By Clint Thompson South Carolina’s recent dry period has led to minimal disease pressure in the state’s specialty crops. It is especially evident in the Midlands area where Justin Ballew, Clemson Commercial Horticulture agent, is located. “Since we’re irrigating about 100% of our crops, (the dry weather) has actually not really been a bad thing. We’ve had very low disease …
Recent Rains Alleviate Some Drought in Southeast Region
By Clint Thompson Recent rainfall helped alleviate much of the abnormally dry conditions being felt across the Southeast, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. Georgia’s abnormally dry conditions are now mostly isolated to the northern part of the state, as far south as Heard County along the Georgia-Alabama line, across to Hart County along the Georgia-South Carolina line, and includes …
South Carolina Agribusinesses Receive Business Training, Funding
COLUMBIA – The Agribusiness Center for Research and Entrepreneurship (ACRE), in partnership with Clemson Cooperative Extension, has closed its fourth annual Agribusiness Planning Curriculum. It awarded grant funding to seven emerging South Carolina agribusinesses. Participants learned about marketing, financial planning, legal requirements, state and federal grant opportunities, and skills to set their agribusinesses up for success. Sixteen entrepreneurs participated in …
South Carolina Hemp Farming Permit Applications to Open Jan. 1
COLUMBIA – The new year means open applications for hemp applications in South Carolina. The South Carolina Department of Agriculture (SCDA) announced hemp farming permit applications for the 2022 growing season will be available Jan. 1. The South Carolina General Assembly and SCDA’s work over the past four years helped create the Hemp Farming Program. It led to permit fees …
Lingering Drought? U.S. Drought Monitor to Show How Recent Rains Have Helped
By Clint Thompson Regions across the Southeast have received much-needed rainfall in recent days. But will it be enough to alleviate some of the drought conditions being felt in Florida, Georgia, Alabama and other Southeastern states? Growers will know more when the next U.S. Drought Monitor is released on Thursday. Pam Knox, University of Georgia Extension Agricultural Climatologist, believes the …
What’s Happening? Clemson Extension Agents Provide Crop Updates
Clemson Extension agents provide updates in the The South Carolina Grower this week about the status of various crops being produced throughout the state. Coastal Region Rob Last reports, “Pest and disease activity remain low in the area. Disease pressure may increase following some welcome rainfall last week. Remember to keep scouting. I would also like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas …
Weekly Updates: Clemson Extension Agents Provide Crop Information
Clemson Extension agents provide updates in the The South Carolina Grower this week about the status of various crops being produced throughout the state. Coastal Region Rob Last reports, “Pest and disease activity in the area remain low with overall good development of crops. Strawberries continue to develop well with very few issues. Given the misty mornings we are seeing, …
Weekly Updates: Clemson Extension Agents Discuss Various Crops
Clemson Extension agents provide updates in the The South Carolina Grower this week about the status of various crops being produced throughout the state. Coastal Region Rob Last reports, “In our area, pest and disease pressure have reduced in response to cooler dryer conditions. Keep an eye on soil moisture and continue to regularly scout crops.” Midlands Justin Ballew reports, “We …
Safe Eating During Thanksgiving: Keep Foods Free from Foodborne Illness
WASHINGTON — Americans will enjoy Thanksgiving this week with family and friends. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reminds everyone that it is important to keep family and friends safe from foodborne illnesses this Thanksgiving. “Thanksgiving is one of my favorite times to remind people about food safety,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “I personally know how much effort it …
Early Diagnosis is a Timely Diagnosis
From Clemson Plant Pathologist Tony Keinath and The South Carolina Grower. Plants are a rich source of food for microorganisms — for aggressive plant pathogens, for weak pathogens and for common saprophytes (the 90% of microorganisms that feed only on dead plant parts). Once a pathogen kills parts of leaves or side roots and we see dark brown spots, things …