Crop changes on the Eastern Shore

[David-C]

Not so much a question as an observation. On the way down and back to Cape Charles last week I noticed lots and LOTS of corn where there used to be row of tomatoes. I did not see any fields of tomatoes on the drive down Rt 13.

Anyone else notice this? Any thoughts on what is happening (market changes?)?

On the potential plus side, maybe there will be more geese down that way next fall/winter!

David

[Mike Avery]

Government handouts for a failed energy policy for ethanol to f-up our boats. But to corn farmers it means $$$$....just my guess, I really have no idea.

[Fishboy OV8]

The U.S. Department of Agriculture said in its annual planting intentions report that American farmers will plant almost 96 million acres for corn, 4 percent more than 2011 and the highest since before World War II.

[caryman33]

I thought there were farmers getting paid NOT to plant corn?
That is interesting as I used to travel to Wallop's island regularly and remember seeing all the tomatoe fields as well.

[fishbowl007]

Its based on demand, and futures. When times were good you would see allot of cotton planted, because we were all buying new clothes and the like. When the economy is down you'll see more wheat and corn planted (you gotta eat). As for the Govt handouts, do your homework, Matter of fact go ask a local farmer about the handouts he gets.

[Fishboy OV8]

I read that in Iowa, more of the land that farmers were being paid by the government to set aside for conservation is now being planted w/ corn and/or soybeans because it is MUCH more profitable these days

[J.DAUGHTREY]

Its about time the American farmer made a little money instead of losing it every year,hardworking people that actually help feed and cloth everyone.Yes the price of corn,beans and cotton is up but the cost of seed,fertilizer,diesel fuel and land rent is also up so the margin of profit isnt that big.I agree with the ethanol fuel and screwing up everything it is put in though but what to you do,our goverment is going to do what they want to do.There will always be a part of the country every year that has drought or flood that ruins the corn crop so a lot has to be planted to make up for it.

[jrhjr]

This is not about corn...this is about tomatoes.
ESVA is a (in)famous location for growing tomatoes. Used to be (quite a while ago) that it was local growers/canners...not so anymore. There are two major growers out of Florida (used to be three) that use the shore as the location their third rotation. They have always complained that they lose their ass over there...that they only do it to get the third rotation. Labor availability (and scrutiny post 911) fuel and other costs can have a dramatic (and immediate) affect. The leased fields don't get leased and end up in another crop; the owned fields go fallow.
They also have environmentally questionable farming practices which are finally getting a little more scrutiny...causing them to have to clean up their act (a little)

[CaptMikeStarrett]

I took a week there last week and saw the corn fields. Rode on the Diner car out of Cape Charles down the tracks and saw more corn than ever. Also saw the migrant worker yards. Rows and rows of boarded up buidings awaiting the pickers.. who will not show up to pick corn.

It was interesting to see the area from the rails..

Capt Mike

[David-C]

Mike, We have thought about doing the dinner ride. You recommend it? David

Rode on the Diner car out of Cape Charles down the tracks...
It was interesting to see the area from the rails..

Capt Mike