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By Carey Reeder | Managing Editor

Around the start of February each year, the Chilton County Extension Office gives an update on the status of the precious peach crops in Chilton County and how the fruit is doing after the winter months. Regional Extension Agent II David Lawrence plays an instrumental part in the update each year while also playing a pivotal role in hosting the annual Peach Production Meeting for local farmers to connect, learn and prepare for the peach season ahead.

Lawrence gives his account of the Peach Production Meeting that was held on Jan. 24 at First Baptist Church Clanton free of charge for the farmers. He also gives an update on the peach crop and how it is doing through the cold snaps in January, and the now warmer temperatures during the first week of February.

 

By David Lawrence | Regional Extension Agent II

Every year, our peach growers face tough challenges — rising costs, relentless pests, unpredictable spring freezes and so many other hurdles that come with working the land. It is not easy, but one thing that makes a world of difference is the incredible support from our community.

At the heart of that support are organizations such as the Clanton Lion’s Club and the Chilton County Farmer’s Federation. Thanks to their generosity, our local peach farmers can attend Extension’s annual Peach Production Meeting free of charge. It is more than just a meeting — it is a time to connect, learn, and prepare for the season ahead. The growers receive a nice meal, educational material and valuable resources like the Southeast Peach IPM Guide, which helps them make crucial pest management decisions throughout the year.

Our farmers also benefit from marketing efforts that shine a spotlight on Chilton County peaches, from the Peach Festival and Peach Pageant to local businesses proudly decorating their storefronts in June. All of this means so much, and I’m incredibly grateful for a community that stands behind our farmers year after year. But as important as these efforts are, there is something even more powerful that sustains our growers — the power of prayer.

I was reminded of this at our recent Peach Production Meeting when our peach queens stood before a room full of farmers and shared their hearts. These young ladies did not just talk about peaches, they spoke about faith. They let our growers know that they had been praying — praying for each farmer, for their families and for their crops. Then, they handed out small gifts, each one a reminder that they would continue to lift our peach growers up in prayer throughout the season.

I was deeply moved by their confidence and boldness in sharing their faith. It takes courage to stand in front of a crowd and speak from the heart, but these young women did just that, demonstrating their trust in God’s care over our farmers, their crops and our entire community. Moments like these remind me how blessed we are to have parents, churches and mentors who teach our young people about Jesus and what it means to live for Him.

A simple prayer and a small gift might seem like a little thing, but God can take even the smallest acts and use them to make a big impact. I have no doubt that someone in that room needed to hear those words of encouragement that day. My prayer is that God will continue to work through our local organizations, through these young ladies and through each of us to be a blessing to our farmers, our community and His kingdom.

Among the many challenges faced by peach growers, weather-related events remain a primary concern, often dominating discussions within the industry. While certain proactive measures can be taken, such as implementing frost protection strategies or applying chemical treatments to compensate for insufficient chilling hours, there are instances where growers must simply wait and observe how conditions unfold.

Currently, Alabama peach orchards are experiencing unseasonably warm temperatures, raising concerns about premature bud break. With several weeks remaining before the official arrival of spring, the likelihood of freeze or frost events remains high. The extended forecast indicates that above-average temperatures will persist throughout the week, increasing the risk of early dormancy break in early-season varieties. This premature development could leave trees highly vulnerable to potential cold snaps later in February and into March.

One of the primary concerns throughout this winter has been the accumulation of chill hours, which are essential for proper bud development and fruit set. Fortunately, January provided a significant amount of cold weather, allowing trees to meet their chilling requirements. As the dormant season concludes, projections suggest that the region will accumulate approximately 900 chill hours, which is adequate for most cultivars grown in central Alabama. However, there is some uncertainty regarding the quality of chill accumulation, as extreme cold temperatures are less effective for dormancy fulfillment compared to the more optimal 32–45°F range.

As the season progresses, careful monitoring of bud development and temperature fluctuations

will be critical in mitigating potential risks and implementing timely management strategies.