Author: Justin Ballew
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Weekly Field Update – 5/28/24

We hope everyone had a safe and happy Memorial Day Weekend. This week, we have a virtual Produce Safety Rule Training for any that needs this required training. Keep an eye on the Upcoming Events tab periodically so you don’t miss anything. Also, check out the latest episode of the SC Grower Exchange Podcast below.…
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Question of the Week – Rice Trunk

What is this piece of equipment used for? This piece of equipment is called a trunk and was historically used to manipulate the water levels in rice fields along the coast of South Carolina. The fields could be flooded or drained by adjusting the height of the doors (attached to the bottom of the three…
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Weekly Field Update – 5/20/24

This week, check out the Transitioning your Business to the Next Generation Workshop put on by Clemson’s Agribusiness Team on Thrusday, 5/23. Keep an eye on the Upcoming Events tab periodically so you don’t miss anything. Also, check out the latest episode of the SC Grower Exchange Podcast below. Don’t forget to look at our…
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Question of the Week – Stink Bugs

What has caused this gelatinous substance to ooze from a developing peach? This gelatinous substance is often called “gummosis” and can be caused by a number of things, such as disease, mechanical damage, cold damage, or insect damage. In this case, the most likely cause is stink bug feeding damage. When stink bugs feed on…
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Weekly Field Update – 5/13/24

Cucurbit downy mildew was found in the state this past week on cucumbers in Charleston. All commercial cucurbit growers need to be on the look out and start preventative fungicide applications, if not already started. See details below. Keep an eye on the Upcoming Events tab periodically so you don’t miss anything. Also, check out…
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Question of the Week – Killdeer

Which common bird made it’s nest underneath this cucumber plant? These eggs were laid by a killdeer (Charadrius vociferus)who gets its name from their characteristic “kill-dee kill-dee” call heard as they fly over grassy fields. They should be a welcomed guest on farms since they eat mostly insects including beetles, caterpillars, and grasshoppers. Since their…
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Weekly Field Update – 5/6/24

Our Spring meeting season is winding down, but keep an eye on the Upcoming Events tab periodically so you don’t miss anything. Also, check out the latest episode of the SC Grower Exchange Podcast below. Don’t forget to look at our Resources tab for links to crop handbooks, helpful websites, and related blogs. Be sure…
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Clemson Farm Excel Account Book

Clemson Extension’s Agribusiness Team recently released a new tool for growers. The Clemson Farm Excel Account Book is a free tool that producers may use to track their revenues, expenses, and cash flow. Input farm transactions as you progress throughout the year. Coordinating with the farm bank account is an effective way to use the…
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Question of the Week – Periodical Cicada

What is this red-eyed creature found crawling up a pine tree? This is a periodical cicada nymph that has just crawled out of the soil after 13 years of feeding and developing underground, and is now looking for a place to molt. Parts of South Carolina, including the Upstate and parts of the Midlands, are…
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Weekly Field Update – 4/29/24

Our Spring meeting season is winding down, but keep an eye on the Upcoming Events tab periodically so you don’t miss anything. Also, check out the latest episode of the SC Grower Exchange Podcast below. Don’t forget to look at our Resources tab for links to crop handbooks, helpful websites, and related blogs. Be sure…