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Late Freeze Impacts Peach Crop
A late freeze March 17 significantly damaged Alabama’s peach crop.
Early-season varieties were hit hardest, with some orchards reporting nearly 100% losses.
Most early- to mid-season peach varieties were between full bloom and shuck split when freezing temperatures occurred, making them especially vulnerable. Most late-season varieties were in early bloom and tolerated the cold better. While they sustained damage, growers still expect some production.
Alabama Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association Executive Director Blake Thaxton said the freeze was a tough setback for many peach growers who have already invested countless hours and resources into this year’s crop.
“Farming is never easy, and moments like this remind us how much producers depend on the weather," Thaxton said. "While losses are unfortunate, Alabama growers are resilient. They will keep working, adapting and providing fresh, high-quality fruit for our communities.”
| | AFVGA Huddles Up for Annual Conference | | |
A football-themed specialty crop conference huddled together almost 300 farmers, industry professionals and vendors in Gulf Shores Feb. 4-6.
Alabama Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association (AFVGA) Executive Director Blake Thaxton said the theme “Game Plan for Growth: Team AFVGA” was a testament to farmers’ hustle and heart.
“Football is a big deal in Alabama, so we felt this theme would really resonate, especially since the conference was held right before the Super Bowl,” Thaxton said. “It reflects the spirit of teamwork AFVGA members have to bring fresh produce to consumers.”
The conference created a team-like atmosphere, giving producers the playbook for cultivating crops, fighting plant diseases and marketing products.
“Just like a successful team, progress in agriculture depends on us working together, sharing ideas and supporting one another,” said AFVGA President Taylor Hatchett of Chilton County. “The past year brought change, opportunity and lots of hard work for growers. This event gets us together to discuss weather challenges, new markets and updated production practices.”
The conference agenda included a packed session on marketing led by Hatchett.
Additionally, a slate of standout speakers highlighted various crops and technologies. From drone spraying to disease protection, farmers took a deep dive into ways to become more profitable.
New this year was an integrated pest management workshop led by Alabama Extension, plus roundtable talks on flowers, farm-to-school programs, indoor growing and wholesale marketing.
| | LouAllen Receives AFVGA Exceptional Achievement Award | | |
Lawrence County’s Larry LouAllen is passionate about serving fellow specialty crop farmers.
For decades, LouAllen has been instrumental in the horticulture industry. He’s served on the AFVGA board for decades, where his voice has guided policy decisions that impact specialty crop production.
His servant leadership earned him the AFVGA Exceptional Achievement Award, presented during the annual conference and trade show.
The award is the AFVGA’s highest honor and recognizes an individual, family or organization who is actively involved in horticulture. The honor is dedicated to those who go the extra mile for family, friends, community and fellow farmers.
“I thank this group for allowing me to serve them,” LouAllen said. “Serving AFVGA has been a highlight of my life — that I could be a part of something like this. I am honored. I am also filled with hope seeing so many young people here involved in agriculture.”
The fourth-generation farmer grows fruits and vegetables while raising ornamental plants and cattle at LouAllen Farms in Moulton.
| | Wambles Receives Horticulture Service Award | | |
A native of Elba who’s called Pike County home since the 1970s, Don Wambles joined the Alabama Farmers Market Authority in 1995 after an early career growing row crops and raising cattle.
Those firsthand farming experiences proved critical as he steadied a shaky agency and gave life to the organization’s mission: To help Alabama farmers.
Wambles became a fearless proponent of specialty crops, often going to bat for Alabama horticulture on state and national stages. He led the clarion call for a senior nutrition program that would provide fresh fruits and vegetables — grown and sold by Alabama farmers — to elderly Alabamians.
His dedication, expertise and impact earned Wambles the Service to Horticulture Award, presented by the Alabama Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association (AFVGA) Feb. 5 during the association’s annual conference and trade show in Gulf Shores.
The award honors a university, Extension or government agency staffer who has demonstrated outstanding dedication to Alabama’s horticulture industry.
“I’m truly humbled by this,” Wambles said. “It’s an honor to be recognized by (the farmers) who I went to work for every day for 30 years. Every decision I ever made, I asked myself three questions: Is this going to glorify God? Is this going to bring honor to my family? Is this going to help a farmer?”
Throughout his career, Wambles’ wins also included harnessing COVID-19 relief funds to connect farmers and food banks; growing a successful Farm to School program; and increasing the state’s farmers markets.
| | Covington County Farmers Win Innovative Specialty Crop Award | |
Covington County’s Sidney and Sheryl McKathan claimed the Alabama Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association’s (AFVGA) inaugural Grow Forward Award Feb. 5 during the association’s annual conference and trade show.
They netted a $5,000 prize thanks to First South Farm Credit’s generous sponsorship.
