Plant and Preserve: Hands on classes for growing, harvesting and preserving for self sufficiency

Plant and Preserve: Hands on classes for growing, harvesting and preserving for self sufficiency

Are you looking for new crop potential? We will talk about unique crops that could help create new/alternative markets – items like ginger, Carolina Gold Rice, persimmons, and more!

This workshop will bring farmers together to share resources and network while thinking outside the box. We want to introduce farmers to new potential market opportunities that can help diversify, i.e., breweries, distilleries, and value-added producers.

Speakers:

Kim Butz, CFSA Food Safety
Jim Johnson, SC SBDC Business Consultant
Brian Wheat, SC SBDC Business Consultant
Zack Snipes, Cooperative Extension Area
Horticulture Agent
John Warren, Spade and Clover Gardens
Andy Elliott, Low Tide Brewing

Cost: FREE, but registration is required. Refreshments included.
Register Now or visit carolinafarmstewards.org/events

Gilbert Miller, Clemson Extension vegetable specialist, said the field day is schedule for July 14, with registration beginning at 8 a.m at the Edisto REC, 64 Research Road, Blackville, S.C. 29817. No RSVP required. The indoor program begins at 8:15 a.m.

Topics and speakers for the indoor program include Matt Cutulle, Clemson weed scientist, who will talk about watermelon herbicides. Cutulle will lead discussions on how to use effective pre-emergent herbicides in watermelon production, as well as the consequences of herbicide carryover for subsequent crops. In addition, he also will address the basic principles of Integrated Weed Management, using tools available to control problematic weeds

Tony Keinath, Clemson plant pathologist and Extension vegetable pathologist, will address gummy stem blight fungus resistance to Tebuconazole.

Tebuconazole is the active ingredient in a fungicide used by watermelon growers to help control gummy stem blight fungus. This fungus can spread quickly in a watermelon field with disastrous results. Although in past years Tebuconazole was very effective controlling gummy stem blight, the fungus is starting to show moderate resistance to this active ingredient.

Ben Powell, Clemson Pollinator Program coordinator, will talk about contract pollination for cucurbits. Powell’s discussion will center on how to ensure a watermelon crop is pollinated and how growers can protect pollinators.

Following the indoor session, participants will go to the field to view research plots and continue discussions, as well as harvest and sample 74 different cucurbit cultivars. The field session also will include several topics of discussion, including a demonstration of the Clemson Extension statewide weather station network.

Discussions also will be held on Systemic Acquired Resistance (SAR) and Biostimulant Test with Watermelons, Anaerobic Soil Disinfestation (ASD), as well as watermelon field trials.

For more information, contact Gilbert Miller at 803-284-3343 ext 271

Do you have a whopper melon on your farm right now? Bring your biggest melon to the EREC Watermelon Field Day on Thursday to compete in the first annual big watermelon contest. The grower with the biggest watermelon weighed in will receive a cash prize from the SC Watermelon Board and bragging rights for the 2022 growing season. Weigh-in will begin at 7:45 AM and run until 8:15 AM.  The winner will be announced by the SC Watermelon Queen at the event.  Good luck!

Plant and Preserve: Hands on classes for growing, harvesting and preserving for self sufficiency

Monthly webinar focusing on South Carolina agriculture and possible disruptors (good or bad) affecting the state's producers.

All webinars will be held from 12:00 - 1:00 PM

The monthly topics and dates are listed below:

Jun 15, 2022 – Nuisance wildlife management and evaluating business ventures
Jul 20, 2022 – Carbon markets and evaluating business ventures
Aug 17, 2022 - Clemson weather project overview and evaluating business ventures
Sep 21, 2022 – Preparing for year-end tax planning
Oct 19, 2022 - TBD
Nov 16, 2022 - TBD
Dec 21, 2022 - TBD

Dial-In Information

https://clemson.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_-R8JiryeSF-YTGL_O4tVYg

Plant and Preserve: Hands on classes for growing, harvesting and preserving for self sufficiency

This training is for agriculture producers who need a Private Pesticide Applicator’s License to purchase restricted-use pesticides in production of an agricultural product.  It is also an excellent study course in preparation of taking the Core Exam for a Commercial or Non-Commercial Pesticide License.  Please note that this license is not intended for use on land that you do not own or lease to produce an agriculture commodity.  Also, a private pesticide applicator license cannot be used to apply pesticides at a business.

