On this episode, agents from all regions of the state weigh in on the upcoming strawberry season, including cultural practices and pesticide treatments for growers to pay attention to. With plants going in the ground, there are a lot of things to look for early on that could help with issues that could show up later in the season. Planting practices, water and preventative treatments are some of the best tools we have to ensure a good season. Leafy greens are being harvested in good volume across the state. Black rot and some diamondback moth damage are found for some, but overall, the crop is looking good. The consensus of the group is October has been an extremely dry month; make sure crops are getting adequate and even moisture. Justin gives us a trial update and shares an interesting (and even spooky) question of the week. He also has a new suggestion for improving one of his favorite beverage-drinking experiences. You’ll definitely want to tune in for a “Dad Joke with Zack” as well. We’ve been missing those!

Agents from all regions of the state report on the impact of Hurricane Helene and current field conditions. While the scale of the damage varies across the state, most areas and crops have been affected by wind damage. Pecans seem to have been hit particularly hard, and some crops required replanting due to water damage. Check out the SC Grower blog for pictures and more updates from the field.

This week, agents discuss weather, pest and disease reports from the Pee Dee, Midlands, Coastal and Upstate regions of the state. It seems we have all gotten a good bit of rain following a very dry spell. With moisture brings new disease issues and an urgency to scout and keep a close eye on summer crops. Join us to hear about the insects that we are finding and how to best handle them, as well as get an outlook on the crops coming to harvest soon. Along with our updates from the field, Justin shares with us the “Question of the Week,” which comes to us from a field in the Pee Dee area. Remember, the Watermelon Field Day is this week at Edisto REC. It’s our favorite of the year!

A common theme for today’s episode is the HEAT and lack of rain. Agents from around the state report little to no precipitation and very warm temperatures, which shouldn’t come as a surprise to any South Carolinians. While dry weather keeps some issues at bay, it does bring on others. Reports from the coast, midlands and upstate are shared, and we discuss some commonalities in issues we are seeing in vegetables and some fruit crops. Justin shares the “Question of the Week” from a photo submitted by Zack.

In this week’s episode, agents from the Midlands and PeeDee area give updates from the field. It seems across the board we could use some rain and relief from the heat… It’s not even officially Summer yet?! Agents encourage growers to scout fields closely as insect pressure is high, and there are plenty of them out in the fields. Disease pressure will likely rise a bit if temperatures stay hot and humid. Justin shares with us a “Question of the Week” pic sent in by Rob. Tune in to find out about his interesting find on a pecan leaf.

In this deep dive episode, Commercial Horticulture Agent Rob Last talks with Professor of Plant Pathology Research and Extension Vegetable Pathologist Dr. Anthony Keinath and discusses recent observations and tips for dealing with fusarium wilt in watermelons.

In this episode, Zack, Anna Sara, Andy, Sarah and Justin share an update on what’s happening in the fields across the state. We are entering into the peak season for many fruits and vegetables, and with that comes plenty of pest and disease issues to talk about. The group discusses potential virus issues on squash plants, fertility concerns, crops coming to harvest and cover a pest that has been causing some big issues in peaches. Justin shares with us the answer for our “Question of the Week” from last week. Tune in to learn more about the issues we are seeing in the fields as well as what the latest Q W photo is.

In this episode of SC Grower Exchange, Clemson Extension agent Zack Snipes interviews Clemson’s new post-harvest handling specialist, Dr. Karin Albornoz.  They discuss easy ways to improve post-harvest handling of produce, for any size farm or garden and what that can mean for the environment and your bottom line. Dr. Albornoz also casts her vision for her research path and how she, along with growers, can reduce food loss and optimize profitability for decades to come.

Tune in as Zack, Andy, Brittney, Philip, and Sarah share crop updates from around the state. Zack shares with us that cucurbit downy mildew has been found and confirmed in the coastal region of the state. If you suspect you have downy mildew, please reach out to your extension agent so we can get confirmation and report any outbreaks. The peach crop is heavy this year, and harvest has begun. Strawberries are still being harvested, but production has slowed as pest and disease pressure rises. Vegetable crops are looking good with just a few issues so far. Justin discusses our pick for “Question of the Week,” which was the periodical cicada.

Brittany, Ann Sara, Rob, Philip and Sarah share agent field updates. Overall, crops are looking good, but we cover a few pests that are starting to emerge that growers will want to keep an eye out for. The group mentions the importance of using selective insecticides when beneficial or predatory insects are present, as well as being mindful of proper pest ID to determine whether treatment is necessary. Justin shares an update on diamondback moth, pecan and citrus trials and shares with us the question of the week pick, which was hoverfly larvae.

