Extension Employee News

Dear Extension Family,

As we continue through a busy spring season, I want to thank each of you for the dedication and professionalism you bring to Clemson Cooperative Extension every day. Across our system, your efforts continue to strengthen communities through impactful programming, partnerships, and service.

This month, we celebrate several important accomplishments and updates across Extension. Congratulations to Denise Attaway on receiving the Roland Austin Communication Award, a well-deserved recognition of her outstanding work and contributions. Congratulations to the EELI program graduates on completing the program and demonstrating a strong commitment to leadership and professional growth.

Several important operational and strategic initiatives are also underway across the Extension system. Conversations continue with University leadership regarding budget reductions and the importance of understanding the reasoning and long-term planning behind these decisions. In addition, preparations remain underway for the implementation of the new Workday system, with Extension-specific trainings being coordinated statewide under Renee’s leadership to help ensure a smooth transition for our employees.

As we look toward the future of Clemson Extension, I encourage everyone to participate in the upcoming strategic planning feedback sessions led by Mr. Lanford. Over the next five weeks, these discussions and surveys will focus on key themes including communication, programming, workforce, impact, and investment. Your input is critical as we work together to shape Extension’s future priorities and direction.

Thank you again for the outstanding work happening across all program areas. Your commitment to serving South Carolina continues to make a meaningful difference. Please remember to join my monthly Coffee Chat held on the first Wednesday of each month at 8:30 a.m. for Extension updates, announcements, and an opportunity to ask questions and engage in discussion.

Rural Health at Joint Council of Extension Professionals (JCEP)!

The Clemson Extension Rural Health team recently presented at the Joint Council of Extension Professionals (JCEP)conference, showcasing innovative work addressing food access challenges. Michelle Altman and Weatherly Thomas delivered a presentation titled “Advocacy in Action: Clemson Extension’s Food Pantry Giving Guide – Response to the 2025 SNAP Disruption,” highlighting a timely, community-centered resource developed to support food pantries and partners during disruptions to SNAP benefits. Their work emphasizes practical guidance for equitable food distribution, strengthens local response efforts, and demonstrates Extension’s ability to adapt quickly to emerging needs while advocating for vulnerable populations.

Guidance on AI Use in Extension Work

Conversations about the use and potential of AI tools in Extension work have intensified recently. As we explore ways to responsibly incorporate these technologies, I encourage you to review the Extension Foundation’s AI safety checklist and related guidance, which is regularly updated: https://connect.extension.org/blog/before-you-share-it-an-ai-safety-checklist-for-extension

If you have questions about using AI tools in your work, please consult Clemson’s AI resources and tools page for guidance and institutional policies: https://www.clemson.edu/ai/tools/

Thank you for staying informed and thoughtful as we consider how AI can support our mission.

State Fair:

The 2026 South Carolina State Fair is set to run from Thursday, October 15 through Sunday, October 25.  Please plan to represent Extension at our booth in the Ellison Building on one of these days.  Any questions or comments, please reach out to Becca Hedden at rthomp7@clemson.edu

Salesforce:

Please take a moment to update your Title on your User Profile in Salesforce.  To do so, hover over your photo icon along the top toolbar and click.  This will open up to your User Profile.  Please update your Title to reflect your County and Program team, ex) Anderson – Agronomic Crops Agent. This helps easily identify users when navigating in Salesforce.

Salesforce will now automatically send a reminder email when one of your Program Events has concluded.

What to expect:

When an event ends:

• You’ll receive a reminder email.
• A task will be created to remind you to complete required reporting fields.
• A banner will appear at the top of the record reminding you to complete required reporting fields.

The reminder is simply to ensure the following fields are completed for reporting purposes:

• Event Status
• Extension Project
• Program County
• Hours of Instruction

The banner will remain visible until you manually dismiss it.

New Employees 

Please help me welcome the newest members of our Extension family:

• Jessica Galat: EFNEP Nutrition Educator; serving Kershaw County
• Tamika Thomas: EFNEP Nutrition Educator; serving Florence County

Job Openings

We have new openings to fill with talent. The following positions with their job ID numbers are currently posted on the Clemson Careers website. http://www.clemson.edu/careers

• AMPSC Extension Educator, Various Counties, Job ID 110430
• AMPSC Forestry Extension Associate, Various Counties, Job ID 110384
• HGIC Online Programming and Marketing Associate, Clemson, Job ID 109968
• Nutrition Educator, Spartanburg, Job ID 110021
• Livestock and Forages Agent, Saluda, Job ID 110092

IN CLOSING …

Thank you again for your continued dedication to Clemson Cooperative Extension and the communities we serve across South Carolina. The work highlighted throughout this newsletter reflects the strength of our people, the value of our partnerships, and the meaningful impact Extension continues to make each day. As we move through this busy season, I encourage you to continue supporting one another, sharing your successes, and staying engaged in the important work ahead.

I appreciate all that you do to advance our mission and represent Clemson Extension with professionalism and purpose.

As always, please take good care of yourselves and your families, and thank you for what you do for Clemson Cooperative Extension.

Upcoming Events and Reminders

• May 20-22, 2026: SC Association of County Agricultural Agents (SCACAA) & SC Association of Extension 4-H Agents (SCAE4-HA) Joint Annual Meeting and Professional Improvement Conference in Lexington, SC.
• Please share your latest accomplishments, awards, publications and other newsworthy updates with Christi Leard ccampb3@clemson.edu to get in the Director’s Newsletter!

Dear Extension Family,

As we move into the spring season, I want to take a moment to recognize the tremendous work happening across our Extension system. This is one of our busiest times of year, and it is clear from the many programs, events, and activities taking place that your efforts are making a meaningful impact in communities across South Carolina.

From the success of large-scale events like the Spring Dairy Show and Forest Fest to the ongoing work happening daily in your counties, your dedication continues to strengthen Extension’s presence and reputation. These efforts do not happen in isolation—they are the result of strong teamwork across program areas, with agents, specialists, staff, and volunteers coming together to serve our stakeholders.

As we continue through this busy season, I encourage you to remain mindful of our resources while staying focused on delivering high-quality programming. Your work in the field is what drives our success and ensures we remain responsive to the needs of those we serve.

During this week’s Coffee Chat, several important updates and reminders were shared:

• Travel & Budget Awareness: Staff are encouraged to be mindful of rising fuel costs and their impact on operating budgets. Continue attending key meetings and events, but conserve resources when possible by carpooling, combining trips, or utilizing virtual options when appropriate.
• Spring Events Success: The Spring Dairy Show had record participation, with over 400 animals and strong youth involvement. Additional events, including dairy judging and upcoming livestock contests, continue to highlight strong collaboration across program areas. Forest Fest also saw record attendance, with approximately 685 participants.
• Teamwork Across Extension: A strong emphasis was placed on working collaboratively across program areas and supporting one another during this busy spring season.
• Operational Updates:
  • Position approvals are beginning to move forward, particularly for state-funded roles.
  • Agent promotion materials are due by May 11.
  • Innovation Award recipients should submit required reports.
  • The new Workday system is scheduled to launch July 1, with in-person district trainings expected in June.

Thank you for your continued dedication to Extension’s mission and the impactful work you do in communities across South Carolina.

Celebrating 10 Years of Pinckney Leadership

More than 100 South Carolina 4-H Pinckney Leadership Program participants and their families gathered at the State House to celebrate the program’s 10th anniversary during South Carolina 4-H Legislative Day. The milestone was made even more meaningful with the presence of Jennifer Pinckney and her daughter, Malana Pinckney, a current program participant. The program was formally recognized in both chambers of the South Carolina General Assembly, highlighting a decade of leadership development and its lasting impact on youth across the state. The application for our middle camp is still open and will close on April 6th.  The applications can be found at www.clemson.edu/pinckney 

S.C. 4-H Engineering Challenge Inspires Future Innovators

This year marked the 12th annual S.C. 4-H Engineering Challenge, which hosted more than 350 youth from 23 counties across South Carolina, with some participants competing in up to three events. The annual S.C. 4-H Engineering Challenge in Columbia engaged youth in a wide range of hands-on STEM competitions, building problem-solving skills and sparking interest in future STEM careers. The event included 98 Visual Arts entries, 58 Bridge Building teams, 60 Mystery Challenge teams, 12 Rocketry teams, 12 Coding entries, 10 Robotics teams, and 4 Agriscience poster presentations. In addition, 13 exhibitors participated in the STEAM Expo, further enhancing the learning experience for attendees. More than 50 individuals—including volunteers, college students, 4-H alumni, agents representing three Extension program teams, a retired agent, and two district directors—came together to spend the day making the best better.

Top honors included John Terry (Abbeville County), who earned first place in the Junior Agriscience Poster competition, and Adaline Page, who placed first in the Senior division. Additional winners represented counties across the state in events such as coding, visual arts, bridge building, rocketry, and mystery challenges—showcasing the talent and innovation of South Carolina 4-H youth.

Please see full article and list of winners here: https://news.clemson.edu/s-c-4-h-engineering-challenge-provides-hands-on-stem-experiences/

Forest Fest

On March 28, 2026, the Clemson University Cooperative Extension brought its full self to the Clemson Experimental Forest, and 685 people showed up to meet it there. Forest Fest 2026 was more than a signature event; it was a living demonstration of what Extension does best: building bridges between research, place, and the people who call this landscape home. Through the work of 4-H Teen Ambassadors, FFA students from John De La Howe, the SC Botanical Garden, Rural Health and Nutrition, Master Naturalist volunteers, School and Community Gardening, 4-H and Shooting Sports, Adopt-a-Stream, and a wide network of PSA and CAFLS partners across forestry and agriculture, attendees moved through the forest not as spectators but as participants handling live animals, learning about watersheds, trying their hand at shooting sports, and discovering the forest ecosystem. The 125 post-event surveys returned a resounding affirmation: 89% of respondents rated Forest Fest a 9 or 10 out of 10 for likelihood of recommending it to a friend. Nearly 90% of attendees reported being extremely satisfied with event staff, and 100% expressed satisfaction with the educational content, with 89% of those at the highest level. Education stations drew the most interest, chosen by more than half of respondents, a testament to Extension’s enduring belief that learning and doing belong together.

State Fair:

The 2026 South Carolina State Fair is set to run from Thursday, October 15 through Sunday, October 25.  Please plan to represent Extension at our booth in the Ellison Building on one of these days.  Any questions or comments, please reach out to Becca Hedden at rthomp7@clemson.edu

Salesforce:

Please take a moment to update your Title on your User Profile in Salesforce.  To do so, hover over your photo icon along the top toolbar and click.  This will open up to your User Profile.  Please update your Title to reflect your County and Program team, ex) Anderson – Agronomic Crops Agent. This helps easily identify users when navigating in Salesforce.

Salesforce will now automatically send a reminder email when one of your Program Events has concluded.