A non-refundable registration fee of $90.00 is required for all participants needing an initial pesticide applicator license.

Contact 

Zack Snipes 864-934-7922

zbsnipe@clemson.edu

Do you care about sustainable agriculture and food security? Do you want to learn more about how the Farm Bill impacts those important issues? If so, the North Carolina Food System Advocacy Coalition’s Summer Farm Bill Series is right for you!

Building from our Farm Storm last fall, we are holding three virtual sessions this summer to continue to share information about the Farm Bill and two marker bills: the Fresh Produce Procurement Reform Act and the Agriculture Resiliency Act. All three sessions will be the same but are designed to educate folks in your network as we look towards this fall and winter for more targeted advocacy around the Farm Bill after the elections.

Thursday, July 28th Registration: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIode6grjgpHdJ1R4rdMUYZc5dNNwFKUwrg

This training is for agriculture producers who need a Private Pesticide Applicator’s License to purchase restricted-use pesticides in production of an agricultural product.  It is also an excellent study course in preparation of taking the Core Exam for a Commercial or Non-Commercial Pesticide License.  Please note that this license is not intended for use on land that you do not own or lease to produce an agriculture commodity.  Also, a private pesticide applicator license cannot be used to apply pesticides at a business.

Three recertification credits are offered through this course.

A non-refundable registration fee of $90.00 is required for all participants needing an initial pesticide applicator license.  Registration fee for persons needing recertification credits is $30.00.   Registration deadline is 4:30 p.m. on Monday, August 1, 2022.

The class will be limited so please call 843-365-6715 to reserve your seat. Applicants will be taken on a first come – first served basis. 

Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to people of all ages, regardless of race, color, gender, religion, national origin, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital or family status, and is an equal opportunity employer.  If you need special accommodations due to a disability in order to participate in a class, please notify our office at 843-365-6715, not less than one week prior to the class.

Meet CFSA on Thursday, August 11, to talk about bed preparation and irrigation in high tunnels. We’ll tour the high tunnel at the Gullah Farmers Cooperative and learn about proper bed spacing, maximizing your tunnel square footage, and effective irrigation designs.

This will be a hands-on learning opportunity! Participants will walk away with knowledge and skills to confidently implement in their own tunnels.

Speaker:

• Gena Moore, CFSA – Organic Research Coordinator

Registration:

• Register Now
• FREE, but registration is required to attend.
• Max capacity: 20
• Registration closes on August 10.
• Don’t miss Part 2 – Fruit Production, happening September 1.

Location: Gullah Farmers Cooperative | 41 Ball Park Road, St Helena Island, SC 29920

This workshop is supported by the Gullah Farmers Cooperative, a Gullah food preparation and distribution center that promotes Gullah family small farms and Gullah cultural heritage.

Join us on August 16th to learn about the soils of Abbeville County and how to use them to produce your own vegetable garden. During this class we will discuss the various soil types that may be encountered in this region along with their pros and cons and how to modify them to promote the best growing environment for vegetable production. Also covered will be the basic planting, growing, and harvesting practices for crops with a focus on cool season vegetables.

Cost: $5

Contact: Adam Gore, 803-446-2276, awgore@clemson.edu

Register Here

Strawberry producers are invited to a pre-plant meeting where Clemson University and UGA experts will provide valuable information needed to grow successful crops.

Clemson & UGA Extension Joint Strawberry Preplant Meeting – ONLINE via Zoom – 6:30-8pm – REGISTER HERE

Monthly webinar focusing on South Carolina agriculture and possible disruptors (good or bad) affecting the state's producers.

