Extension Employee News

January 2025: Monthly Director’s Letter

Posted on by ccampb3

Dear Extension Family,

I know that all of you have heard about the Clemson University Expenditure SLOWDOWN and all the turmoil on the federal level with Executive order slowing down spending. The University’s expenditure slowdown is a request from Provost Jones to get a gut check on the state of the economic status of the university. As you know, the Provost’s office has been studying and planning to implement a new financial model for the university. The RBB model is a budgeting tool that will be used to build the university’s budget. For a smooth transition to this model, we must have an accurate account of our current budget situation. The other factor that is driving this spending slowdown is the university’s bond rating. We have a very good bond rating however, our Clemson University Board of Trustees want to ensure we have a better bond rating.  As you know, Clemson University has enjoyed unprecedented growth over the pass several years where most universities have had a downturn in growth. With the addition of the new Harvey Peeler College of Veterinary Medicine and numerous other building projects, we need to make sure we are on a solid financial path that will allow us to continue to grow. 

The rumor mill is full of half-truths, and you need to know the facts. Clemson University Cooperative Extension Budget is in GREAT shape. We have not received any cuts from the state or current federal budgets. We have watched our spending, and we have plans to implement our bonus plan. We had a great budget hearing with the house subcommittee and will present to the senate on Wednesday. I am concerned about what is going on in Washington, but our legislative affairs office is monitoring that situation and if anything changes, we will inform you.

We will continue to monitor all spending and will ask for justification on major purchases as we have always done. In state travel should be continued as usual, out of state travel must have a justification as we have always requested. 

What you can do to help the University with this slowdown is to do your job. The best thing that will help us in an economic slowdown is to produce the outstanding, educational programs that you always have, assist our stakeholders with research fact-based information, be available to our stakeholders and be true servant leaders in your community. If you do these things our budget will continue to grow on the local, state and federal levels. 

Let me worry about the budget and you worry about how you can serve your stakeholders better. I pledge to you that your administrative leadership team is working every day to stay on top of the budget situation and making sure that we are on sound financial footing. If anything changes, I will make sure that you are made aware of these changes. The work you  do is valuable to the economic growth of our communities and our state. I want to thank you for all you do to keep the Extension brand in the forefront and growing. 

Welcome Dr. Maria Bowie, Director of the Extension Center for Health Outreach!

Maria Bowie, DrPH, began her role as Director of the Extension Center for Health Outreach on January 1. Previously, Dr. Bowie worked with University of Georgia Extension where she served as a grant & project specialist on the Athens Campus. Her recent efforts address emergency preparedness, farm and rural stress, opioid misuse prevention, and vaccine education. Maria completed her doctorate in public health in 2020 and has a master’s in public administration and bachelor’s in education. She worked with UGA Extension for over 26 years in a variety of roles, including serving as a 4-H/youth development Extension agent, UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences marketing and communications director, Walk Georgia program director, employee recruitment and internship coordinator, and grant management specialist. Maria and her husband Brent have three children – Alex, 18, Spencer, 21, and Emily, 25, who all live in Athens. Maria and Brent have relocated to Westminster and are excited to be new SC residents. Dr. Bowie’s email address is mbbowie@clemson.edu and her office phone number is 864-646-2183. She was recently featured in The Stacked Keys podcast, where she shared about her career path and leadership values.

The 2025 Joint Cooperative Extension Conference

South Carolina’s two land-grant institutions—South Carolina State and Clemson University—are thrilled to host the 2025 Joint Cooperative Extension Conference in the vibrant capital city of Columbia. February 12-14 at the Columbia Convention Center. Please see website for more information:

 https://www.clemson.edu/extension/conference/

Remember the service project!

https://www.clemson.edu/extension/conference/service-project.html

SC FaSC Farmer & Agribusiness Association Hosts Annual Convention 

The Hyatt Regency Downtown Greenville was the host site for the 2025 SC Farmer & Agribusiness Association’s annual convention on January 24-25. The convention provides educational workshops for both farmers, agribusiness people, & agriculture teachers. Collaborating with Extension agents, college instructors, & agribusiness experts, the convention is an all-inclusive learning experience for its attendees. In addition, the convention celebrates the achievements of its members. With awards for crop production, energy efficiency, conservation, & specialty agriculture ventures, the Association promotes achievement in all aspects of agriculture. This year, Evan Streeter was named Farmer of the Year by the Association. Streeter, a first-generation farmer, operates

