Dear Extension Family,
I want to thank you for your steadfast resolve to help Clemson University address the expenditure pause. We in Extension have done what it takes to address the request and at the same time continue providing our stakeholders with outstanding educational programs, one on one assistance and in many cases being creative and innovative with new programmatic areas. I pledge to you that your leadership wake up each morning with one mission in mind- to get our administrative assistances, county agents, extension associates and specialists what you need to do your job.
Dean Holt asked me to prepare a list of efficiencies that Extension could implement to share with the board of trustees. I was proud when I asked Dr. Burns, Mr. Landford, and Mrs. Legette to help me compile this report- that you guys have already implemented these needed efficiencies. This will be a report that I will gladly present to Dean Holt and say we have already done this. We continue to take what we have and find innovative ways to improve our efforts to serve the state of South Carolina.
However, we need to continue to do GREAT work for the citizens of South Carolina and document the impact of our work. I cannot express enough the importance of having data the gives our leadership the tools we need to help us tell the story of Extension. In these times of uncertainty, we need the impact data to share your good works to our county administration, state and national representatives as well as our support organizations. I need your help to make sure you get the credit you deserve by providing us with impact data.
As my grandmother use to tell us when my father had a bad crop year or a low cattle market, “You guys need to focus on the positives: you have a house, food to eat, good health and the blessing of God to start over again with a new season. You will always have challenges in life, it is how you deal with those challenges that will make or break you”.
2025 Clemson Spring Dairy Show and Educational Events
The annual Clemson Spring Dairy Show and Educational Contests were held at the T. Ed Garrison Arena, March 21-23, 2025.
On Friday, March 21, dairy youth enthusiasts competed in the Clemson Spring Dairy Show “Let’s Talk Dairy” Speech Contest. 15 youth provided individual two-minute speeches sharing the many positive attributes of dairy in their diet. This special contest was sponsored by the Dairy Alliance.
The South Carolina State 4-H Dairy Judging Contest was also held on March 21 where 118 4-H and FFA members from all over the state came to compete in ranking six different classes of Dairy Cattle and then provided an explanation of why they placed designated classes to a dairy industry expert through oral reasons. Youth competed for outstanding awards sponsored by the South Carolina Farmer Agribusiness Association.
Clemson Extension and the Spring Dairy Show Committee were proud to host the 2025 Clemson Spring Dairy Show; the largest dairy cattle show in the Southeast-March 21-23. Over 425 head of dairy cattle and 232 exhibitors entered from ten different states (MD, VA, NC, SC, GA, FL, TN, MS, AL, PA). This annual show originated in 2018 and is planned and coordinated by Clemson Extension and the Spring Dairy Show Committee.
Such a tremendous event wouldn’t be possible without the outstanding support of the Spring Dairy Show Committee, Clemson Extension, South Carolina 4-H and FFA staff and countless volunteers. A special thank you to Marie Bolt-Garrison Arena and Expo Center Director and the incredible staff of the Garrison Arena.
2025 State Livestock Judging Contest
The 2025 South Carolina State 4-H and FFA State Livestock Judging Contest was held at the T. Ed Garrison Arena on Friday, April 4. 84 South Carolina 4-H and FFA members evaluated six classes and shared their opinions and knowledge of the classes evaluated of the provided classes. We greatly appreciate the generous awards provided by the Clarence W. Senn Memorial Endowment.
College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences Honors Students, Faculty and Staff During Annual Awards
On April 10, the College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences held its Annual Awards Ceremony to recognize outstanding students, faculty, and staff. The event celebrated excellence in research, teaching, leadership, and service, highlighting the remarkable dedication and achievements within the CAFLS community.
