Lowcountry farmers say this drought will likely affect grocery prices
Every South Carolina county in state of drought
The Department of Natural Resources in South Carolina has reported that all 46 counties within the state are experiencing varying levels of drought this summer. Lowcountry counties, in particular, are of major concern, with areas such as Williamsburg and Georgetown subjected to a “severe” drought while others are in the early stages.
Farmers worry about the impact on crops
Long-time farmer Oneal Bluefort, based in Williamsburg County, says the drought has stalled the growth of their crops, severely impacting the farming activities. Bluefort explains, “Being that we got the severe drought right now, it’s kind of locked up the plant. And it’s gonna have a slow response in everything you feed it. And we feed it in the rain, unfortunately. We don’t have irrigation.”
Bluefort, a farmer from the young age of seven, knows the ebb and flow of good and bad harvest years quite well. But, he also acknowledges the toll this drought is taking on crops, specifically on corn, which is showing signs of fungus and rottenness due to the prolonged dry spell.
Concerns over rising grocery prices
Such severe conditions will likely affect grocery prices, as the drought impacts supply and demand for agricultural products. “The corn you know feeds hogs and chickens and will probably make the food prices go up because no corn to feed all the animals and the animals got to eat, and the people will eat the animals…it’s a bad year,” another farmer expressed his predicament quite succinctly.
However, amidst the despair and worry, farmers like Bluefort hold on to the adaptability that farming has taught them over the years. “One thing I learned about being a farmer, is you’re gonna have to adapt. You’re gonna have to hold on, keep looking up. It’ll change. You get your good years, you get your bad years, but that’s what makes a farmer,” Bluefort says, hoping for better years ahead.
Adapting and hoping for better times
It seems farmers are preparing themselves for a tough year ahead, as the drought shows no signs of letting up soon. But, with hope in their hearts and resilience in their spirits, these custodians of the land wait for rains to return and balance to be restored.
Note: This situation underlines the critical need for support and attention towards the farming communities that tirelessly work to keep our food supply chain running.
