South Carolina

For the first time in three years, South Carolina producers are looking at adequate moisture and good crops. Scott Monford, State Extension Peanut Specialist for Clemson University in South Carolina says that it’s a big contrast to the situation in the Midwest:

“We are breathing a sigh of relief for the first time in three years, though you feel for those who are going through the drought. It’s a good feeling though for our growers to know that they will make some money this year.”
 

Regarding peanuts, South Carolina planted more acres this year than in the last 10, and Monford says the crop is in good shape:
 

“They are looking very good. Based on what we have had this time of year the last few years, we are quite a bit better. The crop is blooming well and pegging. We have great yield potential right now. The best thing is that we have moisture going into August. Though we have the saying that we are always just five days away from a drought, because with these sandy soils it can dry up quickly.”
 

While moisture has been good across the state, Monford says there are dry pockets, and those areas are experiencing some insect pressure:
 

“We are seeing some insects. While most of the state does look good, there are a few pockets where they haven’t received any rain. Across most of the state we are seeing some corn ear worms and other foliage feeders. We have sprayed a few fields, though its not widespread. Most people are scouting the crop and going on thresholds. That is keeping a lot of them from spraying automatically.”
 

Monford explains that disease issues have been few, but that’s starting to change in the peanut crop:
 

“There isn’t a whole lot of disease. Leaf spots have been relatively low right now. We do have some white mold that is beginning I some areas. But most growers have initiated their spray programs and should be taken care of.”
 

Some early-planted peanuts could be harvested as early as the first of September, according to Monford:
 

“For the April planted peanuts we are looking at the first week of September. That’s when we will start checking them. We had a small percentage of acres planted in April and then we went through a two week dry spell so there will be a little lag and harvested late September.”
 

The Edisto Research & Education Center Field day has been set for September 6th in Blackville. Check SFNToday.com and our Calendar for more information later in the month.