Outstanding Junior Faculty in Extension – Michael Plumblee, Assistant Professor, Plant and Environmental Sciences
Outstanding Junior Extension Agent – Carmen Ketron, Urban Horticulture Agent, Cooperative Extension
Outstanding Senior Extension Agent – Amber Starnes, Senior Agent Livestock and Forages, Cooperative Extension
Outstanding Professional Staff – Amy Dabbs, School and Community Gardening Statewide Program Coordinator, Cooperative Extension
South Carolina 4-H and FFA Dairy Heifer Project
The South Carolina 4-H and FFA Dairy Heifer Project is the longest-running program of its kind in the nation—and it shows no signs of slowing down. The 50th Annual Bred Heifer Sale, held on April 22, 2025, was not only a milestone event, but also marked a record-breaking year with a $2,900 sale average—the highest in the project’s history. To date, nearly 1,900 heifers have been sold through the project. These animals have been purchased by individuals across South Carolina and neighboring states, and in recent years, heifers have found homes as far away as Michigan and Idaho.
Through this unique project, youth learn valuable life skills such as responsibility, hard work, sportsmanship, and integrity. Participants also gain hands-on knowledge in agriculture, animal husbandry, and the dairy industry. Along the way, they build confidence and form friendships that often last a lifetime.
Generous dairy producers from South Carolina and surrounding states supply high-quality heifers, and over a period of 20 months, youth raise, care for, and show their very own dairy heifer. Since many participants do not come from a dairy background or have the facilities to milk a cow, the Bred Heifer Sale serves as the culmination of their project experience.
The project began in 1973 at the request of the South Carolina Purebred Dairy Cattle Association. It was then that Dr. Fred E. Pardue developed and launched what would become one of the most impactful 4-H initiatives in the state—and possibly the nation. Through careful planning and collaboration with various breed associations, Dr. Pardue established a program that achieved its goal: to increase participation in the 4-H Dairy Program and expand youth and family understanding of the dairy industry.
Thanks to the strong foundation laid by Dr. Pardue, the program continues to thrive. Its success is a testament to the dedication of the South Carolina dairy industry, former project members and parents, and countless 4-H families and alumni who have supported it over the years—and who continue to do so today.
Governor signing the bill for 4-H/FFA
Last week, South Carolina FFA and the South Carolina Association of Agricultural Educators held their annual Plant Presentation Day on the steps of the State House.
As part of the event, Governor McMaster signed H. 3247 into law. Sponsored by Representative Patrick
Haddon (R-Greenville), the new legislation permits school districts to excuse student absences for participation in work-based learning experiences, including programs like Future Farmers of America and 4-H.
EELI 2025 Graduation: EELI Cohort 4
Congratulations to the 4th cohort of the Extension Emerging Leadership Initiative (EELI) on their graduation after nine months of engaging leadership development training. Administrators, EELI alumni, staff, and guests from Clemson Extension and SC State 1890 Research and Extension gathered in Columbia to celebrate with the cohort. Inspirational thoughts were given by Dr. Tom Dobbins, Dr. Edoe Agbodjan, and Mrs. Deon Legette along with congratulatory messages from President Jim Clements and President Alexander Conyers during the graduation ceremony.
During the nine-month sessions, the cohort spent their professional development time learning about various basic leadership topics, participating in group discussions, engaging with inspirational speakers, class presentations/projects, touring and learning about both land grant universities’ history, interactive team building activities, and shadowing a selected leader.
We are proud of all graduates, and we offer special congratulations to our Clemson Extension and CAFLS graduates:
- Nicole Correa, Livestock/Forages Agent – Orangeburg
- Dr. Bhupinder Farmaha, Associate Professor – Edisto REC
- Samantha Houston, Food Systems/Safety Agent – Lexington
- Kesha Horton, Administrative Assistant – Lancaster
Graduates from SC State 1890 Research and Extension include:
- Latosia Gibson, 4-H Youth Development Agent
- Kinda McInnis, 4-H Youth Development Agent
- Ronnie Rhodes, Regional Director
- Shena Scott, Administrative Coordinator
- Kaliyah Woods, 4-H Youth Development Agent
With commitment to excellence, dedication to service, and vision for greatness, these aspiring leaders will continue to move Cooperative Extension at Clemson and SC State University to greater heights.
The collaboration, networking, and partnership between our two land grant universities continue to be impactful! www.clemson.edu/extension/leadership
Salesforce:
Salesforce is a customer relationship management software that also serves as Clemson Extension’s reporting system.
We will host office ours on Monday May 19th from 11:00-12:00 and 2:00-3:00 (calendar invite coming this week) where you can ask questions and we will demonstrate how to pull reports specific to your program.
