Jay Corte IV lives a similar life to many other farmers you know. His days are filled with feeding cows, spraying peanut fields, managing cover crops, and explaining to the police that peanut dust is unavoidable when harvesting the legumes. While all farmers have a variety of stories to tell, Corte has a knack for keeping life interesting.
Corte farms in Baldwin County with his dad, Jay Corte III. He is a 4th generation farmer and always knew his place was in the field rows. “I’ve always loved it. It’s all I’ve ever known,” he said when asked if he had ever considered doing anything else. Corte, an Italian namesake, is involved with the Alabama Farmers Federation Young Farmers Program and participates in the current Southern Peanut Farmers Federation Peanut Leadership Academy XIII class.
When asked about issues that farmers face, Corte was sure to mention the current commodity pricing. According to Marshall Lamb, Research Leader for the USDA – National Peanut Research Lab, cotton and corn profit margins are hitting record lows (referenced below.) This puts a heavy burden on all farmers. Most peanut farmers also grow cotton; however, Corte and his father plant less cotton every year. Due to the rise of input costs, farmers such as Corte are finding it more difficult to stay afloat. “Last year was one of the worst peanut crops ever, but cotton was one of the best years ever. It was so dry and hot, but cotton seemed to like that. This year, we’ve got a pretty good-looking cotton crop, and peanuts are looking a lot better now than they did in the beginning. I just hope they look as good in the ground.” Regardless of bountiful crops, the dark cloud of commodity pricing and input cost casts a shadow on even the most optimistic farmers.
Decreasing profit margins aren’t the only issue. In Baldwin County, this time of year is ripe for hurricanes. “It’s just crazy. The last hurricane blew doors off our barn, and 50-60 pecan trees were down. If peanuts are dug and a hurricane hits, they start flying,” remarks Corte. Around there, it’s not “if” a hurricane hits but “when.” The Cortes do everything they can to stay prepared and hope the salt water doesn’t damage their peanut crop with leaf spot. Also on their radar is the public perception of farmers. The Cortes’ operation has been reported for a myriad of things by the general public. A visit from the local sheriff after a report of “too much dust” while harvesting peanuts doesn’t scratch the surface. They also deal with inconsiderate drivers and uninformed civilians while managing their crops and livestock.
Despite the hardships, Corte remains positive. Farmers band together when it matters most. The Peanut Leadership Academy guides young farmers to expand their network and their knowledge of peanuts, politics, and people. Corte mentioned that he has always looked up to another local farmer named Johnny Dorland. “He’s a good businessman, and he knows how to talk to people and gain respect,” Corte says. He hopes to leave PLA with the same attributes.
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