What to expect:

When an event ends:

• You’ll receive a reminder email.
• A task will be created to remind you to complete required reporting fields.
• A banner will appear at the top of the record reminding you to complete required reporting fields.

The reminder is simply to ensure the following fields are completed for reporting purposes:

• Event Status
• Extension Project
• Program County
• Hours of Instruction

The banner will remain visible until you manually dismiss it.

Why we’re doing this:

This update helps ensure timely and accurate reporting across all programs without relying on manual follow-up.  

Other things to note:

• Outlook has begun phasing out the Salesforce connector within Outlook.  If it has not been disabled for you already, it will be unavailable soon.  Please note you will have to adjust your workflow if you are utilizing this tool. https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=002723592&type=1
• Due to an update, Eventbrite will now only allow participants to be added to an event for 10 days after the event ends.  If you have issues with Eventbrite, please see: https://www.eventbrite.com/help/en-us/

Congratulations to Dr. Ashley Burns!

“I raise up my voice—not so I can shout, but so that those without a voice can be heard.” — Malala Yousafzai (Awarded Nobel Peace Prize for her work in Education).

A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to observe Dr. Ashley Burns during one of her staff meetings. Her poise, depth of knowledge, thoughtful insights, and professional gravitas were immediately evident. She embodies the kind of leadership that uplifts others and advances the important work of education.

As we celebrate Women’s History Month, Dream Builders Communication believes it is important to recognize and elevate the voices of women whose leadership continues to shape the future of education.

Please join me in celebrating Dr. Ashley Burns’ contributions to education as we respectfully invite her to serve as one of the panelists of women in education for the Dream Builders Communication’s special virtual experience entitled:

“Celebrating Women’s History Month: Honoring Voices, Impact, and Leadership in Education.”

New Employees 

Please help me welcome the newest members of our Extension family:

• Alex Thompson: Brewing and Fermentation Extension Associate
• Dr. Ahmet Buyukyavuz: Food Analysis and Formulation Extension Associate
• Dr. Claudia Ionita: Consumer Food Safety and Preservation Extension Associate (not pictured)
• Amanda Lutz: 4-H Agent; serving Chester County
• Presley Bell: 4-H Agent; serving Barnwell, Bamberg, and Allendale Counties

Sunbelt Ag Expo

I am pleased to announce the official call for nominations for the 2026 Sunbelt Ag Expo Southeastern Farmer of the Year Award.  This award is open to any South Carolina farmer or member of a farming family that is actively involved in the agriculture industry and is at least 21 years of age.  

To make a nomination, please use the following JotForm link –https://form.jotform.com/260074486530153.  Once completed, save as a pdf, and return to me via email or hard copy. A preview of the nomination application can viewed/printed from the pdf FOY nomination attachment.   

To receive full consideration, completed nomination forms must be submitted by April 20^th, 2026, to:

Brian Callahan, SC Sunbelt FOY Coordinator 

(Electronic submissions):  bcallah@clemson.edu OR 

(Hard copy submissions): 352 Halton Road, Suite 302, Greenville, SC  29607 

Dates for the 2026 Sunbelt Ag Expo are October 19-22^nd.  For more information, visit the Sunbelt Ag Expo website at: https://sunbeltexpo.com/

If you have questions or would like more information, please don’t hesitate to contact me.  Thank you for your support of this program – Brian

NEW! SCBG Wildflower Walks

Greetings from the South Carolina Botanical Garden! We have some exciting news that we hope you all will help us share. CU students and employees can enjoy free guided wildflower walks at SCBG!

Step into spring with us! Clemson University students, faculty, and staff are invited to enjoy free weekly guided wildflower walks along our peaceful Natural Heritage Trail. Wander at a relaxed pace with an experienced guide, soak in the beauty of the spring while discovering the hidden stories of our local plants and wildlife.

On Wednesdays, beginning March 11, join us to discover brand-new landscapes—fresh blossoms, unfolding leaves, and the ever-changing colors of spring. No two walks are the same, so come often and watch the Garden come alive! Space is limited, so pre-registration is required.

More details can be found on our Eventbrite registration page.

Job Openings

We have new openings to fill with talent. The following positions with their job ID numbers are currently posted on the Clemson Careers website. http://www.clemson.edu/careers

• Administrative Assistant, Clarendon, Job ID 110329
• Administrative Assistant, Saluda, Job ID 110331
• Nutritional Educator, Spartanburg, Job ID 110021
• 4-H Agent, Greenwood, Job ID 110305
• Seasonal Landscaper, Clemson SCBG, Job ID 110175
• Livestock and Forages Agent, Saluda, Job ID 110092
• Nutrition Educator, Laurens, Job ID 110023
• Mobile Food Processing Associate, Clemson, Job ID 109966

IN CLOSING …

In closing, I want to thank each of you for the commitment, professionalism, and teamwork you demonstrate every day. The impact of Extension is strongest at the local level, and it is your work in communities across South Carolina that continues to build trust, create opportunities, and improve lives. As we move through this busy season, I encourage you to stay connected, support one another, and remain focused on the mission that brings us together. I am proud to serve alongside you and appreciate all that you do for Clemson Cooperative Extension and the people we serve.

As always, please take good care of yourselves and your families, and thank you for what you do for Clemson Cooperative Extension.

Upcoming Events and Reminders

• April 22-23, 2026: The 45th SCAEAP Annual Conference in Greenville, SC.
• May 20-22, 2026: SC Association of County Agricultural Agents (SCACAA) & SC Association of Extension 4-H Agents (SCAE4-HA) Joint Annual Meeting and Professional Improvement Conference in Lexington, SC.
• Please share your latest accomplishments, awards, publications and other newsworthy updates with Christi Leard ccampb3@clemson.edu to get in the Director’s Newsletter!

Dear Extension Family,

Before we get into the updates in this month’s newsletter, I want to take a moment to recognize several members of our Extension family and thank you all for the tremendous work happening across the state.

First, I want to give a special shout-out to Zach Snipes for the excellent feature in Clemson World. It was a great article that highlighted the important role Extension plays in serving communities and addressing real-world needs. Zach’s work is a great example of how Extension professionals are making a difference every day. When you see him, please take a moment to thank him for the work he does representing Extension so well.

We also have several exciting events happening across our programs. The WAgN Conference is just around the corner, and Charley and the WAgN team have been working incredibly hard to ensure a strong Extension presence at the State Fairgrounds in Columbia. I appreciate the effort that has gone into preparing for this important gathering.

The Spring Dairy Show is also approaching, and I understand we are seeing record participation. The last update I received from Lucy indicated around 150 youth entered in showmanship alone. The recent dairy showmanship workshop in Laurens County also had a tremendous turnout. Events like this highlight the strength of our youth livestock programs and the dedication of our agents and volunteers.

Across 4-H, we continue to see incredible momentum. The 4-H Cooking Challenge is another outstanding example of the meaningful opportunities our staff are creating for youth across the state. These programs truly demonstrate the impact Extension has on developing the next generation.

I also want to thank everyone who represented Extension during Clemson Day at the State Capitol and throughout the recent budget hearings. I was unable to attend in person, but I followed the proceedings closely. Several senators spoke directly about the importance of Extension—not research or teaching, but Extension—and how critical your work is in their communities. They emphasized how responsive you are and how much they rely on Extension. Hearing that level of support from multiple legislators speaks volumes about the work each of you does every day.

Mr. Lanford also attended the luncheon and shared that President Jones, Provost Smith, and University leadership highlighted the great work being done by Extension. That recognition is not about those of us in administration—it reflects the dedication of our agents, specialists, and staff who are serving communities across South Carolina.

We also had a tremendous FFA Day at the State Capitol. As Commissioner Hugh Weathers put it, there wasn’t room to fit another blue and gold jacket on the State House steps. They were packed from top to bottom. I want to recognize Troy Helms and the team who helped coordinate and support that event. The feedback from legislators about the students and the program was overwhelmingly positive.

Looking ahead, we are preparing for 4-H Day at the Capitol on March 10, and I know it will be another great opportunity to showcase the impact of our youth programs and the leadership development happening through 4-H.

Programmatically, I also want to recognize the work of our district directors and program team directors. The plans of work they have helped develop are guiding our efforts and demonstrating the measurable impact Extension is making across the state. Being able to clearly show how our programs affect communities and improve lives is incredibly important as we continue moving forward.

I know Kimberly Baker is working hard on the new legislative initiative related to food safety. This work reflects the continued relevance of Extension in addressing emerging issues that affect families and communities across South Carolina.

With everything going on in the world today, there can be a lot of uncertainty. Recently, my pastor shared a sermon about helping other people, and it reminded me immediately of the Extension Service. That is exactly what you do every day…you help people improve their lives, their farms, their families, and their communities.

Thank you for the work you do across our counties and across this state. Your dedication truly makes a difference, and I am grateful for each of you.

Reminders from Coffee Chat on 3-4-26:

• Denise Attaway: Encourage team members to email her with stories or events they want publicized so she can help get the word out.
• All interested staff: Consider attending the Spring Dairy Show (March 27-29) and/or volunteering, as invited by Mark Cathcart and Lucy Charping.
• All staff: Consider attending open office hours with the Dean, as encouraged by Patricia Whitener.

Extension Center for Health Outreach (ECHO)

We are pleased to announce the Extension Center for Health Outreach (ECHO) leaders are Sarah Griffin, PhD, MPH, Interim Director, and Hannah Wilson, PhD, RDN, LD, Interim Assistant Director. Dr. Griffin is a Professor in the Department of Public Health Sciences and PI of the Healthy Options Program, which is in its 8^th year of operation with the Rural Health and Nutrition team. Dr. Griffin’s expertise is in chronic disease prevention and management and intervention science. Dr. Wilson is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Food, Nutrition, and Packaging Sciences and PI of several USDA-funded projects in partnership with the Rural Health and Nutrition team. Dr. Wilson’s expertise is in community nutrition and chronic disease prevention and management. ECHO’s mission is to elevate health across South Carolina and the nation through innovative, community-drive research and Cooperative Extension practice. We do this through advancing new health research opportunities in rural South Carolina, along with Cooperative Extension teams, and by ensuring robust evaluations of health programming to demonstrate impact. Currently, there are seven research projects operating within the ECHO umbrella. To learn more about ECHO, please contact Dr. Griffin at sgriffi@clemson.edu.

50th Annual Bull Test/Sale Recap

Lee Van Vlake–Livestock and Forages Program Team Director

The 50th Annual Clemson Extension Bull Test Sale was held February 7, 2026, at the T. Ed Garrison Arena in Pendleton, SC. The sale was phenomenal, offering top-notch genetics and resulting in our highest average sale price ever at $7,366. A total of 54 bulls sold for $397,750. The CUCES Bull Test and sale was coordinated by the Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service Livestock and Forages Team along with the Piedmont Research and Education Center Beef Farm.  

