By Erin Smith
Farmers in Bladen County are beginning to gather their fall crops and most say their fields are looking good. They say good weather and a good moisture content in the soil is helping the harvest.
Dan Ward of Clarkton said they have completed harvesting their corn crop and it was a good harvest.
“We started digging peanuts this week,” said Ward. He said they will continue to dig peanuts for about another month.
Ward said based on the fields they have dug so far, the peanut crop looks to be on target for a big harvest. He said based on the USDA yield estimate for 2017, this year’s peanut harvest could be the biggest peanut crop in United States history.
Ward said that it bodes well for those who chose to plant peanuts as the contract price is strong this year. He said China has indulged in buying what is referred in the market as the “overage peanuts.”
“The way our export program works, it is a very good deal for China,” said Ward.
He explained that over the last two years, China has purchased a large number of peanuts from the United States. Ward said this has helped to keep the inventory of peanuts at a lower rate which allows companies to offer higher contract prices.
Joyce Walters of Walters Family Farm said their corn harvest was successful and soy beans are looking good as well.
“We’re harvesting corn right now and it is going well. It’s looking like it’s going to be a good year,” said Walters of her harvest.
Dean Morris said Morris Farms will not be harvesting pumpkins this year. He said Morris Farms opted not to plant pumpkins this year, but did plant one acre of collards. He said the collards are performing well and expects them to be ready in three more weeks if the weather cooperates.
About Author
