Clemson’s Edisto field day highlights the economics of South Carolina farming

Published: September 1, 2011

More than 200 people visited the 2011 Fall Field Day at the Edisto research center. image by: Peter Hull

BLACKVILLE — More than 200 people visited the Edisto Research and Education Center's 2011 Fall Field Day, which included tours of the center’s peanut and corn fields, and beef cattle and forages.

Like its sister centers around the state, the Edisto research center has a long history of supporting economic development across South Carolina.

George Askew, Clemson University associate vice president for public service and agriculture, said agriculture helped shape the state’s economy, and Clemson’s Edisto center continues to play a pivotal role in the industry.

From field research to public awareness programs and educational workshops, the Edisto center is at the core of the state’s agricultural heritage, he said.

“The work of Clemson scientists and researchers touches all the state’s agricultural regions,” Askew said. “For more than a century, the university has stood for innovation, and our work continues to bring statewide benefits.”

During Thursday's tours, Clemson researchers discussed disease resistance, weed management and herbicides, among other topics.

In the field, John Deere representative Wes Sloan discussed baler safety.

Modern farmers spend more and more time working alone, he said. If a farmer is hurt in the field, there might not be anyone nearby to help. Farm equipment, and especially balers, are mechanical machines, with motors, chains and many other moving parts. Even fire is a hazard, he said.

A bale can weigh 1,000 pounds, he said, and any accident can be serious.

“It’s a dangerous job,” Sloan said. “One wrong decision in a spilt second can become a painful lesson.”

Other speakers included John Mueller, the Edisto center’s director; David Winkles, president of the S.C. Farm Bureau; and Tom Scott, dean of Clemson's College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences.

The Edisto center plans an evening program Oct. 4 that will feature tours of its cotton and soybean crops.

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