![\"\"](\"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/extensionnews\/files\/2026\/05\/Unknown-1-1-1024x768.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThe 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 \u201cAdvocacy in Action: Clemson Extension\u2019s Food Pantry Giving Guide \u2013 Response to the 2025 SNAP Disruption,\u201d<\/em> 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\u2019s ability to adapt quickly to emerging needs while advocating for vulnerable populations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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\u2019s 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<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n If you have questions about using AI tools in your work, please consult Clemson\u2019s AI resources and tools page for guidance and institutional policies: https:\/\/www.clemson.edu\/ai\/tools\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Thank you for staying informed and thoughtful as we consider how AI can support our mission.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The 2026 South Carolina State Fair is set to run from Thursday, October 15 <\/strong>through Sunday, October 25. <\/strong> 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<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Salesforce will now automatically send a reminder email when one of your Program Events <\/strong>has concluded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What to expect:<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n When an event ends:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The reminder is simply to ensure the following fields are completed for reporting purposes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The banner will remain visible until you manually dismiss it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Please help me welcome the newest members of our Extension family:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 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<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I appreciate all that you do to advance our mission and represent Clemson Extension with professionalism and purpose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As always, please take good care of yourselves and your families, and thank you for what you do for Clemson Cooperative Extension.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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 […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4213,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[54396],"tags":[],"coauthors":[102417],"class_list":["post-1673","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-from-the-director"],"fimg_url":false,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/extensionnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1673","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/extensionnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/extensionnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/extensionnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4213"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/extensionnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1673"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/extensionnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1673\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/extensionnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1673"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/extensionnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1673"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/extensionnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1673"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/extensionnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=1673"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}},{"id":1635,"date":"2026-04-16T07:22:00","date_gmt":"2026-04-16T07:22:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/extensionnews\/?p=1635"},"modified":"2026-04-17T12:19:55","modified_gmt":"2026-04-17T12:19:55","slug":"2026-clemson-spring-dairy-show-and-educational-contests","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/extensionnews\/2026\/04\/16\/2026-clemson-spring-dairy-show-and-educational-contests\/","title":{"rendered":"2026 Clemson Spring Dairy Show and Educational Contests\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n Over the last 47 years, The Clemson Spring Dairy Show has grown into one of the Southeast\u2019s premier youth dairy events\u2014but it started from much more humble beginnings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The inaugural show began in April 1979, set up under just three small tents borrowed from Lewis Harrison. At the time, it was a modest gathering held on the grounds that are now home to the T. Ed Garrison Arena and Complex. What started as a simple event rooted in a passion for dairy cattle and youth development has since grown into a cornerstone of agricultural tradition in South Carolina.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As seen in the photos below, the show continued to thrive in the years following 1979, reflecting how the style and presentation of dairy shows have evolved over time. In the photo to the right, a young exhibitor is pictured showing his Guernsey heifer. Today, he remains actively involved as a valued member of the planning committee for the Clemson Spring Dairy Show\u2014demonstrating the lasting impact of youth participation and the strong legacy this event continues to build.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In 2017, a dedicated steering committee was formed with a mission to revitalize and strengthen the Clemson Spring Dairy Show. Their vision was clear: to create an event that would serve as a cornerstone for 4-H and FFA dairy youth programs in South Carolina while also becoming a standout event for youth across the Southeast. Their goal went beyond competition\u2014they aimed to create a space where dairy enthusiasts of all ages could come together for a weekend of fun, camaraderie, learning, and meaningful competition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Since 2018, the show has grown remarkably due to strong fundraising efforts and community support. The first revitalized event featured 248 head of dairy cattle from five states and 72 youth showmanship participants. Over the next seven years, the Clemson Spring Dairy Show continued to grow, adding exhibitors, contests, cattle, participating states, and spectators each year. Even after a year off due to COVID in March 2020, that growth continued. Today, the show utilizes all three barn areas and hosts events in the main arena at the T. Ed Garrison Arena and Complex.