Gable farmer is S.C.'s No. 1

DuRant advances to Southeastern contest

Keith Gedamke / The Item Thomas DuRant and his son Zach, 4, sit in the seat of one of the farm's harvesters.

By BELTON WHITE
Item Staff Writer
bwhite@theitem.com

GABLE — Thomas DuRant has lived on his family's farm for just about his whole life, so he knows a thing or two about the agricultural business.

This year, the 47-year-old was recognized as the 2009 South Carolina Farmer of the Year by the Swisher Sweets/Sunbelt Expo.

DuRant was modest about the award but was honored to have been selected from among his peers across the state.

"There are a lot of really good farmers in our area," he said. "Some might have been more deserving but didn't fill out the application."

Clemson Extension Agent Russell Duncan, who serves Clarendon, Florence and Williamsburg counties, encouraged DuRant to apply for the award.

"He's a very deserving candidate, and we're hoping for the best when they announce (the regional winner) on Oct. 20," at the Sunbelt Ag Expo in Moultrie, Ga.

A farmer to represent each of the 10 Southeastern states is chosen each year and becomes eligible for the Southeastern Farmer of the Year award.

This season, DuRant is growing tobacco, corn and soybeans on his farm. He and his five employees are harvesting the tobacco and soybeans now and will harvest the soybeans in about a month.

Keith Gedamke / The Item Harry McKenzie, Willie McKenzie and Paul Beaufort separate tobacco so it can dry effectively.

"We plant more acres of soybeans than anything else," he said. "That rotates year to year depending on cost and our rotation. It's good to rotate for fertility and weed purposes."

The farm staff has been working with a consulting firm this year to find out what nutrients are needed in the soil and to determine what can be done to grow and produce crops more effectively.

"As far as I can see, their recommendations have been accurate," he said. "One more harvest on the test plot, and we'll have the results from that study."

At some point, DuRant hopes to advance his research so that he can use a GPS to help keep track of how much fertilizer he puts in each area, how the crops turn out and how to treat the soil after the crops are harvested.

"My goal is to make the acres more efficient," he said. "I want more bushels per acre. I want to be as productive per acre as I can be."

As the technology and science of farming changes, DuRant is excited about the future possibilities.

However, the fundamentals of farming are still important, he added, with most of his knowledge about farming — and life in general — coming from his father, Norwood DuRant, who died in March after a battle with Alzheimer's disease.

"The greatest teacher I had was my dad. The most valuable lessons I learned were from him in life application," he said. "It was a very good experience working with him and for him."

Even today, the farm continues to be a family-oriented business. Two of DuRant's sons work on the farm in the summertime, and he has the help of his mother, Peggy DuRant, whenever he needs it.

"Mom has been involved in the farm with bookkeeping and finance sort of things," he said. "She has been instrumental in the success of the farm and is a good sounding board."

When he's not farming, DuRant serves on the Striped Bass Festival Committee and on the Board of Elders at New Harmony Presbyterian Church in Alcolu. He and his wife, Jennifer, have three sons and one daughter.


Contact Staff Writer Belton White at bwhite@theitem.com or (803) 774-1295.