Weekly Field Update 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 Anna Sara Hill Midlands Phillip Carnley Rob Last Sarah Scott Sponsored ContentNuseed Carinata Covers New GroundNovember 1, 2024TriEst Ag Group: Partners in ProfitabilityApril 1, 2024SECURE FUNDING NOW | USDA-Sponsored Farming Project Underway …
What to Know for Blueberry Production: When to Use Automated Harvesters
By Clint Thompson Automated harvesters are the future for Florida blueberry growers. Some would argue they are also the present, as producers must deviate from the status quo in hopes of remaining sustainable. Still, producers who have not yet embraced the technology, need to remember there are certain caveats that accompany machine harvesters. One of the main components to remember …
U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council Seeks Nominees for State Member Positions
Members of the highbush blueberry industry are seeking nominees to fill U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC) state member and alternate positions for the 2026 to 2028 term. The nomination period is now open. Eight USHBC state member and alternate seats need to be filled for the term of office beginning Jan. 1, 2026. Eligible producer nominees are those who produced …
Two UF/IFAS-Bred Strawberries Better at Resisting Chilli Thrips
Chilli thrips plague farmers worldwide, but new research from the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) has found two strawberry varieties that show less harm from these pests. The finding comes through research funded in part by the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture Hatch program. That’s encouraging news for growers in …
Thrips Threat: N.C. State Studying Pest’s Challenge to State’s Small Fruits
By Clint Thompson North Carolina (N.C.) berry farmers should be mindful of thrips. Not normally a problem for growers in North Carolina in past years, thrips have been gaining traction as a concerning pest recently, says Lorena Lopez, N.C. State assistant Extension professor of entomology and plant pathology. “Western flower thrips are the major thrips species that we have infesting …
U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council Seeks Nominees for State Member Positions
FOLSOM, Calif. – Members of the highbush (cultivated) blueberry industry are now seeking nominees to fill U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC) state member and alternate positions for the 2026 to 2028 term. The nomination period will begin on March 21, 2025. Eight USHBC state member and alternate seats need to be filled for the term of office beginning Jan. 1, …
Field Day Impact: UF/IFAS Empowers Growers with Valuable Insights
Billie Rooney and her husband, Scott, operate a 40-acre farm near Live Oak, Florida, where they grow blueberries, blackberries and sunflowers and raise livestock. Farming is a second career for the Rooneys. So, they had a lot to learn. She and hundreds of other farmers and ranchers across Florida can attest to the importance of lessons learned from any of …
Specialty Crop Grower Magazine: Bringing World’s Produce Industry Together
By Clint Thompson The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) remains committed to “fighting for fresh.” IFPA serves as a strong advocate for farmers and strives to increase consumption of specialty crops around the world. Cathy Burns, chief executive officer of IFPA, shared her organization’s message during the Global Produce and Floral Show in Atlanta in mid-October. “We’re going to fight …
Specialty Crop Grower Magazine: Diversification is Name of Game for Southern Hill Farms
By Frank Giles Life can come at you fast in farming. Growers in it for the long term learn to adapt with the times and overcome the many challenges that come their way. That is the case with the Hill family, who has been farming in Central Florida for generations. The family operation has its roots in Lake County. But …
Sneak Peek: December 2024 Specialty Crop Grower Magazine
The cover story of the December issue of Specialty Crop Grower Magazine highlights Southern Hill Farms in Lake County, Florida. Diversification is the name of the game for David Hill and his family’s farming operation. Blueberries, strawberries, blackberries and vegetable crops are available, which has widened the you-pick season through the fall, winter and spring seasons. The International Fresh Produce …



