In addition to today's field update, tune into this month’s deep dive as Clemson Extension Agent Zack Snipes interviews Dr. Gilbert Miller, a Clemson researcher at Edisto Research and Education Center. Dr. Miller will give insight on how to irrigate crops properly, how soil type impacts irrigation frequency and duration, and how to properly fertigate fields.

As temperatures warm up, we are seeing an increase in disease and insect pressure. Agents from the Midlands, Coastal and Upstate Regions share what’s happening in the fields this week. Wet weather has led to an increase in gray mold throughout some strawberry fields, and we have seen an uptick in spider mite populations. Peaches are loaded and gearing up for a busy season. The coastal region is moving right along with crops including tomatoes that are already being strung. Justin gives us an update on trials and introduces the question of the week which was a submission from Rob.

In this month's deep dive, Rob last meets with Dr. Guido Schnabel to discuss the fungal plant pathogen neopestalotiopsis, tips for minimizing the effects of the disease, management options and strategies, and much more.

It’s a full house today on the SC Grower Exchange. Our agents give reports from all regions of the state. Strawberries are looking good, but we continue to see mite infestations. As new crops are going in, don’t forget to check them for mites as well. Vegetable transplants are in the ground, so now is the time to scout those fields and keep a close eye on any issues that may pop up. It looks like we will have a good peach year if we can escape a cold snap in the next two weeks. The crop is heavy, so thinning will be necessary. Also, agents are seeing diamondback moths around the state, so caterpillar trials will be underway soon. Justin and Sarah discuss the pick for “Question of the Week” which was the shothole borer.

This week we introduce our newest fruit and vegetable agent, Anna Sara Hill, who covers Allendale, Hampton, Barnwell and Bamberg Counties. Agents give updates on the strawberry crop as well as peaches and greens. A frost/freeze warning is in effect for tonight for the midlands and upstate. Lacy Barnette gives a climate smart update.

This week, Justin Ballew takes a deep dive with Extension Vegetable Pathologist Dr. Anthony Keinath on Sclerotinia White Mold, its effect on different crops across South Carolina, and much more.

Many agents join this week's podcast to share observations and recommendations on topics like the incoming strawberry bloom, blueberries and peaches, leafy greens transplants, and much more. This episode also features an introduction from Commercial Horticulture Agent, Brittney King, questions and answers on wildflowers, and more dad jokes from Zack.

Be sure to also visit scgrower.com to view upcoming meetings, events, and additional field updates.

Agents and specialists this week discuss fertilizer tips for the upcoming strawberry crop, liquid fertilizer crystallization, and recent peach updates. We also get some answers from the past week's blog Q&A from Tom Bilbo and Justin Ballew on blueberry pruning and fava beans.

Rob Last is joined by Jhessye Moore-Thomas and Lacy Barnette, who work for Clemson Extension on the Climate-Smart Grown in SC project. Listen to this new interview series to learn more about the work they do to support leafy greens farmers, the role of Climate-Smart in South Carolina, and much more. To learn more about the Climate-Smart Grown in SC project, visit climatesmartsc.org.

The SC Grower Exchange Podcast is back for 2024, and agents this week dive into a variety of topics, including the current spring plantings across the state and strawberry, peach, blueberry, and brassica field updates. Tune in for fertigation and plant hygiene tips, updates on the citrus cold tolerance trials at Sandhills REC, and much more.

Tune in this week as we wrap up the year and discuss the impacts of colder weather, crop preparations, some holiday traditions, and more.

Tune in this week for updates on Thanksgiving crops across the state. Agents also discuss the drier weather, timely spray recommendations for pests, prepping for peaches and blackberries, research trials at Sandhills REC, their green of choice for Thanksgiving, and more.

Be sure to visit scgrower.com to check out our upcoming fall events. This week, agents give field updates regarding the cooler, drier weather, pests seen out in the field, testing at the Sandhills REC, and much more.

The weather is cooling down a bit, and things are drying out (except for the areas affected by a somewhat surprising tropical storm). Andy, Christiana, Rob, and Sarah share updates from the fields. We are switching gears from summer to fall crops and keeping an eye out for pest and disease issues that could pop up. Growers from all over the state are preparing for strawberry season as well. Justin joins in to share the “Question of the Week” pick. Tune in to find out what’s happening in the fields and learn a little more about Justin’s slithery friend.

Join us this week as agents discuss fall crop updates, the impacts of recent warm weather, and some Halloween plans.

This week, agents discuss the Fall crop transition around the state, pest identification, the current muscadine crop, herbicide updates, and much more.

Tune in this week the hear agents discuss various nutrient deficiencies seen in fruit and vegetables, the incoming muscadine crop, caterpillar pests, updates on insecticide trials, and research at the Coastal Research and Education Center.

Tune in this week to hear agents discuss the summer season wrapping up, hot weather and spotty rain, phytophthora observations, the incoming muscadine crop, blackberry and tomato diseases, and much more.

