Guidelines For U-Pick Farms During the COVID-19 Outbreak
Image
Reply
Category Archives: General
Is Your Business Having Cash Flow Problems due to COVID-19?
From Clemson Agribusiness Associate Steve Richards.
The CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) Act has been in the news recently. You may have heard stories about emergency loans, cash for individuals, and cash for small businesses. While the details are still being hammered out in Washington, these are some steps you can take right now if your business needs cash*.
- Talk to Your Current Lender
Reach out to someone who is familiar with your operation – your current lender. Many lenders have options available for loan payment deferments, credit limit increases, and possible interest rate reductions. Your lender is invested in your business and wants to help you succeed.
- Apply for a Federal Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Relief Loan
Regulations on this loan option are still being written and loans take several weeks to process. If you think you need this assistance, apply now. If you do not like the terms of the assistance, you can always refuse to take it. To apply for SBA financing, apply online at https://disasterloan.sba.gove/ela/.
The general details of SBA Disaster relief loans:
- Loan limits: $2,000,000 with collateral; $25,000 without collateral
- Loan terms: Interest rates of 3.75% fixed and amortization of up to 30 years
- Recent start-up businesses are eligible, but you must provide profit and loss projections
- Loans are contingent on a credit check, verification of eligibility, an insurance review, and an estimation of losses.
- Contemplate the Impact of Additional Debt
Some of these SBA loan packages may include a debt forgiveness option. However, you must consider the impact of additional debt on your operation and how that affects your future if this debt is not forgiven. The Clemson Agribusiness Team is available to help if you need additional agribusiness related resources or assistance: https://www.clemson.edu/extension/agribusiness/
*As always, make these decisions with the assistance of your professional advisors: your accountant, your tax advisor, your attorney, and your management team.
Steve Richards is an Extension Associate with Clemson’s Agribusiness Team who specializes in Management, Finance, and Specialty Crop Marketing. You can contact Steve at Stricha@clemson.edu
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 (FAO) of the UN reports that “While COVID-19 is not known to be a foodborne illness, usual good practice as regards handling of animals and good food hygiene throughout the food chain are essential for public health and will aid in the prevention and control of infectious diseases.” It is important that growers enforce good personal hygiene policies on farm which include frequent and proper handwashing, not working on or visiting farms when ill, and covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends these basic protective measures.
- Wash your hands frequently
Regularly and thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water or clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub.
Why? Washing your hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand rub kills viruses that may be on your hands. It is important to pay close attention to thoroughly cleaning the entire surface of your hands and paying attention to areas between the fingers, knuckles and the back of your hands.
- Maintain social distancing
Maintain at least 1 meter (3 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
Why? When someone coughs or sneezes they spray small liquid droplets from their nose or mouth which may contain virus. If you are too close, you can breathe in the droplets, including the COVID-19 virus if the person coughing has the disease. Remember, that the virus must enter your body through some mechanism for you to become contaminated – that includes being near someone else who is sick or touching your face with contaminated hands.
- Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth
Why? Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. From there, the virus can enter your body and can make you sick.
- Practice respiratory hygiene
Make sure you, and the people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene. This means covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately.
Why? Droplets spread virus. By following good respiratory hygiene, you protect the people around you from viruses such as cold, flu and COVID-19.
- If you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical care early
Stay home if you feel unwell. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention and call in advance. Follow the directions of your local health authority.
Why? National and local authorities will have the most up to date information on the situation in your area. Calling in advance will allow your health care provider to quickly direct you to the right health facility. This will also protect you and help prevent the spread of viruses and other infections.
Stay informed and follow advice given by your healthcare provider
Stay informed on the latest developments about COVID-19. Follow advice given by your healthcare provider, your national and local public health authority or your employer on how to protect yourself and others from COVID-19.
Why? National and local authorities will have the most up to date information on whether COVID-19 is spreading in your area. They are best placed to advise on what people in your area should be doing to protect themselves.
For Additional Information:
WHO: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public
FAO: http://www.fao.org/2019-ncov/en/
SCDHEC: https://www.scdhec.gov/health/infectious-diseases/viruses/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19
EFSA: https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/news/coronavirus-no-evidence-food-source-or-transmission-route
Cornell Ag Workforce Development: https://agworkforce.cals.cornell.edu/2020/03/12/novel-coronavirus-prevention-control-for-farms/?fbclid=IwAR33L94TtqPQYynR0nHh7VliLGawWaeRCcM_APvei8c2ExtIYEZZWBWjg38
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 decisions on your farm! Earn a $20 Amazon gift card for taking this 20 minute survey and make your voice known on what factors influence you to sell or not sell to a wholesaler. Click to take the survey: http://bit.ly/wholesale-survey.
Private Pesticide License Block Ends 12/31/19
As of today (11/1/19), there are only two months remaining in the current private pesticide license block. The block ends on 12/31/19. This means private applicators have until the end of December to earn the 5 pesticide credits (CEUs) needed to renew their licenses.
To check the number of credits you have, visit the Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) website, type in your last name and hit “Run Applicator Report”. Again, if you still need credits, the deadline to get them is 12/31.
To find opportunities to earn credits, click on the “Upcoming Events” tab on this website or contact your local Clemson Extension office.
Once you have earned the 5 required credits, don’t forget to fill out and return your renewal paperwork to DPR. If you have 5 credits and do not receive renewal paperwork from DPR in the mail by the end of the year, please reach out to them. Their contact info can be found here.
SC Farmers Can Help Report Drought Conditions
No one keeps a closer eye on the weather and understands the impacts of drought more than farmers. Therefore, the US Drought Monitor is seeking help from farmers in reporting drought conditions. See the handout below and access the mobile friendly survey sight here. View the PDF with working links here: USDM DroughtImpactReporter SC flyer
Charleston Grower Sidi Limehouse Named 2019 Swisher Sweets SC Farmer of the Year
Charleston produce grower Sidi Limehouse will represent South Carolina in the Swisher Sweets Farmer of the Year award program at the Sunbelt Ag Expo in Moutlrie, GA in October. Sidi grows and sells a variety of produce as well as cut flowers and a number of value added products. He is active in land conservation groups and is a believer in using land conservation practices on his own farm. He has also spent time apprenticing young and beginning farmers in the low country.
2019 Swisher Sweets/Sunbelt Expo South Carolina Farmer of the Year Sidi Limehouse and Clemson Cooperative Extension Service horticulture agent Zack Snipes talk about growing vegetables on Johns Island.
Image Credit: Clemson Public Service and Agriculture
Clemson’s media team wrote a great piece about Sidi to commemorate his being named the 2018 SC Farmer of the Year that you can read here.
Sidi takes the reigns from Ridge Spring cattle producer, Kevin Yon, who was named the 2018 Swisher Sweets SC Farmer of the Year. Kevin went on to be named the Overall 2018 Farmer of the Year.
