Author: Justin Ballew
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Field Update – 3/16/20
COVID-19 has become a concern for fruit and vegetable growers, especially those expecting to open U-Pick operations in the coming weeks. It is unknown at this time how the virus, quarantines, and closures will affect produce sales. Updates will be shared on the SC Grower each week in regards to this issue. In the meantime,…
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COVID-19 Protective Measures for U-Pick Farms
From Clemson Food Safety Agent, Chad Carter. Chad has also distributed these plans (Handwashing_station_instructions-1) for constructing handwashing stations for field workers and U-pick customers. As COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) is being monitored across the State of South Carolina, growers have questions as to whether to continue operations, especially at U-Pick farms. The Food and Agriculture Organization…
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Field Update – 3/9/20
Coastal Zack Snipes reports, “Finally we have a break from the rain! I lost count of how many inches of rain we had. In fields with clean ditches and water furrows, water drained off pretty quickly, however, some fields suffered from all the rain. If your fields are wet, try to stay out of them…
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Input Needed for Produce Marketing Research
From Clemson Extension Vegetable Specialist Dr. Brian Ward: Do you hate when you have to fill an order with specific beet size requirements? Is it a lifesaver when a customer picks up produce from your farm? Researchers at Cornell University want your help in answering these questions and others relating to how you make marketing…
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Field Update – 3/2/20
Coastal Zack Snipes reports, “The horticulture team got the opportunity to tour some really nice greenhouse/transplant providers last week. One point I’d like to bring up is transplant quality. Yes, quality transplants cost more upfront but healthy, quick-growing plants will help you recoup your investment. I see lots and lots of subpar transplants going into…
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Field Update 2/24/20
Coastal Zack Snipes reports, “As probably guessed the topic of the day is the 2 nights of sub 32F temperatures. Most folks were able to cover their strawberries and hopefully, the row covers did their jobs. I know in some places temperatures lower than 25F were seen. The blueberry crop took the biggest blow. Many…
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Field Update – 2/17/20
Statewide Dr. Matt Cutulle reports, “Love is in the air, and your crabgrass (Digitaria spp.) PRE herbicides should be on the ground if you are in the Low Country. When soil temperatures reach 55 F for 2 to 3 days, which will usually occur before March 1st in the Low Country, March 15th in the…
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Field Update – 2/10/20
Midlands Justin Ballew reports, “We had warm weather the first part of last week. Heavy rain came through Wednesday evening and again Thursday afternoon. Strawberries are continuing to push out lots of new blooms a little earlier than we would like and lots of folks are wanting to start saving them. According to the forecast,…
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Field Update – 2/3/20
Coastal Zack Snipes reports, “Thanks to everyone that made it out to the Preplant Meeting in Charleston last week. We had standing room only for the program. We received a good number of questions on the single-use plastic ban in Charleston County. I have attached a picture that should explain most things. To recap: strawberry…
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Field Update – 1/27/20
Coastal Zack Snipes reports, “As the weather dipped last week I had lots of calls about covering strawberries. Some growers thought they had enough plant and blooms that they should cover while others left them exposed to the cold. On most farms, the frost damage was very minimal with only blooms facing upwards having damage. …
The South Carolina Grower 