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Alfa Farmers Video Productions
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- Catfish Woes (3.2 megs)
Catfish production is a 100-Million dollar a year business in Alabama
and our state is the second largest producer in the U.S. But unless
there are some significant changes in the industry soon, farmers say
fewer of them will be making their living under the water. As Kevin
Worthington reports, the combination of a number of factors is
threatening to force some farmers into a different line of work.
Released to Alabama TV Stations April 25, 2008
- Farmers In Washington (3.4 megs)
Alabama farmers are calling on members of Congress to hurry up and pass
a new Farm Bill. Unless Congress acts within the next 10 days, federal
farm policy will revert to an antiquated 1949 law. As Kevin Worthington
reports, more than 200 farmers are in Washington, DC this week, asking
lawmakers to set the new policy before spring planting begins.
Released to Alabama TV stations March 6, 2008
- School Bus Biodiesel (3.2 megs)
A number of Alabama cities are switching their vehicles to renewable
fuels .. . . but Pike County is the first school system in the state to
"go green." The system has switched its entire fleet of 57 buses to a
20% blend of soybean-based biodiesel. As Kevin Worthington reports,
the school system is finding the new fuel better for the buses . . . the
students . . . and the system's finances.
Released to Alabama TV Stations February 22, 2008
- 2008 Food Prices (3 megs)
In spite of increases you may have noticed at the supermarket, food
remains one of the most affordable items you can buy. In fact, most
American families have already earned enough money since January first
to pay for all of their groceries for the entire year. But as Kevin
Worthington reports, it'll take weeks -- or even months longer to pay for
other necessities of life.
Released to Alabama TV Stations February 6, 2008
- 2007 Outstanding Young Farm Family (3.3 megs)
A couple from southeast Alabama and their 2 children are Alabama's
Outstanding Young Farm Family for 2007. Chris and Monica Carroll
produce poultry, vegetables, and cattle on their farm as well as operate
a hunting business. But as Kevin Worthington reports, the farm has
changed dramatically from when they took it over from Chris' family.
Released to Alabama TV Stations December 21, 2007
- 2007 Ag Year-End Wrap-Up (3.5 megs)
As 2007 draws to a close, most Alabama farmers are looking back on a
year they hope to soon forget. First it was too cold . . . then it was
too hot . . . and it's been too dry all year long. As Kevin Worthington
reports, many farmers felt the effects of a second year of drought when
their crops were harvested -- while livestock producers will have to deal
with a lack of hay for feed throughout the winter.
Released to Alabama TV Stations December 21, 2007
- Shrimp Farming (3.1 megs)
Harvest season is underway in Alabama but, for most farmers, it's an
understatement to say this year's crop is disappointing. Consecutive
years with drought conditions have led to near record low yields on most
crops. But one west Alabama Farmer is expecting a good year -- although
his crop is far different than what you might expect to find on a
farm. As Kevin Worthington reports, this farmer is raising saltwater
shrimp 150 miles inland from the nearest ocean.
Released to Alabama TV Stations September 28, 2007
- Farmers Markets (3.1 megs)
Even though a lack of rainfall has caused many crops to die this year,
Alabama's farmers markets are filling with fresh fruits and vegetables.
That's because produce is typically grown on a smaller scale, which
makes it easier to irrigate. As Kevin Worthington reports, Independence
Day marks the beginning of the peak months for farm-fresh food -- and
farmers say there is plenty.
Released to Alabama TV stations June 29, 2007
- Higher Fertilizer Prices (3.0 megs)
As fuel prices continue to climb, we all feel that pain in the wallet
every time we fill-up. What many people don't know is that many
fertilizers are a product of the petroleum industry so every time gas
goes up, so does fertilizer. As Kevin Worthington reports, farmers are
turning what was once considered a liability into an economical way to
grow the crops we all enjoy.
