May 24, 2013
Alabama's farm economy could grow at a moderate rate this year, thanks to better prices and higher productivity in some crops, according to some agriculture experts in the state.
But, as spring planting picks up, there are factors that could alter that forecast -- fuel costs, foul weather and drought threats and fluctuations in the US economy.
Alabama's total farm receipts totaled $4.25 billion in 2001, the most recent figures available from the government.
That jumps to $4.83 billion when forestry is included. Auburn agriculture economist Walt Prevatt predicts growth of two percent to four percent for the 2003 crop.
