Clemson Extension agents provide updates in The South Carolina Grower this week about the status of various crops being produced throughout the state. Coastal Region Zack Snipes Midlands Rob Last Sarah Scott Upstate Andy Rollins
Peak Season for Florida Strawberries
By Clint Thompson South Florida strawberries are almost in peak season. For one grower, his volume should be in place to satisfy the potential increased demand. “We’ve got a lot of fruit sitting out there. I’ve probably got 2,000 flats sitting on the bush right now, sitting there, per acre,” said Matt Parke, farm manager of Parkesdale Farms in Plant …
USDA Releases 2022 Pesticide Data Program Annual Summary
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) published the 2022 Pesticide Data Program (PDP) Annual Summary, which shows that over 99% of the samples tested had pesticide residues below benchmark levels established by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The tests were conducted on 10,665 samples from 23 commodities including fresh and processed fruits and vegetables, dairy, nuts and grains. The PDP …
Tickets on Sale for the 2024 Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame Banquet
Tickets are on sale for the annual Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame banquet, which will honor three inductees who have made invaluable contributions to Florida agriculture. The Hall of Fame induction ceremony will take place on Tuesday, Feb. 13. The banquet celebrates the accomplishments of industry leaders who have served in research, education and business. This year’s event will be …
SECURE FUNDING NOW | USDA-Sponsored Farming Project Underway in the Southern Piedmont
Rodale Institute, a nationally recognized agricultural nonprofit, has been hard at work to expand resilient farming practices in the Southeast. Through a USDA-funded project, Rodale Institute and its partners are enrolling 100 organic and conventional vegetable farmers as well as farmers markets across the Southern Piedmont region (Virginia, North and South Carolina, Georgia and Alabama), in a research study that …
Calls for Clarity on the AEWR
By Frank Giles With all of the H-2A visa program’s challenges and expenses, I am always impressed by the number of specialty crop growers who depend on it to source reliable labor. For many, it is the only option. And for those who have mastered all of its intricacies, it is even described as a good program. Fast-Rising Wages But …
Georgia Producer: Reform Needed for H-2A
By Clint Thompson The controversial H-2A system was a point of emphasis during the University of Georgia Ag Forecast event last week. The only reliable source of labor for specialty crop producers is also extremely expensive, almost prohibitively so for some growers. It also has stringent regulations that can be burdensome for farmers trying to stay compliant. Producers like Karla …
Sneak Peek: February 2024 Specialty Crop Grower Magazine
The February issue of Specialty Crop Grower Magazine focuses on L&M Farms as its cover story. The story focuses on Adam Lytch, who manages the company’s farming operations, and how it has stayed competitive in the modern marketplace. Lytch said consumer preference is more important than ever, and L&M must stay up-to-date with demand in the information age. Black rot …
Are You a South Carolina Agribusiness Entrepreneur?
ACRE Advanced Program Now Seeking Pitches COLUMBIA — The Agribusiness Center for Research and Entrepreneurship (ACRE) at the South Carolina Department of Agriculture is accepting applications for the 2024 Advanced Entrepreneurship program through March 8. South Carolina entrepreneurs selected for the program will have the opportunity to pitch to a panel of judges, competing to earn business mentoring and funding …
Wet Winter Weather Expected to Continue
By Clint Thompson A wet winter is likely to carry over into early spring, according to Pam Knox, University of Georgia Extension agricultural climatologist. Knox noted in her Climate and Agriculture Blog that the latest seasonal outlook for February through April shows wetter conditions for the next three months. She emphasized that scenario can have positive and negative impacts on …