Streeter Heritage Farms in Chester County, where he raises heritage breed swine. He is a member of the Fort Mill Farmer & Agribusiness Association chapter. Sponsored by Farm Credit, the award recognizes those farmers who have maintained accurate records, quality standards, & humane practices. SC Farmer & Agribusiness Association is an entity of SC Agricultural Education. Local chapters are operated throughout the state via local Agricultural Education programming in middle & high schools with Agriculture programs. For more information, visit https://www.clemson.edu/extension/scaged/sc-farmer-agribusiness-association/index.html or contact Lee Petitgout, Executive Director, at lpetitg@clemson.edu 

Pictured above (L to R): Tim McSwain, Past-President, Evan Streeter, Award Winner, Tim Pasour, Chapter Advisor, McCauley Frierson, Farm Credit Representative

2025 Clemson University Cooperative Extension Bull Test Sale Recap

Lindsey Craig, Director of Livestock Improvement Programs

The 49th Annual Clemson University Cooperative Extension Bull Test Sale was held February 1st, 2025, at the T. Ed Garrison Arena. The sale was one for the record books. We had our highest sale average ever at $6,975. 51 bulls sold for a total of $355,750 in sales. The sale ring was packed with bidders and the online and phone bids were major contributors to the success of the sale. This year’s set of bulls were some of the most complete, industry genetic leading bulls that we have ever had. We sold bulls with the help of DV Auction who handled our online bidding, and we had bidders from across the country. Bidders were from South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, Nebraska, Iowa, Tennessee. Bulls went home to South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, and Iowa. We would like to thank both the consigners for sending phenomenal bulls to test along with buyers who continue to have confidence in the Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service Bull Testing Program. 

Our highest selling bull was lot 26, an angus bull consigned by Berry Wells Farm (Johnathon Wells) from Rayle, Georgia. Mr. Frank Howey from Ruby, SC purchased the bull for $24,500. This was one of 5 bulls Mr. Howey bought on sale day. Lot 26 was a true standout in this year’s test. He took home awards for highest ADG at 6.7lbs, WDA at 4.23 lbs and Highest Index at 185.4. Bull 26 was an Elite bull with 4 EPDs in the top 1% of the breed with another 3 EPDs in the top 2% for the breed. He weighed off test at an impressive 1782lbs and was over 2100lbs on sale day.  

Our second highest bull was lot 70 a SimAngus bull consigned by Owens Family Farm, Steve Owens from Whitaker, NC. Mr. Frank Howey also bought bull 70 for $13,000. This impressive bull had a blaze face partnered with a set of impressive EPDs and was another Elite bull for our test. Lot 70 had several growth traits in the top 5% or higher of the breed and had a negative RFI meaning he will add efficient weight to his offspring. 

Our third highest selling bull was lot 23, an angus bull from Allgood Angus, Jamie Allgood, from Athens, GA.  Mr. Frank Howey again purchased this bull for $12,000. Bull 23 was another Elite bull with outstanding EPDs several of which were in the top 10% or better for the breed. Lot 23 was another negative RFI bull, so his efficiency and growth characteristics are going to be beneficial traits to pass down to his offspring. 

Our breed averages are as follows.

Angus average: $7482 (28 Angus bulls sold)

Red Angus Average: $4,666 (3 Red Angus bulls sold)

Hereford Average: $5656 (8 Hereford bulls sold)

Simmental Average: $7250 (3 Simmental bulls sold)

SimAngus Average: $7785 (7 SimAngus bulls sold)

Balancer Average: $5250 (1 Balancer bull sold)

Ultrablack Average: $5500 (1 Ultrablack bull sold)

Once again, on behalf of Clemson University, the Cooperative Extension Service as well as the Clemson Bull Test program, we thank our consignors, buyer’s and bidders for their dedication in breed improvement and excellence in genetic advancement within the beef industry! The confidence each of you has in the Clemson Bull Testing Program is humbling and appreciated.  