The sale ring was packed with enthusiastic bidders, and online and phone bids were major contributors to the event’s success. This year’s group of bulls represented some of the most complete and industry-leading genetics we have ever offered. DV Auction once again handled our online bidding, attracting participants from across the country. Bulls were purchased by buyers in South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, and Virginia.

The highest-selling bull was Lot 29, an Angus bull consigned by Berry Wells Farm (Johnathon Wells) of Rayle, Georgia. Osage Farms Inc. of Scaly Mountain, North Carolina, purchased the bull for $14,000. Osage Farms acquired four bulls in total during the sale. Lot 29 was a true standout, earning the award for highest overall Average Daily Gain (ADG) at 6.13 pounds. He was a high-performing bull throughout the test, with several Expected Progeny Differences (EPDs) ranking in the top 10 percent.

The second highest-selling bull was Lot 21, an Angus bull consigned by Shuffler Farm (Eugene Shuffler) of Union Grove, North Carolina. Shaw Family Farm purchased Lot 21 for $12,000. He posted an impressive set of EPDs and was designated an Elite bull in our program. Lot 21 also won an award for highest test ADG of 6.13 pounds and achieved a negative Residual Feed Intake (RFI) during the testing period.

Breed averages were as follows:

Angus              $7,463 (27 bulls sold)

SimAngus       $8,187 (12 bulls sold)

Balancer          $4,500 (1 bull sold)

Hereford          $6,950 (5 bulls sold)

Red Angus      $6,035 (7 bulls sold)

Simmental       $8,250 (2 bulls sold)

After the bulls sold 24 high quality open Heifers were offered.  These heifers came from 3 farms and averaged $3412.  We appreciate this high-quality offering and the support from the consigners and buyers of these heifers. 

On behalf of Clemson University, the Cooperative Extension Service, and the Clemson Bull Test Program, we extend our sincere thanks to our consignors, buyers, and bidders for their dedication to breed improvement and excellence in genetic advancement within the beef industry. The confidence you place in the Clemson University Cooperative Extension Bull Testing Program is both humbling and greatly appreciated.

The 50th Annual Sale was conducted by Col. Dale Stith of Mays Lick, Kentucky. Ringmen included Mr. Scott Weller of Virginia, Mr. Michael Ryan of Townville, South Carolina; and Mr. David Gazda of the American Angus Association. These gentlemen are true professionals, and we thank them for a job well done. Despite the excitement and energy in the sale ring, they never missed a bid.

Please mark your calendars for Saturday February 6, 2027, for another powerful offering of industry-improving bulls. I would like to thank the CUCES Livestock and Forages Team, Piedmont Research and Education Center Beef Farm, and CUCES Field Operations.  

2026 Horse Communication and Bowl

The 2026 South Carolina 4-H State Horse Communications and Horse Bowl Contest was held Saturday, February 28 at Clemson University-Poole Agriculture Center.  Throughout the two contest, 85 South Carolina 4-H’ers participated and showcased their passion for the equine industry.

The Horse Communications Contest provides youth with the opportunity to showcase their public speaking skills as individuals or teams.  Youth share their gained equine knowledge through research and deliver their findings to a committee of judges.  

Cloverbud Horse Communications Contest:

Team Presentation

Aubree Spencer and McKinley McIntire-Colleton

Cloverbud Team Demonstration:  Aubree Spencer and McKinley McIntire-Colleton

Results from Junior Horse Communications Contest:

Individual Presentation-6 participants

1. Anna Kain, Horry
2. Alana Shirk, Richland

Public Speaking-4 participants

1. Anna Grace Pukl, Lexington
2. Tyler DeVizo, Dorchester

Team Presentation

1. Eleanor Jiles and Malia Edwards-Colleton

Jr. Team Demonstration:  Eleanor Jiles and Malia Edwards-Colleton

Junior People Choice Award Winner:  Cece Kenyon, Colleton

Senior Horse Communications Contest:

Individual Presentation-9 participants

1. Hennelly Gavin, Lexington
2. Ellie Shaw, De La Howe

Public Speaking-4 participants

1. Hennelly Gavin, Lexington
2. Madeline Anderson, Lancaster

Senior People Choice Award Winner:  Hennelly Gavin, Lexington

Through the Horse Bowl Competition, participants demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of various aspects of equine science, including anatomy, nutrition, diseases, management practices and breed characteristics.  Contestants work in teams to answer questions accurately and efficiently, fostering teamwork and collaborative problem-solving skills among participants.   

Junior Horse Bowl Individual Results-26 participants

1. Taylor Mitchell, York
2. Bailey Edmonds, Lexington
3. Marlee Knoppe, Dorchester
4. Aria Jinnette, Greenville
5. Haven Bell, Lexington

Junior Horse Bowl Results-5 Teams

1. Stablemates Purple & Happy Hooves:  Aria Jinnette, Ellee Macek, Taylor Mitchell, Olivya Bonner and Zoe Barton
2. Lexington Horse Club:  Bailey Edmonds, Haven Bell, Enslie Guidotti and Ireland Kozemko
3. Lowcountry Clovers:  Kylee Mason, Elise Elliott, Tyler DeVizio and Marlee Knoppe
4. Stablemates Green:  Noelle Miller, Amber Leonard, Adalynn Trudell and Mia Smith
5. Thundering Herd:  Catherine North, Dizon Freeman, Jacob Blair, Lizzie Bade and Alise LeRoy

Senior Horse Bowl Individual Results-36 participants

1. Ruby Warren, Greenville
2. Piper Finneran, Anderson
3. Reace Hutto, De La Howe
4. Allison Jewell, Laurens
5. Madelyn Anderson, Lancaster

Senior Horse Bowl Results-7 Teams

1. Stablemates:  Allison Jewell, Ruby Warren, Levi Warren and Aerin Leonard
2. Trotting Tigers:  Piper Finneran, Jenahvieve Harkai, Riley Webster and Olivia Siemens
3. De La Howe:  Ellie Shaw, Lindsay Boggs, Reace Hutto and Morgan Craig
4. Lexington/Lancaster/York:  Madelyn Anderson, Hennelly Gavin, Eli Hutson and Hadley Rissel
5. Lowcountry Clovers:  Allison DeLuca, Christopher DeLuca, Summer Shiell and Brystol Williams

Senior Horse Bowl Stablemates (L to R):  Aerin Leonard, Levi Warren, Ruby Warren and Allison Jewell

A sincere thank you to the outstanding group of 4-H Agents, officials, volunteers, Clemson Block & Bridle Members and State 4-H Staff who all ensured that the event ran smoothly.    

Special thanks to Elizabeth Buist Memorial and Clarence W. Senn ’34 Memorial Endowment for their generous support of these annual events. 

SC Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (SCEAFCS) National Awards Deadline Approaching

Attention SC Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (SCEAFCS) Members:

Mark your calendars! The deadline for national awards applications is quickly approaching.

The Awards Committee is available to review submissions and provide feedback. If you would like assistance or wish to have your application reviewed, please contact Mrs. Yaniqua Eyabi at yeyabi@scsu.edu or 864-252-0115.

All national applications must be submitted through the 2026 National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (NEAFCS) Awards Submission Portal by March 13. This timeline ensures adequate processing and submission to the National Office by March 15.

We encourage all eligible members to take advantage of this opportunity to showcase your outstanding work. We look forward to celebrating your achievements!

Deon S. Legette – Associate Extension Director

Salesforce

Please take a moment to update your Title on your User Profile in Salesforce.  To do so, hover over your photo icon along the top toolbar and click.  This will open up to your User Profile.  Please update your Title to reflect your County and Program team, ex) Anderson – Agronomic Crops Agent. This helps easily identify users when navigating in Salesforce.

Salesforce will now automatically send a reminder email when one of your Program Events has concluded.

What to expect:

When an event ends:

• You’ll receive a reminder email.
• A task will be created to remind you to complete required reporting fields.
• A banner will appear at the top of the record reminding you to complete required reporting fields.

The reminder is simply to ensure the following fields are completed for reporting purposes:

• Event Status
• Extension Project
• Program County
• Hours of Instruction

The banner will remain visible until you manually dismiss it.

Why we’re doing this:

This update helps ensure timely and accurate reporting across all programs without relying on manual follow-up.  

Other things to note:

• Outlook has begun phasing out the Salesforce connector within Outlook.  If it has not been disabled for you already, it will be unavailable soon.  Please note you will have to adjust your workflow if you are utilizing this tool. https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=002723592&type=1
• Due to an update, Eventbrite will now only allow participants to be added to an event for 10 days after the event ends.  If you have issues with Eventbrite, please see: https://www.eventbrite.com/help/en-us/

Congratulations to Mark Cathcart!

I would like to congratulate Mark Cathcart for being the recipient of the 2025 Friend of the Fair Award at the joint meeting of the Georgia Fairs Association and the South Carolina Association of Fairs.

Congratulations to Lee Van Vlake!

Congratulations to Lee Van Vlake on being selected as the SC Cattlemen’s Educator of the year. This is a most deserved and earned award.  You are not only a great educator but you are a great team leader and it is evident by and through your team.  -Tom Dobbins

Congratulations to our Rural Health and Nutrition Team!

On behalf of the Rural Health and Nutrition team, Danielle McFall and Melissa Bales represented Health Extension for Diabetes to receive the national award at the Joint Council of Extension Professionals (JCEP) Extension Leadership Conference in Savannah, Georgia. They received Excellence in Extension Award- Honorable Mention

Service Milestones:

I would like to congratulate the following on their service milestones to Clemson University:

Lance Beecher, Extension Associate Specialist Food Systems and Safety/Water, 20 years.

Extension in Clemson World

See what our professionals are doing in the counties…

Home-Field Advantage

Tiger Tell: How to Beekeep for Beginners

Fleet Safety: AAA Driver Training

Important tips and reminders:

March: Training & Record Keeping

Per State Fleet policy, all Clemson Cooperative Extension drivers must complete AAA Driver Improvement Training every three years.

·   Check Your Status: Please verify your last certification date. If you are approaching the 3-year mark, please schedule your refresher.

·   Record Keeping: Once you have completed the course, please share a copy of your completion certificate with Fleet Management (rbean@clemson.edu).This allows us to assist you with maintaining accurate records.

Did You Know? (Safety Fact)

·   Distracted Driving: South Carolina law prohibits the use of handheld devices while driving. Drivers using handheld devices are significantly more likely to be involved in a crash. Keep your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel.

Please let me know if you have any questions. Ryan Bean

State Fair:

The 2026 South Carolina State Fair is set to run from Thursday, October 15 through Sunday, October 25.  Please plan to represent Extension at our booth in the Ellison Building on one of these days.  Any questions or comments, please reach out to Becca Hedden at rthomp7@clemson.edu

Sunbelt Ag Expo

I am pleased to announce the official call for nominations for the 2026 Sunbelt Ag Expo Southeastern Farmer of the Year Award.  This award is open to any South Carolina farmer or member of a farming family that is actively involved in the agriculture industry and is at least 21 years of age.  