Released to Alabama Television Stations May 25, 2007
- Drought Update (3.0 megs)
As dry weather continues to parch the Alabama soil, farmers are watching
not only their crops wither and die but also their hopes for an
important harvest this year. Because of the nation's high hopes for
ethanol, corn prices have risen to an all-time high -- so many farmers
have shifted their focus away from lower-priced crops like cotton to
concentrate on corn production. But as Kevin Worthington reports, this
spring's weather has made this year's crop not the most valuable, but
the most expensive!
Released to Alabama Television Stations May 18, 2007
- Alabama Farmers in Washington (2.2 megs)
As Congress prepares to write new laws to govern American agriculture,
more than 200 Alabama farmers are in the nation's capital to make sure
their voices are heard. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Farm Bill
proposal reduces federal agriculture spending by $18-billion over the
next 5 years. But as Kevin Worthington reports, farmers are telling
members of Congress that those funds are essential for them to stay in
business.
Released to Alabama TV Stations April 15, 2007
- Higher Hunting Fees (3.7 megs)
Hunters, it may cost you more the next time you go to the woods to track
your favorite game. The State Department of Conservation is going to
ask the legislature to increases fees on hunting, fishing and boat
licenses in its upcoming session. As Kevin Worthington reports, most
hunter groups are supporting the measure -- as long as it carries a few
conditions.
Released to Alabama TV Stations February 16, 2007
- 2006 Ag Wrap-Up (2.7 megs)
Alabama farmers say 2006 will be a year that they'll always remember --
but it won't be a good memory. Showers that fell at critical times in
the growing season allowed a few of the state's growers to experience a
good harvest. But as Kevin Worthington reports, most farmers watched as
their crops withered under a hot summer sun with very little rainfall.
Released to Alabama TV Stations December 22, 2006
- Outstanding Young Farm Family (2.9 megs)
A couple from Alabama's Tennessee Valley is the state's Outstanding
Young Farm Family for 2006. Stuart and Debbie Sanderson and their son
Spencer were awarded the title by the Alabama Farmers Federation at
their convention in December. As Kevin Worthington reports, the
Sandersons grow cotton, corn and soybeans on their Limestone County farm
. . . and are developing new uses for their crops.
Released to Alabama TV Stations December 22, 2006
- Drought Cattle Sales (2.6 megs)
With each day that passes without rain, the situation gets worse for Alabama farmers. Many growers have declared their corn crop a total loss and they expect low yields in other crops. As Kevin Worthington reports, livestock producers are also suffering from the dry weather because there's no water to grow grass or hay for cattle to eat.
Released to Alabama TV Stations Friday, July 21, 2006
- Ag in the Classroom (2.6 megs)
With the number of farmers in the U.S. declining each year, fewer and fewer people have the opportunity to experience farm life. With that in mind, 61 teachers from across the state will be taking the lessons they learned at the Alabama Ag in the Classroom Teachers' Institute back to their students this fall. As Kevin Worthington reports, organizers of the conference hope children will spread the message of agriculture to their parents.
Released to Alabama TV Stations Friday, June 30, 2006
- Dry Weather (2.4 megs)
High temperatures and a lack of rain have many farmers working overtime to protect their crops and livestock. Some growers in south Alabama weren't even able to plant crops like cotton and corn, while cattle producers are feeding hay at a time of year when animals should be eating lush green grass. As Kevin Worthington reports, the dry weather will cause farmers to spend more producing their products this year, which cuts into their paycheck.
Released to Alabama TV Stations Friday, June 23, 2006
- Buy Fresh, Buy Local (2.6 megs)
Memorial Day typically marks the unofficial beginning of summer and, for some people, summer is not complete without fresh fruits and vegetables. The state Farmers Market Authority is calling on Alabamians to support farmers in their area with the slogan "Buy Fresh, Buy Local." As Kevin Worthington reports, keeping your food dollars close to home helps the local economy and provides you with the freshest produce available.
