SC Ag Commissioner Hugh Weathers

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 […]

Commissioner, I understand you went to Sunbelt Ag Expo recently for the Southeastern Farmer of the Year Awards in support of a South Carolina farm family. Yes, Mike. Every October we head to Moultrie, Georgia, for Sunbelt and for the Farmer of the Year awards.   South Carolina was runner-up this year. Faylene Whitaker of […]

COLUMBIA – In August, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced $603,000 in funding awarded to South Carolina through the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. Through this program, the South Carolina Department of Agriculture funds projects that strengthen South Carolina’s specialty crop industry through marketing, education, and research. Specialty crops include fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, and […]

We are now getting some data on how Helene and other disasters have affected South Carolina agriculture. Tell us about it, Commissioner. Agriculture Here are the initial damage projections using data and calculations from Clemson Extension: Loss Category Drought & Other Debbie Helene Total Crop & Livestock $31,335,370 $133,220,315 $65,358,490 $229,914,175 Infrastructure (including Fencing) $0 […]