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For Bowman, S.C., farmer Landrum Weathers, coming home from college to farm was a given - and bringing with him a new outlook on precision agriculture was a welcomed benefit to his farm family.Weathers farms with his father, Landy Weathers, and his uncle, Hugh Weathers. Then, we had to figure out how to use it on other crops."It didn't make any economic sense to let a $20,000-$25,000 piece of equipment just sit there in the tractor when it wasn't being used for peanuts."Peanuts have been a big crop for the Weathers' farming operation. [Extracted from the article]

The article reports on the commitment of farmer and agri-businessman Tom Kemp for growing his flax field production in Pamplico, South Carolina. It says that Kemp grew his first flax crop in 2011 as part of the multi-part agreement between Canada-based Natural Advanced Technologies (NAT) and his company Carolina Eastern-Pamlico. Kemp suggests that growers must use a yellow herbicide at planting to keep weeds under control until the flax plants grow and shade out weeds.

The article features Kent Wannamaker, president and co-owner of Farmers Gin Co. LLC at St. Matthews, South Carolina. It states that he is recognized as leader in the cotton industry due to his effort to improving the varieties of his cotton production. It mentions that he has earned the Farm Press/Cotton Foundation High Cotton Award for the Southeast states due to his accomplishments in cotton production combined with his stewardship of resources and his leadership in the agricultural community.

The article focuses on Bailey, a Virginia type peanut variety, which has greater disease resistance as compared to other peanut varieties in South Carolina. According to Scott Monfort, peanut specialist at the Clemson University, when bailey is planted with other disease prone peanut varieties then farmers do not have to use fungicides. It also mentions that tests results on bailey have confirmed that bailey can produce 5,000 pounds per acre of peanuts.

The article discusses the emergence of grain sorghum as good fit for production for the farmers of Carolina. According to David Gunter, a small Grain specialist, even companies come to farmers, offer them good price and resolve problems related with production issues. It is evident that recent marketing approach has increased production of sorghum in 50,000 acres, which is almost five times the greater than the previous one.

The article informs that a record number of acres has been planted by South Carolina peanut growers. It has been informed that more than 95 percent of peanuts were planted by June 8, 2012 in the Carolinas. and it is expected to yield 3,400 to 3,600 pounds per acre. According to Scott Monfort, South Carolina Peanut Specialist, this year's peanut crop in South Carolina had one of the longest planting seasons.

The article offers information on the attack of kudzu bugs on early planted soybean fiels in South Carolina. According to entomologist Jeremy Greene of Clemson University, the kudzu bugs were found in mid-May 2012 on soybeans that were planted early. Greene believes that the bugs are the type of wintered bugs and argues that growers must not overreact on the use of insecticides. It mentions the consensus of entomologists which is close monitoring.

The article offers information on the innovative moves and changes practiced by farmer Frankie Hinson to his crops in Bennettsville, South Carolina. It mentions that Hinson did something different compared to most folks in Bennettsville because he plants wheat and corn on rotation and kept his acreage between 1,100 to 1,200 acres. Moreover, it states that Hinson experiments with corn acreage for several years

The article focuses on the addition of canola to the crop rotation of grain farmers in South Carolina as advised by Bowersville-based company AgStrong LLC in Georgia. It notes that canola has the potential to produce about 80 percent of wheat crop, and that it is likely 70 to 80 percent more valuable than wheat. Furthermore, it mentions that aside from providing the farmers with a sustainable winter crop, canola offers some health benefits reducing risk for obesity.

The article offers information on peanuts as the right crop for Delano Kneece Farms' high yield in Pelion, South Carolina in 2011. According Kane Kneece, grandson of owner Delano Kneece, the family has been fortunate to have a peanut program at the Edison Research Center since the family has been growing peanuts. Another fundamental to their long-term success with peanuts is rotation of corn, cotton, corn and peanuts.

The article offers information on wild pigs as an outright menace to crop production in Congaree River, South Carolina in 2011. The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has viewed wild hogs as an ecological disaster and the damaging nature of invasive species lends easily to a description. In 2010, DNR has made an effort to offer increased information on wild hogs by taking part in several workshops with Clemson University Extension and some agencies.

