South Carolina is facing a widespread drought that is damaging key crops—especially soybeans—and intensifying financial pressure on farmers already facing higher costs. About 40% of communities are in moderate to severe drought, and soybeans, cotton and peanuts together account for roughly $500 million annually for the state economy. Many producers are still recovering from Hurricane Helene, which caused $1–2 billion in damage, while scientists link the growing frequency of droughts to rising global temperatures. Experts urge policy action on water, insurance and climate resilience, while individuals can help by reducing waste and supporting local food systems.
South Carolina Drought Deepens Farmers' Crisis: 'Hard to Break Even'
South Carolina is facing a widespread drought that is damaging key crops—especially soybeans—and intensifying financial pressure on farmers already facing higher costs. About 40% of communities are in moderate to severe drought, and soybeans, cotton and peanuts together account for roughly $500 million annually for the state economy. Many producers are still recovering from Hurricane Helene, which caused $1–2 billion in damage, while scientists link the growing frequency of droughts to rising global temperatures. Experts urge policy action on water, insurance and climate resilience, while individuals can help by reducing waste and supporting local food systems.
12:20 PM, 11/17/2025Environment
South Carolina drought deepens financial pain for farmers
The prolonged drought across South Carolina is inflicting serious damage on crops that underpin the state’s agricultural economy, while rising input costs and market pressures are squeezing farm incomes.
Scope of the drought: South Carolina Public Radio reports that nearly the entire state is experiencing abnormal dryness and roughly 40% of communities are classified as being in moderate to severe drought.
Crops and economic impact: Experts point to a lack of late-summer and early-fall rainfall as the primary factor harming soybeans, cotton and peanuts—three of the state’s leading commodities. Together those crops contribute an estimated $500 million annually to South Carolina’s economy. Soybeans appear to have been hit the hardest, with many fields facing drought during critical growth stages.
Some crops, such as peaches and corn, were less uniformly affected this season, but the cumulative impact is still producing financial strain for growers across the state.
'Prices are the farmers' biggest issue. Even with excellent corn yields, prices make it difficult to break even,' said David DeWitt of Clemson’s Cooperative Extension.
Many producers are also still rebuilding after Hurricane Helene last year, which caused between $1 billion and $2 billion in damages across South Carolina.
Broader consequences and climate context
Drought and other extreme weather events can severely disrupt crop growth cycles and create cascading difficulties for both producers and consumers. For example, in 2022 the price of vegetables rose by about 80% in parts of California and Arizona that were also experiencing drought, according to CNN. Reduced supply drives prices up and can leave some households without essential food items while eroding farm incomes.
Scientists identify rising global temperatures driven by human-produced pollution and greenhouse gases as a primary factor increasing the frequency and intensity of droughts and other extreme weather events.
What can help
Addressing this challenge requires systemic policy responses—improved water management, climate-resilient crop practices, disaster relief, and support for farm incomes and insurance. Individuals can also contribute by choosing local food where available, reducing food waste, and lowering personal emissions through actions like switching to electric vehicles.
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