Cahaba Tractor Co.
banner with blue jeans
Issue 63                             
May 2016
 

 

How does your garden grow? If you haven't been outside yet, then what are you waiting for?! Get up, get out and get to work now before the heat really kicks in.

To make the job easier, we've got a special package deal for you. Get the Kubota L2501 4WD complete with loader and 5' rotary cutter at a great price. See more info below!

The alien invasion continues this month. Take a look at some of Alabama's furry and not-so-furry invasive animals. You may have even spotted some on your own property. Read Invasion of the Alien Species, Part II: Invasive Animals in this month's Chewin' the Cud. 

The grass is growing and flowers are blooming, see what the next steps to planting are in the May Gardening Guide.   

There are many festivals and events going on around the state this month. Check out the May Activities and Events for details. 
  
  Let's Get to Work!
Save on this special package deal
from Cahaba Tractor and Kubota   
 

  Used Products and Specials  

Check out all the great deals at cahabatractor.com.
Hurry in for the best selection!

Get this and other great buys in our Used Products!
John Deere 5105 $12,900
with 6' Heavy-Duty Modern Cutter
Shop now for the best selection on
 Used and Special-priced equipment! 
Chewin' the Cud: The Cahaba Tractor Corner
close up cow   
   Invasion of the Alien Species
        Part II: Invasive Animals    
 

In Part 1 of our series last month, we discussed invasive plants specific to Alabama and the costly havoc they wreak on indigenous plants and wildlife. The end result, to the U.S. alone, is a staggering $120 billion in damages. In Part II, we'll explore invasive animals, also called "introduced" or "exotic species."

Alabama is not over-run with invasive animal species. But like many other states, we still have our fair share of problematic animals. Two such species have gained national attention since their disastrous introduction: Nutria and Burmese python.

Nutria, or coypu, are native to South America. These beaver-like rodents, also known as river rats, are semi-aquatic creatures that consume large amounts of vegetation, destroying freshwater ecosystems. They are also prolific breeders. A single female can give birth to about 40 offspring in one year. Nutria were first introduced to the U.S. in 1899 when they were brought to California. In 1938, Tabasco founder E.A. McIlhenny imported nutria to Avery Island, Louisiana from Argentina in hopes of getting in on the lucrative nutria fur ranching business that had become popular in Europe. In 1941, a hurricane hit the island scattering them along the Gulf Coast where they continued to reproduce and devour thousands of acres of marshland. As a result, the Mobile County Wildlife and Conservation Association launched the annual Nutria Rodeo in Spanish Fort to alleviate the problem. After the roundup, the hunters would head to Trader George's Bar to celebrate the winner and crown the Nutria Rodeo Queen. Animal rights activists have since shut down the rodeo. Today there are control methods in place in approximately 17 states where nutria can be found.

The Burmese python is native to Southeast Asia. It is considered one of the five largest species in the world and can grow to 12 feet long and weigh about 75 pounds. Pythons are semi-aquatic and can be found in trees. Fascination with this exotic species has threatened its very survival. The World Conservation Union has declared the python as "near threatened" due to its exportation for pet trade and skin hunting. From 1996 until 2006, approximately 99,000 Burmese pythons were imported to the U.S. alone. The python becomes an invasive species when owners can no longer care for the fully grown snake and release them into the wild, where they ingest endangered species and native wildlife. In 2012, a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service ruling under the Lacey Act was amended to stop the import of four species of non-native constrictor snakes, including the Burmese python.

Additionally, there are other animals that are listed as invasive. Here are the top invasive species for Alabama:

Feral Hogs - These wild foraging pigs with alarming reproductive capabilities cause massive destruction to the environment. They eat seedling trees and groundcover, causing serious erosion problems for landowners. They also carry diseases that can be spread to humans and domestic pigs. In Alabama, feral hogs can be hunted year-round and on private land there is no limit to the number.