The article discusses the forecast for peanut acreage in South Carolina by crop consultant and farmer Drake Perrow. It expects that hot daytime and nighttime temperatures will likely have an adverse effect on yield and quality of crops. It believes that farmers will be influenced by a predicted shortage in edible peanuts and subsequent high prices to try peanuts and encourage those already growing the crop to expand their acreage.

The article focuses on the return in South Carolina of the demand for flax, which is turned into a cotton-like fiber using a process formulated by Naturally Advanced Technologies (NAT) Inc. called CraiLar. It mentions a factory in Kingstree set to open in 2012 which will contain a production line for the separation of flax fiber from stalks. It suggests an ideal rotation for growers in the area which involved planting peanuts first and then followed by flax and cotton.

The article reports on the technology used by peach growers Chris Yonce and Josh Yonce to help advance peach production in South Carolina. According to Edgefield County Extension Coordinator Greg Henderson, sight specific fertility and water application are a couple of areas where they might be able to improve efficiency and reduce costs. A mechanical pruning system is applied by the Yonce brothers to a commercially harvestable size block of peaches.

The article reports on the increase in peanut acreage from 35 percent to 40 percent in Virginia in 2007. Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina peanut growers associations created a logo to advertise their peanuts and in 2007, they got Kellogg's Corporation to promote their peanuts by displaying the logo on their products. According to Dell Cotton, executive director of the Virginia Peanut Growers Association, peanut acreage is expected to increase from 16,000 to 21,000 in 2007.

The article reports that South Carolina's dairy farmers Landy and Hugh Weathers have received the 2006 Peanut Profitability Award for the Southeast region. Their decision to start planting peanut in 2004 as an additional source of food for their livestock at their dairy farm has brought a positive impact on their farming operation, since it lessened the cost of producing feeds and has improved the quality of milk they obtained.

The article reports on the Asian soybean rust that affected crops in North and South Carolina and Virginia. It is hoped that the recent waves of arctic air will push the freeze line for kudzu and other hosts further down into central Florida. The disease could cause significant economic problem for the region if not addressed immediately.

The author discusses the damage on the cotton crop due to heavy rainfall in Calhoun County, South Carolina. He explains that the excessive water will make the root system of the plant shallow and inhibit boll opening. He offers information on the role of planting date, soil type and the extent of leaching on the ability of the plant to recover. He explores the assessment of agriculture consultant Charles Davis of the 40 percent reduction of cotton crop in 2013 due to bad weather.

The article discusses the historic rainfall at the South Carolina Low Country as the U.S. National Weather Service reported that more than 55 inches of rain have fallen so far in 2012 in Cameron, South Carolina. It states that cotton, peanut and grain growers in Carolina will most likely suffer losses and will need regional assistance to make it through 2013. Same scenario is seen in the Piedmont of North Carolina and some areas of eastern North Carolina.

The article discusses the status of and possibilities for peanut growers in South Carolina in 2013. With a harvest of 107,000 acres last year, the farmers surpassed the produce of North Carolina. Over-supply and predicted low prices is expected to result to only acreage of 70,000 to 75,000. Growers look forward to growing good quality varieties, conducive growing conditions, and management systems to produce high yield.

The article features South Carolina artist Floyd Gordon who displays his paintings at the Mid-South Farm & Gin Show. His works depict his childhood and his Southern heritage. His painting "Maude's House" shows the house of Ms. Maude who was tragically killed in a senseless crime. His gift in painting was first seen by his first grade teacher and he was allowed by the school principal to have an art display in the seventh grade. His works also display cotton as part of Southern culture.

The article focuses on cotton and peanuts in the U.S. Southeast which are expected to face severe challenges for acreage in the upcoming 2013 planting season. It says cotton and peanut acreage this year will be affected by the combined impact of high prices for grain crops. It notes that industry projections for lower acreage are apparently validated by a poll of crop consultants from North and South Carolina and Virginia. It cites possible acreage reductions in some cotton-producing states.

The article offers information on the South Carolina state peanut meeting to be held at the Santee Convention Center on Janaury 31, 2013.

The article provides information on a study by University of South Carolina (USC) researchers looking for crops that can be adapted to less productive and often under-utilized South Carolina soils. The researchers, together with USC biologist Steve Kresovich, is working with Clemson Agronomist Jim Frederick to find fast growing, high volume biomass crops that can be adapted for production in South Carolina.

