The SC Grower Exchange Podcast

The SC Grower Exchange: April 20, 2026

We have another great "Grower Spotlight" this month… Sarah is joined by coastal agent Brad Fowler to chat about Baxley Family Farms in Georgetown, SC. This multi-generational farm started out in row crops and over the years has added a cattle operation, vegetables and fruit, as well as a farm stand carrying their own goods and products from neighboring growers and makers. They have a market called Black Mingo Produce, where you can shop local and head to the field for some u-pick strawberries. Join us to hear a little more about the family, their operation and how to find this local gem.

The SC Grower Exchange: March 30, 2026

“On today’s episode, we get a crop report from all around the midlands as well as an update from our upstate agents who fill us in on potential frost damage from the weekend. Cold weather has been a topic on several recent episodes, and we are not completely out of the woods yet in some areas of the state. Strawberries are, of course, a hot topic as we begin picking and opening stands to customers. Insect and disease pressure are relatively low at this point, but we will be keeping our eye on things. Dr. Lindsey Thiessen is riding along with upstate agent, Samantha Brown, this morning and fills us in on a few updates from the variety trials as well. Update episodes also mean Justin is with us for Agent Trivia. This week’s question has us remembering the good days of watching infomercials and QVC with our parents. Tune in!

The SC Grower Exchange: March 16, 2026

Andy joins today’s episode to share with us about a family-run farm in the upstate of South Carolina, Strawberry Hill. Run by the Cooley family, Strawberry Hill, USA [https://strawberryhillusa.com/], is a diversified operation that offers peaches, strawberries, and other produce. This farm has 2 stands as well as a café to enjoy the fruits of their labor. In addition to being a retail/wholesale operation, they also offer agritourism, including farm tours and a seasonal corn maze. Tune in to hear about the family and their farm operation, including how they started in farming and some of the trials that come with having a larger operation.

The SC Grower Exchange: March 2, 2026

Our regularly scheduled crop updates from around the state are in today's episode! Hear from the Midlands, PeeDee, and Coastal regions of the state about what’s happening in the fields right now. It may not seem like much, but behind the scenes, things are getting busy! Justin tries to stump agents with his trivia question, and it appears we have some readers (and non-readers) amongst us. For our timely topic, we discuss tissue sampling for fertility and fungicide resistance sampling in strawberries. Set yourself up with the right tools in your toolbox before heading into the season!

The SC Grower Exchange: February 17, 2026

We’re back for another Grower Spotlight. Zack joins Sarah to tell us about Hickory Bluff Berry Farm, located in Holly Hill, SC. Working with this farm from the start of his job in Extension, Zack has seen this farm grow and adapt as they’ve seen changes and opportunities. Not only do they grow berries, but an array of other vegetables, including 5 acres of Brussels sprouts! Adding crops, trying new cultural techniques and installing a commercial kitchen to utilize produce seconds are just a few ways this family-run farm has shifted with the crops and community. Tune in to hear more about Hickory Bluff and where to find them.