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Today, the Clemson Spring Dairy Show consistently features over 400 head of dairy cattle, more than 135 youth participants in showmanship, and competitors traveling from 11 states, including Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, and Kentucky. The event also includes participation from several land grant universities such as: Clemson University, Virginia Tech, and the University of Georgia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This expansion has solidified the Clemson Spring Dairy Show as one of the largest and most respected dairy cattle shows in the Southeast. It has also attracted renowned judges from across the United States, many of whom have judged at national and international shows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Exhibitors speak volumes about the work done by the committee and organization, providing proof of why they continue to return year after year. Brittany Heizer from North Carolina shared on her personal Facebook page:<\/p>\n\n\n\n “Can\u2019t thank everyone enough for a wonderful start to the 2026 show season! Clemson hospitality at its finest and a tremendous quality show across all the breeds\u2026 The success in the ring is always a highlight, but we love even more the opportunity to catch up and fellowship with all our show friends and family! The boys made lots of buddies, and Palmer might have a future on Lea\u2019s photo crew!”<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Julia McElmurray Waddell from South Carolina shared:<\/p>\n\n\n\n “Great time at the Clemson Spring Dairy Show this past weekend. Exhausted, sore in places I didn\u2019t know I had, but had an exciting weekend in the show ring. I did a \u201cspur of the moment\u201d Channel 7 interview early Friday morning with Aly Rose clipping a cow, while they visited the reporter asked some questions. ( I talk really fast) In 90 seconds I told them about growing up in 4-H, showing dairy cows with my sister in the heifer project, my family being in the dairy business, my kids growing up showing cows over the years & now my granddaughters showing & how it was generational & all the highs, lows, hard work & grit involved in this \u201chobby.\u201d Looking at my pictures I see generational!!” <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Robert Colvin from Kentucky added:<\/p>\n\n\n\n “It\u2019s a long trip, but Clemson, South Carolina, is the place to be in March for a great dairy show. It never lets us down\u2026 We\u2019ll be back next year.”<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Since 1979, this event has focused on youth and their growth within the dairy industry. Over the years, it has continued to create opportunities that build lifelong skills while raising funds to reinvest in participating youth. What began with showmanship and 4-H and FFA dairy judging contests has grown into a much broader youth development experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Youth opportunities now include three scholarship programs supporting future agricultural leaders with over $2,750 in scholarships, a Youth Game Night that builds connections among participants from across the Southeast, and the Let\u2019s Talk Dairy<\/em> speaking contest, which highlights participants\u2019 knowledge and public speaking skills related to dairy products and the industry. These additions reflect a commitment not only to competition, but also to education, leadership, and personal growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As the barns open on Thursday morning for exhibitors to begin arriving with their dairy cattle, the main events kick off on Friday morning. The three-day event begins with strong educational programming through partnerships with South Carolina 4-H and FFA, while also welcoming youth from other states.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Friday morning begins with the Let\u2019s Talk Dairy<\/em> competition, sponsored by Dairy Alliance, which provides $300 in prizes. The competition features three age categories:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The award recipients for these divisions:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Cloverbud participant:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Hudson Barham<\/p>\n\n\n\n Junior Division Award Winners:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 1. Addie Barham, Anderson<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2. Brewer Honea, Anderson<\/p>\n\n\n\n 3. Michaela Walker, Anderson<\/p>\n\n\n\n Senior Division Award Winners:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 1. Emma Uhall, Abbeville<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2. Riley Webster, McCormick<\/p>\n\n\n\n 3. Brooklyn Iseli, Oconee<\/p>\n\n\n Following the speech contest, the 4-H and FFA Dairy Judging Contest begins. Participants evaluate six classes of dairy heifers and cows, with juniors giving one set of reasons and seniors giving two. This year included 3 Cloverbuds, 19 Juniors (6 teams), and 31 Seniors (8 teams), along with 42 FFA members forming 11 teams. Youth from Florida, Virginia, and Alabama also participated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The evening concludes with a supper and awards presentation. Youth competed for outstanding awards sponsored by the South Carolina Farmer Agribusiness Association. Top Junior 4-H team members represented Laurens, Greenville, and Greenwood Counties, while the top Senior team included Greenwood and Union Counties. The top FFA team came from Newberry County Career Center.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Junior 4-H Dairy Evaluation (Individuals):<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 1. Sarah Iseli, Laurens\/Greenville Dairy Club<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2. Hattie Grace Terry, Laurens\/Greenville Dairy Club<\/p>\n\n\n\n 3. Sarah Ann Crawford, Saluda<\/p>\n\n\n\n Junior 4-H Dairy Evaluation Teams<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 1. Laurens\/Greenville Dairy Club<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sarah Iseli, Hattie Grace Terry and Charlie Eickelberger<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2. Anderson 4-H<\/p>\n\n\n\n Brewer Honea, Harris, Honea, Addie Barham and Michaela Walker<\/p>\n\n\n\n Senior 4-H Dairy Evaluation (Individuals):<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 1. Kendall Parker, SC Ag Elites<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2. Eliza Tery, Laurens\/Greenville Dairy Club<\/p>\n\n\n\n 3. Hobbs Lutz, Andrew Jackson High<\/p>\n\n\n\n Senior 4-H Dairy Evaluation Teams:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 1. SC Ag Elites<\/p>\n\n\n\n Kendall Parker, Dacey Abruzzino, Laney Parker, Blaine Abruzzino<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2. Andrew Jackson High<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hobbs Lutz, Lily Bailey, Racquel Knight, Austin Wright<\/p>\n\n\n\n Following the awards, the Clemson Spring Dairy Show hosts the Carolina Classic Sale, now in its fifth year. This year\u2019s sale featured 38 live lots of dairy heifers. A youth program allows participants to purchase and exhibit heifers throughout the year, with top exhibitors in each division recognized at the following year\u2019s sale.