To make a nomination, please use the following JotForm link –https://form.jotform.com/260074486530153.  Once completed, save as a pdf, and return to me via email or hard copy. A preview of the nomination application can viewed/printed from the pdf FOY nomination attachment.   

To receive full consideration, completed nomination forms must be submitted by April 20^th, 2026, to:

Brian Callahan, SC Sunbelt FOY Coordinator 

(Electronic submissions):  bcallah@clemson.edu OR 

(Hard copy submissions): 352 Halton Road, Suite 302, Greenville, SC  29607 

Dates for the 2026 Sunbelt Ag Expo are October 19-22^nd.  For more information, visit the Sunbelt Ag Expo website at: https://sunbeltexpo.com/

If you have questions or would like more information, please don’t hesitate to contact me.  Thank you for your support of this program – Brian

NEW! SCBG Wildflower Walks

Greetings from the South Carolina Botanical Garden! We have some exciting news that we hope you all will help us share. CU students and employees can enjoy free guided wildflower walks at SCBG!

Step into spring with us! Clemson University students, faculty, and staff are invited to enjoy free weekly guided wildflower walks along our peaceful Natural Heritage Trail. Wander at a relaxed pace with an experienced guide, soak in the beauty of the spring while discovering the hidden stories of our local plants and wildlife.

On Wednesdays, beginning March 11, join us to discover brand-new landscapes—fresh blossoms, unfolding leaves, and the ever-changing colors of spring. No two walks are the same, so come often and watch the Garden come alive! Space is limited, so pre-registration is required.

More details can be found on our Eventbrite registration page.

Job Openings

We have new openings to fill with talent. The following positions with their job ID numbers are currently posted on the Clemson Careers website. http://www.clemson.edu/careers

• 4-H Program Coordinator, Clemson, Job ID 110215
• SCBG Building/Ground Supervisor II, Clemson, Job ID 110016
• 4-H Youth Development Agent, Fairfield, Job ID 110191
• Livestock and Forages Agent, Saluda, Job ID 110092
• EFNEP Nutrition Educator, Spartanburg, Job ID 110021
• EFNEP Nutrition Educator, Florence, Job ID 110020
• EFNEP Nutrition Educator, Laurens, Job ID 110023
• Mobile Food Processing Associate, Clemson, Job ID 109966

IN CLOSING …

This month’s updates highlight the outstanding work taking place across Clemson Cooperative Extension and the many ways our faculty and staff are serving communities throughout South Carolina. From youth development and agriculture to family and community health, the programs and recognitions shared here reflect the dedication and impact of our Extension professionals. Thank you for continuing to share your stories, support Extension events, and build strong relationships with the stakeholders and communities we serve. Your work truly demonstrates the value of Extension across our state.

As always, please take good care of yourselves and your families, and thank you for what you do for Clemson Cooperative Extension.

Upcoming Events and Reminders

• April 22-23, 2026: The 45th SCAEAP Annual Conference in Greenville, SC.
• May 20-22, 2026: SC Association of County Agricultural Agents (SCACAA) & SC Association of Extension 4-H Agents (SCAE4-HA) Joint Annual Meeting and Professional Improvement Conference in Lexington, SC.
• Please share your latest accomplishments, awards, publications and other newsworthy updates with Christi Leard ccampb3@clemson.edu to get in the Director’s Newsletter!

Dear Extension Family,

As we move forward into another busy season, I want to take a moment to thank each of you for the work you do every day on behalf of South Carolina’s people, farms, families, and communities. This issue of our newsletter reflects the full scope of Extension’s impact — from federal partnerships that support our agricultural producers, to the personal stories of perseverance, collaboration, and service that define who we are as an organization.

You will find an editorial from Cody Simpson, State Executive Director of the USDA Farm Service Agency, highlighting recent federal efforts aimed at strengthening the farm economy and supporting producers during continued uncertainty. These policy updates and investments matter deeply to the communities we serve, and Extension plays a critical role in helping ensure farmers and landowners understand and access available resources.

This issue also celebrates the heart of Extension — our people. From Amie Mabe’s inspiring educational journey and commitment to youth development, to the collaborative spirit behind the Blessing Box Project, these stories showcase Extension professionals going above and beyond to meet local needs. You will also see opportunities to engage our youth through the 4-H Pinckney Leadership Program, reminders of upcoming events, and well-deserved recognition of milestones, achievements, and new members of our Extension family.

I am continually proud of the professionalism, compassion, and dedication you bring to your work. Your efforts make a real difference, often in ways that cannot be fully measured, but are deeply felt across our state.

An Editorial from Cody Simpson

A Year of Putting South Carolina Farmers First 

By Cody Simpson, State Executive Director, USDA Farm Service Agency – South Carolina

Since January 20, 2025, President Donald J. Trump has been working around the clock to put American Farmers First. Here in South Carolina, farmers and ranchers know the challenges firsthand – rising input costs, volatile markets, extreme weather, and years of policies that prioritize bureaucracy over producers. As a fifth-generation farmer, I understand the impacts that these challenges have had on our family farms.

This year, President Trump and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins have worked at record speed to deliver real relief and long-term reforms, working hand-in-hand with the Farm Service Agency to ensure these resources are reaching our farmers and rural communities right here at home.  

Trump Administration has delivered more than $30 billion in ad hoc assistance to farmers nationwide since January 2025. 

Here in South Carolina, this includes $52 million through the Emergency Commodity Assistance Program (ECAP), $42.7 million in disaster relief through the Supplemental Disaster Relief Program (SDRP), and $23.6 million in assistance for specialty crop and livestock producers. After over 50 on-farm visits speaking with farmers and ranchers, these programs help farmers recover from weather disasters, inflation, and market losses that have been left unaddressed for years.

Just as important, the Trump Administration strengthened the farm safety net through legislation in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. For the first time in more than a decade, statutory reference prices for major commodities were raised by 10–21 percent, and more than 30 million new base acres were added to the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs beginning in 2026. Crop insurance was also made more affordable, saving farmers over $400 million annually, with expanded support for beginning farmers and ranchers, a critical investment in the future of agriculture.

USDA is also working to lower farmers’ costs by restoring competition and cutting red tape. New actions with the Department of Justice are targeting price fixing and anti-competitive behavior in key input markets like seed, fertilizer, and equipment. Partnerships with the Department of Labor (DOL) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have also led to significant reforms to the H-2A program. An Interim Final Rule published by DOL in October reformed the H-2A Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR)—providing over $2 billion in annual savings for farmers—and a Final Rule published by DHS reduced the time it takes to navigate the H-2A application process by allowing concurrent filing. These reforms help make the H-2A program more affordable and accessible, ensuring producers have access to the labor they need at a more affordable cost.

USDA has been prioritizing the purchase of healthy, U.S.-grown commodities with the intent to purchase up to $970 million in this year alone, under Section 32 of the Agriculture Act of 1935. These purchases support farmers while supplying food banks, schools, and nutrition programs – strengthening agriculture and food security in communities like South Carolina.

One of the most significant actions of this year was the announcement of $12 billion in Farmer Bridge Payments – designed to help farmers weather ongoing market disruptions, elevated production costs, and continued volatility while longer-term reforms take hold. This bridge assistance reflects President Trump’s commitment to ensuring farmers are not left behind as the farm economy recovers. 

These payments are intended to provide stability and certainty for producers as USDA continues to deliver disaster assistance and implement the improvements made under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. While SDRP signups are ongoing, USDA is ensuring farmers have access to immediate relief today while positioning them for expanded market opportunities ahead.   

Under President Trump’s leadership, we are rebuilding American agriculture to be stronger, more competitive, and more resilient. The Trump Administration is expanding global market access for American agriculture. New trade deals and frameworks with more than 15 countries are opening doors for U.S. beef, grains, dairy, specialty crops, and biofuel exports. These wins matter here in South Carolina, where exports support farm income, rural jobs, and long-term economic growth.

At the Farm Service Agency, our mission is simple, but bold: serve farmers, not bureaucracy. The Trump Administration’s Farmers First agenda is delivering real results: relief today, stronger safety nets tomorrow, and expanded markets for the future – but this is just the beginning. 

I have the honor to serve the wonderful farmers and ranchers in our beloved South Carolina. Every day, the Farm Service Agency will continue to fight to ensure they have the tools, freedom, and opportunity to succeed for generations to come. We are the greatest state in the nation. 

W. R. “Cody” Simpson, III

State Executive Director | South Carolina

Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Office

From FFA jacket to 4-H change agent

Greenville County 4-H agent Amie Mabe’s journey to earning her master’s degree is anything but traditional. Balancing Extension work, family life and military deployments, Mabe’s story is a powerful example of perseverance, mentorship and the impact of Extension in shaping future change agents. Read more about her inspiring path and commitment to the next generation. https://news.clemson.edu/from-ffa-jacket-to-4-h-change-agent-meet-amie-mabe/

A Story of Collaboration and Going Above and Beyond – Blessing Box Project 

A very special thank you to the Clemson Extension family for your incredible support and dedication to the Blessing Box project. This effort is a powerful example of what can be accomplished when we work together in service of others. Because of you, the Blessing Box is now in place and providing much-needed food resources for South Carolina State University students—something that would not have been possible without your collective efforts.

Amanda, your leadership in initiating and organizing the Mid-Carolina Gun Club and the 4-H Shooting Team was truly instrumental. Their generous donation of time, labor, and materials made the construction of the boxes possible and allowed the initial $1,000 grant to be fully used for purchasing food items. In addition, the more than 400 food and hygiene items they collected ensured the Blessing Box was fully stocked from day one. You went above and beyond, and your commitment made a lasting impact.

Jonathan and Zach, thank you for stepping in to pick up, transport, and install the Blessing Box. Your willingness to help—and your efficiency—allowed the project to be completed before classes began this week. You made the installation look easy, and your skills and teamwork were truly a blessing and deeply appreciated.

Michelle, thank you for traveling to be there, capturing photos, and offering encouragement throughout the process. Since my first week on the job, you have been a constant source of support and guidance, and I am truly grateful.

This project reflects the very best of Extension—collaboration, generosity, and a shared commitment to serving our communities. It is a blessing to work with each of you.

Thanks again,
Roxane Cummings

Rural Health and Nutrition Extension Agent

Orangeburg and Bamberg Counties

Cooperative Extension

Call for Career Table Top Hosts | 4-H Pinckney Leadership Roundup 

As we celebrate 10 years of the South Carolina 4-H Pinckney Leadership Program, we are excited to introduce Career Table Tops at our upcoming 4-H Pinckney Leadership Roundup events.

Career Table Tops provide youth with the opportunity to engage directly with professionals and Extension personnel to learn about:

• Your role within Clemson Extension or your program area
• The pathway you took to get there
• Skills, education, and experiences that helped shape your career

These tables are designed to be interactive and conversational, helping youth see real-world connections between their interests, 4-H experiences, and future career possibilities.

