Tuesday, October 30, 2018

Bankhead Lead Timber Marker Position now open

The Bankhead Ranger District of the National Forests in Alabama is currently seeking highly motivated candidates for one (1) permanent, full time Forestry Technician (timber sales prep) position (GS-0462-06/07) in Double Springs, AL.  The selected candidate will lead a crew of three forestry technicians in primarily timber sale preparation work. As part of a highly integrated unit, he/she will have opportunities to work in all aspects of the district, including fire, silviculture, biology, recreation, and heritage. Please send to those who may be interested.

This is the position announcement, not an outreach. Note: this position requires competitive service and/or other authorities to apply (see announcement for details). It closes 11/01/18.

https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/514273400


Trapping Workshops Share Historical, Biological Aspects of Furbearer Management

Online registration for youth and adult workshops now open

The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) is offering a series of youth and adult trapping workshops throughout the state this winter. The workshops are free to attend, but registration is required. To register, visit www.outdooralabama.com/trapping-workshops.
These educational workshops provide instruction on the historical aspects of trapping, biological information about furbearers and furbearer management, and the proper techniques of using trapping as a sound wildlife management tool.

All workshops are limited to 25 participants. The youth workshops are recommended for ages 7 and up. Youth ages 7-15 must be accompanied by an adult. Youth over 16 are not required to have an adult present, but it is recommended.

Youth Trapping Workshops

December 8-9, 2018, in Citronelle, Ala.
December 15-16, 2018, in Red Bay, Ala.
December 29-30, 2018, in Greensboro, Ala.
January 12-13, 2019, in Atmore, Ala.
February 9-10, 2019, in Scottsboro, Ala.
February 16-17, 2019, in Spanish Fort, Ala.

Adult Trapping Workshops

November 3-4, 2018, in Hamilton, Ala.
February 23-24, 2019, at Portland Landing in Dallas County, Ala.

For more information, contact Mike Sievering with the Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division at Mike.Sievering@dcnr.alabama.gov or call 205-339-5716.

The workshops are a cooperative project between ADCNR, the Alabama Trappers and Predator Control Association, USDA Wildlife Services and Safari Club International. To learn more about trapping as a wildlife management tool, visit www.outdooralabama.com/hunting/trapping-alabama.
The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources promotes wise stewardship, management and enjoyment of Alabama’s natural resources through four divisions: Marine Resources, State Lands, State Parks, and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. To learn more about ADCNR, visit www.outdooralabama.com.

Tuesday, October 23, 2018

Hurricane Michael Damage to Alabama Agriculture

Hurricane Deals Heavy Blow to Alabama Agriculture
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala.—Hurricane Michael caused almost $204 million in agricultural damage alone as it moved across Alabama. Alabama Cooperative Extension System Director Gary Lemme called it a devastating blow to farmers in the state’s Wiregrass region.
“Cotton farmers suffered the greatest losses,” said Lemme. “But the storm affected every portion of Wiregrass agriculture, including row crops, livestock, poultry and timber as well as fruit and vegetable production.”
Alabama Extension professionals spent the days following Michael evaluating actual losses in eight counties—Barbour, Coffee, Covington, Dale, Geneva, Henry, Houston and Russell.  
“Houston County alone suffered more than $100 million in storm damage to agriculture and agribusinesses,” said Lemme. “Geneva County was battered for an almost $39 million loss, and Henry County accounts for more than $30 million.”
Damage to the region’s more than 200,000 cotton acres reaches almost $108 million. Peanut losses are more than $11 million, while combined losses to corn and soybeans total more than $1.7 million.
While farmers did not suffer high livestock deaths, their operations sustained significant harm to fencing. Fence replacement costs total almost $18 million with another $5.6 million in debris removal expenses.
The region’s poultry houses weathered the storm better than those in neighboring Georgia. Poultry damages total about $1.4 million.
Farm structures including irrigation systems and agribusinesses, such as cotton gins and peanut buying points, took extensive damage as well. About 200 center pivot irrigation systems were destroyed by the storm. Damage to those systems alone accounts for $9.6 million, while structural damage on farms and at agribusinesses reaches another $11.9 million.
Pine forest stands were ravaged by the storm’s high winds that snapped some trees at midtrunk while toppling others. Destroyed timber is valued at almost $20.9 million.
“The forest impact goes beyond downed trees to pine straw production,” said Lemme. “We estimate pine straw losses at about $11.8 million.”
Lemme noted that smaller producers face potentially catastrophic situations.  
“One grower lost his entire cucumber crop. Tomato growers are looking at losses in the 60 to 75 percent range,” he said. “Combined with greenhouse losses and pecan losses, the storm destroyed another almost $3.5 million.” 
Lemme said Extension staff working with United States Department of Agriculture and agribusiness leaders used a systematic approach to estimate losses. The damages represent the first part of a report Alabama Extension will submit November 1 to the state’s congressional delegation and the USDA.
“With agriculture damage estimates complete, we now must begin to evaluate the total economic loss to the region,” he said. “Farm income directly affects the health of the area’s local businesses.” 
Lemme added that the November 1 report will reflect the impact that agricultural losses will have on the region’s overall economic health. 
“We are starting at $204 million in ag losses alone, but the economic impact will be much greater,” said Lemme. “It is far too easy to focus only on actual losses. We must also understand the total impact on the region’s economy in the coming months and years.”

More Resources

• Infographic
• Video—Including interview with Max Runge, Alabama Extension economist, graphic and B-roll
https://filemover.auburn.edu/fm_download.php?path=files/files/1540300523_maxrungeinterviewhurricanemichaellos.mp4

Friday, October 12, 2018

Sprayer Calibration Program near Winfield

The Marion, Fayette, and Lamar County Extension Offices will host a hands-on demonstration, for best practices in calibrating small farm equipment on Monday, October 22, 2018, from 5:00pm – 6:30pm at the Winfield Experiment Station, located at 171 Experiment Loop, Winfield, AL  35594. The class will consist of a short in-class presentation on the How’s, Why’s, and Where’s for calibrating equipment followed by an onsite, hands-on demonstration. The hands-on demonstration will consist of a multi-nozzle 3-point hitch sprayer, as well as an ATV spray rig. Please contact the Marion County Extension Office at (205) 921-3551 to register.