May 19, 2013
Despite two tropical storms and two hurricanes most Alabama farmers are expecting a near record harvest this year.
But the high cost of production will keep many farmers from enjoying the fruits of their labors.
The Alabama agriculture statistics service is predicting the cotton growers will pick less cotton than last year but far more than the 10-year average.
The soybean crop should also be above average although a little smaller than 2004, and the same goes for corn.
The state's peanut farmers are also expected to tie last year's record-setting harvest.
Farmer Rod Richardson says producers need a good year because this year's crop has cost more to produce than any other because of high fertilizer prices as well as fuel prices.
While farmers across most of the state are optimistic the exception may be in Mobile County where Katrina’s winds battered crops and showered them with salt water.
Some farmers in that part of the state don't expect to harvest anything this year.
 |
Get the ingredients you need to cook with Rach all week long. |
 | |
 |
Full length exclusive concerts from hot artists. |
| |
 |
Take a break! Classic Pacman, Frogger, Asteroids and more. |
| |
 |
FREE Listings Sell almost anything locally. |
| |