“It was amazing to hear our name called,” said Sidney, a Covington County Farmers Federation board member. “We competed against strong candidates. It was a rewarding experience.”
The Grow Forward Award was established to honor fruit and vegetable growers who are shaping the future of specialty crop production through bold ideas, strategic thinking and strong leadership.
Finalists submitted applications and were evaluated on how they address key challenges in the industry. A panel of judges then selected the winner based on an application and presentation during the AFVGA Annual Conference and Trade Show.
The McKathans' farm, Pleasant Pastures, began in 2019 with honeybee hives.
Since, it has grown into a well-loved specialty crop and agritourism operation in Andalusia. Pleasant Pastures implemented strawberry, pumpkin and summer produce U-pick in 2025. Their most precious crop is children Elish and Ashley Nix, who serve as helping hands on the farm.
| | Meet New AFVGA Board Members | | |
Get to Know Ralf:
1. What motivates you to do hard work of farming as a way of life?
"Farming is something I am truly passionate about. Farming is hard work, no question about it, but it’s work that matters. We’re motivated by knowing what we grow feeds real people in our community, especially kids in local schools. People deserve to eat food that is grown as close to home as possible. There’s something deeply satisfying about turning effort into something tangible, something you can hold in your hands at the end of the day. Beyond that, farming gives us a level of ownership and purpose you don’t find in many other careers. The challenges are constant, but so is the reward of building something meaningful that lasts for generations."
2. What issue are you most eager to work on as a part of the AFVGA board?
"One of the biggest issues I’m eager to work on is improving distribution and market access for local growers. There’s strong demand for locally grown produce, especially from schools and institutions, but many farms struggle to get products into those channels. Schools want local food, and farmers want to sell it, but logistics and coordination often get in the way. I’m eager to work on practical solutions that improve distribution, strengthen farmer collaboration and make it easier for local products to move efficiently from farm to plate."
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Clark Haynes, Cullman County | | |
Get to Know Clark:
1. What motivates you to do hard work of farming as a way of life?
"I have grown up on a farm, and I see firsthand how it molds you into the person you are — and the one you will become. Farming takes a lot of hard work and dedication, but the outcome is worth it knowing you are helping feed Alabama."
2. What issue are you most eager to work on as a part of the AFVGA board?
"I am eager to help get more members in AFVGA so even more farmers can learn and interact with each other. I have seen how farmers benefit from team work. I am also hoping to help encourage more young farmers to get involved and help them where we can."
| | | David Reeves, Morgan County | | |
Get to Know David:
1. What motivates you to do hard work of farming as a way of life?
"I’m motivated by growing up on the farm and appreciating the hard work that built it into what it is today. What drives me is seeing the direct results of my effort, especially when people enjoy the strawberries, peaches and other produce my family's farm provides. I take pride in offering quality products and hope to continue serving my community and region well."
2. What issue are you most eager to work on as a part of the AFVGA board?
"I’m most eager to work on improving marketing opportunities for farmers and ensuring they have strong, reliable places to sell their products and reach more customers. I’m also passionate about growing AFVGA membership, as I see real value in the connections and continued education the association provides through its conferences and regional meetings."
| | | Ag Wage Reform Coalition Urges Action | | |
The Ag Wage Reform Coalition gathered in Washington, D.C., in February as members urged Congress to critically improve the H-2A program.
The Alabama Farmers Federation and Alabama Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association (AFVGA) are among 36 organizations fighting to bring positive agricultural labor reform that aid both American farmers and guest workers.
AFVGA Executive Director Blake Thaxton said Alabama was proud to join like-minded associations to fight for a stable Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) to keep the guest worker program financially sustainable.
“Alabama farms rely on the H-2A program, which provides life-changing economic opportunity to guest workers,” said Thaxton, who also leads the Federation Greenhouse, Nursery & Sod Division. “It’s imperative we back the farmers who put food on our tables.”
The coalition held a press conference and roundtable Feb. 23 in the nation’s capital. Bipartisan congressional staffers, industry supporters and coalition members joined to thank the Trump Administration for the AEWR Interim Final Rule while also urging Congress to strengthen the H-2A program through lasting reform.
| | Reeves Appointed to FSA State Commitee | | |
Morgan County's Mike Reeves was among five leaders in agriculture appointed to serve on the Alabama U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency (FSA) state committee.
Members of the FSA state committee are responsible for the oversight of farm programs and county committee operations, resolving program delivery appeals, maintaining cooperative relations and keeping producers informed about FSA programs.
Reeves' family operates a specialty crop farm near Hartselle. He also serves as the Morgan County Farmers Federation president.
| | Sweet Grown Alabama 2025 Annual Report | | | | |
