ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Friday, September 6, 1996 TAG: 9609060019
SECTION: BUSINESS PAGE: A-7 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: GREG EDWARDS
Cabbage growers in Carroll County and other Blue Ridge Mountain counties suffered several years of low cabbage prices, but this year they're seeing green in their wallets as well as their fields.
Things had been so bad for the growers that during the three years prior to 1995 the number of acres planted in cabbage in Carroll County dropped from 2,000 to 500 and the number of growers fell from 35 to about 20.
At times last year, farmers were selling their cabbage for only 3 cents a pound, $1.50 per 50-pound bag.
Things are different this year. The harvest season started in early July with Carroll County cabbage selling for $11 to $12 per bag. The prices declined as the harvest season picked up steam, but the cabbage is still selling for $4 per 50-pound bag.
Charlie O'Dell, a vegetable specialist at Virginia Tech, called the higher prices a much-needed "shot in the arm."
Red Belcher, a Carroll County grower, said the prices are better, but "it's still nothing to get excited about." He has averaged about $5 to $5.50 a bag.
"This year we'll probably make a little money," he said, "if you're just looking at this year."
LENGTH: Short : 31 linesby CNB