Agriculture Included in Governor’s Request for Federal Aid; Commissioner Weathers Encouraged
South Carolina Department of Agriculture
Hugh E. Weathers, Commissioner
Media Contacts: Sally McKay; 803-734-2196; smckay@scda.sc.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – September 20, 2018
Agriculture Included in Governor’s Request for Federal Aid; Commissioner Weathers Encouraged
COLUMBIA, SC – South Carolina Commissioner of Agriculture Hugh Weathers today praised Governor Henry McMaster for including statewide agricultural losses – estimated at $125 million – in his request to the state’s congressional delegation for federal aid.
“With an estimated $125 million in agricultural losses after Florence, Governor McMaster’s inclusion of agriculture in his request for federal support is critical for the state’s largest industry,” Commissioner Weathers said. “We will continue productive talks already begun with the president and our congressional delegation.”
Commissioner Weathers on Tuesday was joined by Congressman Tom Rice of the state’s 7th congressional district on an aerial tour of Chesterfield, Dillon, Florence, Horry, Marlboro and Marion counties. The tour included meetings with farmers in Dillion, Marion and Lake City.
“We had good engagement with upwards of 60 farmers who verified what we suspected: cotton was most impacted by high wind, followed by peanuts damaged by drenched soil, and soybeans whose pods were blown from the plants, ” Commissioner Weathers said.
Click here and here to access photos and videos from Tuesday’s tour.
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Agriculture Included in Governor’s Request for Federal Aid Press Release