Columbia Regional

American Timberlands acquires 12,000 acres of forestland

2012-04-09T06:58:44-04:00

The South Carolina-based firm announced the purchase of three tracts in Edgefield, Jasper and Kershaw counties. The purchase was made on behalf of American Timberlands Fund II LP, which plans to invest as much as $100 million in forestland in S.C. and adjoining states.

Cox Industries to buy Ga. company’s wood treatment operations

2012-03-22T05:58:22-04:00

The Orangeburg company provides pressure-treated lumber for commercial customers and dealers. The company said the acquisition of Atlantic Wood Industries’ treatment plants and sales operations would help Cox expand its East Coast footprint.

Farmers market opens at USC campus

2012-03-21T05:11:36-04:00

The Farmers Market at the University of South Carolina’s Columbia campus features area vendors and locally grown food. It will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on select Tuesdays in April.

SBA sets April 16 deadline for disaster loans

2012-03-19T05:38:34-04:00

The loans are available in response to the drought and excessive heat that began on April 1, 2011. The loan amount can be up to $2 million with a 4% interest rate for eligible small businesses and 3% for nonprofit organizations with terms up to 30 years.

Amerson named to become AgFirst CEO

2012-03-09T04:24:38-05:00

Leon T. Amerson takes over on July 1 from F.A. Lowrey, who plans to retire as CEO on June 30. Joining AgFirst in 1987, Amerson has served as the bank’s chief operating officer since 2006, and was named president in April 2010. Prior to that, he served as the bank’s chief financial officer.

Whole Foods seeks Midlands vendors

2012-02-22T05:08:27-05:00

A vendors meeting will be held Feb. 28 at City Roots Farm on Airport Boulevard. Buyers will be in Columbia to sample local and regional products and provide details on how to become a vendor at Whole Foods Market.

Commerce hires agribusiness recruiter

2012-01-26T04:02:58-05:00

Allison Amick Barry joins the S.C. Department of Commerce’s Global Business Development division as the new agribusiness project manager. Barry is charged with recruiting agribusiness companies to bring investment and jobs to South Carolina.

Fairfield County man receives South Carolina Farm Bureau’s honors

2011-12-27T03:35:29-05:00

William Coleman received the distinguished service award during the farm bureau’s annual meeting in Myrtle Beach recently. Coleman operates Wico Farm where he grows turkeys for Prestige Farms. He also raises beef cattle, and farms wheat, hay, cotton and timber.

S.C. farm bureau president re-elected

2011-12-06T03:02:57-05:00

David Winkles was re-elected to his eighth two-year term as president of the South Carolina Farm Bureau on Saturday. Winkles is a native of Sumter County, where he ran his family’s farming operation for more than 30 years.

Sumter man pleads guilty to mail fraud in case involving chicken parts

2011-11-29T02:34:57-05:00

Dwayne Lemont Budden, 36, of Sumter, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Columbia to mail fraud in a case that involved the illegal disposal of chicken offal. Budden faces a maximum penalty of a $250,000 fine and/or imprisonment for 20 years, plus a special assessment of $100.

All Local Farmers’ Market hosts first Farm to Table Tour series

2011-11-28T03:39:20-05:00

The All Local Farmers’ Market is hosting the first ever Farm to Table Tour Series: Caw Caw Creek Edition in Columbia. The event will take place from 1 to 6 p.m. Sunday at the All Local Farmers’ Market, 711 Whaley St.

Commerce, Agriculture forge joint effort to promote agribusiness

2011-10-13T03:12:00-04:00

The agencies signed a memorandum of understanding to create a position of agribusiness project manager to promote investment and job creation. The General Assembly has appropriated money for the job, which will be posted early next week through the Department of Commerce.

Columbia’s Enviro AgScience gets Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune contract

2011-06-03T05:17:37-04:00

Enviro AgScience Inc. of Columbia was selected from among 11 proposals for a $14.8 million contract for design and construction of the French Creek mess hall at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville, N.C.

Charleston port key to boosting soybean exports

2011-05-13T06:28:17-04:00

A deeper channel at the port of Charleston could be a boon for S.C. soybean farmers trying to sell their crop to overseas markets. Demand for soybeans is growing especially in Asian and Middle East markets, which can be served through the Port of Charleston.

Sustainability conference set for June 2-3

2011-05-10T05:31:24-04:00

The U.S. Green Building Council S.C. Chapter’s SustainSC 2011 Conference and Expo will take place June 2-3 at the Columbia Convention Center. The keynote speakers are Gil Sperling, senior advisor for policy and programs at the U.S. Department of Energy, and Rick Muttart, shared services for Boeing Co. in South Carolina.