It has been an “interesting year” for Wayne County’s agriculture industry. 

Wayne County Cooperative Extension Director Kevin Johnson gave an update on this year’s growing season at last week’s Wayne County Board of Commissioners meeting. 

He says the corn harvest was fabulous after an abundant rainy season over the summer.

Next to come out of the ground will be cotton, peanuts, sweet potatoes, and soybeans.

Johnson says tobacco production has dropped about 50% when compared to just ten years ago, and this year’s heavy rainfall in June, July and August was not helpful for the tobacco crop.

Johnson says a big topic of conversation is the state of the pork industry.

Many hog growers that had lost their contracts have been picked up by Smithfield, but Johnson says there are also plenty of those farmers that have been displaced and may never get their animals back.

Johnson says the economy and COVID-19 were contributing factors in the recent hardships for hog growers.

Johnson also reminds that it may take some time for prices to come down in your local grocery store…if they do at all.

As Wayne County enters harvest time, it’s important for drivers to remember they need to have patience if they encounter agricultural vehicles/equipment on the road.