The 49th Annual Sale was sold by Col. Dale Stith of Mays Lick, Kentucky. Ring men were Mr. Paul Wall of Athens GA, Mr. Michael Ryan of Townville SC and Mr. David Gazda of the American Angus Association. These four gentlemen are true professionals, and we thank them for a job well done. With all the sale enthusiasm these guys never missed a bid. Thank you, gentlemen! Please mark your calendars for the first Saturday in February 2026 for another powerful offering of industry improving bulls.

Ag Safety: Great Job on Trainings!

On Wednesday, January 29th, 2025, the Ag Safety Program received a call that a gentleman was entrapped in grain to his waist in a bin in Dillon County and they were in need of additional rescue panels. Through training other departments in the area, the program knew that Howe Springs Fire Department had additional panels. The program contacted Howe Springs, and the panels were dispatched to Dillon County. Once on scene, the additional panels were used to complete the wall around the victim, and the grain was removed. After safely rescuing the victim, he was airlifted to the hospital where he was then later discharged that evening. Thanks to training provided bythe Agricultural Safety Team, Dillon

County Fire and Rescue was equipped with the knowledge and the tools to respond quickly and efficiently.   The collaborative effort between Dillon County Fire and Rescue and Howe Springs Fire Department, along with the crucial support from the Agricultural Safety Program, helped ensure that the operation was carried out efficiently and with minimal risk to the victim. A very special thank you to Hunter Massey and Shelley Lovern for their dedicated efforts.

Salesforce

Salesforce is a customer relationship management software that also serves as Clemson Extension’s reporting system

Helpful Tips:

  • Please bookmark the Salesforce link https://clemson.my.salesforce.com
  • Eventbrite syncs with Salesforce once a day. Each team has their own accounts and policies for Eventbrite, please contact your PTD should you have questions.   If your programs are missing 48 hours after the event is created, please contact Becca Hedden at rthomp7@clemson.edu.  Remember, you may search on the Program Events tab for events under other users’ ownership.
  • You may add a Team Member to an Interaction or a Program Event.  To do so, create the interaction and save and then view the interaction. Once you scroll you will see a box for “Team Members” where you can add assisting users.   For program events, view the Details tab on Program Event record and you can add an assisting user as well.  You may also run a report to view records you have been added as a Team Member on.
  • Check out the “Agent Reports” folder on the Reports tab.  In this folder you will find a number of reports you may find helpful. You may clone these reports and save a copy under your name to make edits and learn how the reports work.  Please feel free to contact the Advisory team should you need assistance or would like to request a report.

Service Milestones

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

  • Amanda Smith, Administrative Coordinator, 10 Years
  • Michael McManus, District Extension Director, 30 Years
  • Justin Ballew, Fruit and Vegetable Research Associate, 10 Years

New Employees 

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

  • Camilla Herndon: Rural Health & Nutrition Agent, Greenville County 
  • Stevie Griffen: 4-H Agent, Williamsburg County
  • Talithia (Ty) Jolley, 4H Agent, Pickens County 
  • Tess Moody: Extension Associate for Natural Resources Program Team, TEACH Center Charleston
  • Molly Jones: Area Water Resource Agent for Natural Resources Program Team, Dorchester office in Saint George, covering Dorchester, Colleton, Hampton, Jasper, Allendale, Beaufort, Bamberg, Barnwell, Aiken, and Edgefield Counties

Onboarding

In addition to HR Orientation, Clemson Extension now offers an Onboarding course for all Extension Professionals.  The course is housed in canvas and should be completed at the participant’s own pace.  The course will be available to be referenced at any time after enrollment for the duration of employment with Clemson University.

Please Note: Existing Extension Professionals who wish to be enrolled in the course may request to be added here.

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

  • Urban Horticulture Agent, Union, 109527

University Awareness Month

IN CLOSING …

As we move forward into February, let us continue the great work that defines Clemson University Cooperative Extension. Thank you for your dedication and hard work. Your commitment to our stakeholders, communities, and the Extension mission is vital as we navigate these challenges together. Remember, we’re all in this together, and by staying focused on what we do best, we can continue to thrive and grow. I look forward to the successes we will continue to achieve this year, and I am confident that, with your continued efforts, we will remain a strong and resilient force for positive change in South Carolina.

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

  • February 12-14: 2025 Joint Cooperative Extension Conference
  • April 23 – 25: South Carolina Association of Extension Administrative Professionals Conference
  • October 8 – 19: SC State Fair
Posted in From the Director