AgNet DEMO

Category: South Carolina

  • Actuality: One Reason not to Plant Unsolicited Seeds from Unknown Sources

    United States Department of Agriculture

    Jacob Barney, invasive plant expert at Virginia Tech University, giving one of several reasons why we should not plant seeds that show up at our door unsolicited from unknown sources.

  • Southeastern Farmer of Year Winner to be Named at ’21 Sunbelt Ag Expo

    Contact: Becca Turner
    (229) 985-1968 x2228

    Due to the cancellation of the 2020 Sunbelt Ag Expo show, plans for the selection of the 2020 Swisher Sweets/Sunbelt Ag Expo Southeastern Farmer of the Year Winner have been amended. Originally, this year’s judging tour was planned for August 10-14. Due to current health concerns, the tour has been postponed indefinitely. 2020 State Winners will be recognized, and an overall winner will be announced at the 2021 Sunbelt Ag Expo. A new class of state winners will not be selected in 2021.

    “We have considered virtual options for the judging tour and the awards ceremony, but the Farmer of the Year program is not a virtual event. The program is about so much more – the interaction amongst our 10 state winners, and the 265 winners that have been awarded over the last 30 years cannot be replaced. To have a Farmer of the Year class not be able to experience the in-person judging tour, the trip to South Georgia and the Sunbelt Ag Expo is not an option in our book,” said Chip Blalock, Sunbelt Ag Expo Executive Director.

    The Sunbelt Ag Expo looks forward to welcoming visitors and the 2020 Farmer of the year class in 2021 as it showcases the latest in farming technology, October 19-21. Visit www.sunbeltexpo.com for more information.

  • CFAP Deadline is Aug. 28

    Farmers impacted by COVID-19 and hoping to take advantage of the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program have a little more than three weeks left before the Aug. 28 deadline. That is when the United States Department of Agriculture will stop accepting applications from producers.

    Runge

    Through CFAP, USDA made available $16 billion in financial assistance to producers of agricultural commodities who have suffered a 5%-or-greater price decline due to COVID-19 and face additional significant marketing costs as a result of lower demand, surplus production, and disruptions to shipping patterns and the orderly marketing of commodities.

    Max Runge, Extension specialist in agricultural economics at Auburn University, believes CFAP has been a success for growers.

    “Overall, I think it has been a success. It provided some much-needed funding and hopefully some cash flow for some producers that needed it. It wasn’t a perfect program. I know some people feel like they were left out or they didn’t get enough, or it should have been done differently. But overall, I think it was very helpful to our producers.”

    In mid-July, the USDA, amended the original crop list covered under CFAP to include additional commodities, including the addition of blueberries to Category 1.

    According to https://www.farmers.gov/cfap/specialty, eligible specialty crops in CFAP are broken down into three categories:

    1. Had crops that suffered a five percent-or-greater price decline between mid-January and mid-April as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic,
    2. Had produce shipped but subsequently spoiled due to loss of marketing channel, and
    3. Had shipments that did not leave the farm or mature crops that remained unharvested.

    Resources for farmers regarding the payments are available at www.farmers.gov/cfap.

  • Clemson Extension Agents Provide Crop Updates

    Clemson Extension agents provided updates in The South Carolina Grower this week about the status of various crops being produced throughout the state.

    Statewide

    Dr. Matt Cutulle reports, “Hurricanes or tropical storms can lead to increased seed dispersal from seeds that can be transported by wind and water. Two notorious weeds that come to mind when planning for hurricanes are Horseweed (Conyza canadenis), which due to lightweight seeds and plant architecture, can be dispersed for miles during wind storms. A troublesome weed that can be dispersed through water (overflowing irrigation ditches, river surges etc.) is curly dock (Rumex crispus) due to the bladder-like structure of the seed. If you have access to a flame weeder or maybe Gramoxone it might be a good idea to get out to any fallow fields right now and start torching weeds with seed heads prior to this incoming storm to prevent unwanted widespread dispersal of weed seed.

