The SC Grower Exchange Podcast

Rain, hail, heat…must mean summer is on the way. Warm temperatures bring all sorts of weather conditions to the field, and the agents are discussing some of the issues that have come from them. Excessive moisture has put an end to some strawberry production, while others are seeing a second flush in their season. Join the discussion on what the determining factors are in moving forward or moving on. Andy and Zack join us “live from the field”, Phillip, Sarah and Justin share updates from around the midlands, and we hear about our May “Grower Spotlight”. Listen to the end to catch Zack's dad joke.

On this episode, Anna Sara interviews the newly retired Dr. Gilbert Miller. You may recognize him from a previous podcast, drip irrigation workshop or most notably, his work with watermelon research. Join us to learn about Dr. Miller's career with Clemson as an agent and researcher spanning 45 years of service. Anna Sara chats with ‘Gilbert' about his early career and the path that led him to this profession. Learn more about his research and career accomplishments, as well as his personal background and retirement plans. Thank you, Dr. Miller, for your years of service and congratulations on your retirement. We know your contributions to agents and growers are not ending, and we'll keep an eye out for that festive watermelon shirt out in the field!

Agents from all regions of the state share a report from the field this week. We've said it before, but this time we mean it…Things are getting busy! Peaches are coming to harvest, strawberries are plentiful, and vegetables are ready…With the busy season comes plenty of opportunity for pest issues. Agents bring up issues that growers should be scouting for, and discuss the crazy weather some areas got last week. Sarah and Justin cover the question of the week, and Zack gets us ready for the week with a dad joke. Tune in!

On this episode, we have reports coming from all 4 regions of the state. Strawberries and warm weather are definitely the trend this week. Weather across the state has also been quite windy and dry, causing some sand blasting in crops. We discuss some of that damage and what it might look like in the field, as well as other issues to look out for as the weather warms up. Christiana shares with us about Atkinson Farms, our grower highlight for the month. And…let's not forget about the return of the dad joke with Zack! Tune in for crop updates and more.

You'd be hard pressed to find a roadside produce stand that doesn't have a few buckets of strawberries for sale (unless they've sold out for the day) around the state. Juicy red fruit has been hitting the market, and reports from across the state indicate good yield so far. Andy makes us aware of a new bacterial issue showing up in the upstate and some symptoms to look for. Peaches and blueberries are moving along, and it looks like it is going to be another heavy yielding year for both crops. Andy and Sarah hit on some points on plum curculio. Phillip gives us an outlook from his side of the midlands “near the lake,” and Zack shares a coastal update. We get a brief update out of Sandhills from Justin as well as a “question of the week,” a submission from Zack about the native Pawpaw. Zack shares some facts about this interesting fruit tree with some help from Phillip, who compares the taste to that of a pina colada. Tell us, have you tasted this funky fruit? What are your thoughts? Oh, we can't forget about the return of the “dad joke.” Thanks to Zack for keeping us chuckling (or rolling our eyes).

In this episode, we dive into Spring! Along with warm weather and pollen come strawberries, which is the beginning of a very busy season. While we have seen some pretty warm temperatures around the state, night temperatures have dropped several times, causing growers to choose whether to use row covers in their strawberry fields or not. Agents discuss the strawberry crop and share some things to consider if using those covers on these cooler nights. Peaches are moving along across the state as well. Blooms are giving way to leaves, and things are getting busy in the orchards as well. Tune in to hear a report from your region of the state and to hear from Andy and Justin about our March Grower Spotlight. We've also decided on the addition of a new segment… "Mediocre Mom Jokes" brought to you by Sarah. Join us!

In this month's deep dive, Zack chats with Clemson's strawberry and vegetable entomologist, Dr. Tom Bilbo. They go into great detail on how to manage the twospotted spider mite using IPM and how Dr. Bilbo's research is unique to South Carolina.  

Agents from all regions of the state share crop reports from the field today. It seems we are all gearing up for strawberry season. Some takeaways that were highlighted include when to cover and what pests to keep an eye out on. Blueberries and peaches are moving right along as well. It won't be long before folks will be baking pies and cobblers! Justin shares with us a brief update on some trial work and chats with Anna Sara about her question of the week photo. Tune in to learn about an interesting arachnid you probably have living in your own yard! And we can't forget the joke…Sarah fills in with a “mom joke” of the week.

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.

The weather is cooling down a bit, and things are drying out (except for the areas affected by a somewhat surprising tropical storm). Andy, Christiana, Rob, and Sarah share updates from the fields. We are switching gears from summer to fall crops and keeping an eye out for pest and disease issues that could pop up. Growers from all over the state are preparing for strawberry season as well. Justin joins in to share the “Question of the Week” pick. Tune in to find out what's happening in the fields and learn a little more about Justin's slithery friend.

We cover updates from all regions of the state in this episode. Agents share how crops are currently performing and give some tips for future ones. Tune in to hear about how we are moving into the next season of growing. Strawberry growers will be especially interested in checking out some of the latest blog posts about important updates regarding a dramatic neopestalotiopsis outbreak that has greatly affected nurseries and suppliers. We cover some follow-ups to the blog post and share pointers for those who plan to grow strawberries this season. Justin shares with us the agent pick for “Question of the Week.”

