BLACKVILLE, S.C. – Clemson University’s Center for Agricultural Technology (CU-CAT) has launched a podcast, CUltivate Ag, designed to provide South Carolina residents with the latest research-based information on agricultural technology and Clemson Extension topics.
The podcast features experts from the Clemson Cooperative Extension Service discussing developments in agriculture. Hannah Mikell, a Clemson Extension row crops agent in Clarendon and Williamsburg counties, said the podcast was developed to expand outreach efforts.
“We got the idea after hearing from people who couldn’t attend field days or other meetings,” Mikell said. “They wanted to know what was discussed, and we decided a podcast would help deliver this information. People can listen when it’s convenient.”
Hosted by Kevin Royal, a precision agriculture specialist, CUltivate Ag is available online and offers segments like “Spotlight on Ag Technology,” featuring interviews with industry representatives, Clemson researchers, Extension personnel, and farmers. Topics focus on seasonal technologies.
Another segment, “Extension Talks,” features Clemson Extension personnel covering various topics, including statewide and regional commodity meetings and field day presentations.
Future segments being considered include “Industry Collaboration” and “Undergraduate Student Research.” A “Spotlights” segment highlighting each Clemson Extension program team is also under consideration. Topics outside these categories will appear in “Special Topics.”
“We envisioned the podcast channel to include multiple segments or episode types,” Royal said. “Having multiple segments allows us to provide a variety of information so that this podcast becomes a go-to source for the latest research-based information on South Carolina agriculture.”
New episodes are scheduled for periodic release, with production managed by Royal and Trey McAlhany.
Kendall Kirk, CU-CAT director, said CUltivate Ag arrives at a time when many people prefer information via podcasts.
“This platform is one of many ways to supplement existing outreach programming,” Kirk said. “In no way do we intend for this to replace current efforts. We see this as a great opportunity for CU-CAT, Clemson Extension and agricultural education.”
For more information about the Clemson University Center for Agricultural Technology, visit www.clemson.edu/cafls/cu-cat.
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