Coyotes - Released in the southeast in the early 1900s for hunting purposes, coyotes do not pose a direct threat to humans. However, due to an increase in land-clearing and agricultural growth, they have learned to adjust well to both urban and suburban areas. They are invasive due to their diet, which consists mainly of small game and some vegetation--making farm produce and animals a prime target. Therefore, there is no closed trapping season on private land in AL, as long as it's not for commercial purposes.

Deer - By 1900, deer were near extinction due to over-hunting. By the mid 20th century, several southern states began introducing white-tailed deer to supplement the few left. An increase in suburban areas from 1930-1980 created a preferred edge habitat with edible plants from landscapes for deer to thrive. Since deer can double their numbers within one year--especially with a decrease in hunting--the population exploded. Native plant communities cannot sustain the massive number of deer being produced each year. As a result, they are a threat to the ecosystem as they consume plants, leaving little for native wildlife to survive. Deer also spread invasive plant species by transporting seeds on their coats, hooves and feces while foraging for food in other areas. Each year, the deer population is evaluated to determine the bag limits for hunting season which keeps the numbers in check.

Starlings - This petite speckled migrant came to the U.S. in the late 1800s as part of a seriously misguided attempt to introduce the creatures mentioned in Shakespeare's works to America. First imported to New York, starlings now occupy most of North America. They steal nesting sites from native birds and cause in excess of $800 million in damages to agriculture fields annually. These invasive birds spread disease to both humans and livestock, resulting over $800 million in healthcare costs each year.

Asian Carp - Brought to the U.S. in the 1970s to clean algae and other suspended matter from ponds, this aquatic nuisance species also called the "live vacuum cleaner" quickly became problematic. It can grow to 100lbs and will eat just about anything. The carp is also highly adaptable to its surroundings, meaning it can move into any area and destroy the habitat. In Alabama, it is also called the common or grass carp.

Zebra Mussels - Smuggled their way into the U.S. from Asia in the ballast water of boats. They can be found along the Tennessee River in Alabama. The mussels clog the inner pipes and motors of boats, costing billions annually to repair. They also attach themselves to other native mussels, killing them in the process. Since mussels filter water constantly, the ecosystem balance in water bodies is disturbed by the introduction of clearer water and more sunlight exposure to native organisms living in murky water.

A Friendly New Neighbor or Invasive Species?

Crawfish Frog - This newly confirmed species recently found in Sumter County is a native of the Midwest. The crawfish frog name comes from its tendency to inhabit crawfish burrows for most of the year. They feed heavily on insects and small invertebrates. Though listed as "near threatened," the discovery of a sizable population this year in Alabama means the crawfish frog may be on the comeback. This may be a good sign...or perhaps not. Only time will tell.

  
Next month: Part III: Invasive Insects and Organisms  
 
Gearing up for summer? Come see us for all the equipment and implements you need to make the job easier. We've got great prices on new and used products and a huge inventory of parts. Don't forget our Service Department is here to keep you moving long after the sale. Call or stop by today.

Sincerely,
Cahaba Tractor Co.
2411 Hwy. 31 South
Pelham, AL 35124
(205) 663-1470



Cahaba Tractor location

Yoga for Gardeners
Why settle for less
when you can have
the best?



At Cahaba Tractor,
we make work seem like play!
Here's Happy Pig
Mud
In
Your
Eye
Back In the Saddle Again

A blonde from California decides to try horseback riding, even though she has had no lessons or prior experience.  She mounts the horse unassisted and the horse immediately springs into motion.  It gallops along at a steady and rhythmic pace, but the blonde begins to slip from the saddle.    

In terror, she grabs for the horse's mane, but cannot seem to get a firm grip.  She tries to throw her arms around the horse's neck, but
she slides down the side of the horse anyway.  The horse gallops along, seemingly oblivious to its slipping rider.  Finally, giving up her frail grip, she leaps away from the horse to try and throw herself to safety.

