The last weekend of March, temperatures as low as 27 ⁰F hit the Ridge Spring area in South Carolina and affected some of the area’s peach crop. “Damage is most significant in the lower lying sections of our orchards as that is where colder air settles,” said Chalmers Carr with Titan Farms. “In addition, we noticed that there are a couple of varieties of the 56 that we have in production that are affected more so than the others. These are the early maturing varieties that are harvested in June. In general, the damage on our farm is expected to be less than 10 percent of our crop overall.”
To prepare for the freeze, Titan Farms applied an important horticultural practice, which is clean orchard floors. Bare dirt beneath the tree releases heat, whereas a vegetated floor attracts colder temperatures. The company also utilized its irrigation system to apply water beneath the trees to provide additional heat release.
No supply gap
In general, Carr doesn’t think the freeze has caused a gap in this season’s supply. “We feel very good about the crop as we have only marginal damage,” he said. In the past, the South East has experienced freeze damage as late as April 23. However, when looking at the 10-14 day forecast, another freeze appears to be out of the question for this season. Nevertheless, weather-related concerns remain. “We are entering our storm season and worry about hail up until the early part of June,” Carr said. “The big difference between freeze and hail is that a freeze is often widespread while hail generally affects smaller, more localized areas.”
Titan Farms grows 5,000 acres of peaches, spread over 19 miles. The company is the largest peach grower on the East Coast, distributing its peaches across the United States and Canada. In addition, Titan is the only southeastern peach shipper to export into the newly open Mexico market. The majority of the peach crop however is shipped domestically, to the South, Midwest and the East Coast. Peaches make up 80 percent of Titan’s revenue. In addition, the company grows 450 acres of bell peppers and 350 acres of broccoli.
For more information:
Chalmers Carr
Titan Farms
Tel: (+1) 803-685-5381