We would love to have Extension professionals represent a variety of program areas at the following locations:

• Columbia, Saturday, January 31st
• This location is sold out with 250 youth and adult leaders expected representing 19 counties.

• Florence, Saturday, March 14th
• Charleston, Saturday, March 28th

If you are interested in hosting a table or would like more information, please let me know which location(s) you are available for.

Thank you for all you do to support youth development across South Carolina. We look forward to showcasing the many pathways available through Clemson Extension and helping our youth become beyond ready for what’s next.

Best,

Rushawnda Olden
4-H Pinckney Leadership Director

State Fair:

The 2026 South Carolina State Fair is set to run from Thursday, October 15 through Sunday, October 25.  Please plan to represent Extension at our booth in the Ellison Building on one of these days.  Any questions or comments, please reach out to Becca Hedden at rthomp7@clemson.edu

Salesforce

Please take a moment to update your Title on your User Profile in Salesforce.  To do so, hover over your photo icon along the top toolbar and click.  This will open up to your User Profile.  Please update your Title to reflect your County and Program team, ex) Anderson – Agronomic Crops Agent. This helps easily identify users when navigating in Salesforce.

Service Milestones:

I would like to congratulate the following on their service milestones to Clemson University:

Millie Davenport, Director of HGIC, 20 years; Jeremy Greene, Agronomic Crops Program Team, 20 years; Mallory Maher, Master Naturalist Program Coordinator, 10 years;

Congratulations to Dr. Patricia Ann Whitener!

I would like to congratulate Dr. Patricia Ann Whitener for graduating with her Doctor of Philosophy in Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management. For the future, Dr. Whitener says “I plan to enjoy not having to balance work and school. I’m looking forward to just being able to focus on working with the 4-H Natural Resources Committee to Make the Best Better through educating and connecting youth with the natural resources in our beautiful state.” 

New Employees 

Please help me welcome the newest members of our Extension family:

• Alexis Windham: Rural Health and Nutrition Agent, Lee and Sumter Counties
• Lina Prillaman: 4-H Agent, Berkeley County

NEW! SCBG Wildflower Walks

Greetings from the South Carolina Botanical Garden! We have some exciting news that we hope you all will help us share. CU students and employees can enjoy free guided wildflower walks at SCBG!

Step into spring with us! Clemson University students, faculty, and staff are invited to enjoy free weekly guided wildflower walks along our peaceful Natural Heritage Trail. Wander at a relaxed pace with an experienced guide, soak in the beauty of the spring while discovering the hidden stories of our local plants and wildlife.

On Wednesdays, beginning March 11, join us to discover brand-new landscapes—fresh blossoms, unfolding leaves, and the ever-changing colors of spring. No two walks are the same, so come often and watch the Garden come alive! Space is limited, so pre-registration is required.

More details can be found on our Eventbrite registration page.

IN CLOSING …

In closing, I want to again thank you for the dedication, professionalism, and heart you bring to your work every day. Whether you are supporting producers, mentoring youth, strengthening families, or building healthier communities, your efforts embody the mission of Clemson Cooperative Extension.

Please take time to review the opportunities, announcements, and recognitions in this issue, and join me in celebrating the many accomplishments of your colleagues. Our strength as an organization comes from collaboration, service, and the shared commitment we have to the people of South Carolina.

As always, please take good care of yourselves and your families. Thank you for your continued service, and for the difference you make—often quietly, but always meaningfully—across our state.

Upcoming Events and Reminders

• Please share your latest accomplishments, awards, publications and other newsworthy updates with Christi Leard ccampb3@clemson.edu to get in the Director’s Newsletter!

Dear Extension Family,

As we celebrate this holiday season, I want to extend my warmest wishes for a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and Happy Hanukkah to each of you. This time of year holds deep spiritual significance for many of us, offering a moment to reflect on the numerous gifts and experiences we’ve had throughout the year.

In the hustle and bustle of life, it’s easy to become absorbed in our individual challenges and overlook the support and love surrounding us. I encourage everyone to take time during this holiday season to express appreciation for those who are most important in our lives, reminding them they are cherished and valued.

Looking back on this year in Extension, we’ve experienced our share of highs and lows, amidst confusion and frustration. At times, it felt as if we were undervalued or misunderstood. I’m sure there were moments when my own demeanor seemed challenging. During those tough times, I leaned on my beliefs for guidance, patience, and strength. Together with Mr. Lanford and Dr. Burns, we engaged in morning devotions that helped us prioritize our mission and focus on what truly matters for Extension: the health and well-being of our faculty and staff.

I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for all the hard work and dedication shown by the Clemson Cooperative Extension Team this year. Your unwavering commitment has been the driving force behind successful programs and strong stakeholder engagement, making South Carolina a better place to work and live. Your efforts in connecting with stakeholders—and improving their lives—have not gone unnoticed.

We are fortunate to live in a country where, despite its challenges, we enjoy the freedoms that allow us to thrive. As we gather with family and friends this season, let’s celebrate our successes, take the time to relax, and reflect on all that we are thankful for. Together, we can continue to “Make the Best Better” in 2026.

Warm regards, 
Tom

LEVER HALL OF FAME – CALL FOR NOMINATIONS 

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS – NOMINATIONS ARE DUE, DECEMBER 31^ST

WHAT IS THE A. FRANK LEVER HALL OF FAME?

The A. Frank Lever Extension Agent Hall of Fame recognizes former Clemson Extension Agents for superior contributions and outstanding leadership in promoting the Extension mission in their home community and throughout the state of South Carolina. Persons selected for recognition will be honored and formally inducted into the Lever Hall of Fame at a ceremony conducted in the spring of 2026.

WHO IS ELIGABLE 

Former Extension Agents who have exemplary records of accomplishment in leading Cooperative Extension programs and sustained successful leadership within the organization at various levels will receive priority consideration for induction into the Hall of Fame. Individuals may be considered for induction into the Hall of Fame when their contribution has made a major impact on the condition of community, state or a larger area of the country and the Extension Organization has benefited long term from the leader’s sustained efforts 

WHO CAN MAKE NOMINATIONS?

Any member of the community may nominate persons for induction into the Hall of Fame.  Nomination forms must be submitted to the Committee by December 31, 2025.

WHAT IS THE SELECTION PROCESS?

With the support of Extension staff appointed by the Extension Director, the Hall of Fame Selection Committee evaluates the entire list of nominees each year during its annual Selection Committee meeting. All nominations not selected will remain on file and in consideration for future induction in perpetuity.

The Committee is a representative group of Extension leaders, advisors and former award recipients who volunteer their time and knowledge to help select and induct nominees to the Lever Hall of Fame.

HOW TO MAKE A NOMINATION

Visit the Lever Hall of Fame site at http://www.clemson.edu/extension/lever-hof/index.html . Select the Nominate tab and complete the online form. As an alternative, you may contact Marie  Bolt at jeanneo@clemson.edu or (864) 656-2508 for a fillable word application.

2026 Alston Award for Excellence in Public Relations – Nominations Open Until February 2, 2026

You are invited to nominate a colleague for the 2026 Rowland P. Alston, Sr., ’42 Award for Excellence in Public Relations.

The award was established in 2009 to recognize outstanding Clemson University faculty or staff who, through programs and activities related to agriculture and/or natural resources, have provided Clemson University with positive visibility throughout South Carolina, the United States, and the world. Recipients may be from any discipline or area of the university but should utilize agriculture or the natural resources as their vehicle of influence.  

The award includes a $2,500 stipend and a plaque for the recipient. The award is made possible by an endowment established by Rowland Alston, retired extension agent and former host of the public television program “Making It Grow,” in memory of his father.
A representative committee of faculty and staff will select the award recipient. Nominations are confidential, and nominees should not be apprised of their nominations. 

Guidelines and a nomination form are available at:  

Alston Award for Excellence in Public Relations Nomination Form

The selection committee will review the nominations and select the recipient. The recipient will be announced in early May in conjunction with other University Awards. Please direct any questions you have regarding the award to Chairman of the Selection Committee, Gerry Dukes at gdukes@clemson.edu. The deadline to complete nominations is Monday February 2, 2026.

Service Milestones:

I would like to congratulate the following on their service milestones to Clemson University:
Pamela Barnhill, Administrative Coordinator Florence County, 30 years; Carmen Ketron, Urban Horticulture Agent and Master Gardener Coordinator for Darlington and Florence Counties, 10 years; Jessica Simpson, Anderson County 4-H Youth Development Agent, 20 years; Christopher Talley, Livestock & Forages Agent, 20 years; Victoria Cushman, Administrative Assistant Richland County Cooperative Extension Office, 20 years; Lucy Charping, Abbeville County 4-H Youth Development Agent, 10 years; Teresa Lott, Midlands District Director, 10 years; Nathaniel Smith, Associate Professor and Extension Economist, 10 years.

New Employees 

Please help me welcome the newest members of our Extension family:

• Bradley Secraw: Consumer Horticulture Agent/Master Gardener Coordinator, Sumter and the point of contact for Lee and Clarendon Counties
• Daniel Lyon: Food Crop Horticulture Agent, Orangeburg County 
• Meagan Jordan: Administrative Assistant, Lee County

Job Openings

We have new openings to fill with talent. The following positions with their job ID numbers are currently posted on the Clemson Careers website. http://www.clemson.edu/careers

• Livestock and Forest Agent, Saluda, Job ID 110092
• Pickney Leadership Program Coordinator, Clemson, Job ID 110090

IN CLOSING …

As we close out this edition, thank you for taking time to stay connected to the people, opportunities, and accomplishments that make Extension strong. Please consider nominating deserving colleagues for our upcoming awards, join me in congratulating our service milestone recipients, and help us welcome our new team members. Your engagement and support continue to shape our shared success. Wishing you a restful holiday season and a strong start to the new year as we move forward together to Make the Best Better.

As always, please take good care of yourselves and your families, and thank you for what you do for Clemson Cooperative Extension.

Upcoming Events and Reminders

• The 2026 holiday schedule is now available on the Office of Human Resources website. In accordance with state law, Clemson University will close on Election Day in 2026. To meet this requirement and maintain the customary five-day winter break, there will be no optional holiday in 2026.
• Coffee Chat and ELT meetings will resume in February with new links and calendar invites.
• Please share your latest accomplishments, awards, publications and other newsworthy updates with Christi Leard ccampb3@clemson.edu to get in the Director’s Newsletter!

Dear Extension Family,

I hope everyone had a restful weekend and is ready to tackle another productive month. It’s been a busy fall season with strong participation at the National FFA Convention, Sunbelt Ag Expo, and the South Carolina State Fair. I continue to be impressed by the dedication and teamwork that make these events successful and showcase the best of Clemson Extension across the state.

