Diversified Farming Helps South Carolina Grower Thrive Amid Challenging Conditions

South Carolina farmer Jeff Wilson has found success in diversifying his specialty crops despite dry conditions at the start of the season. His family farm in Lowrys plants different crops each year based on what's popular, selling produce wholesale to regional grocery chains and through a roadside farmers market.

Wilson grows a mix of sweet corn, okra, tomatoes, peaches, cantaloupes, watermelon, and specialty white corn for grits and cornmeal. Sweet corn has become a top seller, with Wilson planting around 50 acres every year. He also grows cotton, but notes that it's less profitable than other crops.

Wilson attributes his crop's resilience to no-till practices and drip irrigation in parts of the fields. Despite challenging conditions, including thin margins and increased costs for fuel, fertilizer, and labor, Wilson remains optimistic about the future of his farm.