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Saturday begins with nine showmanship classes featuring 146 youth and awarding over $5,000 in prizes. The top two from each class advance to compete for overall champions. This year\u2019s winners were Thatcher Mehaffey (Junior), Maggie Mehaffey (Intermediate), and Shylee Brooks (Senior), all from North Carolina.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Judges Eddie and Mandi Bue of Wisconsin evaluated five dairy breeds, judging 367 heifer entries and 83 milking cows. Saturday concluded with the selection of breed champions and the Supreme Heifer, awarded to Fall Yearling Jersey, LR Chocochip Walker<\/em>, exhibited by Piper Whaley of North Carolina.<\/p>\n\n\n Four classes within the heifer show were dedicated to the South Carolina 4-H Dairy Heifer Project, a long-standing program designed to provide youth with the opportunity to raise and exhibit dairy cattle. Established in 1974, the project was created to provide young people\u2014especially those from non-dairy backgrounds\u2014hands-on experience in the dairy industry. Participants receive a March-born calf in July of the previous year and commit to raising and developing the animal over a two-year period.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Over the years, thousands of youth from across South Carolina have participated in the program, with many going on to become leaders in agriculture, business, education, and beyond. Many alumni credit their 4-H dairy experience as a defining part of their youth. Through exhibiting their animals at fairs and events statewide, participants not only develop valuable life and agricultural skills but also help educate the public about the dairy industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The project currently includes four participating dairy breeds and involves more than 26 youth from across the state in the 2025 project year. Each breed features two divisions: a Heifer Project Calf class and a Heifer Project Yearling class. The first- and second-place winners from each breed in both divisions advance to compete for the title of Supreme Heifer Project Heifer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This year, the title of Supreme Heifer Project Heifer was awarded to Lily Bailey of Lancaster, South Carolina.<\/p>\n\n\n As the number of dairy farms continues to decline, the South Carolina 4-H Dairy Heifer Project remains a vital program for inspiring and preparing the next generation of dairy enthusiasts. Interest in the program continues to grow, with 36 youth from across the state applying for the 2026 Dairy Heifer Project. During the three-day event, over $3,000 in premiums were awarded to participating juniors, in addition to scholarships and showmanship prizes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The show concluded Sunday with the milking cow divisions. Judges named a Grand Champion Female for each breed before selecting the Supreme Female, awarded to Age Cow Ayrshire, Old-N-Lazy Gentle Winnie<\/em>, exhibited by Who Cattle Company of Tennessee.<\/p>\n\n\n From three borrowed tents in 1979 to a multi-state event drawing hundreds of cattle and youth participants, the Clemson Spring Dairy Show stands as a testament to dedication, community support, and the power of agricultural education. More than just a show, it is a place where traditions are honored, skills are developed, and the next generation of dairy leaders is inspired.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Continuing the momentum of a busy and impactful month, April also brought the 2026 South Carolina State 4-H and FFA Livestock Judging Contest<\/strong>, held on Friday, April 4 at the T. Ed Garrison Arena. A total of 121 South Carolina 4-H and FFA members participated, evaluating six classes and demonstrating their knowledge, critical thinking, and communication skills through oral reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n Junior 4-H Livestock Evaluation (Individuals):<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Junior 4-H Livestock Evaluation (Teams):<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Senior 4-H Livestock Evaluation (Individuals):<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Senior 4-H Livestock Evaluation (Teams):<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n This successful event would not have been possible without the support of many dedicated individuals and groups. A heartfelt thank you goes to Dr. Brian Bolt, Richelle Miller Kleman, and the Little North America (LNA) students for their coordination efforts. We also extend our sincere appreciation to Tommy West, Clemson Extension staff, South Carolina 4-H staff and interns, South Carolina FFA staff and State Officers, as well as the livestock providers, officials, and volunteers who ensured the contest ran smoothly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A special thank you is extended to Marie Bolt, Director of the Garrison Arena and Expo Center, along with the outstanding Garrison Arena staff for their continued support and hospitality. We are also grateful for the generous awards provided by the Clarence W. Senn Memorial Endowment, which help recognize and encourage excellence among our youth participants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Written By: <\/p>\n\n\n\n Lucy Charping, Abbeville County 4-H Agent<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lauren Black- Venegas, Saluda County 4-H Agent<\/p>\n\n\n\n Amanda Lutz, Chester County 4-H Agent<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tina Horn, One Health EXCITE H5N1 Dairy Specialist, York Livestock and Forages Agent, State Dairy Program Coordinator<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mark Carthart, Union County 4-H Agent<\/p>\n\n\n\n Heather Shultz,\u00a0 4-H Agriculture & Animal Programs, Associate\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Over the last 47 years, The Clemson Spring Dairy Show has grown into one of the Southeast\u2019s premier youth dairy events\u2014but it started from much more humble beginnings. The inaugural show began in April 1979, set up under just three small tents borrowed from Lewis Harrison. At the time, it