On today’s episode, we are joined by Jhessye Moore-Thomas from the (formerly) Climate Smart Program. She brings us our November “Grower Spotlight” which is Saxmore Farms in Dorchester County. Hear about the Smith Family, who have been farming in the area since the 50’s. They grow many crops and use sustainable practices on their 15-acre operation. In addition to growing crops, they are pillars of their community, helping to educate other growers and even helping to establish the Dorchester Farmer’s Market as an outlet for other farmers to sell produce. 

Anna Sara then joins in to share with us a little bit of Thanksgiving history. She tells us about the history and lore of the “Three Sisters Planting”. Learn what the planting method is and a little about how different indigenous tribes tell the story of the origin. We hope you enjoy!

Join Sarah, Zack, and Andy for regional crop updates from across the state. Justin joins in to chat about this week’s “Timely Topic” which focuses on moving into cooler weather. The group discusses considerations for several crops, including strawberry, peach, and brassicas. To cover or not to cover? That is the question for strawberry growers this time of year. Tune in to hear some pros and cons on the subject. Andy shares information about delaying bloom on peaches and the optimal timing for pruning. Everyone joins in to chat a little about brassicas and how to reduce stress on yourself and the crop. Zack and Sarah tie for Justin’s trivia game, and the prize for everyone is not 1 but 3 “Dad Jokes” from Zack… We obliged, but only because they were Halloween-themed.

On this episode, Justin and Brittney bring us another Grower Spotlight. Brittney tells us about Mcleod Farms, a multi-generational operation in McBee, SC. The farm, now run by Kemp and Spencer Mcleod, has been a family run farm since 1916. Since the beginning, peaches have been a major part of their operation, and they have since expanded into many more crops and even some agritourism. Tune in to find out all the offerings Mcleod Farms brings to the PeeDee region. Justin, Sarah and Brittney also share some stories of spooky pests out in the field!

On this episode, all we do is talk about how dry it is and how many diamondback moths are in the field…kidding, kidding! Although it sometimes feels like those are the only things going on, we actually did discuss a few more things happening around the state. Agents are on board for regional updates as well as a deeper discussion on “Strawberry Season”. Andy, Justin, and Zack tell us about the in-line fumigation work they have been doing with farms across the state. Rob and I join in to discuss things to look for before and during planting to ensure a good chance of successful establishment, and issues to scout for early. A fun new segment we are adding to the show is a little game of trivia to test the agent’s knowledge. Justin quizzes us on an invasive plant for this round. I’ll let it be a surprise who the winner was, but I’ll give you a hint: He ends the show with a “Dad Joke”!

We’re doing things a little bit different around here, but hopefully that means you get even more out of this podcast! Join us as we revamp things and add some new segments that will allow us to take a deeper dive into things and maybe not repeat so much of what’s on the SC Grower Blog. One of the features that we have on both the blog and the podcast is our monthly ‘Grower Spotlight’. Each month, an agent chooses a farm or grower that they want to share about. We’ve included those here on the podcast previously, but we hope to start spending a little more time on these features. On this episode, Justin and Rob share with us about a midlands grower who Rob currently works with and has chosen to showcase, Jebali Farms. Learn a little about this operation and find out how you can enjoy a meal from an eatery in Lexington SC, featuring the hyper-local goods from Jebali! In a new segment, as we are coming up on the 1-year anniversary of Helene, which wreaked havoc on many areas of the state last season, we also discuss the ‘Timely Topic’ of hurricane season and some effects storms can take on crops, even years later.

On today’s episode, we hear from agents around the state and discuss weather woes from the field. Excessive moisture is an issue for most of the state, making field conditions less than ideal for growers prepping fields for new plantings. Justin and Briana bring us this month’s Grower Spotlight. Tune in the hear about Walker Miller and The Happy Berry. We wrap things up with a “Dad Joke” from Zack.

In this month's deep dive, Rob Lasts chats with Horticulture Team Extension Associate, Lacy Barnette. They discuss topics including the Climate Smart Grant, the use of cover crops, reduced tillage, mulching, and the benefits of these practices for South Carolina fruit and vegetable production.

Today’s show comes to you from the comfort of our air-conditioned offices because it’s getting too hot for plants AND people out there! Agents give crop updates from around the state and discuss the heat and weather conditions. Combatting the heat can be a challenge, so we share a few things to consider when the temps are way up there. Justin and Anna Sara share a grower spotlight with us featuring Phil Sandifer and Sons Farm located in Barnwell and Bamberg Counties. We wrap up with a dad joke from Zack. This one is pretty good but you’ll have to listen to the episode for the punch line, I don’t want to give it away!

For this deep dive, Justin Ballew and Kevin Burkett discuss the Farm Gate program. This annual survey collects data on specialty crop acreage and yield to help calculate the total economic value of the fruit and vegetable industry. Learn how data is collected, how the reports are utilized, and where to find them.

www.clemson.edu/extension/agribusiness/resources/farmgate

On today’s episode, Zack, Anna Sara, Andy, Rob and Sarah share a brief crop report from across the state. Hot weather is the common theme, and the heat can bring issues to growers. We discuss some pests and diseases being seen, and also chat briefly about some pesticide considerations when the temperatures are on the rise. Make sure you check out the SC Grower Blog to see some of the photos we discussed in the episode. Oh, and Zack has a “Dad Joke”… Sorry