The recent bout of winter weather in Johns Island, South Carolina, has presented significant hurdles for local farmers, most notably at Legare Farms. The sudden and severe drop in temperatures has tested the resilience of the farm and its operations.
Thomas Legare, a farmer at Legare Farms, vividly described the intensity of the unexpected weather. “It was like a sleet,” Legare recounted. “I walked outside about eight o’clock… it was pelting you. It was hurting when it was hitting you.” This abrupt shift to icy conditions demanded immediate and extensive efforts from the farm crew. Legare explained the increased workload, “Between myself and my crew– we’ve had to put in a lot of overtime here in the last couple of days. Feeding animals, getting ice out of water troughs, making sure everything’s got feed and hay.” These essential tasks were crucial to protect the livestock during the harsh Johns Island Weather.
Tragically, the freezing temperatures contributed to the loss of five water buffaloes at Legare Farms. “All of a sudden this storm hit and temperatures dropped below freezing and I think that’s what caused the fatalities in some of our buffaloes,” Legare stated, highlighting the devastating impact of the uncharacteristic Johns Island weather on even large animals.
Despite these considerable setbacks, Legare emphasized the unwavering commitment of farmers. “We’re busy 365 days out of the year,” he affirmed, illustrating the constant demands of farm life regardless of the Johns Island weather conditions. The lingering effects of the winter blast, including snow and sleet, are anticipated to have further consequences on crop cycles and have already disrupted the farm’s market activities. “Our business is down big time this week,” Legare admitted, pointing out the closure of the farm’s mobile markets due to hazardous road conditions caused by the Johns Island weather.
However, there is a sense of optimism as temperatures are beginning to rise, offering relief from the icy grip of winter. Legare Farms is looking ahead to celebrate a significant milestone – 300 years of serving the Lowcountry community. Reflecting on the farm’s long history, Legare commented, “I’ve probably seen more in my lifetime in the last 60 years than in the first 240 years we were here,” suggesting an increasing frequency of extreme weather events in Johns Island. With an eye towards the future, preparations are underway for planting winter and spring vegetables. The ultimate impact on these crops will depend on the duration and extent of field wetness, a direct consequence of the recent Johns Island weather.
