COLUMBIA, S.C. – Dairy farmers nationwide and in South Carolina are struggling to turn high profits and sustain their businesses.
The net income for farmers has dropped 23% since 2022, according to the Farm Bureau.
Associate Dean of Clemson University’s College of Agriculture and Forestry Life Sciences Tom Dobbins said farmers don’t get paid more for their product despite rising grocery prices.
“The family farmers in South Carolina had to get bigger or get out,” Dobbins said. “We always said it was a passion of love, but you still got to feed your family.”
He also said the growing costs of equipment, labor and cattle are making it more difficult for farmers to grow and expand.
Sierra Tinsley is part of family farm Sunny Day. She said the connections with other farmers, especially at the South Carolina State Fair, are key in uplifting the industry.
“I feel like in the farming industry, we’re all like one big family,” Tinsley said. “But having these connections can definitely help prepare you for the struggles that you might face, whether that be lack of milk production or the customer services.”
Tinsley said she’s been hands-on with dairy cows ever since she was little. Over the years, she’s said she’s grown a strong connection and bond with the cattle.
“These animals have definitely been like my children,” Tinsley said.
Dobbins said another main issue is the children of farmers leaving to find other work because of the decreasing wages. He mentioned it’s up to the younger generation to learn more about the vital role dairy and other types of farming play in our day-to-day life.
