The Alabama Beginning Farmers Project is funded by grants from the USDA Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Development Program (Awards 2015-04598 & 2018-02936). The overall project implementation plan involves collaboration with a wide range of institutions, producer groups, and nonprofit organizations for supporting beginning farmers statewide. In collaboration with Alabama Cooperative Extension System, Crotovina, Farmscape Solutions, and The United Christian Community Association, the BFRD Program provides science-based information and consultation to beginning farmers, develops new educational resources, and sustains a statewide network of producers to strengthen the local food movement that is inclusive of low-resource farmers and military veterans.
Program Coordinator: Ayanava Majumdar
Technical Assistance Providers: Jayme Oates, Karen Wynne, and Andrew Williams
Funding Agency: USDA Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program (Phase 1 and 2 Grants) www.nifa.usda.gov/programs
Commercial Horticulture Regional Extension Agents, Extension Coordinators, and Specialists
Project Objectives
- Provide science-based information and consultation to beginning farmers.
- Support and collaborate with third-party educational programs.
- Develop new educational resources (e-curriculum, phone app, printed materials).
- Sustain a statewide network of producers to strengthen the local food movement that is inclusive of low resource farmers and military veterans.
More Information
Visit the Digital Resources for Farmers webpage for information on educational opportunities. Other educational resources are also available on the Alabama Extension Commercial Horticulture Facebook page. For more information, visit www.AlabamaBeginningFarmer.com.
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Note. Some sections may not be updated for 2023. Please see labels for potential changes.
Maximum profits in row crop production depend on successful and accurate diagnosis of disease or insect damage. An accurate diagnosis can aid farmers in the implementation of an effective integrated pest management program. One important part of diagnosis is plant tissue samples to help identify issues and determine best management options.
The Alabama Cooperative Extension System supports two plant diagnostic laboratories. One is at Auburn University; the other is located in Birmingham at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens.
The Plant Diagnostic Laboratory at Auburn University provides three services: plant problem diagnosis, soil nematode analysis, and insect identification. Plant problems sent to the lab include diseases, nematode injury, insect damage, chemical damage, environmental stress, horticultural and agronomic problems, or wildlife damage.
Plant samples at the Auburn University Plant Diagnostic Lab are initially examined by a plant pathologist. Some samples may then be referred to Extension specialists in entomology, agronomy, horticulture, or wildlife.
In addition to plant problem diagnosis, soil nematode analysis, and insect identification, plants are also received for identification. These plants are referred to agronomists and horticulturists who typically respond to the inquiries.
Download Submitting Samples for Diagnosis, Analysis and Identification, IPM-1294.
For questions about accessibility or to request accommodations, contact Extension Communications and Marketing at 334-844-5696 or extcomm@aces.edu.
The Peach Insect and Disease Management Chart is a tool for peach orchard growers that need a quick carry-around resource to manage insects during certain tree cycles.
The tool includes the most common insect pests and connects those to the best practices of prevention. Insects that this tool covers include scale and European red mite, lesser peachtree borer, thrips, and many more. Farmers can slide the chart to view active ingredients that works best for each insect pest, and when and how to apply it.
To order a slide chart, contact Ayanava Majumdar at azm0024@aces.edu. You can also get a copy from any commercial horticulture regional Extension agent.
The Home and Market Garden (Urban Farm) IPM Toolkit wheel slide chart is a great tool for urban farmers as well as home and community gardeners interested in vegetable production. This wheel slide chart has both conventional and organic insecticide listings for nearly 20 different crops. It also has a listing of common insect pests with accompanying images that may help when scouting in garden vegetables.
To receive copy of this wheel slide chart, email Ayanava Majumdar at azm0024@aces.edu.