Not many think of worms as being amorous, but then there’s Paul Duchock, who raises nightcrawlers for a living at VermiDirt Farms near Hartsville.

Soybean rust now has spread to 13 counties in South Carolina, including Marlboro in addition to Darlington and Florence, according to the Clemson University Edisto Research and Education Center.

There were pumpkins to the left, pumpkins to the right and flowers galore during the opening day of the Fall Plant & Flower Show Friday at the Pee Dee Farmer’s Market.

Soybean rust has been reported in seven South Carolina counties since mid-September.

The S.C. Tree Farm Committee will be hosting the 2008 Field Tour and Awards Ceremony on Thursday at Clemson University’s Pee Dee Research and Education Center.

Clemson University’s Pee Dee Research and Education Center held the 2008 South Carolina Bio-Energy Summit on Thursday to inform local farmers about the benefits of biofuel crops.

Darlington County Council voted not to impose a moratorium on a planned factory-type turkey farm Monday after the county attorney told members council had no legal authority to implement a moratorium.

Darlington County Council will discuss further plans for a proposed turkey farm near Pocket and Penn roads in Darlington County. The council heard opposition from several county residents Tuesday night during its monthly meeting.

Darlington County residents who live near Darlington city limits approached the county planning commission at it meeting Tuesday in support of instating zoning regulations in opposition to a proposed factory-style turkey farm.

Darlington County farmer Mitch Tyner hasn’t slowed a cluck since being named the S.C. Poultry Federation Grower of the Year last month.

Farmers from across the region gathered Tuesday at Clemson University’s Pee Dee Research and Education Center to learn the latest methods for farming in the Pee Dee. The event, called Pee Dee Farm Field Day, had something for every farmer.

Shane Stuckey of Stuckey reports that harvest time for winter wheat is here and things are looking good for wheat farmers.

George Harrington’s 30-acre farm stands out like a pastoral scene from a slow-motion era amidst the commercialism that has mushroomed along North Cashua Drive.

The South Carolina Farmer’s Festival is drawing near and event officials are aiming to showcase the agriculture heritage of this area. The festival begins June 20 with a concert in Lake City Town Square at 7 p.m. by the Blue Birds, a bluegrass gospel group followed by folk rock performances by Hercules Farm at 8 p.m.

Across the country, people have been on high alert about the tomato salmonella scare. Here in the Pee Dee, people are finding ways to get their tomato fix by supporting local growers and home gardens.