Unfortunately, her foot has become entangled in the stirrup.  She is now at the mercy of the horse's pounding hooves as her head is struck against the ground over and over.  As her head is battered against the ground, she is mere moments away from unconsciousness when to her great fortune . . . the Supermarket manager sees her and shuts the horse off. 

--Anonymous 

Planting
May     
Gardening Guide

Fruits and Nuts:

Continue spray program for all fruits. Keep grass from around trees and strawberries. Continue to bud peaches and apples.     

 

Vegetable Seed:

Plant beans, fieldpeas, Pumpkins, corn, squash, watermelons and cantaloupes. Follow the AL Vegetable Garden Planting Chart for planting dates.

Vegetable Plants:
Plant tomatoes, peppers, eggplant and sweet potato vine cuttings.

Annuals and Perennials:
Deadhead flowers to promote continued blooms. Continue planting garden mums. Pinch out tips of compact mums. Watch for insects and diseases. 

Bulbs: 
Once spring bulbs have yellowed and died, remove foliage. Watch for aphids and thrips on summer bulbs.

Roses:
Spray or dust now for insects and diseases. Fertilize monthly according to a soil test. Flowering container-grown plants may be planted. Prune climbing roses after first big growth.
   
Shrubs:

Give extra care to newly planted shrubs and trees. Once temperatures reach 85 degrees, do not spray with oil emulsions.  

 

Lawns:

Start lawns from seed. Keep new lawns actively growing by watering, fertilizing and mowing. Spray lawn weeds with proper fertilizer.  

 

Miscellaneous: 

*If scale insects continue on shrubs, use materials other than oils.       

 

*Set houseplants outdoors in shaded areas. Water as needed.   

   

*Air layer houseplants to decrease "legginess."  

    

The gardening guide is based upon the USDA hardiness zones for Alabama.

The state zones are: 

North Alabama - 7a
Birmingham area - 7b
South Alabama - 8a
Mobile area - 8b
 
For more gardening info, visit:
May
 Activities and Events
Huntsville
May 6-7

Bulls and Barrels
Alexander
May 6-7

Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival
Foley
May 6-8

Yatta Abba Day
Abbeville
May 7

Summer Concert Series
Gadsden
May 6, 8:30-11pm

Old Alabama Town Herb Society Herb Day
Montgomery
May 7, 8am-3pm

Trussville City Fest
May 7, 11am-9pm

37th Annual Chunnenuggee Fair
Union Springs
May 7, 9am-3pm

Spring Plant Sale
Wetumpka
May 7, 8am-12pm

Birmingham Rose Show
Birmingham Botanical Gardens
May 7-8


May 8

US 11 Antique Alley Yard Sale
Statewide
May 12-15

SoulStock
Decatur
May 13-14, 12pm-10pm

Fayette County Cattlemen's Rodeo
May 13-14

Buck Creek Festival
Helena
May 13-14

30th Annual Prattville CityFest
May 13-14

Homestead Hollow Arts & Crafts Festival
Springville
May 13-15

Farmers Appreciation Day-River City Festival
Columbia
May 14

Catfish Festival
Scottsboro
May 14, 9am-5pm

8th Annual Paddlin' 4 Paws Cardboard Boat Regatta Races
Wedowee
May 14

Thunder on the Bay
Dauphin Island
May 14-15

Regions Tradition Golf Tournament
Hoover
May 18-22

Limestone County Sheriff's Rodeo
Athens
May 20-21

UNA Front Porch Storytelling Festival
Florence
May 20-21


May 21

Cahaba Lily Festival
West Blocton
May 21

Rhododendron Festival
Mentone
May 21-22


May 30

Memorial Day at the American Village
Montevallo
May 30

2016 Bluegrass on the Plains
Auburn
May 30-June 5

For more Alabama events this month, visit birmingham365.org or

    

Contact Us:
Cahaba Tractor Co.

2411 Hwy 31 South
Pelham, AL 35124
(205) 663-1470
sales@cahabatractor.com
Hours: 8:00am-5:00pm M-F

          8:00am-12:00pm Sat.


Join Our Mailing List