All webinars will be held from 12:00 - 1:00 PM

The monthly topics and dates are listed below:

Jun 15, 2022 – Nuisance wildlife management and evaluating business ventures
Jul 20, 2022 – Carbon markets and evaluating business ventures
Aug 17, 2022 - Clemson weather project overview and evaluating business ventures
Sep 21, 2022 – Preparing for year-end tax planning
Oct 19, 2022 - TBD
Nov 16, 2022 - TBD
Dec 21, 2022 - TBD

Dial-In Information

https://clemson.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_-R8JiryeSF-YTGL_O4tVYg

Come see how CoolBot technology can economically and easily add cold storage to your farm. This system can transform a well-insulated room, shed, or container into cold storage using the cooling power of a standard air conditioner. This hands-on workshop will show you what it takes to make that happen from start to finish.

O. Freeman Farms packs and processes locally-grown farm produce in a food-safe facility and distributes to grocery stores, institutions, schools, and restaurants.

Speakers:

• Kim Butz, CFSA – Local Food Systems Manager
• Zack Snipes, Clemson – Cooperative Extension Area Horticulture Agent – Charleston & Beaufort Counties
• Oliver Freeman, SC State University – Regional ANR Agent Coastal Region

Registration:

• Register Now
• FREE, but registration is required to attend.
• Max capacity: 20
• Registration closes on August 17.

Location: O. Freeman Farms | 4921 River Rd (Lincrest Rd.), Johns Island SC, 29455

This workshop is supported by the Gullah Farmers Cooperative, a Gullah food preparation and distribution center that promotes Gullah family small farms and Gullah cultural heritage.

Do you care about sustainable agriculture and food security? Do you want to learn more about how the Farm Bill impacts those important issues? If so, the North Carolina Food System Advocacy Coalition’s Summer Farm Bill Series is right for you!

Building from our Farm Storm last fall, we are holding three virtual sessions this summer to continue to share information about the Farm Bill and two marker bills: the Fresh Produce Procurement Reform Act and the Agriculture Resiliency Act. All three sessions will be the same but are designed to educate folks in your network as we look towards this fall and winter for more targeted advocacy around the Farm Bill after the elections.

Thursday, August 25th Registration: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0kcu2uqT8rHtMkAj70BIkaPG7aSQ1LeGFM

Join us on August 30^th as Horticulture Agent Kerrie Roach presents  the basic care and selection of fruit trees for the Abbeville and Piedmont areas, and how to make them a productive and edible part of your landscape.

Cost: $5

Contact: Adam Gore, 803-446-2276, awgore@clemson.edu

Register Here

Location

Remote via Zoom

Contact

Brooke Horton / South Carolina Department of Agriculture, Produce Safety

Email

bhorton@scda.sc.gov

Phone

803-351-1244

Website

https://bit.ly/SCpsrRemoteAug2022

Fruit production in high tunnels is on the rise and can be a great niche product for your market. 

We’ll visit Roy Green and Simply Green Raised Garden Box on Thursday, September 1, to learn about implementing blackberry production in high tunnel and outdoor field space. Come tour his farm and ask questions about this innovative production system!

Roy Green has been gardening for over 50 years. Roy was raised on a farm and was taught at an early age the importance of growing your own fresh produce. Roy successfully completed the South Carolina Master Gardener Program through the Clemson Cooperative Extension Service. He shares a passion for growing vegetables. He would like to spread that passion to others and educate everyone on the advantages of growing your own fresh produce.

Speakers:

• Gena Moore, CFSA – Organic Research Coordinator
• Zack Snipes, Clemson – Cooperative Extension Area Horticulture Agent – Charleston & Beaufort Counties
• Roy Green, Simply Green Raised Garden Box

Registration:

• Register Now
• FREE, but registration is required to attend.
• Max capacity: 20
• Registration closes on August 31.
• Don’t miss Part 1 – Bed Prep and Irrigation, happening August 11.

Location: Simply Green Raised Garden Box | 19 Pearl Lane, Seabrook, SC 29940

This workshop is supported by the Gullah Farmers Cooperative, a Gullah food preparation and distribution center that promotes Gullah family small farms and Gullah cultural heritage.

Get hands-on help navigating different social media platforms and learn how to market through social media in ways best for your agribusiness!