In our last episode, we discussed the anticipation of inclement weather from TS Debby. Today, agents join in to discuss the aftermath of the storm and share some resources for growers affected by the heavy rains many parts of the state experienced. If you were affected by the storm, there are also resources available on the SC Grower Blog. In the field this week, we are winding down many crops just in time to prepare for another season to ramp back up. Agents share their outlook on this as well as some pointers for preparing your fields for the next weather event. Join us to hear more about it!

On this month's deep dive, Extension agent Zack Snipes chats with Dr. Matt Cutulle about weed management in South Carolina. They discuss how cutting edge science and the modernization of agriculture is attracting non-typical students to the agriculture field. Dr. Cutulle gives some insight into how to change our mindset when managing problem weeds.

As South Carolina prepares for the arrival of potentially heavy rains from “Debby,” agents provide some good reminders for growers in the wake of the storm. It looks as if many areas will be affected by the storm, and we will have updates on the aftermath in the next episode. For now, we have reports from all regions of the state as far as crops and the issues we are seeing in the field right now. Justin shares an update on our goldenberry venture and chats with other agents about what we saw growing this plant as a trial this season. Find out what our question of the week pick is as Justin and Zack discuss an interesting crop being grown in some parts of the state.

Agents from all regions of the state report on weather and field conditions. It seems we are finally starting to get some good rain across the state, and with that comes disease pressure. During the dog days of summer, we really must be vigilant in scouting for issues in our crops. Christiana and Zack remind growers that strawberry season is near, and it is a great time to consult with your local extension agent as to what varieties will work best for your operation, as well as form a backup plan in case nurseries are short on plants. Justin shares with us the question of the week, which is a photo submitted by Anna Sara of a strange-looking critter on a zinnia. Also, tune in to meet our newest agent or, rather, a new persona taken on by one of our current agents!

This month, Justin Ballew meets with Research & Extension Specialist Tom Bilbo (Vegetable & Strawberry Entomology) to discuss managing diamondback moth in brassica crops with mating disruption.

This week, agents discuss weather, pest and disease reports from the Pee Dee, Midlands, Coastal and Upstate regions of the state. It seems we have all gotten a good bit of rain following a very dry spell. With moisture brings new disease issues and an urgency to scout and keep a close eye on summer crops. Join us to hear about the insects that we are finding and how to best handle them, as well as get an outlook on the crops coming to harvest soon. Along with our updates from the field, Justin shares with us the “Question of the Week,” which comes to us from a field in the Pee Dee area. Remember, the Watermelon Field Day is this week at Edisto REC. It's our favorite of the year!

A common theme for today's episode is the HEAT and lack of rain. Agents from around the state report little to no precipitation and very warm temperatures, which shouldn't come as a surprise to any South Carolinians. While dry weather keeps some issues at bay, it does bring on others. Reports from the coast, midlands and upstate are shared, and we discuss some commonalities in issues we are seeing in vegetables and some fruit crops. Justin shares the “Question of the Week” from a photo submitted by Zack.

In this week's episode, agents from the Midlands and PeeDee area give updates from the field. It seems across the board we could use some rain and relief from the heat… It's not even officially Summer yet?! Agents encourage growers to scout fields closely as insect pressure is high, and there are plenty of them out in the fields. Disease pressure will likely rise a bit if temperatures stay hot and humid. Justin shares with us a “Question of the Week” pic sent in by Rob. Tune in to find out about his interesting find on a pecan leaf.

In this deep dive episode, Commercial Horticulture Agent Rob Last talks with Professor of Plant Pathology Research and Extension Vegetable Pathologist Dr. Anthony Keinath and discusses recent observations and tips for dealing with fusarium wilt in watermelons.

In this episode, Zack, Anna Sara, Andy, Sarah and Justin share an update on what's happening in the fields across the state. We are entering into the peak season for many fruits and vegetables, and with that comes plenty of pest and disease issues to talk about. The group discusses potential virus issues on squash plants, fertility concerns, crops coming to harvest and cover a pest that has been causing some big issues in peaches. Justin shares with us the answer for our “Question of the Week” from last week. Tune in to learn more about the issues we are seeing in the fields as well as what the latest Q W photo is.

In this episode of SC Grower Exchange, Clemson Extension agent Zack Snipes interviews Clemson's new post-harvest handling specialist, Dr. Karin Albornoz.  They discuss easy ways to improve post-harvest handling of produce, for any size farm or garden and what that can mean for the environment and your bottom line. Dr. Albornoz also casts her vision for her research path and how she, along with growers, can reduce food loss and optimize profitability for decades to come.

Tune in as Zack, Andy, Brittney, Philip, and Sarah share crop updates from around the state. Zack shares with us that cucurbit downy mildew has been found and confirmed in the coastal region of the state. If you suspect you have downy mildew, please reach out to your extension agent so we can get confirmation and report any outbreaks. The peach crop is heavy this year, and harvest has begun. Strawberries are still being harvested, but production has slowed as pest and disease pressure rises. Vegetable crops are looking good with just a few issues so far. Justin discusses our pick for “Question of the Week,” which was the periodical cicada.

