Area farmers find ways to deal with sagging economy

Farmers across the southeast are preparing for the planting stage of their next crops. However, many farmers are wondering what can they plant to make a profit.

“Farmers across the area are debating on what to plant in order to bring in some kind of profit,” said Larry Wells, superintendent for the Wiregrass Experiment and Substation. “Last year, we had a record crop with peanuts, and, the way the market runs according to a product is that the more produced the year before the less profit it will bring in next year. If there was a concern for not enough of a product being produced, the the prices would increase. Last year, with the high number of yield, the product price is not looking attractive to the producer.”

How is the economic outlook affecting farmers and their choices of what crops to plant? The answer is simple, according to Wells.

“No, farmers are not being hit as hard as retail stores or the real estate market, but they are getting hit,” Wells said. “With peanuts planning not to bring in a good profit, and with the economy like it is, no one is purchasing new clothes, so this affects the cotton prices. Cotton has not been a very good profit-making crop for some time. However, with the economy like it is, the price will continue to be cheap.”

Why don’t farmers grow more corn? If no irrigation is in place to water the corn crop, it does not do well in this area, and, according to Wells, several farmers in this area do not have irrigation systems to help with corn crops.

“With the decision of crop planting in the air, many are debating on planting soybean crops,” Wells said. “In the last 15 years soybeans have not been grown in this area much. The price is good. But, the rotation of crops does not work well with peanuts, and this is a big downfall. At this time, farmers are looking at reality. They really do not have an option. Yes, local farmers will plant peanuts this year. But, the acreage will be down.”

Peanut farmers are also facing a lot of pain because of the recent scare of salmonella.

“With the economy in the shape it is in, farmers should be seeing a benefit from individuals eating more peanut butter,” Wells said. “Peanut butter is a very nutrious snack and it is fairly priced. But, with the salmonella scare that occurred from the plant in Georgia, well, that boost is not happening this year. Of course, after the scare is over, the amount of peanut butter sold will increase. But, we are not sure exactly how long that will take.”

Wells is predicting a lot of local farmers will plant some peanuts but will also plant crops that can be sold at grocery stores and roadside produce stands to help make a profit.

“I expect to see farmers plant more peas, tomatoes, strawberries, blueberries and other vegetables to help make a profit,” Wells said. “As we all know, the grocery store business is a business that is not hit very hard at this time. Everyone has to eat.”

Although farmers are facing tough times with crops, they will see a little a relief when it comes to fertilizer prices and fuel prices.

“This planting season, farmers will see a large decrease in fuel and fertilizer prices,” Wells said. “This will help our farmers out a lot as long as they can get financing.”

Farming is a unique way to make a living.

“Farmers are farmers, because they love what they do,” Wells said. “They are not trying to become rich. They are just trying to support their family as many generations before them done. You will never find a farmer who will tell you they hate their job. They may tell you times have changed, but they will also tell you they couldn’t imagine doing anything else.”