News Summary
The farming community on St. Helena Island is enhancing agricultural productivity through partnership with the Beaufort Conservation District. Walter Mack, a field agent, assists farmers in overcoming challenges, with a focus on supporting farmers of color. Projects are backed by a $60,000 grant aimed at fostering trust and providing effective strategies. Local farmers, including Jimmy Wright and Cal Hucks, are optimistic about their operations as they partake in innovative practices to ensure sustainability and profitability in the sector.
Local Farmers in St. Helena Island Collaborate with Conservation District to Maximize Agricultural Success
St. Helena Island’s farming community is experiencing a renewed focus on agricultural productivity with the assistance of the Beaufort Conservation District. Walter Mack, the district’s field agent, is helping small-scale farmers enhance their operations and navigate challenges in the industry. On April 17, 2025, Mack visited local farmer Jimmy Wright to offer support as Wright embarks on his first full season of farming on his family’s 10-acre property.
The collaboration between local farmers and the Conservation District aims to improve relationships with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), especially for farmers of color. Mack’s efforts are backed by a $60,000 grant to address farming challenges in Beaufort County, with a focus on providing actionable strategies to help farmers maximize the value of their land. This initiative is particularly significant, as it seeks to build trust within the farming community, many of whom have faced historical discrimination from federal agencies.
Wright, now 76 years old, secured funding from the USDA for two greenhouses, aiming to enhance his farming operations. His father was also a farmer on St. Helena, facing discrimination, which contributed to Wright’s initial skepticism toward governmental support. Nonetheless, with the guidance of Mack, Wright is optimistic about the potential of his farm.
In addition to Wright, other local farmers are finding ways to grow high-value crops to improve their profitability and sustainability. Mack identified 29 small farms in the region, most of which are under 50 acres. This assessment highlights the significance of small-scale farming in maintaining the agricultural landscape of St. Helena Island.
Earl Brown, another farmer in the area, cultivates a diverse array of crops but has expressed concerns about the absence of fencing to protect his plants from local wildlife, particularly deer. This request for support underscores the ongoing struggles that small farmers face in maintaining their crops, even as they work to implement sustainable practices.
One of the standout farms in the region is Coosaw Farms, operated by 25-year-old Cal Hucks. This farm is a significant contributor to watermelon production in South Carolina, with plans to plant 290,000 seedlings across 116 acres. Coosaw Farms utilizes advanced technology, including GPS for field drainage, to boost efficiency and sustainability. In a productive season, Coosaw anticipates yielding nearly 7 million pounds of watermelons, which will be distributed to major grocery chains from New York to Miami.
The efforts of local farmers like Wright, Brown, and Hucks not only reflect the hard work and commitment of the agricultural community in St. Helena Island but also illustrate the importance of collaboration and innovation in overcoming farming challenges. Farmers are encouraged to share their experiences and insights, helping to elevate public understanding of the realities of farming and its critical role in local economies.
As St. Helena Island sees favorable weather conditions, with a forecast high of 83°F and a low of 74°F, farmers are hopeful for a successful growing season. The combination of community efforts and support from the Beaufort Conservation District stands to benefit the agricultural landscape, providing a sustainable future for local farmers.
The initiatives driven by the Conservation District and the farmers’ willingness to adapt and innovate signify a positive trajectory for St. Helena Island’s agricultural success. Moving forward, continued collaboration and investment will be essential in promoting the viability of small-scale farming and preventing the sale of agricultural land for development.
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Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Black Farmers and Nature Conservancy
- Island Packet: Beaufort News
- Island Packet: Local Community News
- Post and Courier: St. Helena Island Hydro Farm
- New York Times: Indigo Artists of South Carolina
- Wikipedia: Agriculture in the United States
- Google Search: Beaufort County Farming News
- Google Scholar: Beaufort County Farming
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Agriculture
- Google News: Beaufort County Farmers