    Coastal

    Zack Snipes reports, “We are anxiously awaiting to see what Hurricane Isaias will do today and tonight.  Hopefully, we will be spared of heavy rains and winds. Some rain from the storm would not be a bad thing as many fields are dry.  I have been finding some leaf spots in rabbiteye blueberry, which is common for this time of year. What is unique about the leaf spots is that they have caused the variety Tifblue to shed its leaves and then attempt to grow out more leaves. The plant is weak and nutrient-starved so the new leaves are very small and red. You will see red shoot flagging symptoms on Tifblue but no other varieties. The other varieties will have the same leaf spot but they will still hold onto their leaves. Increased fungicide applications between bloom and harvest should help with management of this disease and increase yields on Tifblue and other cultivars.”

    Midlands

    Justin Ballew reports, “Some of the midlands got some heavy rain this past week, while others remain dry as a bone. Parts of Lexington had a strong storm come through Wednesday night that washed out areas in some fields and left ponds in others. We will have to replant some areas where fall crops had just been planted. The weather has cooled of slightly since. Aside from that, folks are still prepping fields and planting fall tomatoes, peppers, and brassicas. We’re still thinning pecans also. For anyone planting strawberries this fall, now is a good time to start taking soil samples.”

    Pee Dee

    Damage from powdery mildew is starting to show up on muscadines. Photo from Bruce McLean.

    Bruce McLean reports, “Most vegetable and fruit crops look surprisingly good for the amount of heat we have had recently. Sweet potatoes are growing very well. Peas, squash, zucchini, cantaloupe, watermelons, okra, and cucumbers are all looking good and harvesting good quantities. Downy mildew is still showing up on cucumbers, and powdery mildew on squash and zucchini. Sweet corn and butterbeans are wrapping up. The blueberry crop is finished. Muscadine grapes are looking very good. Wine/juice muscadines are just starting to color (maybe around 2-3%) and should be ready to begin harvest in about three weeks. Fresh market varieties should be just getting ready to harvest now on the earliest varieties. Grape root borer (GRB) activity was high this past week, with some traps capturing 50+ moths. Too late for any type of treatment for GRB. Just monitor and plan for control next year. Powdery mildew damage is starting to show up in the vineyard. No signs of fruit rot yet. Stink bug damage has been very light in vineyards with a strong spray program.”

    Tony Melton reports, “All processing peas are harvested for the spring crop, but we have some cowpea curculio because of uneven crop due to excessive rain.  Fall cowpea crop is planted or is rapidly being planted. If they found seed, farmers have already planted fall butterbean crop. Getting ready to plant fall brassica crops. Hopefully, all vegetable growers sprayed potassium phosphide on all vegetable crops before all the rain comes for root rot control.”

    Upstate

    Kerrie Roach reports, “Rain has still been spotty around the Upstate, so irrigation has been extremely important for vegetable production. Storm tracks are showing that the Isaias will bring some relief for the entire area. Early apple varieties are beginning to ripen, but sugar levels are still a little low. Blueberries are about finished for the season, and peaches are hitting mid-stride. Cover sprays on tree fruits will be necessary as soon as the rain event passes. Insect pressure is increasing on vegetable crops as we move later into the season and into early parts of fall cropping, so scouting is extremely important.

  • Senate Passes Resolution Declaring July “National Blueberry Month”

    July 31, 2020, Washington, D.C. – The U.S. Senate has passed a resolution designating July 2020 as National Blueberry Month, recognizing the contributions of the U.S. blueberry industry and acknowledging that purchasing blueberries supports farmers, jobs and the economy. The resolution echoes a proclamation from U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue in March. 

    Senate resolution (S.Res. 656) was sponsored by Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and co-sponsored by senators Patty Murray (D-WA), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), David Perdue (R-GA)  Angus King Jr. (I-ME), Susan Collins (R-ME) and Kelly Loeffler (R-GA). The resolution recognizes that highbush and wild blueberries have an annual economic impact of $4,700,000,000; a harvested area estimated at over 140,000 acres; are produced in 48 states by more than 15,000 farms and their families; and that highbush blueberry production in the U.S. has continually increased, with particular growth in the past two decades, to reach a harvest of 700,000,000 pounds in 2019. It also points to the research-based health benefits of blueberries. 

