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 …
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 …
Clemson Extension Agents: Cooler Temps Greet South Carolina Growers
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 Zack Snipes reports, “It feels like winter showed up this past week with cold, windy, gloomy days. Most, if not all of our strawberries have been planted. With the cool weather showing up and our later …
Funding Available to Help South Carolina Farmers with Organic Certification
COLUMBIA – South Carolina farmers and food processors who want to pursue organic certification may qualify for reimbursement through a grant administered by the South Carolina Department of Agriculture. “Organic certification can open up new market opportunities for South Carolina farmers and companies,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Hugh Weathers. “Our cost share grant programs are a great use of public …
South Carolina Rains: Clemson Extension Reports Weather Impacting 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. Weekly Field Update 8-2-21 Coastal Region Zack Snipes reports, “Summer crops like okra are still coming in and looking good. We’ve had a lot of rain, and some fields are soggy. More rain is coming. Some …
South Carolina Set to Observe National Farmers Market Week Aug. 1-7
COLUMBIA – Show your appreciation for local businesses and South Carolina farmers during this year’s National Farmers Market Week. “By shopping at a farmers market, you are supporting your neighbors – and what better time than during the abundant summer months for South Carolina produce,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Hugh Weathers. “The COVID-19 pandemic showed us that farmers markets are …
What’s Happening? Fruit, Vegetable Crop Updates in South Carolina
Clemson Extension agents provide updates in the The South Carolina Grower this week about the status of various crops being produced throughout the state. Statewide The SC Specialty Crop Association is offering a new grant opportunity, the Enhancing Crop Packaging Cost Share Program. With this new cost share program, growers can receive reimbursement up to $1,800 per grower for packaging …
Updates in South Carolina: Clemson Extension Provides Timely 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. Weekly Field Update 7-19-21 Statewide Dr. Tony Keinath’s remarks on fungicide stewardship: Growers who are applying newer fungicides that are pre-mixes of two active ingredients do not need to add another fungicide to the tank mix. …
Downy Mildew Alert: Watermelon Disease Found in Two South Carolina Counties
Downy mildew disease was found on watermelon this week in two South Carolina counties – Allendale and Barnwell – according to The South Carolina Grower. This is especially concerning, since it reduces sugar content once 25% are infected. All watermelons should be sprayed with a fungicide effective against downy mildew. Gavel, Ranman and Elumin are the least expensive fungicide choices. …