Ranked #1 out of 3,056 U.S. counties for farm profitability with an astounding 37% return on assets and 53% profit margin. Discover what makes Kershaw County's agriculture industry the most profitable in America.
Record-Breaking Farm Profitability
37%
Return on Assets
Highest in the nation
53%
Profit Margin
Unmatched nationwide
$364.6M
Agricultural Sales
165% increase since 2017
In 2024, FarmProgress ranked Kershaw County #1 in its "Best Places to Farm" report, analyzing data from 3,056 U.S. counties. Local farming families greeted this recognition with delight but not surprise.
Perfect Climate & Strategic Location
Mild Subtropical Climate
190+ frost-free days annually
Long Growing Season
Mid-April to late October
Year-Round Operations
Lower heating costs for livestock
Central Location
Excellent market access via I-20
Kershaw's central location near Columbia provides excellent access to markets, reducing logistics costs. Proximity to major transportation routes and urban centers ensures ready markets for products.
Poultry Powerhouse
The poultry industry is the cornerstone of Kershaw's farm profits, with 97% of farm revenue coming from livestock, poultry, and related products. The county has over 3 million laying hens and 1.7 million turkeys, ranking 38th nationally in poultry sales.
Strong Agribusiness Infrastructure
Processing Facilities
Prestage Farms opened a $150 million poultry processing plant in Camden in 2022, creating 292 jobs
Feed Mills
Local feed production reduces costs and ensures reliable supply
Transportation Network
Strategic location near Interstate 20 and Columbia provides excellent market access
Contract Production
Stable prices and technical support from integrator companies
Expert Farming Practices
Clemson Extension Support
"Anybody can come in and get professional help. Clemson Extension does an excellent job of teaching farmers and the public about how to be good stewards of the land."
Integrated Farming
Poultry litter used as natural fertilizer on hayfields and cropland, turning waste into a money-saver and crop booster.
Team Mentality
Local farmers, extension agents, and agribusinesses work together, creating a collaborative community that drives success.
Thriving Equine Industry
Winter Training Hub
Up to 1,500 thoroughbred racehorses come to Kershaw County for winter training, drawn by the mild climate.
Carolina Cup
This marquee steeplechase event draws over 60,000 spectators annually, boosting the local economy.
South Carolina Equine Park
This 40-acre complex in Camden hosts diverse horse shows and events year-round.
Kershaw ranks 2nd in South Carolina for sales of horses, ponies, mules, and donkeys, adding valuable diversification to the county's agricultural portfolio.
Growth Opportunities
Value-Added Processing
Expand into biofuels and organic fertilizer
Crop Diversification
Specialty crops, organic farming, greenhouse production
More breeding farms, training facilities, and events
Despite current success, Kershaw County has ample room to further grow and strengthen its agriculture industry through diversification and innovation.
Challenges & Solutions
Market Volatility
Solution: Risk management through contracts, diversification, and financial reserves
Disease Risks
Solution: Strict biosecurity measures, emergency response plans, and diversification
Environmental Concerns
Solution: Sustainable manure management, nutrient management plans, and buffer strips
Labor Shortages
Solution: Automation, youth engagement, and training programs
Sustainability Practices
Nutrient Recycling
Poultry litter used as organic fertilizer, returning nutrients to soil and reducing need for synthetic fertilizers
Conservation Tillage
13% of farms use no-till or reduced tillage to prevent erosion and preserve soil moisture
Renewable Energy
Exploring agrivoltaics with solar farms that incorporate honeybee operations
Water Conservation
Implementing efficient irrigation and water management techniques
Economic Impact
Direct Farm Income
$193.8 million net cash farm income in 2022
Job Creation
Hundreds of farm and agribusiness jobs
Local Business Support
Equipment, supplies, services, and retail
Community Prosperity
Stable tax base and rural development
With $364.6 million in agricultural product sales in 2022, farming is a primary driver of Kershaw County's economy, creating jobs and supporting numerous related businesses.
Comparison to Other Counties
Kershaw County
53% profit margin
37% return on assets
97% livestock/poultry sales
Strong agribusiness infrastructure
175-acre average farm size
Orangeburg County
26% profit margin
More crop-focused
Declining farm count
19% income growth since 2017
Higher irrigation adoption
Other SC Counties
10-30% typical profit margins
More mixed portfolios
More row crop dependence
Less integrated production
More boom-bust cycles
Success Factors
Climate Advantage
Mild subtropical climate with 190+ frost-free days allows year-round livestock operations and attracts winter equine training.
Poultry Focus
Specialization in high-margin poultry production with 97% of farm revenue from livestock and poultry products.
Processing Infrastructure
Local processing facilities and feed mills create an agricultural business cluster that keeps more value in the community.
Collaborative Spirit
Strong "team mentality" among farmers, extension agents, and agribusinesses drives innovation and problem-solving.
The Future of Kershaw Agriculture
Continue to diversify and add value
Even as poultry remains king, encourage new crops (vegetables, niche products) and pursue value-added ventures (processing, branding local goods) to broaden the income base.
Leverage agritourism and equine culture
Build on the county's equestrian fame and rural charm to attract visitors and direct sales, which will inject new dollars into the farm economy.
Invest in sustainability and resilience
Expand cover cropping, efficient water use, and renewable energy projects on farms to reduce long-term costs and safeguard against environmental risks.
Strengthen education and succession planning
Support young and beginning farmers through training, mentorship, and local incentives while maintaining strong extension and technical support.