Each session will cover various topics including how social media can be a beneficial marketing tool, how to create pages, features of different platforms, essential tips, and more (This is a great opportunity for someone new to social media).

Dates:

September 13th, 2022

September 20th, 2022

September 27th, 2022

The $30.00 fee includes all three sessions and includes dinner.

Register HERE

Contact

Bethany Funkhouser | bnf@clemson.edu | 843-944-8584

Need GAP? Thinking about new opportunities for the farm?

Our full-day workshop will guide you through the basics of farm food safety and how to get started with GAP. We will answer the why behind it, the hows of preparation, and what to expect for the audit. The SCDA team will highlight agritourism and market development opportunities and provide tips and strategies for value-added and maximizing your market capacity. Questions about your fruit and vegetable production or how to scale up? Andy will be here to talk about Extension and Outreach and the services he can provide.

• Farm Food Safety and Good Agricultural Practices (GAP)
• Market development and opportunities
• Agritourism and ACRE – Agribusiness Center for Research and Entrepreneurship
• Clemson Extension Services

Speakers:

• Keisha Rainey, CFSA – Local Produce Safety Coordinator
• Kyle Player, SCDA – Agribusiness Center for Research and Entrepreneurship (ACRE)
• Andy Rollins, Clemson University – Cooperative Extension Commercial Fruit and Vegetable Agent
• Katie Pfeiffer, SCDA – Market Development Coordinator
• Michael Cranford, SCDA – Agricultural Marketing Specialist

Registration:

• Register Now
• FREE, but registration is required to attend.
• Max capacity: 20
• Registration closes on Sept. 12.
• Lunch included. Thank you to PAL of Spartanburg for providing lunch.

Location: Spartanburg Community College | 107 Community College Dr, Spartanburg, SC 29303

Funding for the project Growing Local Food Capacity from Field to Plate was made possible by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service through grant AM170100XXXXG084. Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the USDA

Monthly webinar focusing on South Carolina agriculture and possible disruptors (good or bad) affecting the state's producers.

All webinars will be held from 12:00 - 1:00 PM

The monthly topics and dates are listed below:

Jun 15, 2022 – Nuisance wildlife management and evaluating business ventures
Jul 20, 2022 – Carbon markets and evaluating business ventures
Aug 17, 2022 - Clemson weather project overview and evaluating business ventures
Sep 21, 2022 – Preparing for year-end tax planning
Oct 19, 2022 - TBD
Nov 16, 2022 - TBD
Dec 21, 2022 - TBD

Dial-In Information

https://clemson.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_-R8JiryeSF-YTGL_O4tVYg

Location

Remote via Zoom

Contact

Brooke Horton / South Carolina Department of Agriculture, Produce Safety

Email

bhorton@scda.sc.gov

Phone

803-351-1244

Website

https://bit.ly/SCpsrRemoteSept2022

Fruit and vegetable growers and others interested in learning about produce safety, the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule and food safety. The PSA Grower Training Course is one way to satisfy the FSMA Produce Safety Rule requirement that ‘At least one supervisor or responsible party for your farm must have successfully completed food safety training’. Registration is required. Registration Fees: $20 in-state attendees / $100 out-of-state attendees

Contact

Brooke Horton / South Carolina Department of Agriculture, Produce Safety

Email

bhorton@scda.sc.gov

Phone

8033511244

Website

https://bit.ly/SCpsrRemoteSept2022

South Carolina’s Annie’s Project Fall 2022 is all online and perfect for anyone considering farming, a beginning farmer, or an established farmer looking to refresh their risk management strategies. Any individual supporting the mission of Annie’s Project is welcome to attend.

Annie’s Project is a discussion-based workshop bringing women together to learn from experts in production, financial management, human resources, marketing and the legal field. There's plenty of time for questions, sharing, and connecting with your presenters and fellow participants.

The class size is limited to 25 individuals and there is a limited number of scholarships available for SNBFP alumni and participants. The dates for 2022 will be 09/22,09/27,09/29,10/04,10/06,10/11. Attendees must complete all 6 classes to receive a certificate of completion and qualify for USDA FSA Borrower Training. Register today to reserve your spot!