Helpful Tips:
- Salesforce link: The salesforce link is https://clemson.my.salesforce.com. Please use your Clemson credentials to access. If you receive a single sign-on error when logging in, please contact Becca Hedden at rthomp7@clemson.edu
- 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.
- You may add a Team Member to an Interaction or a Program Event. To do so, create the Interaction or edit the Program Event, save and then view the Interaction or Program Event record. At the bottom on the righthand side, there is a Team Members box where you can add assisting agents.
- 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.
SC Botanical Garden
We are pleased to announce that CU Cooperative Extension Service may have access to the following SC Botanical Garden facilities at no charge to deliver Extension programming:
• The Carriage House and Lower Lawn any time during regular business hours Monday-Thursday
• The Hayden Conference Center lecture room, conference room, and kitchen any time during regular business hours Monday-Thursday
Bookings for these facilities are required at least 30 days in advance. A no-fee contract must be signed and submitted to complete the reservation. All SCBG rental policies apply to these reservations except for deposit, payment and TULIP insurance. Extension programs may be limited to 3 reservations monthly depending on staffing and event capacity. Please email the garden at scbgrentals@clemson.edu or call 864-656-2536 to discuss details and receive copies of related policies and contracts. For any other potential research and education use that doesn’t require indoor space, please use the garden research and classroom use request form (https://www.clemson.edu/scbg/research/). Photography/recording sessions should be notified via our Photo/Videographer Registry (https://www.clemson.edu/scbg/visit/#tour). Once registered, to schedule a photography or videography shoot please contact please call 864-656-2536 or email scbg@clemson.edu.
Congratulations to Mallory Dailey Maher!
Each year, the Clemson Young Alumni Council honors ten exceptional individuals who have made significant contributions in areas such as business, leadership, community service, education, and philanthropy. This recognition is reserved for those who embody Clemson University’s core values of honesty, integrity, and respect.
Mallory Dailey Maher ’12, M’15, M’21 Named 2024 Roaring10 Honoree
Mallory Maher, a three-time Clemson graduate, has been recognized with the 2024 Roaring10 Award for her leadership in environmental education and community service. She holds degrees in wildlife and fisheries biology and agricultural education. She currently serves as a Natural Resources Extension Associate and coordinator of Clemson’s statewide Master Naturalist Program.
Previously a 4-H agent in Oconee County, Maher has received multiple national awards for her work in youth development and agricultural education. Her volunteer efforts include pollinator garden installations, bluebird box projects, stream assessments, and environmental outreach in local schools. She chairs South Carolina’s Wildlife Habitat Education Program and helps lead national youth wildlife competitions.
An active Clemson alumna, Maher serves on the Women’s Alumni Council and mentors students pursuing careers in agriculture and natural resources.
https://alumni.clemson.edu/mallory-dailey-maher-12-m15-m21/
Service Milestones:
I would like to congratulate the following on their service milestones to Clemson University:
- Scott Mickey, Senior Extension Associate – Asst. Agribusiness Team Director
Agribusiness Program Team, 30 years
New Employees
Please help me welcome the newest members of our Extension family:
- Mackenzie Comer: 4-H Agent, Charleston County
IN CLOSING …
As we move forward into the spring season, I want to express my deepest gratitude for the commitment, passion, and resilience each of you brings to the work we do at Clemson Extension. Your dedication ensures we continue to serve the people of South Carolina with excellence, even in the face of challenges. Remember, as my grandmother used to say, it’s not the challenges we face, but how we handle them that defines our success.
Together, we’ve accomplished much already, from innovative program delivery to impactful community engagement, but there is always more to be done. Let’s keep pushing forward with the same drive and focus that has made us a trusted resource for the citizens of our state. Your efforts make a difference, and I am proud to work alongside such an outstanding team.
Thank you for all you do!
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 21st: SCACAA & SCAE4-HA Annual Joint Meeting and PIC in Batesburg-Leesville, SC
- May 30th – 31st: Lever Hall of Fame Ceremony – T. Ed. Garrison Arena Cattle Complex and Educational Center