    NABC members met with lawmakers in Washington, D.C., in March.

    Last spring, members of the North American Blueberry Council (NABC) traveled to Washington, D.C., to encourage lawmakers to support blueberries by signing onto the resolution that reflects the incredible growth, value and impact the blueberry industry has on the economy and communities.

    Over 130 participants met with their senators and representatives to share NABC’s policy priorities and help raise the profile of the health benefits blueberries provide, as well as the economic impact blueberry growers have in their communities and the U.S. economy. These efforts influenced the Senate resolution passed yesterday .

    “Blueberry growers and others connected to the industry are very appreciative to have their life’s work recognized and celebrated during National Blueberry Month,” said NABC Chair Ken Patterson. “July continues to be our peak season, and this resolution helps draw attention to the important economic and health benefits of blueberries. We’re grateful to the senators who are helping us highlight our industry with this timely resolution.”

  • Clemson Extension Agents Provide Crop Updates

    Downy mildew looks a little different on zucchini and pumpkin. Photo from Zack Snipes.

    Clemson Extension agents provided updates in The South Carolina Grower this week about the status of various crops being produced throughout the state.

    Coastal

    Zack Snipes reports, “It has been a hot week in the Lowcountry. Most spring and summer crops have finished up. Ground is being prepared and planted for fall crops. I have received a few texts from growers that have yellow dots on their zucchini plants, which is downy mildew. Even in this heat downy can still be an issue. I have also had some reports of green-colored squash in fields which is an indication of a viral pathogen. The crop handbook has recommendations for cultivars that are resistant to these viruses that cause this discoloring. Fall is notoriously bad for cucurbit viruses, so plan accordingly.  I have also seen some flea beetle damage on crops as of late.”

    Midlands

    Justin Ballew reports, “It’s been hot in the midlands and we’ve gotten to the point where there isn’t much relief at night. We had some scattered rain throughout the week, but overall we’re still quite dry. Lots of land is still being prepped for fall crops. We’ve had some fall brassicas and cucurbits planted already and they’re looking good so far. Last week I got to watch a pecan grower in Lexington thin some pecan trees. Without thinning, he would have seen a massive yield this year, which would result in a significantly diminished yield next year. Pecan growers aim for nuts on just 70% of the terminal buds.”

    Pee Dee

    Tony Melton reports, “Pickles are still being harvested and planted. We still have hundreds of thousands of bushels in contract to be planted and harvested.  Peas for processing are being rapidly harvested and replanted; some seed is short.  Sweet potatoes are starting to swell and size.  Processing peppers are being harvested, but we have a shortage of labor and multi-millions of pounds left to harvest. Processing tomatoes will be finished harvesting this coming week. Spring planted fresh market butterbeans and peas are mostly harvested, but seed is short to plant the fall crop. Still have some flooded fields and drowned crop.”

    Upstate

    Kerrie Roach reports, “Spotty rain across the county again last week has led to continued issues for growers without irrigation. Fall planting for vegetables is in full force. Peaches are looking good, and apples are coming along. Most growers will be putting on a fungicide cover spray this week before significant rains are forecasted.”

    Andy Rollins reports, “Bacterial speck and bacterial spot of tomato are major problems in plum tomato varieties in the upstate right now.  They were not able to control this disease even with a vigorous spray program using mancozeb + copper on several farms. In nearby plantings of large fruit varieties, the disease is present but not a problem. Samples have been sent to researchers at Auburn University where they have confirmed the presence of copper resistant isolates from other farms. Call on your extension agent for assistance with identifying and controlling this problem.”

  • Caution Urged After Mystery Seed Mailings

    South Carolina Department of Agriculture

    COLUMBIA – State agriculture officials are warning South Carolinians to be wary of unsolicited packages of seeds mailed to them.

    The South Carolina Department of Agriculture and Clemson University’s Regulatory Services division are working together to investigate after residents reported receiving packages they did not order.

    Similar reports have been made to agriculture officials across the country. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is collecting reports and coordinating a national investigation.

