing or things that have touched the chemical
Rem…

Armyworms are most notably seen “marching” in large numbers across lawns. They often feed openly and conspicuously, sometimes during the day, making themselves relatively easy to spot. Most armyworms are large caterpillars with long str…

Edamames, Glycine max (L.), are vegetable soybeans consumed at the green stage. In 2013, it was estimated that the United States consumed between 25,000 and 30,000 tons of edamame. Demand is expected to increase as consumers look …

High tunnels are unheated, plastic-covered, solar greenhouses. Ventilation is passive through roll-up or roll-down side walls or curtains. Crops are grown in native soil under the high tunnel, which protects them from environmental extremes…

Cogongrass (Imperata cylindrica) is one of the greatest invasive plant threats in Alabama and in the southeastern United States. Although it has been here for more than a century, the problem has dramatically increased in the last 20 years….

Mistletoe is not usually thought of until it’s a holiday decoration. This odd plant has a long tradition of romantic, fertility, magical, and even diplomatic uses. For example, standing beneath mistletoe on a field of battle allowed C…

Social media can help farmers build relationships with customers, stay current on food trends, let customers provide feedback, and make requests. Having a two-way communication can help you identify trends, invite customers, and make plans …

If digital photographs of a pond weed sample are not adequate and physical samples have been requested, follow these steps to ensure that they arrive in good condition for identification.

1. Soak a paper towel with pond or tap water.

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“Poultry House Ventilation Guide” is a 40-page book outlining what ventilation birds need in a house. Included is information on understanding common methods and procedures for operating modern poultry houses in minimum, transitional, and t…

Understanding the many labels on raw poultry products can help you choose the right product for you and your family.

Local supermarkets offer consumers more choices than ever. Each time you visit the poultry section of the meat departmen…