Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries

06/12/2026

Alabama is taking proactive steps to keep New World Screwworm (NWS) out of our state. In response to the recent detection in Texas and New Mexico, enhanced interstate movement requirements for warm-blooded animals, including equine, livestock and companion animals, are being put in place for animals entering Alabama from the infested states.

These measures are designed to protect animal health, strengthen biosecurity and safeguard Alabama agriculture. If you suspect an animal may have NWS, please call the State Veterinarian’s Office at 334-240-7253 or email [email protected].

For more information visit, agi.alabama.gov/nws

06/11/2026

ADAI's State Apiary Inspector Brandon Hargraves is back with the monthly Apiary Activity Report - June Brief! While drought has created mixed honey flow conditions across Alabama this spring, June remains a critical month for harvesting honey, managing mites and preparing colonies for summer.

June's edition also focuses on:
🐝 Honey flow varies by region: Lower Alabama continues to benefit from strong nectar sources, while drought has reduced honey production across much of Central and North Alabama.
🐝Harvest and protect resources: Evaluate honey supers, harvest capped honey promptly and preserve valuable drawn comb for future colony growth.
🐝Focus on colony health: Monitor and treat for Varroa mites, improve hive ventilation, and prepare colonies for summer dearth conditions by watching food reserves and ensuring access to water.

Please share this important newsletter with your fellow beekeepers or beekeeping friends! 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒆𝒆𝒔 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒃𝒆𝒆𝒏 𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒅 𝒂𝒕 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒌 𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒔𝒑𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈. 𝑰𝒕'𝒔 𝒏𝒐𝒘 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒆𝒆𝒌𝒆𝒆𝒑𝒆𝒓'𝒔 𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒏 𝒕𝒐 𝒉𝒆𝒍𝒑 𝒄𝒐𝒍𝒐𝒏𝒊𝒆𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒓𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉 𝒔𝒖𝒎𝒎𝒆𝒓!

06/10/2026

USDA recently announced its Great American Cotton Plan, an initiative designed to strengthen the cotton farm economy, expand market opportunities, increase domestic textile manufacturing, and promote products made with American-grown cotton.

Alabama has been consistently ranked among the nation’s top cotton-producing states. This plan will help support cotton producers through increased market access, enhanced risk management tools, investments in domestic processing and the promotion of natural cotton fibers through the “Plant Not Plastic” initiative.

We appreciate USDA’s commitment to ensuring American cotton producers remain competitive, while strengthening the future of one of Alabama's most important agricultural commodity.

06/09/2026

ADAI is pursuing recovery of a surety bond to help compensate Alabama grain producers who have not received payment for grain sold to Hansen-Mueller Co. in 2025. ADAI is encouraging affected producers to submit a claim for review as soon as possible to [email protected] no later than 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 23, 2026.

To file a claim, producers must complete a Proof of Loss form and accompanying worksheet found at agi.alabama.gov/divisions/executive/compensation-eligibility-for-grain-producers-in-alabama-due-to-hansen-mueller-co/. Completed forms, worksheets, and all supporting documentation should be submitted via email to [email protected].

Producers with questions or concerns may contact ADAI by emailing [email protected] or calling 334-240-7100.

For more information visit, agi.alabama.gov/2026/06/adai-seeking-claims-from-grain-producers-owed-payment-by-hansen-mueller-co/

06/08/2026

Alabama Ag Credit is providing additional support for small farmers with their vendor voucher program. This program helps to pay vendor fees and reduce the barrier of entry for many small farmers to sell directly to the consumer!

One vendor fee will be paid to the certified farmer’s market of their choice.
🟢 Up to $300 for members of Alabama Ag Credit
🟢 Up to $100 for non-members

Submissions will be accepted until July 31, 2026. Funds are limited and will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

For more information or to apply visit, www.alabamaagcredit.com/vendorvoucher

06/05/2026

ADAI is encouraging eligible meat processors across the state to take advantage of a new funding opportunity through the USDA Rural Development’s Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program – Phase 4 (MPPEP 4).

The application period is currently open and will close on August 7, 2026, at 10:59 p.m. Central Time. Applications must be submitted through Grants.gov using Funding Opportunity Number RD RBS 26 04 or by searching for "Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program – Phase 4."

Additional information about the program can be found at www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/business-programs/meat-and-poultry-processing-expansion-program-phase-4

For more information visit, agi.alabama.gov/2026/06/adai-encourages-meat-processors-to-apply-for-usda-expansion-grant/

06/04/2026

U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) confirmed the detection of a New World screwworm (NWS) in Zavala County, Texas. The affected animal, a 3-week-old calf, had larvae present in an umbilical lesion. This marks the first reported case of New World screwworm in the United States during the current outbreak. NWS is an animal health concern and is not a food safety or food quality issue.

Anyone who suspects a NWS infestation in livestock, wildlife or companion animals should immediately contact State Veterinarian Dr. Frazier at (334) 240-7253.

For more information about NWS, visit agi.alabama.gov/nws. Cattle producers seeking additional information on NWS prevention and response efforts can visit USDA APHIS's Stop Screwworm webpage at www.screwworm.gov.

For the full press release visit, agi.alabama.gov/animalindustries/2026/06/usda-confirms-new-world-screwworm-in-texas/

06/03/2026

ADAI proudly congratulates Alabama State Veterinarian Dr. Tony Frazier on being named the recipient of the Alabama Veterinary Medical Association’s 2026 Distinguished Service Award!

Throughout his career, Dr. Frazier has demonstrated a commitment to protecting animal health, supporting Alabama’s livestock producers and advancing the veterinary profession. His leadership, dedication and years of service have made a lasting positive impact on agriculture and animal health across our state.

This well-deserved honor reflects the respect and admiration he has earned from colleagues, producers and veterinarians throughout Alabama.

Join us in celebrating Dr. Frazier’s remarkable career and contributions by watching the video below. Congratulations Dr. Frazier, and thank you for your service to Alabama agriculture!

This is "2026 Distinguished Service Award - Dr. Tony Frazier (ALVMA)" by NowTech Productions on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.

05/21/2026

Commissioner Rick Pate and several ADAI staff had a wonderful time celebrating Alabama seafood and the incredible people behind it at the Sweet Grown Alabama Seafood Cook-Off at The Wharf! Thank you to everyone who attended, competed, judged and supported this outstanding event. Alabama seafood truly shines, and Sweet Grown Alabama continues to connect consumers with the best our state has to offer!