    If you receive an unsolicited package containing seeds:

    • Do not open the seed packets or handle the seeds.
    • Do not plant unidentified seeds. They may be invasive species that could displace or destroy native plants and insects.
    • Retain the seeds and packaging and put them in a zip-top bag.
    • Contact the USDA APHIS Smuggling Interdiction and Trade Compliance (SITC) program.
    Derek Underwood

    APHIS SITC may be reached at its website, by phone at 800-877-3835 or by email at SITC.Mail@aphis.usda.gov. We anticipate more guidance from USDA on this subject soon.

    “Whatever the reason for these mailings, it’s important to use caution when it comes to unidentified seeds,” said South Carolina Department of Agriculture Assistant Commissioner Derek Underwood, who oversees the agency’s Consumer Protection Division. 

    “If these seeds should bear invasive species, they may be a threat to our environment and agriculture,” said Steve Cole, director of Clemson’s Regulatory Services unit. “We don’t want unknown species planted or thrown out where they may wind up sprouting in a landfill.”

    Answers to further questions may obtained from the South Carolina Department of Agriculture’s Seed Lab at 803-737-9717 or seedlab@scda.sc.gov, Clemson University’s Department of Plant Industry (invasives@clemson.edu😉 or a local Clemson Extension Office.

  • Sneak Peek: August 2020 VSCNews Magazine

    By Ashley Robinson

    The August issue of VSCNews magazine equips growers with the latest information and strategies to develop a sound fumigation system.

    With the loss of methyl bromide, many growers have struggled to maintain consistent soilborne pathogen and pest control with fumigants that are currently available. Gary Vallad, Johan Desaeger, Joe Noling and Nathan Boyd of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) discuss supplemental fumigation strategies for tomato production.

    In 2018, a comprehensive survey identified root-knot nematodes as the top nematode pest among Georgia vegetable crops. Abolfazl Hajihassani, an assistant professor and Extension specialist and Chinaza Nnamdi, a plant pathology graduate student, both at the University of Georgia (UGA) in Tifton, share proper management practices to successfully control these pests.

    Anthracnose fruit rot disease is one of the most significant disease problems of commercial strawberry production in the Southeast. To control the disease, growers have typically relied on preventive fungicide applications, the most commonly used fungicide being quinone outside inhibitors (QoIs). However, growers have recently noticed a resistance to QoIs. Phil Brannen, Emran Ali, Jeff Cook, Sumyya Waliullah and Owen Hudson, all at UGA, present new recommendations and strategies for growers struggling with fungicide resistance.

    Desaeger, an assistant professor for UF/IFAS is back for another article in this month’s issue. This time, discussing Florida’s up and coming hemp crop. With an increased interest in hemp, researchers are investigating how nematodes may affect this new Florida crop.

    Additionally, Jenelle Patterson, a plant molecular biologist, shares how bioengineered sentinel plants could help protect future crops.

    Finally, it’s Expo time! Even though coronavirus has prevented growers from gathering in person for the Vegetable and Specialty Crop Expo, the virtual event will continue to provide growers with the great education they need. On Aug. 19–20, the seminar program will go online at VSCExpo.com, and growers can tune in and watch the seminar presentations from the comfort of their own home. Those who watch the seminars when they debut online will be eligible to win door prizes, including four $200 Bass Pro gift cards.

    There is no charge to attend the virtual Expo, but registration is required to view the seminar videos. Keep up to date on all the latest event information and register to attend at VSCExpo.com.

    If you would like to receive future issues of VSCNews magazine, click here.

  • USDA Announces Third Round of Farmers to Families Food Box Program Purchases

    (Washington, D.C., July 24, 2020) – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced on Friday the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will launch a third round of Farmers to Families Food Box Program purchases with distributions to occur beginning by September 1 with completion by October 31, 2020. The purchases will spend the balance of $3 billion authorized for the program. So far, over 46 million Farmers to Families Food Boxes have been invoiced and delivered.

