Coronavirus or no coronavirus, Alabama Extension is pressing forward to offer information and learning opportunities to the people of Alabama.
Just one week ago, we transitioned to an alternate operations model and assigned employees to work from home. Extension staff immediately began to develop learning materials that you can reach on the web and social media. Our goal is to help navigate this new normal.
This briefing will bring you the latest information from Extension. We’ll also help you keep up with all those things that still need to be done—safely.
From spring planting on the farm to helping your family thrive and learn during a time of social distancing, this briefing will summarize the most current programs, information, and recommendations from Alabama Extension.
Let’s get started.
Vital Auburn University labs are open for business.
The Soil, Forage, and Water Testing Lab and Plant Diagnostic Lab are open and accepting samples. Learn more at https://www.aces.edu/blog/topics/farming/vital-labs-open/.
Coronavirus: Will my favorite farmers market be open?
You can always find the best fruits and vegetables at Alabama farmers markets. But will they be open? The answer is yes, but with modified rules. Alabama Extension issues growers permits on behalf of the Alabama Farmers Market Authority.
Learn more here https://www.aces.edu/blog/topics/crop-production/coronavirus-modified-rules-for-2020-growers-permits/ .
To get a permit, growers should contact their county Extension office coordinator by email. Find county contact information at https://ssl.acesag.auburn.edu/directory-new/ Additionally, concerning eligibility for the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP), the Farmers Market Authority has a copy of a producer’s 2019 growers permit and will use it as backup for the notarized signature.
Individuals who do not participate in the SFMNP will need a copy of their 2019 growers permit along with the 2020 permit to present to any revenue official who may ask.
Coronavirus: Support the small businesses in your community
During the coronavirus outbreak, many small businesses are facing serious challenges because of social distancing guidelines.
Restaurants, stores, and other businesses rely heavily on customers to visit and make purchases. Many are currently experiencing significant drops in sales.
Learn how you can help local businesses survive by following five steps. See https://www.aces.edu/blog/topics/finance-career/coronavirus-supporting-local-small-business/.
Learning at Home
This week, one in four Americans will be sheltering at home for an indefinite time. Alabama Extension is offering free, online learning opportunities so you can make the best of this unexpected time at home.
Stay-at-Home Beekeeping
The Extension beekeeping team has developed the Stay-at-Home Beekeeping Series. This webinar helps new beekeepers learn to overcome common problems including the following:
April 2: Ten Mistakes that Beginners Make, Lonnie Funderberg
April 7: Coping with Pesticides, Jack Rowe
All meetings are from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. (CDT).
To participate in this online series, register on the Auburn University website or watch the event live on the Lawrence County Alabama Extension Office Facebook page.
For more information on the Stay-at-Home Beekeeping Series, contact either Jack Rowe or Allyson Shabel.
Get Out and Garden
Alabama Extension has created several online resources for the gardening public.
The Get Outside with Alabama Smart Yards Series is an online webinar that presents information on common gardening and landscaping topics.
The Smart Yards Facebook Video Series will post a video each Friday through the Alabama Smart Yards – Alabama Extension Facebook page. These videos will discuss the top five plants you need to know.
Visit Smart Yards Online Series for more information about these resources.
Livestock and Forages
The Extension Animal Sciences and Forages team has several online resources for producers to stay up to date as they move into the spring and summer management seasons.
Beef Basics Online Course
This eight-part online course features information on management in beef operations from start to finish. Visit the Beef Basics Online Course page at http://www.aces.edu to enroll.
Animal Sciences and Forage Webinar Series
Each month, a member of the Animal Sciences and Forages team presents information related to livestock or forages.
Visit the 2020 Animal Sciences and Forage Webinar Series Schedule page for more information. Previously aired webinars are also available on the Alabama Extension YouTube channel.
Website and Social Media Online publications and other informational pieces are available online at http://www.alabamabeefsystems.com and http://www.alabamaforages.com.
Also visit the Alabama Beef Systems Extension Facebook page and the Alabama Cooperative Extension Forage Focus Program Facebook page for more educational resources.
Coronavirus is leading the news, but it’s not the only news.
It’s spring, and farmers are working hard to get Alabama crops started.
Extension Precision Ag Specialist Brenda Ortiz tells us how to prevent potential yield losses with proper planter settings https://www.aces.edu/blog/topics/crop-production/prevent-potential-yield-losses-with-proper-planter-settings/
