September is harvest time for many South Carolina farmers, and Clemson Cooperative Extension Service experts say rain and wind from Hurricane Helene could pose problems for crops.
South Carolina cotton
Cotton is one crop that will likely be affected. Michael Jones, Clemson Cooperative Extension Service cotton specialist housed at the Pee Dee Research and Education Center (REC) in Florence, South Carolina, said forecast winds and rain will impact the crop. “Cotton development varies greatly, with some fields ready to be defoliated while others are still a few weeks away,” Jones said. “Most fields have open bolls at this time, so the storm will be an issue.”
Cotton harvest typically begins in South Carolina in late September. Cotton fiber weight and quality are best the day the boll opens. Fiber degrades with water produced by storms. Many farmers are waiting to defoliate until after the storm passes. “It’s possible leaves still on the plants may provide a little protection for the open bolls,” Jones said.
Wet ground also makes it difficult to use heavy equipment “We won’t know the extent of the impact until after the storm,” Jones said. “High winds will blow lint to the ground, and tangled plants will make harvest difficult.”
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reports that 225,000 acres of cotton were planted in South Carolina in 2024, up from 210,000 in 2023.
South Carolina soybean crop
Michael Plumblee, Clemson Extension corn and soybean specialist housed at the Edisto REC in Blackville, South Carolina, said about 25% of the state’s soybean crop has reached maturity, with most of the crop beginning to drop leaves.
“The rain we expect will alleviate drought-like conditions in some areas and help seed fill on non-irrigated soybeans,” Plumblee said. “But wind could accelerate leaf drop on mature soybeans and cause green-leafed plants to lodge, which will impact harvest efficiency.”
There’s also a risk of Asian soybean rust blowing in with the storm. “Ideally, soybeans with decent yield potential are protected from disease with foliar fungicide through R6 (green bean stage) or until seeds completely fill the pods,” Plumblee said.
The USDA reports 390,000 acres of soybeans were planted in South Carolina in 2024, down 395,000 acres planted in 2023.
South Carolina corn crop
About 95% of South Carolina’s corn crop has been harvested. For corn still in the field, lodging is possible due to poor stalk quality and high winds.
“If possible, farmers should harvest any remaining corn before the storm,” Plumblee said. “Excessive rain on exposed ears could promote ear rots or quality issues, but most of the quality corn has already been harvested.”
Plumblee also advises farmers to check grain bins for leaks to protect stored corn from wind and water.
The USDA reports 345,000 acres of corn were planted in South Carolina in 2024, down from 365,000 acres planted in 2023.
