Alabama AgCast

We sit down with Blake Thaxton. Blake is the Federation's commodity director for the Bee & Honey Division; and the Greenhouse, Nursery & Sod Division; and executive director for Al Fruit & Veg Growers Association. Ag labor is a big part of the commodities he covers and will bring his insight into the conversation. Find out more about our sponsor, Alabama Ag Credit , and also about...

Among the national news stories; Language is released from the Senate Farm Bill, a new legal defense avenue for farmers, and the USMCA trade deal halted by President Trump. In Federation news; we get a report from the beef tour and farmers appointed to the state’s STEM Council. Finally, we’ll get a field report from David Heflin, news on commodities from Maggie Gaddy, and a look at the markets wit...

In national news, with the 4th of July coming up, grilling is on everyone’s mind, but food safety should be a close second. In Federation news, the new class of ALFA Leaders is announced , we take a look at the markets, and I sit down with Matthew Durdin about the recent elections and the importance of FarmPAC and the Federation's grassroots efforts. Find out more about our sponsor, Alabama A...

Alabama’s timber industry, a cornerstone of the state’s economy, is confronting a systemic market failure that threatens to wipe out billions in generational wealth. According to a new whitepaper titled America's Renewable Resource in Crisis , the permanent closure of ten major pulp and paper mills across the Southeast since 2023 has created a "supply trap" for local landowners and...

On today’s episode, in national news, we’ll learn about new screwworm resources, a push for farm aid, a deeper dive into the commodity markets, USDA’s specialty crop program, and discover that no two El Ninos are the same.  In Federation news, Lydia East has a report about the recent Ag In The Classroom event and Maggie Gaddy reflects on the state FFA convention. Also, with get the latest on commo...

Cong. Barry Moore takes time out of his busy schedule in Congress to speak with us about his record and how he will represent the working farm families of Alabama if elected to the US Senate. Find out more about our sponsor, Alabama Ag Credit , and also about Alabama Farmers Federation . 

We are bringing you an AgCast Extra, today, to let you know about a confirmation by USDA, that the New World Screwworm has been detected in Texas just north of the Mexico boarder. We will first have a conversation with our Beef Division Director, Chris Prevatt. Next will will hear from USDA Ag Secretary, Brooke Rollins and finally, we’ll hear about the potential economic impact from Arlan Suderman...

We speak with Annakay Newell, Auburn University assistant professor & Extension specialist in forest health, about the current pine bark beetle infestation in Alabama. Check the pine bark beetle map here . Find out more about our sponsor, Alabama Ag Credit , and also about Alabama Farmers Federation . 

In national news, The EPA is working to get rid of diesel exhaust fluid mandates, base acre update opens for ARC and PLC programs, and USDA announces a plan to bolster cotton demand.  In Federation news, FarmPAC endorses Barry Moore in the Alabama Senate race and the Women’s Committee uses fashion as a fundraiser . We also have a field report and go In The Markets with Chris Prevatt. Find out more...

We spend some time with Brad Rippy, USDA meteorologist out of Washington, DC, about his vital role in preparing and producing the weekly report. View the latest drought monitor . Find out more about our sponsor, Alabama Ag Credit , and also about Alabama Farmers Federation . 

Here is your AgCast News for May 21, 2026. In national news, USDA announces enhancements to its livestock insurance program and meat demand stays high despite rising prices. In Federation news, primary victories highlight Alabama FarmPAC’s grassroots impact and the Alabama Teacher of the Year is presented with a vehicle , thanks to Alfa Insurance and the Alabama Farmers Federation. We’ll also hear...

We visit with Twinkle Cavanaugh, director of Alabama's USDA Rural Development , and Joe Freeman, deputy director, about how their work with this Federal program is helping all of rural Alabama. Find out more about our sponsor, Alabama Ag Credit , and also about Alabama Farmers Federation . Find out more about our sponsor, Alabama Ag Credit , and also about Alabama Farmers Federation . 

In national news, we hear from one witness during a hearing held by the US Senate Agriculture Committee, we’ll hear advice from Alabama Farmers Federation President Jimmy Parnell and American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall on the importance of passing the Farm Bill in the Senate, we’ll examine a Farm Bill amendment that could help farmers with equipment costs, and Chad Smith brings us a Farm S...