As we move through our financial system transition and prepare for upcoming budget adjustments, I want to thank each of you for your patience, professionalism, and focus on service. Your efforts—whether helping at the fairgrounds, supporting local food drives, or assisting communities affected by the government shutdown—truly demonstrate what it means to serve South Carolina.

Thank you for all that you do to make Clemson Extension a trusted partner in every county. Let’s keep working together to move our organization—and our mission—forward.

Rural Health and Nutrition – Food Pantry Guide!!

Clemson Extension’s Rural Health and Nutrition Teams have developed a comprehensive Food Pantry Guide to support communities in improving food access and promoting healthier choices. The guide provides best practices for establishing, managing, and sustaining food pantries, with an emphasis on food safety, nutrition education, and community partnerships. By combining research-based strategies with local engagement, Clemson Extension aims to strengthen food security and empower individuals and families across South Carolina to make nutritious, affordable food choices.

https://www.clemson.edu/extension/health/resources/food-pantry-guide.html  Please share. RHN team is working on getting this guide out to the state. More info to come about an Extension food drive.

Clemson World – Remembering Cooperative Extension’s Izora Miley

In 1921, Izora Miley joined the Cooperative Extension service and went on to serve Hampton County for 26 years. During her tenure, she dedicated herself to empowering farm families by teaching practical skills such as food preservation, nutrition, sewing, and home management. Through these efforts, she helped improve the daily lives and well-being of countless households.

To learn more, please see the Clemson World article recounting her story: Clemson World – “Common Threads”

State Fair:

A sincere thank you to everyone who contributed to making this year’s South Carolina State Fair booth a success! This year’s display highlighted the innovative work happening across Clemson Cooperative Extension, featuring 4-H’s STEM Artificial Intelligence activity, Food Safety Tailgating tips, and Dr. Beecher’s impressive aquaponics and hydroponics exhibits.

Looking ahead to next year the State Fair will run from October 15–25. If you are interested in showcasing your programmatic work, please reach out—this is a fantastic opportunity to share your impact with a statewide audience.

National 4-H Week culminates at the State Fair

National 4-H Week was celebrated October 5-11, 2025, this year and youth are learning skills such as teamwork, resilience, and communication—skills that will serve them in their career and for life.  The week culminated at the South Carolina State Fair with youth showcasing their skills through various exhibits! Our 4-H members well represented the fair’s theme of  “Harvesting happiness” from ceremonies, livestock shows, exhibits, rides, and more! 

On Thursday, October 9th, 4-H State Teen Council joined the American 250 Day Proclamation honoring South Carolina’s agricultural roots while celebrating our nation’s 250th anniversary.  Additionally, on Saturday, October 11th, South Carolina 4-H celebrated another 4-H Day at the South Carolina State Fair. Over 100 4-H members, volunteers, parents, and agents from all over the state gathered for county roll call and a parade of counties in the Nutt Cattle Arena.

And everyday from opening day to closing day was filled with members and their show animals in the barns and showrings, entries from our youth in crafts and baked goods, and Agents staffing the AI in Agriculture exhibit in the Extension Booth at the Ellison Building. From start to finish, 4-H made its mark at the South Carolina State Fair—celebrating learning, leadership, and community while truly harvesting happiness along the way!

2025 SC State Fair 4-H Poultry Showmanship, October 11, 2025

A little rain did not deter the sunshine that was under the poultry showmanship tents at the 2025 South Carolina State Fair Poultry Showmanship Competition held on Saturday, October 11.  There were 66 contestants registered, 16 Cloverbuds, 30 Juniors and 20 Senior 4-H members.  It was a great day for learning, friendly competition and the support of loved ones. 

The top three division (Cloverbud, Junior and Senior) winners were invited to participate in the Championship Round.  Final results were:

3^rd Place:  Mary Anna Childers, Cherokee

2^nd Place:  Emma Uhall, Abbeville

1^st Place:  Blake Proffit, Clarendon

Thanks go out to Mr. Clint Attaway-South Carolina State Fair, Steve Hucks-South Carolina 4-H Agent and 4-H Ambassadors for keeping the competition moving.  Special thanks goes out to Christine Heinrichs from the American Poultry Association (APA) for donating books she wrote as additional awards for each division.  

Congratulations to all our participants and winners.  Special Thank You to the South Carolina State Fair hosting the show, providing premiums for awards and for the support of the South Carolina 4-H Program.   

The South Carolina State Fair hosts an annual Dairy Costume Contest

The South Carolina State Fair hosts an annual Costume Contest for their junior exhibitors that traditionally falls on the Friday evening of the Dairy Show.  Through this competition, youth showcase the South Carolina State Fair theme which was “Harvesting Happiness” with their Dairy Cattle.  13 youth teams dressed up and paraded their entries to an enthusiastic crowd.  Sutton Norris, Laurens/Greenville 4-H Dairy Club received a first place award and Sawyer Norris, Laurens/Greenville 4-H Dairy Club was selected as second.  Awards were graciously provided by Dairy Alliance.

The South Carolina Farm Bureau Federation Scholarships awarded at the South Carolina State Fair.

The South Carolina State Fair works cooperatively with the South Carolina Farm Bureau Federation to offer six (6) specific scholarships to qualified South Carolina youth applicants that are exhibiting at the State Fair.  This competitive scholarship competition has a series of requirements that must be completed to be considered eligible to be considered for this tremendous honor.  The following scholarship awards were awarded during the 2025 South Carolina State Fair: 

Market Goat: Ellen Shaw, Newberry

Congratulations to the 2025 South Carolina Farm Bureau Federation Scholarship recipients.  We encourage all interested youth to apply for 2026 and view specific requirements that will be available in July from the South Carolina State Fair website.

Additional scholarships are presented at the South Carolina State Fair through generous donations from individuals and or groups.  Please check out additional scholarships awarded at the 2025 South Carolina State Fair:  https://www.scstatefair.org/competitions/livestock-scholarships/.

Thank you to South Carolina Farm Bureau, South Carolina State Fair and additional donors for their generous support of South Carolina livestock and equine youth. 

2025 South Carolina State Fair 4-H Rabbit Showmanship Results

The South Carolina State Fair 4-H Rabbit Showmanship Competition was held on Saturday, October 11.  There were 56 youth registered: 12 Cloverbud, 24 Junior and 20 Senior 4-H members.  

The top two division (Cloverbud, Junior and Senior) winners were invited to compete for Overall Showmanship honors.  Final results were:    
Overall Grand Champion – Emma Uhall, Abbeville County
Overall Reserve Champion – Arden Epps, Colleton Count

Much appreciation to Mr. Clint Attaway-South Carolina State Fair, Freddricka Presley, South Carolina 4-H Agent-Florence County and Eric Eliassen, South Carolina 4-H Agent- Lexington County for keeping the competition running smoothly.    

Congratulations to all of our participants and award recipients.  Special thanks to the South Carolina State Fair for hosting the show, providing awards and for their continued support of the South Carolina 4-H Program.  

Savannah Swine Project

South Carolina 4-H members from the Savannah Valley region recently completed the 2025 Market Hog Project, which began with a kickoff event in July and concluded with the annual sale on October 25. Fifteen youth showcased their hard work through participation in the Orangeburg Fair, the South Carolina State Fair, and the Regional Record Book Contest. Congratulations to Lawson Weilnau, Champion Senior; Paige Ulmer, Reserve Champion Senior; Kolsen Gibson, Champion Junior; and Sadie Hutto, Reserve Champion Junior. For more information about the 2026 Savannah Valley Swine Project, contact Meghan Barkley at mebarkl@clemson.edu

FFA National Convention 2025

The Honorary FFA American Degree is the highest honor presented by the National FFA Organization to individuals who have rendered exceptional service to agricultural education and the FFA. This prestigious recognition honors those who have gone above and beyond to advance agricultural education, strengthen the FFA, and make a lasting difference in the lives of students.

The Honorary FFA American Degree symbolizes a deep commitment to agricultural youth, leadership development, and the future of agriculture in America. Representative Patrick Haddon is the epitome of dedication to the future of Agriculture. On Friday, October 31, 20225, Representative Haddon was awarded the Honorary FFA American Degree at the 98th National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, IN. While currently serving as First Vice Chairman of the Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs Committee and Chairman of the Operations and Management Committee, Representative Haddon has been an outstanding advocate for Agricultural Education, the SC FFA Association and South Carolina 4-H. 

Representative Haddon continues to be a dedicated and influential supporter of South Carolina’s agricultural future and the FFA is grateful for his leadership.

Salesforce:

Please make sure your Salesforce entries are complete.  Program Events require the Extension Project Number, County, Hours of Interaction, and note, please update the Status bar, as well.

Interactions require the Extension Project Number, County, and Hours of Interaction.

Check out Extension Foundation for Resources!

Reminder: Don’t forget to take advantage of your Extension Foundation membership! Established 19 years ago by Extension Directors and Administrators, the Foundation supports Cooperative Extension professionals through professional development and exclusive resources—helping increase visibility, impact, and effectiveness in addressing local issues.

Check out Connect, the Foundation’s private social platform for Cooperative Extension staff, Land-grant University professionals, community partners, and federal agencies. Connect lets you share resources, promote events, and collaborate nationwide. With over 150,000 monthly public views, it’s also a great place to highlight your programs. Specialized groups focus on key national priorities like Health Equity, Workforce Development, Climate, and Urban Extension.

Anyone at a Land-grant University can join—no membership required. Create your free account today!

Congratulations to Dr. Robert Carter

I would like to congratulate Extension Agent Dr. Robert Carter for recently publishing a book, Catawba Nation Ethnobotany.  Researched and written by Dr. Robert Carter, Outdoor Education Coordinator and Clemson Extension Agent, this book compiles research detailing the variety of uses for plants the Catawba had. 

Davidson College hosted a lunch and learn on September 24.

Congratulations to Mrs. Amy Dabbs!

Members of the five cohorts of the Extension Emerging Leadership Initiative and the Walker family gathered at SC State University to honor the legacy of the late Dr. Marlyne R. Walker (2020 EELI graduate and SC State University alumna). Marlyne passed away in 2022 and was a positive, enthusiastic, and dedicated leader in Clemson Extension and the Extension Emerging Leadership Initiative.  In 2023, an award was created in her honor to keep expanding the legacy of leadership, service, and mentorship.

The 2025 recipient of the Dr. Marlyne Walker Memorial Leadership Award is Mrs. Amy Dabbs, Statewide School and Community Gardening Coordinator.  Amy exemplifies transformational leadership in Cooperative Extension through her visionary work in school and community gardening programs across South Carolina. As a graduate of the inaugural Extension Emerging Leadership Initiative (EELI) cohort in 2020, Amy has demonstrated exceptional growth in leadership capacity, translating her passion and purpose into measurable statewide impact. Amy’s exceptional work has earned significant recognition with her programs receiving several national awards.  She makes significant contributions across Extension teams in Horticulture, Agriculture, Rural Health, 4-H, and Natural Resources, demonstrating the interdisciplinary leadership cultivated through EELI . She played a pivotal role in establishing the TEACH Center in Charleston, SC, demonstrating her commitment to building sustainable infrastructure that supports ongoing education and community engagement. Congratulations to Amy for her outstanding work!

