In the latest drought monitor released by USDA’s National Ag Statistics Service shows significant improvement to South Carolina’s dry conditions. The percentage of the state now drought free has risen to 25 ½ percent from 5 percent in the previous report. The area of the state experiencing abnormally dry conditions is down to 75 percent, from 95 percent the week before, the area experiencing severe drought came down to 12 percent from 47 percent and the Palmetto state is now free of extreme drought conditions. The cutoff for drought monitor calculations is 7:00 am Tuesday morning, so the widespread rain event of Tuesday, February 25th is not included in the most recent report.

For more on the drought monitor click here.

North Carolina’s Drought Conditions Continue to Improve

In the latest drought monitor released by USDA’s National Ag Statistics Service, North Carolina’s dry conditions continue to improve. The percentage of the state that is now drought-free has increased from 57 to 73 percent. The area of the state experiencing abnormally dry conditions has been reduced to just shy of 27 percent from 42 percent in the last report, and the area experiencing moderate drought has come down to short of 7 percent from almost 14. That area is in the lower central Piedmont near the South Carolina state line in Union, Anson, Mecklenburg, Scotland, part of Hoke, Moore, Montgomary, and western Harnett, and Lee counties. The cutoff for drought monitor calculations is 7:00 am Tuesday morning, so the widespread rain event of Tuesday, February 25th is not included in the most recent report.

SC Ports Authority Breaks Ground in Inland Port
 

The South Carolina Ports Authority held a groundbreaking for its inland port Friday. The $25 million center should open this fall and take containers shipped by rail and act as a distribution point to trucking and air freight companies.
 

Sen. Lindsey Graham says it links South Carolina's two economic engines – the Charleston port and I-85, while Greer officials called it the biggest economic development news for the region since BMW came two decades ago. South Carolina leaders say a new distribution terminal being built in Greer will help the state's economy grow by linking the port in Charleston to Interstate 85. Port of Charleston is a major shipping point for raw and processed ag products leaving the country.

Irrigation & Water Management Workshop Scheduled

The Richland, Calhoun, and Orangeburg Conservation Districts will host an Irrigation and Water Management Workshop on Thursday, March 14, at Tri-County Electric in St. Matthews from 9 am until 3 pm. Attendees will learn about irrigation scheduling, water quality and how it affects production and pesticide efficacy, agricultural water use regulations and reporting requirements, and NRCS technical and financial assistance for efficient irrigation and water management practices. The cost for the workshop is $10 and includes lunch. For more details or to register, visit our calendar.

Food Business Conference Scheduled

Local food businesses will have two opportunities to take part in the annual Food Business Conference sponsored by the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The event, aimed at helping small-business owners grow their food businesses, has expanded to include two conference locations in Raleigh and Burnsville.
 

Conference East will be held at the Martin Building at the State Fairgrounds in Raleigh April 11. The registration deadline is April 2. Conference West will be held at the Burnsville Town Center in Burnsville April 19. Registration deadline for the Burnsville event is April 10. Each conference will feature workshops and seminars with food entrepreneurs and marketing specialists. Registration is open to existing food businesses. Early registration is $45 before March 15. The cost increases to $50 after March 15. For contact and detailed registration information, visit our calendar