Register HERE

Contact:

Charlotte Maxwell | chmaxwe@clemson.edu | 843-234-7719

Every day, agricultural workers are injured or killed on the job. The Clemson University Agricultural Safety Program is offering Ag Safety Days in two locations Sept. 9 and Sept. 30 to help teach youth aged 14-18 about safe work practices on the farm.

Topics include hazard identification, equipment operation, ATV/UTV safety, power tool safety, tractor safety, grain bin safety, safe load, pesticide safety and electrical safety.

“Youth will develop the knowledge, awareness and attitude necessary to work effectively and safely in the agricultural field,” said Hunter Massey, principal lecturer for the Clemson College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences Agricultural Sciences Department and the event coordinator. “They will learn how to engineer and enforce strategies to promote safe work environments.”

For more information, contact Hunter Massey at massey4@clemson.edu or follow the Clemson Ag Safety Program on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, @ClemsonAgSafety.

Register HERE

Registration is now open for the 2022 Women’s Leadership Conference. Join us October 2-4 in Georgetown County as we celebrate Ladies & Leaders in agriculture.

Conference Highlights:

• Workshops and Sessions at Pawley’s Plantation
• Lodging at Litchfield Beach & Golf
• Keynote Speaker- Kalena Bruce, Missouri Farm Bureau Grassroots Leader
• Optional tours- Brookgreen Gardens and Hobcaw Barony

Please submit one registration form per county with information on all attendees from that county. Registration forms are attached and due by August 30.

If you have any questions, contact Melanie Moulder at mmoulder@scfb.org or 803.936.4409.

REGISTRATION FORM

The SE Strawberry Expo heads to Asheville in 2022. The Expo offers workshops, a farm tour, a trade show and educational sessions. Current and prospective strawberry producers throughout the Southeast will find sessions oriented towards their conditions and needs, and many opportunities for interaction with other growers.

Event Information and Registration Here

For the past 3 years, researchers, extension specialists, and growers in Iowa, New York, and Kentucky, funded by NIFA's OREI program, have been exploring new options for the organic management of cucurbit crops using mesotunnels.

Mesotunnels are larger than low tunnels but smaller than high tunnels. They are 3 ½ feet tall and are covered with a nylon-mesh fabric that keeps out pest insects and the pathogens they carry.

Field experiments and on-farm trials with muskmelon and winter squash have had varied results: some encouraging, some not. But we've learned valuable lessons about how to use these protective structures effectively.

The October 12th webinar will cover two main topics related to organic cucurbit production under mesotunnels: weed management and pollination.

Pollination is essential for cucurbit crops. Three options have been tested with mesotunnels: on-off-on (removing the covers during bloom), open ends (only the ends were opened during bloom), and full-season mesotunnels supplied with bumblebee hives. This session will be covered by Dr. Ajay Nair and Dr. Mark Williams.

For weed management, several options have been used, including landscape fabric as well as mowed and non-mowed living mulches. This session will be covered by Dr. David Gonthier and Dr. Ric Bessin.

Join us and see what we have learned in our trials across Iowa, Kentucky, and New York!

Register HERE

What can you expect?
This year's Sustainable Agriculture Conference will feature inspiring talks, panel discussions, farmer roundtables, and demonstrations by land stewards, educators, and advocates of all experience levels and backgrounds.

There will also be ample social opportunities, exhibits, and networking!

How will this take shape?

• Saturday-Sunday (November 5-6): It's back! Join us in person for 80+ skill-building classroom sessions, a reception, opportunities to meet other attendees, and a trade show featuring more than 60 exhibitors in downtown Durham, NC.
• Monday (November 7): Get an immersive, hands-on experience! Choose from one of the many half-day or full-day on-farm intensives we're offering at various sites near Durham.

Register HERE

Topics:

• NAP Insurance and Why you Should Consider it
• Organic Certification and Clemson's Organic Team Q &A
• Controlling Pests When Chemicals aren't and option

Register Here