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5 Ways to Prepare Your Farm for the Alabama Heat

Apr 30, 2025

Summer’s almost here and if you’ve been farming in Alabama for a long time, you know it’s not just the sweet tea that gets hot. With rising temps, surprise thunderstorms, and long days in the field, it’s important to get ahead. Whether you’ve been farming your whole life or you’re just getting started, here are five ways to get your farm ready for the Alabama summer.

1. Check Your Water Systems

Summers in Alabama can be brutal with heat indexes climbing over 100 degrees. That means your livestock and crops need a solid, dependable water supply.

  • For Livestock: Make sure waterers and troughs are clean and shaded. Check for leaks and test water quality if it’s from a pond or well.
  • For crops: Inspect irrigation lines, pivot systems, and other things. Test timers and make sure nozzles are clear.
  • For you: Don't forget to drink water! Stay hydrated while you’re working under that hot sun.

2. Tune Up Equipment Before You’re in a Bind

From Tractors to Bush Hogs summer is not the time to be waiting on parts. Do a quick equipment check now.

  • Change oil and filters
  • Sharpen blades
  • Grease bearings
  • Check tire pressure and battery levels

Even if you’re just starting out, taking care of your equipment will save you big headaches later.

3. Look for pests

Bugs come out as soon as the temps rise and Alabama has no shortage of them (think Alabama’s unofficial state bird, The Mosquito). Armyworms in hayfields, Stink Bugs, Beetles and more, early detection is key.

  • Walk your fields weekly
  • Look under leaves and at plant bases
  • Keep an eye out for unusual wilting and holes

A good pest source is the Alabama Extension Office. They’re a great (free) resource.

4. Protect your soil

Alabama’s soil is rich, but our summer storms can wash it away fast. A few dry weeks can take a toll.

  • Use cover crops or mulch to retain moisture.
  • Create natural windbreaks with trees or fencing
  • Rotate pastures to give your grass time to recover.

5. Review your emergency and insurance plans

  • We all hope every summer goes smoothly, but in Alabama, summer can bring hail, tornadoes, heavy rain and lightning. Any of these can knock out power, or worse.
  • Review your crop and farm insurance policies. Don’t have a policy? Contact Farm Shield for a Livestock or Crop Insurance quote.
  • Make sure your generator is working.
  • Create a quick checklist for what to do in a weather emergency.
 
Summer in Alabama can be beautiful and bountiful, but only if you’re ready for the heat. Whether you’re raising chickens or managing acres of pasture, getting ahead of summer gives you more time to enjoy what you love the most.
If you have questions about financing a new tractor, buying your first piece of land or just need someone to talk through your options, Alabama Farm Credit is here for you.

Recent Stories

5 Ways to Prepare Your Farm for the Alabama Heat

Apr 30, 2025

Summer’s almost here and if you’ve been farming in Alabama for a long time, you know it’s not just the sweet tea that gets hot. With rising temps, surprise thunderstorms, and long days in the field, it’s important to get ahead. Whether you’ve been farming your whole life or you’re just getting started, here are five ways to get your farm ready for the Alabama summer.

1. Check Your Water Systems

Summers in Alabama can be brutal with heat indexes climbing over 100 degrees. That means your livestock and crops need a solid, dependable water supply.

  • For Livestock: Make sure waterers and troughs are clean and shaded. Check for leaks and test water quality if it’s from a pond or well.
  • For crops: Inspect irrigation lines, pivot systems, and other things. Test timers and make sure nozzles are clear.
  • For you: Don't forget to drink water! Stay hydrated while you’re working under that hot sun.

2. Tune Up Equipment Before You’re in a Bind

From Tractors to Bush Hogs summer is not the time to be waiting on parts. Do a quick equipment check now.

  • Change oil and filters
  • Sharpen blades
  • Grease bearings
  • Check tire pressure and battery levels

Even if you’re just starting out, taking care of your equipment will save you big headaches later.

3. Look for pests

Bugs come out as soon as the temps rise and Alabama has no shortage of them (think Alabama’s unofficial state bird, The Mosquito). Armyworms in hayfields, Stink Bugs, Beetles and more, early detection is key.

  • Walk your fields weekly
  • Look under leaves and at plant bases
  • Keep an eye out for unusual wilting and holes

A good pest source is the Alabama Extension Office. They’re a great (free) resource.

4. Protect your soil

Alabama’s soil is rich, but our summer storms can wash it away fast. A few dry weeks can take a toll.

  • Use cover crops or mulch to retain moisture.
  • Create natural windbreaks with trees or fencing
  • Rotate pastures to give your grass time to recover.

5. Review your emergency and insurance plans

  • We all hope every summer goes smoothly, but in Alabama, summer can bring hail, tornadoes, heavy rain and lightning. Any of these can knock out power, or worse.
  • Review your crop and farm insurance policies. Don’t have a policy? Contact Farm Shield for a Livestock or Crop Insurance quote.
  • Make sure your generator is working.
  • Create a quick checklist for what to do in a weather emergency.
 
Summer in Alabama can be beautiful and bountiful, but only if you’re ready for the heat. Whether you’re raising chickens or managing acres of pasture, getting ahead of summer gives you more time to enjoy what you love the most.
If you have questions about financing a new tractor, buying your first piece of land or just need someone to talk through your options, Alabama Farm Credit is here for you.