The article reports on the role of the weather and a system of sentinel plots in stopping Asian Soybean Rust in soybean crops in the U.S. It mentions that the disease did little damage to the state's 1.65 million acre soybean crop. It says that growers quickly reacted and applied fungicides upon detection of the disease. Cases of rust were documented in Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and South Carolina.

The article reports on the Asian soybean rust found in Barnwell County, South Carolina and in Robeson County, North Carolina resulting from the storm spun from Hurricane Isaac. Data indicate the required number of days for full season soybeans to be safe from rust or frost, while the Asian soybean rust prediction models revealed the chances of rust spores in North Carolina. Growers can choose from four primary fungicide treatments for Asian soybean rust.

The article reports on the research information on peanuts and corn heard by more than 200 farmers and agribusiness leaders from across South Carolina at a Fall Field Day at the Edisto Agriculture Research and Education Center in Blackville, South Carolina. Clemson specialists discussed the varied harvest date on some peanut varieties, as well as the average yield for corn, soybean and small grains. A demonstration of the Crust Buster twin row planter was also presented.

The article discusses the potential impact of late planting for peanut growers in North and South Carolina. It mentions the number of acres planted by growers in spring 2012 to stay ahead of peanut farmers in the South. Growers' germination or stand problems with some late planted runner varieties are addressed. Reasons for the late planting of peanuts are outlined, including lack of moisture and drought conditions.

The article reports that an oat variety called Graham was released in July 2012 by Clemson University in Clemson, South Carolina. The variety is named after former Clemson University small-grains breeder Doyce Graham. Tests showed that the Graham oat produced higher weights and bushels per acre more yield than the most commonly used oat varieties in the Carolinas. Its availability for the fall 2012 planting season in a limited quantity for growers is also mentioned.

The article discusses the peanut producing practice of Corrin F. Bowers Jr., the 2012 Peanut Profitability winner for the Virginia-Carolina area. He grows 600 acres of peanuts, 1,200 acres of cotton and 200 acres of corn on his farm in Charleston, South Carolina. He attributes his success in farming to the support given to him by his family. He explains that planting peanuts on land not commonly used for that crop has helped in keeping disease pressure to a minimum.

The article presents the story of Luray, South Carolina grower Corrin F. Bowers Jr. of finding peanuts as the near perfect match to grow in harmony with cotton. The 2012 Peanut Profitability winner for the Virginia-Carolina peanut-producing belt is cited to have previously grown peaches before hitting a complete crop failure in 1986. The end of the peanut allotment program and the irrigation in his farm are revealed to have presented the opportunity to grow peanuts which have good prices.

The article reports on the claim of Clemson University Corn, Soybean and Small Grain specialist David Gunter that the Holcus leaf spot affecting South Carolina corn in 2012 did not cause any yield loss. He said that these small yellow spots have shown up on leaves in corn fields in several areas of the state and a fungicide spray will not do any good on the disease. Plants infected with the disease have round lesions that are initially pale yellow to white and then turn gray or brown.

The article focuses on canola planting by South Carolina growers and brothers Sonny and Tony Price. They planted 97 acres of canola in 2011 which fit well with their farming operation. The brothers currently grow more than 2,000 acres of cotton, about the same acreage of wheat and double-crop soybeans and 1,000 acres of corn. Sonny said that an advantage of canola is that they can plant it 2 weeks or so ahead of wheat in the fall and get it harvested 2-3 weeks earlier than wheat.

The article reports on the threat posed by kudzu bug levels to soybean crops in South and North Carolina as of May 2012. According to South Carolina, Clemson entomologist Jeremy Greene, the infestation of kudzu bugs on early-season soybeans continues but natural mortality of the over-wintered adults is increasing. He predicted, however, that the adult kudzu bugs found on early planted beans will not be a major problem, but the egg masses they left behind.

The article focuses on the importance of crop rotation and innovation for South Carolina grower Frankie Hinson. Hinson is said to do things a little differently than most growers and often got surprising results. He has been experimenting with some of his corn acreage planted after wheat, instead of planting soybeans after wheat for the past several years. He also described the result of his innovative rescue plan for grain sorghum.