was a modest gathering held […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4213,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[54396,1],"tags":[],"coauthors":[102417],"class_list":["post-1635","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-from-the-director","category-uncategorized"],"fimg_url":false,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/extensionnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1635","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/extensionnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/extensionnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/extensionnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4213"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/extensionnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1635"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/extensionnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1635\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/extensionnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1635"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/extensionnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1635"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/extensionnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1635"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/extensionnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=1635"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}},{"id":1566,"date":"2026-04-08T17:32:19","date_gmt":"2026-04-08T17:32:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/extensionnews\/?p=1566"},"modified":"2026-04-08T18:53:04","modified_gmt":"2026-04-08T18:53:04","slug":"march-2026-monthly-directors-letter","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/extensionnews\/2026\/04\/08\/march-2026-monthly-directors-letter\/","title":{"rendered":"March 2026: Monthly Director\u2019s Letter"},"content":{"rendered":"\n Dear Extension Family,<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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\u2019s presence and reputation. These efforts do not happen in isolation\u2014they are the result of strong teamwork across program areas, with agents, specialists, staff, and volunteers coming together to serve our stakeholders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n During this week\u2019s Coffee Chat, several important updates and reminders were shared:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thank you for your continued dedication to Extension\u2019s mission and the impactful work you do in communities across South Carolina.<\/p>\n\n\n\n More than 100 South Carolina 4-H Pinckney Leadership Program participants and their families gathered at the State House to celebrate the program\u2019s 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<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n 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\u2014including volunteers, college students, 4-H alumni, agents representing three Extension program teams, a retired agent, and two district directors\u2014came together to spend the day making the best better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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\u2014showcasing the talent and innovation of South Carolina 4-H youth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Please see full article and list of winners here: https:\/\/news.clemson.edu\/s-c-4-h-engineering-challenge-provides-hands-on-stem-experiences\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The 2026 South Carolina State Fair is set to run from Thursday, October 15 <\/strong>through Sunday, October 25. <\/strong> 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<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Salesforce will now automatically send a reminder email when one of your Program Events <\/strong>has concluded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What to expect:<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n When an event ends:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The reminder is simply to ensure the following fields are completed for reporting purposes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The banner will remain visible until you manually dismiss it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Why we\u2019re doing this:<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n This update helps ensure timely and accurate reporting across all programs without relying on manual follow-up. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Other things to note:<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI raise up my voice\u2014not so I can shout, but so that those without a voice can be heard.\u201d \u2014 Malala Yousafzai (Awarded Nobel Peace Prize for her work in Education).<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to observe Dr. Ashley Burns<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As we celebrate Women’s History Month<\/strong>, Dream Builders Communication believes it is important to recognize and elevate the voices of women whose leadership continues to shape the future of education.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Please join me in celebrating Dr. Ashley Burns\u2019 contributions to education<\/strong> as we respectfully invite her to serve as one of the panelists of women in education for the Dream Builders Communication\u2019s special virtual experience entitled:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cCelebrating Women\u2019s History Month: Honoring Voices, Impact, and Leadership in Education.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Please help me welcome the newest members of our Extension family:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nGuidance on AI Use in Extension Work<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
State Fair:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Salesforce:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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New Employees <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Job Openings<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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IN CLOSING \u2026<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Upcoming Events and Reminders<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Celebrating 10 Years of Pinckney Leadership<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Salesforce:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Congratulations to Dr. Ashley Burns!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
New Employees <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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