Released to Alabama TV Stations Friday, May 26, 2006
- Fewer Peanuts (2.7 megs)
Rain showers this week allowed many Alabama farmers to begin or resume planting that had been delayed by dry weather. But as they return to the fields, many farmers are opting to plant something different in their peanut fields this year. As Kevin Worthington reports, back-to-back good years for peanut producers have created an oversupply that is driving prices down.
Released to Alabama TV Stations Friday, May 5, 2006
- Farmers in Washington (2006) (2.8 megs)
High fuel prices . . . the preservation of farm programs . . . and animal health issues are among the items on the minds of more than 200 Alabama farmers that are in our nation's capital this week. Members of the Alabama Farmers Federation are meeting with members of Congress and other policymakers on issues important to the state's agriculture industry. As Kevin Worthington reports from Washington, the group hopes to persuade Capitol Hill to continue to provide a safety net for farmers who are enduring tough economic times.
Released to Alabama TV Stations March 16, 2006
- Food Checkout Day (2.8 megs)
As of this week, most Americans have earned enough money to pay for their food for the entire year. Compare that to taxes, where experts say you will have to work until mid-April to make enough to pay the government. As Kevin Worthington reports, American consumers spend less of their disposable income on food than any other country.
Released to Alabama TV Stations Friday, January 27, 2006
- Outstanding Young Farm Family (3 megs)
A Montgomery County couple and their children are Alabama's Outstanding Young Farm Family for 2005. Mike and Denise Henry and their 5 children received the award from the Alabama Farmers Federation earlier this month. As Kevin Worthington reports, the Henrys large cattle operation reached into almost every aspect of the beef industry.
Released to Alabama TV Stations Friday, December 23, 2005
- 2005 Agriculture Wrap-Up (2.8 megs)
Alabama farmers say, overall, they're pleased with the way 2005 turned out -- in spite of some big obstacles they had to overcome along the way. Multiple hurricanes and skyrocketing fuel prices are just 2 of the challenges they faced. As Kevin Worthington reports, most farmers harvested a good crop . . . but it cost more to grow than any they've ever produced.
Released to Alabama TV Stations Friday, December 23, 2005
- High Farm Gas Prices (3.4 megs)
With gas prices increasing, homeowners across the country are worrying about the cost of keeping themselves warm this winter. Many farmers, however, are worried about the added cost of doing business. As Kevin Worthington reports, many greenhouse operators and poultry producers are expecting their gas bills to be thousands of dollars higher than last year.
Released to Alabama TV Stations October 14, 2005
- Record Harvest (3.6 megs)
In spite of 2 tropical storms and 2 hurricanes, most Alabama farmers are expecting a near record harvest this year. Growers of four of the state's top farm crops say this could be one of their best years ever. But as Kevin Worthington reports, the high cost of producing the crop will keep many producers from enjoying the fruits of their labor.
Released to Alabama TV Stations September 23, 2005
- Hurricane AG Damage (3.4 megs)
Alabama farmers are beginning to add-up the losses caused by Hurricane Katrina. Overall, the state fared well -- but along our western border, farm losses range from structural damage to complete crop failures. As Kevin Worthington reports, the difference between damage and destruction can be as little as a few miles.
Released to Alabama TV Stations September 2, 2005
- "Super" Catfish (2.7 megs)
Alabama catfish producers are hopeful that nearly 30 years of research will help them recover from low market prices. Scientists at Auburn University say a new hybrid catfish they've developed will be more economical for farmers to grow. As Kevin Worthington reports, the hybrid eats less but grows twice as fast and has many other traits that are superior to the fish being raised now.
Released to Alabama TV Stations July 29, 2005
- Country of Origin Labeling (2.8 megs)
Do you know where the food on your dinner table comes from? A federal law says that grocery labels must identify the country where the food was produced . . . but congressional delays have slowed implementation of that law for some items such as beef. As Kevin Worthington reports, farmers and consumers want congress to require processors to implement country of origin labeling on all foods.
