Exploring solar power for modern poultry farms

by Paul Hollis | Oct 14, 2016 | Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station, Biosystems Engineering, Poultry Science

National Poultry Technology Center The ever‐evolving modern poultry house has gained numerous energy efficiencies over the last few years. Improvements in tightening techniques and insulation technology and in ventilation systems, control systems, lighting and...

Climate variability impacts crop yields

by Paul Hollis | Sep 19, 2016 | Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station, COA Administration, COA Communications, Crop, Soil & Environmental Sciences

by PAUL HOLLIS Long-term climate change combined with climate variability influenced by El Niño and La Niña phases of ENSO are having a significant impact on corn yields in Alabama, according to a study co-authored by Auburn University researcher Brenda Ortiz. “If we...

Caution is key in using new herbicide systems

by Paul Hollis | Sep 19, 2016 | Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station, Crop, Soil & Environmental Sciences

by PAUL HOLLIS Promising new herbicide technology could give Alabama farmers a powerful weapon in their battle against pigheaded pigweed, but growers must be alert to the chemicals’ negative impact on nearby crops. The new herbicide-resistance systems—a key topic...

Small farm, huge honor

by Mary Catherine Gaston | Sep 5, 2016 | Entomology & Plant Pathology

by JAMIE CREAMER The location selected for this year’s grand UN World Food Day celebration in Kenya’s southernmost county of Kwale just goes to show, you never know who’s watching. The site is a 10-acre family farm in the destitute coastal village of Mabafweni. But...

Julie Howe: a passion for chemistry and brewing

by Paul Hollis | Aug 24, 2016 | Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station, COA Administration, COA Communications, Crop, Soil & Environmental Sciences

by PAUL HOLLISJulie Howe’s passion for craft beers and brewing began when she was pursuing her Ph.D. in soil science at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.“Everyone there was drinking beer that tasted better than what I was accustomed to, so I acquired a taste for...

Researchers battle cotton, soybean pests

by Paul Hollis | Aug 12, 2016 | Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station, Crop, Soil & Environmental Sciences, Entomology & Plant Pathology

by PAUL HOLLISNorth Alabama legislators and agricultural leaders got an update on the 2016 growing season and a review of some of the latest crop research during an open house tour at the Tennessee Valley Research and Extension Center in July.“It’s been a mixed bag as...

Systems-management approach adds value to beef cattle

by Paul Hollis | Aug 12, 2016 | Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station, Animal Sciences

by PAUL HOLLISResearchers at the Tennessee Valley Research and Extension Center in north Alabama are working to provide a systems-management approach that would add value and profits to beef cattle operations throughout the state.The multi-year demonstration project...