BARNWELL, S.C. (WFXG) – Dr. Annie Andrews is taking her Senate campaign to every corner of the Palmetto State.
Tuesday, she stopped in Barnwell County to meet with rural farmers who are struggling to make ends meet.
Rising prices and a lack of rain this year have put farmers in rural areas in desperate straits. Tuesday, Dr. Andrews met with some in Barnwell to get a better grip on the reality they’re facing, and to share how she hopes to tackle the issues, if and when she is elected.
The first issue most of the farmers talked about was the ever-rising cost of diesel fuel, something that can impact their wallets multiple times a week.
“People need relief today,” Dr. Andrews said. “I just heard it cost $1,900 to fill up a tractor. And depending on the work that’s being done with that tractor, that might only last a few days. Fertilizer prices up 41%. We’ve got to do something. The suspending of the diesel tax would provide some immediate relief while we also look towards midterm and long-term solutions.”
Rachael Sharp, a farmer in Allendale County, says that she doesn’t think farmers are being disregarded in Washington, but she believes Dr. Andrews’s visit to the front lines will give her some critical insights.
“Just being here and being willing to listen and to take those concerns to Washington, that would mean a lot,” Sharp said.
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