SC Commissioner Weathers: Beef and Dairy Month in SC

Posted on Posted in Daily Ag Summary, Featured Stories, SC Ag Commissioner Hugh Weathers, Top Ag Headlines

June is Beef Month AND Dairy Month in South Carolina. Here to tell us about it is Commissioner of Agriculture Hugh Weathers.

  • Yes, in SC we celebrate both these cattle-connected months in June.
  • The goal is to recognize the dedicated beef and dairy farmers in our state.

BEEF

  • Last year, SC farmers marketed around 170,000 head of cattle.
  • The beef industry has suffered because of the COVID-19 pandemic, mostly because of the strain placed on the cattle market and the supply chain.
  • However, lots of great innovation. Recently we helped a group of SC producers form a beef marketing co-op that will seek to expand processing and create a high quality jointly branded South Carolina ground beef product.

DAIRY

  • The SC dairy industry has seen a decrease in producers throughout the past years due to mergers and other industry factors.
  • However, the dairy industry has seen an increase in technology with the addition of robotic milking systems at Clemson University and other dairies, like Milky Way Jersey Farm in Anderson County.
    • These robotic systems allow their cows to have lower stress levels because of decreased human contact, free up major labor concerns, and expand production by typically working 24 hours a day seven days a week
  • There are a handful of goat dairies in our state, including Whispering Pines, located in Seneca. Whispering Pines operates a goat and sheep dairy, as well making their own goat and sheep cheese and dairy products. 
  • Other organizations throughout our state, like the SC Cattleman’s Association and Clemson University, work to promote the consumption, education, research, and overall health of the beef industry.