    Secretary Perdue

    “This third round of Farmers to Families Food Box Program purchases is a testament to the great work done by vendors in support of American agriculture and the American people. It is also a testament that the program is accomplishing what we intended – supporting U.S. farmers and distributors and getting food to those who need it most. It’s a real trifecta, which is why we call it a win-win-win,” said Secretary Perdue. “The efforts of everyone involved form the backbone of the Farmers to Families Food Box Program and its goal to help fill the hunger gap in all of our communities.”

    “The Farmers to Families Food Box Program has created a tangible link between hungry families and struggling farmers impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Advisor to the President, Ivanka Trump. “Through this third round of Farmers to Families Food Box purchases announced today, the Trump Administration continues its steadfast commitment to supporting our farmers, bolstering our workforce and feeding families most in need during this critical time.” 

    Background:

    In this third round of purchases, USDA plans to purchase combination boxes to ensure all recipient organizations have access to fresh produce, dairy products, fluid milk, and meat products.

    Eligibility in the third round will be open to entities who can meet the government’s requirements and specifications. Proposals will be expected to illustrate how coverage will be provided to areas identified as opportunity zones, detail subcontracting agreements, and address the “last mile” delivery of product into the hands of the food insecure population.

    A notice explaining the solicitation process will be issued in the days to come with a webinar and other educational opportunities provided for those interested in participating. 

    In the ongoing second round of purchasing and distribution, which began July 1 and will conclude Aug. 31, 2020, USDA aims to purchase up to $1.47 billion of food for the program. For the second round, USDA extended contracts of select vendors from the first round of the program worth up to $1.27 billion. Some contracts were not extended at the vendors’ request or reduced based on information provided by the contractor. Additionally, in the second round, USDA approved up to $202 million in new contracts, via a new acquisition activity, with select vendors whose offers were not previously accepted due to various issues in their proposals. These distributors were selected to increase the focus on Opportunity Zones in order to direct food to reach under-served areas, places where either no boxes have yet been delivered, or where boxes are being delivered but where there is additional need.

    The first round of purchases totaling more than $947 million occurred from May 15 through June 30, 2020.

    More information about the third round of food box purchasing will be made available on the Farmers to Families Food Box Program website at www.usda.gov/farmers-to-families. Please monitor the website or subscribe for updates.

  • Farmer Feedback Essential for Adequate Analysis

    Feedback during the Notice of Funding Availability comment period for the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program yielded positive results for certain commodities added in coverage by the United States Department of Agriculture.

    It also pointed to the importance of farmers and industry leaders responding to surveys and requests for information. In this case, it allowed the USDA to make appropriate decisions regarding the allocation of funds.

    Adam Rabinowitz

    “I think there was some good feedback listened to and I think that open communication is important. I think it also stresses the need for producers to respond to requests for information where there’s these surveys or the USDA is collecting data. Because without that data, we can’t do adequate analysis that really tells their story,” said Adam Rabinowitz. He’s an Assistant Professor and Extension Economist at Auburn University.

    “From a research and Extension perspective, making sure the growers are answering these surveys that they’re providing the USDA with that data, that’s vitally important.”

    CFAP Coverage

    According to a USDA press release, commodities like blackberries, collard greens, kale greens and pineapple were added to coverage. Seven eligible commodities were provided expanded coverage under Category 1. These included apples, blueberries, garlic, potatoes, raspberries, tangerines and taro.

    “When we announced this program earlier this year, we asked for public input and received a good response. After reviewing the comments received and analyzing our USDA Market News data, we are adding new commodities, as well as making updates to the program for existing eligible commodities. This is an example of government working for the people – we asked for input and we updated the program based on the comments we received,” said Ag Secretary Sonny Perdue in the USDA press release.

    According to https://www.farmers.gov/cfap/specialty, eligible specialty crops in CFAP are broken down into three categories:

    1. Had crops that suffered a five percent-or-greater price decline between mid-January and mid-April as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic,
    2. Had produce shipped but subsequently spoiled due to loss of marketing channel, and
    3. Had shipments that did not leave the farm or mature crops that remained unharvested.

    USDA collected comments and supporting data for consideration of additional commodities through June 22, 2020.