Released to Alabama TV Stations July 1, 2005
- Buy Fresh, Buy Local (2.4 megs)
Memorial Day Weekend is the unofficial start of summer and few things make a family outing more special than fresh fruits and vegetables. Farmers markets and roadside stands across the state are filling-up with fresh-picked produce. And as Kevin Worthington reports, many growers are participating in a program to let you know their crops are grown locally and fresher than you can get anywhere else.
Released to Alabama TV Stations May 27, 2005
- Teacher of the Year (2.6 megs)
A Madison County teacher is being recognized today as tops in the state. Margaret Petty, a special education teacher at Rainbow Elementary School was introduced to the state school board today as Alabama's Teacher of the Year. As Kevin Worthington reports, the state's top teacher will do a lot of traveling over the next 12 months, so one of her prizes is a new car.
Released to Alabama TV Stations May 12, 2005
- Fewer Farms (2.5 megs)
The number of farms in Alabama continues to decline. 50 years ago, there were about 200,000 farms in the state but that number dropped to around 45,000 in 2003 and another one thousand shut-down last year. As Kevin Worthington reports, farmers are falling victim to a number of problems including low commodity prices, high input costs and the weather.
Released to Alabama TV Stations April 22, 2005
- Farmers in Washington (2.5 megs)
Proposed cuts in farm programs and foreign trade are some of the issues on the minds of more than 200 Alabama farmers who are in Washington, D.C. this week, meeting with members of Congress and USDA. President Bush has proposed across the board cuts to lower the deficit. But as Kevin Worthington reports, growers say without farm programs, they'll have a hard time surviving.
Released to Alabama TV Stations March 17, 2005
- Poultry House Heaters (2.7 megs)
Some Alabama poultry producers are helping the environment while helping their chickens grow better and saving themselves some money. The high cost of L-P gas is causing farmers to look for other ways to keep their chickens warm and used motor oil appears to be the answer. As Kevin Worthington reports, an Auburn University study finds that oil-fired heaters produce a number of positive results and no drawbacks.
Released to Alabama TV Stations February 18, 2005
- Soybean Rust (3 megs)
There may be fewer soybeans grown on Alabama farms this year due to a devastating plant disease that has been discovered in the state. Asian Rust causes the leaves to fall off of some plants prematurely, which doesn't allow the beans to fully mature. As Kevin Worthington reports, many farmers are looking for alternative crops . . . and home gardeners are also being warned to look out for the disease.
Released to Alabama TV Stations Januray 27, 2005
- Outstanding Young Farm Family for 2004 (3.6 megs)
A Pickens County couple and their 2 children are Alabama's Outstanding Young Farm Family for 2004. Mike and Shannon Dee won the title at the Alabama Farmers Federation's 83rd Annual Meeting earlier this month. As Kevin Worthington reports, the Dee family was recognized for their success in producing corn, soybeans and cattle on their west Alabama farm.
Released to Alabama TV Stations December 22, 2004
- 2004 Ag Wrap-Up (3.8 megs)
In spite of poor planting conditions and a hurricane that threatened to wipe-out much of the state's row crops, most Alabama farmers will remember 2004 as a good year in general. Early in the season, growers had anticipated a bumper crop but, considering the weather, are pleased with an "average" harvest. As Kevin Worthington reports, opinions will vary greatly, however, depending on where farms are located.
Released to Alabama TV Stations December 22, 2004
- Biodiesel (2.9 megs)
As Alabama's farmers work to finish-up this year's harvest, they're hoping for good prices to offset record fuel costs. A few soybean growers, however, are taking matters into their own hands. As Kevin Worthington reports, these producers are trying to increase demand for their product by using more of it themselves.
Released to Alabama TV Stations November 24, 2004
- Amendment 4 (3.0 megs)
Alabama's struggling seafood industry is asking the state's voters to allow them to help themselves. At the bottom of next Tuesday's ballot are several constitutional amendments. And as Kevin Worthington reports, shrimpers say a "yes" vote on amendment 4 could boost Alabama's seafood industry without costing the state -- or consumers -- a dime.
