If you are involved in agriculture, then you’re very aware of the economic struggles many are facing. If you are not involved in agriculture, you probably are not aware of those struggles. There are real concerns across the countryside right now when it comes to production agriculture in our country, and because of this, many are looking to Congress to fix the issues.
Those issues range from disaster assistance after the recent hurricanes, to helping producers suffering losses again here in 2024. And that will make it difficult for them to obtain production financing for next year.
The Southern Cotton Growers (SCG) is just one organization hoping to help growers with the issues they are facing. We teamed with SCG to talk to a few cotton growers and ginners across the Southeast about the issues being found on the farm. With the help of SCG Chief Executive Officer Jim Davis, Southeast AgNet’s Randall Weiseman was able to talk with them about the current issues being faced by those in the industry.
One of those was Ben Evans, a cotton ginner from Douglas, GA. He told Weiseman they are dealing with the effects of two hurricanes, Helene and an economic hurricane.
Ernest Fulford, a cotton grower from Monticello, FL. Is one of those who has had to deal with a couple of hurricanes, Debby and Helene. He explained to Weiseman how their crops have fared, along with also having to deal with the economic situation.
Ryan Jenkins, a grower in Jay, FL. notes weather conditions in the Northwest part of the Florida panhandle have been a bit different from what some other growers have been facing. But he told Weiseman the situation economically is not good.
Richard Lindsey, a cotton ginner who also produces near Centre, AL. talked with Weiseman about his concerns with the issues production agriculture is facing here in the U.S.
Jim Davis notes the Southeast cotton industry is blessed and fortunate to have the dedicated leadership that we have, from all seven segments to our members in Congress-House of Representatives and Senate.
Several weeks ago, Commodity groups joined together to successfully focus Congressional and public attention on the serious financial situation in production agriculture. Recent storms have worsened circumstances, so it is imperative that farmers and their organizations focus attention on the severity of financial losses and the long-term consequences of the situation and continue calls on Congress to deliver financial assistance in an equitable and bipartisan manner.
Each cotton producer in the Southeast is a member of Southern Cotton Growers, it is encouraged to get involved and use your organizations, be it local, regional, or national level. If interested in learning more, please reach out to Davis at 706-344-1212.