The article features farmer and agri-businessman Tom Kemp of Pamplico, South Carolina and how he grew his first crop of flax in 2011. It cites the lessons he learned that cannot be done when growing the crop. It points out while flax will grow fine on irregular land, it becomes a problem when one starts cutting it. It indicates his commitment to growing flax which he finds an interesting crop to grow and a green product with a limited number of pesticides that can be used for the crop.

A personal narrative is presented which explores the author's experience of attending the annual meeting of the South Carolina Peanut Board in February 2012.

The article reports that Santee-Cooper chief executive officer (CEO) Lonnie Carter has debunked rumors that gypsum from the company would be in short supply throughout winter or will be more expensive than in 2011. At a South Carolina Peanut Board meeting, Carter gave the assurance that gypsum from Santee-Cooper will be in good supply for 2012. He also pointed out that the price of gypsum will be a dollar a ton higher than 2011.

The article discusses the advantages of nitrogen application to wheat growing in North and South Carolina. A study by North Carolina State University small grains specialist Randy Weisz found that splitting nitrogen application can result to big yields and profits for growers. The study also showed the results of different timing of nitrogen application.

The article focuses on a suggestion by entomologist Powell Smith at the Carolina Fruit and Vegetable Growers Expo about the benefits of using soft insecticides. He said the insecticides can provide good insect control and spare beneficial insects that can create an overall excellent insect management program in vegetable crops in the Southeast. He also cited that they tested a number of these insecticides to control both diamondback moths and cabbage loopers in South Carolina fields.

The article offers insights from Clemson University agronomics crops researcher and assistant professor Pawel Wiatrak on how farmers can maximize their profits in growing soybeans. Wiatrak says Group V and VI varieties provide top yield performance during the May 1 and June 10 full-season planting in South Carolina. He cites seeding rate as one of the keys to higher soybean yields in the Deep South. Included is a list of Wiatrak's guide for seeding rate based on row width.

The article discusses ways to manage glyphosate resistant pigweed as provided by University of Arkansas Weed Scientist Ken Smith during the New Product Evaluator Summit in Charleston, South Carolina. The small and inconspicuous pigweeds can sit on the ground 10 to 14 days and can grow rapidly from 9 to 10 inches tall. To manage pigweed, growers are advised to start clean, overlap residual herbicides and manage escapes.

The article features St. Matthews, South Carolina cotton farmer Kendall W. Wannamaker. He and his wife Mary Lil own and operate a growing cotton, peanut, and corn farming operation. Wannamaker is also president and co-owner of Farmers Gin Company LLC and had accomplishments in cotton production. He was also able to develop a marketing strategy that reduced some risk in farming.

The article profiles South Carolina cotton grower Kendall W. (Kent) Wannamaker who has earned a Farm Press/Cotton Foundation High Cotton Award for the U.S. Southeast states for 2012. Wannamaker serves as president and co-owner of Farmers Gin Company LLC at St. Matthews, and is a partner in Carolina Peanut LLC, a peanut buying station at Cameron, South Carolina. It provides a background of his education and his career in farming.

The article offers information on the second annual South Carolina AgriBiz and Farm Expo which will be held at the Florence Civic Center on January 16-17, 2014, to be based on the theme entitled "Rooted in Tradition and Thriving Through Innovation."

The article focuses on the role of the new rape plant Canola in South Carolina's agriculture. It discusses that crop management, side benefits of growing Canola in improving soil structure which result in increased agricultural productivity in the fields following Canola. It also discusses the measures to improve plant nutrition and prevent diseases by using fungicides, pesticides and fertilizers.

In this article, the author discusses the plan of the Clemson University on seeking and appointing a new director at the Pee Dee Agriculture Research and Extension Center in Florence, South Carolina. Also discussed is the research center's leadership under the manager Bruce Fortnum since 2009. It is mentioned that attaining grant money and political support for research center will be a challenge for the new director.

The article reflects on the decision of farmers regarding the production of peanuts in the year 2013 in South Carolina as peanuts have experienced high production in the year 2012. It mentions that growers have planted approximately 107,000 acres peanut in the year 2012 which was more than the total acreage in North Carolina. It highlights that implementing pest management can help the growers to increase the acreage in the year 2013.