Congratulations to our Agents that got promoted!

Congratulations to our agents on their well-deserved promotions! Your dedication, hard work, and commitment to serving our communities have not gone unnoticed. Each of you has demonstrated exceptional leadership and professionalism, and this achievement reflects your continued excellence and impact. 

Associate UK45

Senior Associate UK47

• Katie Collins (Altman)
• Drew Jeffers
• Travis Mitchell
• Miracle Rabon

Senior UK49

• Tine Horn
• Zachary Snipes

Distinguished County Agent

• Sherry Davis-Livingston
• Jeffery Fellers

We’re proud to celebrate your success and look forward to seeing the great things you’ll accomplish in your new roles.

Job Openings

We have new openings to fill with talent. The following positions with their job ID numbers are currently posted on the Clemson Careers website. http://www.clemson.edu/careers

• Nutrition Educator, Spartanburg County, Job ID 110021
• Nutrition Educator, Florence County, Job ID 110020
• Nutrition Educator, Kershaw County, Job ID 110019
• Nutrition Educator, Laurens County, Job ID 110023
• Building/Ground Supv II, SC Botanical Gardens, Job ID 110016

IN CLOSING …

As we wrap up a full and successful October, I want to express my gratitude for your continued dedication, creativity, and teamwork. From representing Clemson Extension at statewide and national events to developing innovative community resources like the Food Pantry Guide, your work continues to make a meaningful difference across South Carolina. The stories and successes shared this month—whether at the State Fair, in classrooms, or in local communities—reflect the passion and purpose that define our organization. Let’s carry this momentum forward into the busy months ahead, continuing to serve, educate, and inspire. 

As always, please take good care of yourselves and your families, and thank you for what you do for Clemson Cooperative Extension.

Upcoming Events and Reminders

• The 2026 holiday schedule is now available on the Office of Human Resources website. In accordance with state law, Clemson University will close on Election Day in 2026. To meet this requirement and maintain the customary five-day winter break, there will be no optional holiday in 2026.
• Please share your latest accomplishments, awards, publications and other newsworthy updates with Christi Leard ccampb3@clemson.edu to get in the Director’s Newsletter!

Dear Extension Family,

As we welcome the crisp days of October and all the vibrant energy fall brings, let’s take a moment to reflect on the exciting milestones and accomplishments from September.

Last month was filled with meaningful recognition, impactful events, and new beginnings. We celebrated the official naming of the John W. Parris Interchange, honoring a lifelong champion of conservation and agriculture in South Carolina. Our NIFA/USDA visit was spotlighted nationally, showcasing the strength of our programs and partnerships. We also celebrated the release of the newly revised South Carolina Master Gardener Training Manual, a resource that will continue to grow our state’s gardening expertise.

Our Extension family grew with several new team members joining us across the state—welcome! And we honored both service milestones and outstanding professional achievements, including a national award for Dr. Patty Scharko.

Looking ahead, October promises continued engagement through events like the State Fair, Disability Awareness Month, and the ever-popular Fall Plant Sale at the SC Botanical Garden. Whether you’re planning programs, participating in outreach, or simply enjoying the season, thank you for the work you do each day to serve our communities.

John W. Parris Interchange:

The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) has officially named the interchange of Interstate 26 and Highway 11 at Exit 5 in Spartanburg County “John W. Parris Interchange” in honor of John W. Parris. Parris, a lifelong advocate for agriculture and natural resources, is recognized for his decades of leadership and service to South Carolina, including his role as State Conservationist and his lasting impact on agricultural education and land stewardship.

The John W. Parris Interchange designation pays tribute to his dedication to conservation, education, and the advancement of South Carolina’s agricultural community. Signage recognizing the interchange naming will be placed at the site, ensuring future generations remember his contributions to the state.

NIFA/USDA Published Visit with Us!

Our recent NIFA/USDA visit has been featured on the official site! You can read the full post here: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDANIFA/bulletins/3f2ef4b

The Newly Revised South Carolina Master Gardener Training Manual:

Clemson Extension and the Clemson University Press celebrated the release of the newly revised South Carolina Master Gardener Training Manual with a garden party on Wednesday, October 1, at 3 p.m. at the South Carolina Botanical Garden Carriage House. 

State Fair:

It’s State Fair time! Wednesday, October 8 through Sunday October 19.  If you are interested in working an additional day to your program teams’, please reach out to Becca Hedden at rthomp7@clemson.edu. 

University NDEAM Disability Awareness Month:

Virtual events beginning October 6-30^th Please see website for more details.

Adam Gorlitsky keynote, virtual events to celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month

Accessibility portal website launched with digital accessibility resources: https://www.clemson.edu/accessibility/digital/index.html

Salesforce:

• CUMIS Entries are now titled Extension Entries. Types of Extension Entries include Event, Professional Development, Scholarly Work, and Social Media. You must select one of these types and fill out subsequent details on the tab.
• Reports are available on the Reports tab in the Agent Reports folder. If you cannot find what you are looking for, please reach out.

If you have questions or feedback, please contact Becca Hedden at rthomp7@clemson.edu.
Please ensure that all interactions and Extension Projects are entered accurately so your contributions are fully documented and the impact of your work on our constituents is clearly reflected.

Extension Foundation:

Take advantage of your Extension Foundation membership! Founded 19 years ago by Extension Directors and Administrators, the Foundation supports Cooperative Extension professionals by providing professional development opportunities and exclusive services. Its core mission is to help U.S. Cooperative Extension increase its visibility, measurable impact, and effectiveness in addressing local issues.

Introducing Connect

Connect is a private social media platform for Cooperative Extension staff, Land-grant University professionals, community partners, and federal agencies. It enables you to share information and resources across the system and to promote Extension events to colleagues nationwide and the public. The Connect advertising calendar currently receives 150,000 views each month from the public.

Connect also hosts several specialized groups focused on key national priorities within Cooperative Extension, such as Health Equity, Workforce Development, Climate, Urban Extension, and more.

Joining Connect is open to all Land-grant University professionals—membership in the Extension Foundation is not required. You can create your free account today!

Service Milestones:
I would like to congratulate the following on their service milestones to Clemson University:

Daniel Anco, Extension Peanut Specialist, 10 years 

Congratulations to Patty Scharko!

I would like to congratulate Patty Scharko for being named the 2025 “Donald E. Bailey Practitioner of the Year” Award by AASRP (American Association of Small Ruminant Practitioners) at the annual meeting this past July. Patty was president in 2015 and has been an active member of the association for 42 years. She received a beautiful crystal vase with the award plaque on the base. Congratulations Patty and Thank you for all you do!

https://aasrp.org/Main/Main/Members/Dr-Don-E.-Bailey-Practitioner-of-the-Year-Award.aspx?hkey=bdb1cdb8-ce56-458e-9062-79addc8271ac

New Employees 

Please help me welcome the newest members of our Extension family:

• Margaret Estridge: Rural Health & Nutrition Agent, Spartanburg County
• Sydney Rentz: Livestock & Forages Agent, Newberry, Greenwood and Laurens Counties
• Cindy Foley: 4-H Youth Development Agent, Sumter County

Botanical Garden Fall Plant Sale and Events:

Autumn is one of the best times to experience the SC Botanical Garden, and we’re excited to share a season full of opportunities for learning, discovery, and community. From family-friendly open houses at the Hunt Cabin, Nature Learning Center, Hanover House, and the Caboose, to special nature programs exploring the hidden lives of animals, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Plus, don’t miss our highly anticipated Fall Plant Sale—a chance to support the Garden while adding beauty and biodiversity to your own landscape.

Please see more at: https://blogs.clemson.edu/staffsenate/2025/09/09/september-news-and-events-from-the-sc-botanical-gardens/

Job Openings:

We have new openings to fill with talent. The following positions with their job ID numbers are currently posted on the Clemson Careers website. http://www.clemson.edu/careers

• Food Safety Agent for HGIC, Social Media and Marketing, Clemson, Job ID 109968
• Mobile Food Safety Program Associate, Clemson, Job ID 109966
• Consumer Food Safety and Preservation Associate, Clemson, Job ID 109962
• Fermentation and Brewing Associate, Clemson, Job ID 109963
• Food Analysis & Formation Associate, Clemson, Job ID 109964
• SC Botanical Garden Facilities Manager, Clemson, Job ID 109958
• 4-H Extension Agent, Berkeley County, Job ID 108968

IN CLOSING …

As we move further into October, we’re reminded of the strength of our Extension family and the important role each of you plays in making our programs impactful and meaningful across the state. From celebrating distinguished service and welcoming new colleagues, to embracing new tools like Salesforce and sharing our story on national platforms, your dedication continues to elevate Clemson Extension’s mission.

Whether you’re participating in the State Fair, leading educational events, or helping families and communities thrive—thank you for your time, energy, and commitment.  Wishing you a productive and inspiring October!

As always, please take good care of yourselves and your families, and thank you for what you do for Clemson Cooperative Extension.

Upcoming Events and Reminders:

• Please share your latest accomplishments, awards, publications and other newsworthy updates with Christi Leard ccampb3@clemson.edu to get in the Director’s Newsletter!

Dear Extension Family,

As we move through the second half of 2025, it’s clear that our shared commitment to South Carolina’s agriculture, youth development, and community engagement is stronger than ever. This newsletter highlights the many accomplishments of our Clemson Extension professionals, showcases statewide events, and provides key updates to help keep our teams informed and connected.

One important update we’d like to spotlight comes from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Please see the message below from W.R. “Cody” Simpson, State Executive Director of the Farm Service Agency (FSA) in South Carolina. Director Simpson shares critical information regarding federal disaster relief programs, youth loan opportunities, and county committee nominations—resources and initiatives that directly impact the producers and families we serve every day. We encourage you to share this message widely with your stakeholders.

Please See Message from Cody Simpson, State Executive Director of the Farm Service Agency in South Carolina Below and Share with Stakeholders.

Dear Fellow South Carolina Farmers:

I am deeply honored to have recently been appointed by President Donald J. Trump as the State Executive Director of the Farm Service Agency in South Carolina.  I consider it a great honor and privilege to support the President and USDA Secretary Brook Rollins’ mission of putting America First. I most recently served as Agriculture Advisor and Chief Executive Assistant to South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster and have worked tirelessly to support and protect South Carolina family farms.