Brittany, Ann Sara, Rob, Philip and Sarah share agent field updates. Overall, crops are looking good, but we cover a few pests that are starting to emerge that growers will want to keep an eye out for. The group mentions the importance of using selective insecticides when beneficial or predatory insects are present, as well as being mindful of proper pest ID to determine whether treatment is necessary. Justin shares an update on diamondback moth, pecan and citrus trials and shares with us the question of the week pick, which was hoverfly larvae.

In addition to today's field update, tune into this month's deep dive as Clemson Extension Agent Zack Snipes interviews Dr. Gilbert Miller, a Clemson researcher at Edisto Research and Education Center. Dr. Miller will give insight on how to irrigate crops properly, how soil type impacts irrigation frequency and duration, and how to properly fertigate fields.

As temperatures warm up, we are seeing an increase in disease and insect pressure. Agents from the Midlands, Coastal and Upstate Regions share what's happening in the fields this week. Wet weather has led to an increase in gray mold throughout some strawberry fields, and we have seen an uptick in spider mite populations. Peaches are loaded and gearing up for a busy season. The coastal region is moving right along with crops including tomatoes that are already being strung. Justin gives us an update on trials and introduces the question of the week which was a submission from Rob.

It's a full house today on the SC Grower Exchange. Our agents give reports from all regions of the state. Strawberries are looking good, but we continue to see mite infestations. As new crops are going in, don't forget to check them for mites as well. Vegetable transplants are in the ground, so now is the time to scout those fields and keep a close eye on any issues that may pop up. It looks like we will have a good peach year if we can escape a cold snap in the next two weeks. The crop is heavy, so thinning will be necessary. Also, agents are seeing diamondback moths around the state, so caterpillar trials will be underway soon. Justin and Sarah discuss the pick for “Question of the Week” which was the shothole borer.

This week we introduce our newest fruit and vegetable agent, Anna Sara Hill, who covers Allendale, Hampton, Barnwell and Bamberg Counties. Agents give updates on the strawberry crop as well as peaches and greens. A frost/freeze warning is in effect for tonight for the midlands and upstate. Lacy Barnette gives a climate smart update.

This week, Justin Ballew takes a deep dive with Extension Vegetable Pathologist Dr. Anthony Keinath on Sclerotinia White Mold, its effect on different crops across South Carolina, and much more.

Many agents join this week's podcast to share observations and recommendations on topics like the incoming strawberry bloom, blueberries and peaches, leafy greens transplants, and much more. This episode also features an introduction from Commercial Horticulture Agent, Brittney King, questions and answers on wildflowers, and more dad jokes from Zack. Be sure to also visit scgrower.com to view upcoming meetings, events, and additional field updates.

Agents and specialists this week discuss fertilizer tips for the upcoming strawberry crop, liquid fertilizer crystallization, and recent peach updates. We also get some answers from the past week's blog Q&A from Tom Bilbo and Justin Ballew on blueberry pruning and fava beans.

Rob Last is joined by Jhessye Moore-Thomas and Lacy Barnette, who work for Clemson Extension on the Climate-Smart Grant Project. Listen to this new interview series to learn more about the work they do to support leafy greens farmers, the role of Climate-Smart in South Carolina, and much more. To learn more about the Climate-Smart project, visit climatesmartsc.org.

The SC Grower Exchange Podcast is back for 2024, and agents this week dive into a variety of topics, including the current spring plantings across the state and strawberry, peach, blueberry, and brassica field updates. Tune in for fertigation and plant hygiene tips, updates on the citrus cold tolerance trials at Sandhills REC, and much more.

Tune in this week as we wrap up the year and discuss the impacts of colder weather, crop preparations, some holiday traditions, and more.

Tune in this week for updates on Thanksgiving crops across the state. Agents also discuss the drier weather, timely spray recommendations for pests, prepping for peaches and blackberries, research trials at Sandhills REC, their green of choice for Thanksgiving, and more.

Be sure to visit scgrower.com to check out our upcoming fall events. This week, agents give field updates regarding the cooler, drier weather, pests seen out in the field, testing at the Sandhills REC, and much more.

Join us this week as agents discuss fall crop updates, the impacts of recent warm weather, and some Halloween plans.

This week, agents discuss the Fall crop transition around the state, pest identification, the current muscadine crop, herbicide updates, and much more.

Tune in this week the hear agents discuss various nutrient deficiencies seen in fruit and vegetables, the incoming muscadine crop, caterpillar pests, updates on insecticide trials, and research at the Coastal Research and Education Center.

Tune in this week to hear agents discuss the summer season wrapping up, hot weather and spotty rain, phytophthora observations, the incoming muscadine crop, blackberry and tomato diseases, and much more.

This week, agents give field crop updates and discuss early and late summer crops, the impacts of the hot and humid weather across the state, drip recommendations, muscadine observations, and much more.

This week, Dr. Anthony Keinath joins the podcast to discuss his field research on downy mildew in cucurbits and other plant and vegetable pathology work with Justin Ballew.