On this AgCast Extra, we will hear highlights from our previous interviews with  FarmPAC-endorsed candidates . The primary election is May 19th, so be sure to vote for these pro-ag candidates and encourage your friends and family to support them. For statewide offices, we will hear from Matt Gentry (0:54), running for Public Service Commission, Place 1; Corey Hill (7:02), candidate for Commissione...

Bethany O'Rear, Extension Agent in Horticulture located in Blount County, about the 250-Pound Challenge as part of their annual Grow More, Give More initiative. Find out more about our sponsor, Alabama Ag Credit , and also about Alabama Farmers Federation . Find out more about our sponsor, Alabama Ag Credit , and also about Alabama Farmers Federation . 

Joining us, in the AgCast Extra, is Caroleene Dobson . Caroleene is our FarmPAC-endorsed candidate running for the office of Secretary of State. Find out more about our sponsor, Alabama Ag Credit , and also about Alabama Farmers Federation . Find out more about our sponsor, Alabama Ag Credit , and also about Alabama Farmers Federation . 

In today’s episode, we’ll hear from House Ag Chairman, GT Thompson, on Farm Bill Passage, check the pulse of American agriculture, hear about USDA’s wildfire preparations, and learn how US beef is now duty-free in the UK. In Alabama news, we’ll examine the state’s drought conditions and, for Federation members, it’s time to register for the Farm & Land Conference. Links of interest: - Alabama...

Eddie McGriff is an agronomic crops agent with Alabama Extension at Auburn University. Last year, Eddie assisted three Alabama row crop farmers who reaped yields worthy of national recognition in the National Corn Growers Association’s Annual Yield Contest. We sat down with him to get his secret. Find out more about our sponsor, Alabama Ag Credit , and also about Alabama Farmers Federation . Find...

On today’s AgCast, the US House Of Representatives just passed the Farm Bill . We’ll talk to Mitt Walker about that. Also, USDA issues more disaster payments to farmers , production is almost complete on a New World screwworm sterile fly plant in Mexico, Marlee Jackson reports on how Alabama farmers participated in a national survey about the high cost of fertilizer, Cindy Strickland tells us abou...

We speak with Communications Manager, Mary Wilson, of the Alabama Extension System on the second annual Alabama Extension Week. This year, the event will be held April 12-18. There will be in-person events as well as online webinars. Visit the ACES website to get more information. Below is a list of the webinars for the week. If you are interested, please register at THIS WEBSITE . ○      Monday ...

Egg cellent Food Safety: Keeping Easter Fresh and Fun With the arrival of spring and warmer weather, many people start to think about the upcoming lineup of holidays, including Easter. Some people join friends or family for a big meal and hiding eggs, while others enjoy going out to eat for their celebrations. No matter the plan, make sure that all Easter foods follow the proper safety guidelines....

Hello and welcome to the Alabama AgCast News for April 1, 2026. The AgCast is produced by the Alabama Farmers Federation and sponsored by Alab ama Ag Credit . On today’s AgCast, we will get the latest national and state news, check in with Morgan Desselle as the legislative session begins to wind down, hear the Commodity Column from Marlee Jackson, and go IN THE MARKETS with Chris Prevatt. Find ou...

On today’s AgCast, we will find out the latest from our nation’s capital, we recap the Jr. Livestock Expo, we’ll explore what’s going on at the State House in Montgomery, Jacob Davis will bring us the Field Staff Report, and Chris Prevatt will take us…In the Markets. Find out more about our sponsor, Alabama Ag Credit , and also about Alabama Farmers Federation . 

Chandler Gruener is embarking on a multi-year study to determine soil sulfur recommendations for producers in Alabama. He just received a grant from the Soybean Checkoff Committee and will be reporting on his findings in the coming years. Find out more about our sponsor, Alabama Ag Credit , and also about Alabama Farmers Federation . Find out more about our sponsor, Alabama Ag Credit , and also ab...

We sit down with Director of Governmental and Agriculture Programs, Mitt Walker, on The Farm Bill and other movement in Congress. Find out more about our sponsor, Alabama Ag Credit , and also about Alabama Farmers Federation . Find out more about our sponsor, Alabama Ag Credit , and also about Alabama Farmers Federation .