We are emerging out of a chilly spell and into a week that looks to be warm and sunny for most areas of the state. Agents Zack, Brittney, Andy and Sarah share updates from each region of the state. The theme of this episode is definitely weather and what to expect with the condition changes in the upcoming days. Peaches, strawberries, and greens are the crops we are looking at the most this week, and things are starting to really move in the fields. Justin shares with us an update on disease issues found in a kale trial and introduces a new segment we are doing to go along with a new addition to the blog. Once a month, we will do a grower highlight on the SC Grower blog and share some more about that in the episode. Justin chats with Zack about our February grower, Sidi Limehouse, who operates Rosebank Farms located in the Lowcountry. We also can’t forget about the dad joke of the week, brought to us by the coolest dad on the fruit and vegetable team himself, Zack Snipes!

On today’s episode, we hear a field update from Zack in the coastal region and Rob and Sarah from the midlands. It seems we all have whiplash, plants included, from the above-average temperatures. Join us to hear about how crops are recovering from the cold temperatures and adjusting to this “false spring.” It may be February, but things are getting pretty busy out there! Strawberries, greens and peaches are the main topics of conversation today. Justin shares with us some information on our recent question of the week from the SC Grower Blog, and Zack wraps up this episode with a “dad joke.” Shout out to Florence! (You don’t want to miss this one)

Welcome back listeners! Join us as we catch up on wintry weather and things happening in the field. The theme of the day seems to be strawberry issues and cold-damaged crops. Agents from around the state discuss some of the disease issues coming from the strawberry fields as well as plant health. The state experienced some bitter cold back in January, and most areas are seeing signs out in the field. Brassica crops may be showing some reddening leaves and stunted growth. Join in to hear updates from all regions of the state as well as a brief climate-smart and trial update. We also discuss a highlighted question of the week from the SC Grower Blog, which is very timely based on the discussion from agents. Thanks for joining us in 2025!

In this Deep Dive episode, Sandra Branham, Assistant Professor of Vegetable Breeding and Genetics, talks about breeding vegetable crops to meet the unique needs of growers in South Carolina.

In this “Thanksgiving Week Edition” of the SC Grower Exchange, agents from the midlands and coastal region share field updates. We have a seasonal “question of the week” from Justin Ballew, and the gang shares their favorite Thanksgiving side dish and pie flavor. It seems like sweet potato sides are a crowd favorite, but there is some debate on marshmallow vs. pecan toppings.

Justin Ballew and Zack Snipes talk about citrus in South Carolina, including citrus greening, cold tolerance, and a few dad jokes.

It’s November…What holiday season are you in? Do you jump straight into Christmas cheer, or do you wait for the turkey to have his time to shine? It seems we’ve got several agents still stuck on Halloween (maybe because of the leftover candy)!

No matter what you’re celebrating, there’s no denying it’s strawberry growing season. Agents from across the state share what they are seeing in the fields. This has started as a bumpy season for strawberries so far, with disease issues emerging from the nurseries and more arising from the field after planting. We share some of the signs and symptoms of what we are seeing and make suggestions for how to move forward. Other crops that made the discussion include brassicas, which are turning out quite nicely this year.  

Tune in to hear crop reports from around the state as well as to learn a little more about the luffa gourd which was the photo/question of the week submitted by Zack Snipes.

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.

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.