SC Ag Commissioner Hugh Weathers

January and February months are what I call “Meeting Season.” Before farmers put seeds in the ground for the year, they head over to meetings that concern the industry. Here are a few important ones coming up. Don’t miss the opportunity to learn and network within your corner of the ag industry: Have a Happy […]

On December 21, Congress passed a bill to keep government running and added some needed funding for farm aid. Commissioner Weathers: Yes, Mike. I’m thankful that our leaders in Washington were able to broker a bill before Christmas that offers some relief for farmers. It includes close to $21 billion in disaster assistance for farmers. […]

Christmas is tomorrow, and we are fortunate to have Commissioner Hugh Weathers here to talk with us about this season. Commissioner: It has been a trying year for many farmers. But this week, we spend some time with family and reflect on our blessings. The harvest season is over. Despite the storms, drought and economic […]

I hear South Carolina now leads the nation in collard green acreage. Tell me more, Commissioner. Commissioner: In the 2017 Census of Agriculture, we only topped the list for one crop: turnip greens. South Carolina now leads the nation in collard green, turnip green, and Southern pea acreage, according to the 2022 Census of Agriculture. […]

It’s just about time for SCATE renewals in South Carolina!  Here to tell us more about the SCATE rolling renewal is South Carolina Ag Commissioner Hugh Weathers. Commissioner: As you may know, the South Carolina Agricultural Tax Exemption, or SCATE, card is a handy card for farmers to use for agricultural sales tax exemptions on […]

SC Ag Commissioner Hugh Weathers is here to tell us about some of the SC State Farmers Market holiday events.  What are some of the upcoming events in the state? Commissioner: It is officially December and holiday cheer is in the air.  There is plenty of fun for the family happening!  As you know, this […]

It’s Thanksgiving week, when every American is thinking abut food. And of course, food is your business, Commissioner. Commissioner: While you’re enjoying your Thanksgiving meal this year, I hope you’ll take a moment to give thanks for our South Carolina and US farmers who grow safe, nutritious and affordable food for families across the country […]

It’s just about Christmas tree season in South Carolina! Here to tell us about this industry is Ag Commissioner Hugh Weathers. Commissioner: It sure feels early to be talking about Christmas trees – but tree farms across the state will be opening in about a week and a half, so it’s time to start planning. […]

I see USDA just released the latest round of Specialty Crop Block Grant awards Let’s talk about these grants and their impact in SC. Commissioner Weathers: We will be administering $603,000 in new funding through the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. Specialty crops include fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, and nursery crops. Projects strengthen South Carolina’s […]

Veterans Day is coming up on Monday, November 11. How important are military veterans to South Carolina agriculture? Here in South Carolina, around 12 percent of producers are serving or have served in the military. We’re tied with Florida for 1st in the nation. Nationwide, there are around 306,000 producers with previous or current military […]