This week, agents give field crop updates and discuss early and late summer crops, the impacts of the hot and humid weather across the state, drip recommendations, muscadine observations, and much more.

This week, Dr. Anthony Keinath joins the podcast to discuss his field research on downy mildew in cucurbits and other plant and vegetable pathology work with Justin Ballew.

The summer season is in full swing, and agents discuss peach improvements, state-wide summer crop updates, effects of upcoming weather, trials and tests for various pests, and much more.

Be sure to visit scgrower.com to register for upcoming Field Days! Field updates discussed by agents this week include an outlook on the slower peach season, diseases seen around the upstate, effects of the cold damage from earlier this year, protecting berries from birds, shifting weather, and much more.

This week, agents from around the state discuss the summer crops starting up, more recommendations for controlling diseases in strawberries, the upcoming peach crop, and much more. We also welcome a new area Horticulture agent, Briana Naumuk, and hear about some of the research at the Charleston REC from Tom Bilbo, and potential abiotic factors causing scorching and scarring on fruit and vegetable leaves from Rob Last.

This week, agents from around the state discuss the Spring crop season, including peach production, strawberry updates and disease prevention, leafy greens, corn, blueberries, watermelon transplanting, and much more.

We cover updates from all regions of the state in this episode. Agents share how crops are currently performing and give some tips for future ones. Tune in to hear about how we are moving into the next season of growing. Strawberry growers will be especially interested in checking out some of the latest blog posts about important updates regarding a dramatic neopestalotiopsis outbreak that has greatly affected nurseries and suppliers. We cover some follow-ups to the blog post and share pointers for those who plan to grow strawberries this season. Justin shares with us the agent pick for “Question of the Week.”

This week, agents discuss the rain and freeze damage on various fruits and what they've seen in grower's fields around the state.

This week, agents discuss the quick cold weather shift and its effect on fruit and vegetable production. Matt Cutulle and Brian Ward also join to discuss weed science in the coastal region. Be sure to also check out the blog this week with detailed field reports from around the state.

This week, agents from around the state discuss the effects of February’s above-average temperatures, fungicide rotation recommendations, field samples from local growers, scouting for spider mites in strawberries, and much more.

Tune in this week to hear Sarah, Justin, Zack, and Bruce discuss chill hours for peaches, tips for the upcoming strawberry crop, and more. Dr. Tom Bilbo, Clemson Research & Extension Specialist for Vegetable & Strawberry Entomology, also joins the podcast to talk about what he's working on and seeing out in the field.

The SC Grower Exchange Podcast is back for 2023! Tune in this week to hear Sarah, Zack, Rob and Philip discuss a relatively new disease of strawberries for SC, neopestalotiopsis, as well as field conditions following a rainy week around the state. 

With Thanksgiving around the corner, collards, turnip greens, kale, and brassicas look good across the state. Agents also discuss the cooler weather, citrus growing, their green of choice for Thanksgiving, and more.

This week, agents from around the state give early November crop updates.

This week, agents discuss the cooler weather around the state, strawberry plantings, tips for low-potassium soil, robotics for weed control, and much more.

This week, agents provide field updates with regard to Hurricane Ian's impact on fall crops and discuss spray management, irrigation schedules, and more.

Fall crops are here, and agents from around the state give updates from the field. Gilbert Miller also joins to talk about his role as an Extension Vegetable Specialist at the Edisto Research and Education Center, pumpkin production in the midlands, and much more.

In our last episode, we discussed the anticipation of inclement weather from TS Debby. Today, agents join in to discuss the aftermath of the storm and share some resources for growers affected by the heavy rains many parts of the state experienced. If you were affected by the storm, there are also resources available on the SC Grower Blog. In the field this week, we are winding down many crops just in time to prepare for another season to ramp back up. Agents share their outlook on this as well as some pointers for preparing your fields for the next weather event. Join us to hear more about it!

This week, agents give field updates on the mid-August fruit and vegetable crop. Peach season has begun to wrap up, and agents discuss Fall season crops including pecans, muscadines, butterbeans, okra, and more. Be sure to register for Clemson & UGA Extension's Joint Strawberry Preplant Meeting on scgrower.com

It's the dog days of summer, and crops across the state are feeling the heat. Agents give some quick updates on the recent weather and the approaching end of the summer season. Don't forget to register for the Clemson & UGA Extension Joint Strawberry Preplant Meeting at scgrower.com.

This week, Kevin Burkett from Clemson Extension's Agribusiness Team joins to discuss the work and projects his team provides. Agents also give field crop updates regarding peach varieties, trials with grafted peppers, diseases in cucurbits, and last week's Watermelon Field Day.

Tune in this week for a quick field update from agents around the state. Summer fruit and vegetable production is in full swing, and preparation for fall crops will begin soon.