Released to Alabama TV Stations October 29, 2004
- Ivan Ag Damage (2.8 megs)
As the cleanup continues following Hurricane Ivan, Alabama farmers are still counting the losses to their crops. So far, the estimate tops $850-Million and it's still growing. As Kevin Worthington reports, timber was by far the hardest hit commodity and the losses for some other crops will continue to add-up for years to come.
Released to Alabama TV Stations October 8, 2004
- Record Corn Crop (2.2 megs)
American farmers are preparing for the best corn drop in our nation's history. U-S corn growers expect to harvest nearly 11-Billion bushels, which is nearly 800-Million bushels more than last year. As Kevin Worthington reports, Alabama farmers planted about 20% more corn than last year, which should produce a harvest of about 29-Million bushels.
Released to Alabama TV Stations September 3, 2004
- Honeybees (2.9 megs)
When farmers look for ways to improve their crop production, technology often provides the answer. But many growers are beginning to look back to nature for ways to increase their farm yield. As Kevin Worthington reports, many cotton farmers across the state are buzzing over the potential that commercial beehives bring to their farms.
Released to Alabama TV Stations August 11, 2004
- Buy Fresh Buy Local (2.4 megs)
There are less than 5-thousand farms in Alabama today -- a dramatic reduction from 50 years ago, when there were more than 200-thousand operations. In order to stay in business, producers are looking for ways to improve their farms -- either by cutting costs or diversifying into new crops. As Kevin Worthington reports, growers who have traditionally relied on cotton or cattle for their paycheck are finding rewards in a few acres of vegetables.
Released to Alabama TV Stations July 2, 2004
- Catfish Dogs (3.1 megs)
We're all familiar with the ability of dogs to detect bombs or drugs simply by smell . . . but new research is using the canine "sniffer" to help farmers. Researchers are training dogs to identify a problem common to catfish production. As Kevin Worthington reports, tests show using the dogs can save farmers time and money over detection methods used in the past.
Released to Alabama TV Stations May 28, 2004
- High Fuel Prices (2.6 megs)
Most Alabama farmers don't even have all their crops planted yet, but some are already concerned that they may lose money this year. The problem is the same that motorists across the state are facing -- high fuel prices. But as Kevin Worthington reports, farmers use so much fuel that the higher costs could cause them to have a bad year -- even if they make a good crop.
Released to Alabama TV Stations April 9, 2004
- Farmers In Washington (3 megs)
More than 200 Alabama farmers are in the nation's capital this week hoping to preserve federal funding for farm programs and agricultural research. With Congress working on next year's budget, some senators and representatives are eyeing the 2002 Farm Bill as a potential source for revenue. As Kevin Worthington reports from Washington, members of the Alabama Farmers Federation are calling on this state's Congressional delegation to take the lead in opposing cuts to agricultural programs.
Released to Alabama TV Stations March 16, 2004
- Agri-Tourism (3 megs)
Agriculture and tourism are the top 2 industries in Alabama and a growing number of farmers are combining the two. They hope inviting the public to enjoy a taste of country life will provide some additional farm income while helping the public develop a better appreciation for nature. Kevin Worthington has more on this new industry, called Agri-Tourism.
Released to Alabama TV stations February 13, 2004
- Farm to School Lunch Program (2.6 megs)
Students in Alabama Schools are finding something different on their lunch plate lately - Food Grown in Alabama. Under a new program, school cafeterias across the state are buying much of the food they serve directly from Alabama Farmers. As Kevin Worthington reports, the program is designed to be nutritious to students and beneficial to farmers.
Released to Alabama TV stations January 16, 2004
- 2003 Ag Wrap-Up (3 megs)
Released to Alabama TV stations December 24, 2003.
- U-Pick Farms (2.7 megs)
Released to Alabama TV stations July 3, 2003.
- Switchgrass (3.1 megs)
Released to Alabama TV stations May 23, 2003.
- Peach Freeze (3.5 megs)
Released to Alabama TV stations April 18, 2003.
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