Clarendon County Farmer Enters Race for SC Agriculture Commissioner

Jeremy Cannon challenges Fred West to lead the state's Department of Agriculture

Jan. 27, 2026 at 7:47pm

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Jeremy Cannon, a fourth-generation farmer from Clarendon County, has joined the race to become South Carolina's next agriculture commissioner. Cannon will face off against Fred West, a former poultry industry executive who currently works for the Department of Agriculture, in the Republican primary. The winner will replace longtime commissioner Hugh Weathers, who is retiring after 22 years in the role.

Why it matters

The agriculture commissioner oversees the state's Department of Agriculture, which plays a crucial role in supporting the state's large agribusiness sector. With Weathers' retirement, the race presents an opportunity to shape the department's priorities, particularly in supporting rural farmers who have struggled to find markets for their products.

The details

Cannon, a 44-year-old married father, operates a family farm in Turbeville that grows row crops, produce, and raises cattle. He believes the Department of Agriculture needs to do more to support rural farmers like himself. West, a 61-year-old married father, spent 24 years as an executive at a poultry processing company before joining the Department of Agriculture as director of market development. He says his business experience makes him the right candidate to lead the department.

  • Weathers announced his retirement in 2025 after nearly 22 years as agriculture commissioner.
  • West launched his bid for the position in January 2026.
  • Cannon announced his candidacy on Facebook earlier in January 2026.

The players

Jeremy Cannon

A fourth-generation farmer from Clarendon County who operates a family farm growing row crops, produce, and raising cattle.

Fred West

A former executive at a poultry processing company who currently works for the South Carolina Department of Agriculture as director of market development.

Hugh Weathers

The current agriculture commissioner who is retiring after nearly 22 years in the role.

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What they’re saying

“The agency needs a leader who 'feels what rural South Carolina feels, knows what they need and has a plan to do something about it.'”

— Jeremy Cannon, Candidate for Agriculture Commissioner

“While he's not a farmer himself, the industry has 'adopted' him after the decades he's spent working on the business side.”

— Fred West, Candidate for Agriculture Commissioner

What’s next

The Republican primary election for agriculture commissioner is scheduled for June 2026.

The takeaway

This race highlights the importance of the agriculture commissioner role in supporting the state's large and diverse agribusiness sector, particularly for rural farmers who have struggled to find markets for their products. The candidates' differing backgrounds - one a lifelong farmer, the other a business executive - offer voters a clear choice in how they want the department's priorities to be shaped.