As a fifth-generation farmer, I am committed to protecting the Palmetto State’s agricultural heritage and growing its future.  I understand firsthand the barriers and challenges that family farms face daily, as well as the tremendous impact agribusiness has on our state’s economy.  I am dedicated to ensuring that our FSA team continues to provide the daily support our farmers need to keep farming.  We are also committed to Secretary Rollins’ mission to provide the much-needed supplemental disaster assistance programs to our producers.

The American Relief Act of 2025, Pub. L. No. 118-158 (the Act), signed into law on Dec. 21, 2024, provided the U.S. Department of Agriculture with more than $30 billion to deliver disaster recovery assistance to farmers and livestock producers.  The Act authorized $10 billion in economic loss assistance to producers of covered commodities based on 2024 planted and prevented planted acres. To date, USDA has delivered more than $7.8 billion to producers through the Emergency Commodity Assistance Program (ECAP)including more than $44 million to South Carolina producers. The ECAP deadline is Aug. 15, 2025. 

FSA also issued $1 billion in payments to eligible livestock producers through the Emergency Livestock Relief Program (ELRP) for losses due to qualifying drought and wildfire occurring in calendar years 2023 and 2024. FSA leveraged existing Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP) data to streamline payment calculations and expedite relief, and emergency relief payments were automatically issued to producers who have an approved LFP application on file for 2023 and/or 2024. To date, nearly $4 million in ELRP benefits have been paid to livestock producers in South Carolina.

USDA provides updates every Monday so Americans can track payment totals.  For current information regarding 2023/2024 Supplemental Disaster Assistance (including the General Block Grant authority for South Carolina), please visit here.

We are currently accepting nominations for our local county committees. County committee members make important decisions about how Federal farm programs are administered locally. If you participate or cooperate in a USDA program and reside in the elective area for this year, you may be nominated for candidacy for the county committee. All nomination forms for the 2025 election must be postmarked or received in the local FSA office by Aug. 1, 2025. Our committee members are vital to how FSA carries out disaster programs, as well as conservation, commodity and prices support programs, county office employment as well as other agricultural issues. I encourage you to consider serving. Learn more at fsa.usda.gov/coc.   

Lastly, as the next generation of farmers emerges, I want to encourage our youth to consider youth loans with FSA.  These youth loans are operating loans of up to $10,000 to eligible individuals who participate in FFA, 4-H, or another ag-related youth organization and are between ages 10 to 20 years. FSA youth loans can be used to finance income-producing, agriculture-related projects.   These loans could be a great start to owning your own farming operation in the future.

I am proud of the work performed by our team on behalf of you and your families.  We at FSA want to do everything we can to support farmers, livestock producers and foresters by delivering much needed relief to our family farms.  I look forward to seeing you on your farm soon and appreciate the sacrifice and service that you provide each day for the betterment and well-being of our state and nation.

Yours truly,

W. R. “Cody” Simpson, III

State Executive Director | South Carolina

Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Office

National Association of County Agricultural Agents Conference (NACAA)

We had great representation at our 2025 NACAA conference in Billings, Montana, held on July 30, 2025. Clemson Extension was honored with multiple awards for national and professional growth!

National award recipients

Three Extension professionals, Charlotte Maxwell, Rob Last and Stephanie Turner, received the Achievement Award, given to agents with less than 10 years of service who demonstrate excellence in Extension work.

William Hardee, Derrick Phinney and Barbara Smith were honored with the Distinguished Service Award for professionals with more than 10 years of experience.

Mallory Maher received the Search for Excellence in Environmental Quality, Forestry and Natural Resources Award for her work on the Backyard Wildlife Habitat Program. Susan Lunt won the Communication Award in the Bound Book/eBook category for co-authoring a septic system user guide.

Widespread recognition and leadership

Clemson Extension professionals were also honored as national finalists, Southern Region winners and state-level honorees included:

• National Finalists: Sarah Scott (Applied Research Posters) and Samantha Porzelt (Computer Generated Presentation with Script)
• Southern Region Winners: Stephanie Turner (Personal Column), Charlotte Maxwell (Published Photo), Jaime Pohlman (Website/Online Content)
• State Winners: 13 agents were recognized in categories including feature writing, audio recordings, educational videos and agriculture awareness

Maxwell and Zachary Snipes were selected to deliver oral presentations during concurrent sessions—a competitive honor reflecting peer recognition and content quality.

Clemson’s national leadership within NACAA includes Brian Beer, who chairs the Professional Improvement Council overseeing professional development committees, and Sarah Scott, newly appointed Southern Region Vice Chair of the Communications Committee after serving as SCACAA Communications Chair since 2019.

In addition to national and regional recognition, the following Clemson Extension professionals earned state-level honors for excellence in programming, outreach and communication:

• Nicole Correa – Search for Excellence in Sustainable Agriculture Recognition Program
• Eric Eliassen – Event Promotional Package
• Matthew Fischer – Newsletter
• Brad Fowler – Audio Recording, Feature Story, Search for Excellence in Consumer or Commercial Horticulture
• Laura Hair – Agriculture Awareness and Appreciation Award, Search for Excellence in 4-H Programming
• Carmen Ketron – Educational Video Recordings
• Steven O’Shields – Learning Module/Notebook
• Barbara H. Smith – Fact Sheet
• Zachary Snipes – Publication

SCFFA Convention

This event was held in Greenville, SC from June 17–19, 2025, with a total registration of 1,200 students and advisors. This figure does not include judges, exhibitors, or guests in attendance. A total of $37,000 in scholarships and awards was presented during the State Convention. The exhibit hall featured 35 exhibitor spaces, occupied by 42 exhibitors.

National FFA Scholarships

SC FFA members received $30,000 in scholarships from the National FFA Scholarship Program

• Katelyn Foose (Pickens Co CTC FFA) received $1,000 from LaCrosse Footwear Scholarship
• Aaliyah Montgomery (SC Gov. School for Ag FFA) received $1,500 from Bayer-Grow Ag Leaders Scholarship
• Brooklyn Hill (Conway FFA) received $2,500 from Edgar & Ann Duskin Southern Crop Scholarship
• Allison Gard (Cane Bay FFA) received $5,000 from George M. Hellberg Memorial Scholarship
• Skylar McMahan (Central FFA) received $5,000 from FFA Future Leaders Scholarship by TSC-Trade
• Sara Dixon (Cheraw FFA) received $5,000 from the FFA Future Leaders Scholarship by TSC-Trade
• Amberlyn Christenbury (Crescent FFA) received $10,000 from the Domino’s Scholarship

4-H Congress

Last month, South Carolina 4-H hosted their annual State 4-H Congress. The event, themed “Beyond Our Time”, welcomed 74 youth representing 22 South Carolina counties, 17 county 4-H agents, four 4-H volunteers and various other staff, interns, speakers, and workshop leaders. 

With the event held on campus each year, youth get the opportunity to experience college life for the week: dorm life, dining hall meals, and classroom workshops. Learning opportunities included workshops from each of the five 4-H program areas: agriculture and animals, natural resources, civic engagement, STEM, and healthy living as well as fun activities like line dancing and trivia. There were hands-on lessons related to appropriate use of Chat GPT, animal scat identification, diet and workout plans throughout the decades, and agriculture bingo. The week also included tours of the CHIP (Clemson Headgear Impact Performance) lab and the ag mech department. In addition to workshops and tours, the group of youth and adults participated in a landscaping service project at Clemson Downs, donating over 100 hours of service to the community.  

On the final evening, outstanding youth were recognized at the annual 4-H Awards Banquet. Scholarships for trips were awarded to State 4-H Award, National 4-H Conference, and Presidential 4-H Award winners. This year’s Presidential Tray award winners were Ms. Eve Martell of York County, Ms. Le’Mariya McCree of Chester County, Ms. Savannah Reese of Richland County, and Mr. Lawson Weilnau of Bamberg County.  

The week closed with the installation of the new State 4-H Teen Council members elected by our 4-H participants. This new group of youth leaders will have a hand in planning upcoming state events such as 4-H Day at the Sate Fair, Legislative Day, Jr. Weekend, and next year’s State Congress.  

As one youth shared, “Congress is a great way for youth to share their voice, practice their right to vote and have a say in their leadership, practice essential life skills, and connect with peers across the state who share a similar passion of making the best better.”

State Fair:

This year the state fair runs from Wednesday, October 8 through Sunday October 19.  If you are interested in working an additional day to your program teams’, please reach out to Becca Hedden at rthomp7@clemson.edu.

Salesforce:

Please be advised of the following updates:

• The CUMIS Projects tab is now titled Extension Projects tab.
• Extension projects have been updated in accordance with each Program Team Directors request. This may change where you report data for this fiscal year. Please consult the project names and descriptions. If you have questions, please refer to your Program Team Director.
• CUMIS Entries are now titled Extension Entries. Types of Extension Entries include Professional Development, Scholarly Work, and Social Media. You must select one of these types and fill out subsequent details on the tab.
• Reports are available on the Reports tab in the Agent Reports folder. If you cannot find what you are looking for, please reach out.

If you have questions or feedback, please contact Becca Hedden at rthomp7@clemson.edu.

Brand Awareness Videos

The Clemson Extension Service has been busy creating videos to boost brand awareness! There are now five NEW videos serving different purposes:

1. A longer, high-altitude view of the breadth of work conducted by CES across the state. View here!
2. INTERNSHIPS – A video to attract CAFLS students to intern with Extension through the Michelin Career Center UPIC-CES partnership. View here!
3. COLLABORATE – A video to showcase opportunities and ways to collaborate with CES, from community organizations to our colleges on campus. View here!
4. DONATE – A call for support by donating to Fiercely Forward>CES or at your local county office. View here!
5. RECRUIT – A video tool to attract new talent for our CES workforce. View here!

Service Milestones:

I would like to congratulate the following on their service milestones to Clemson University:

Ashley Burns, 4-H Youth Development Program Team Director, 10 years

Job Openings

We have new openings to fill with talent. The following positions with their job ID numbers are currently posted on the Clemson Careers website. http://www.clemson.edu/careers

• 4-H Agent – Allendale, Bamberg, and Barnwell, Bamberg Extension Office, 109835
• 4-H Youth Development Agent – Sumter, SC, Sumter Extension Office, 109589
• 4-H Extension Agent – Berkeley County, Berkeley County Extension Office, 108968

IN CLOSING …

As always, thank you for the impactful work you continue to do across South Carolina. From supporting farmers and ranchers through critical USDA programs to celebrating national recognition for our Clemson Extension professionals, this newsletter reflects the strength and dedication of our Extension family.

Whether you’re mentoring the next generation through 4-H and FFA, advancing sustainability in agriculture, or building community partnerships, your work matters—and it’s being noticed. Let’s continue to build on this momentum as we head into the fall season.

If you have updates, accomplishments, or events you’d like featured in a future newsletter, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Stay safe, stay connected, and thank you for everything you do to make South Carolina stronger—one community at a time.

As always, please take good care of yourselves and your families, and thank you for what you do for Clemson Cooperative Extension.