Alta Mae started working with Clemson in 2000 as part of the SC National Heritage Corridor grant; in 2003 she joined Clemson’s Institute for Economic & Community Development as a full-time employee. Currently, Alta Mae is part of Clemson’s Agribusiness Team.
A graduate of the University of South Carolina with a BA in Mass Communication, Alta Mae is a native of Walterboro and a mother of 3 with 8 grandchildren.
As a regional Agribusiness Agent, she works with local farms, farmers’ markets, and local food systems.
She is part of the SC New & Beginning Farmer Program Team and the Ag & Art Tour Team. She is also a Master Gardener and works with the Colleton County Master Gardeners in providing education opportunities and community service projects. She is the adviser for Family and Community Leaders (FCL) and enjoys the members and working with them throughout the year.
The favorite part of her job with Clemson Extension is rolling up her sleeves and working with residents, farmers, county and city officials. Getting to know so many people while providing valuable researched-based education and hands-on work in the community gives her a feeling of accomplishment.
Alta Mae’s most memorable experience was a grant-funded 2-week trip to Ireland to study rural tourism. A handful of extension staff joined more than 20 community leaders from rural areas all over South Carolina. We toured several Irish villages staying at farms with bed and breakfast facilities that add to their revenue streams. Participants toured local tourism sites, including agriculture sites, met with local leaders, ate fresh salmon, and enjoyed pubs at the end of the day.
After returning from Ireland, the participants spent 2 years assisting the town of Pelzer, SC in studying and researching their assets and developing a plan to increase tourism and add to their small town’s economic impact.
Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to people of all ages, regardless of race, color, gender, religion, national origin, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital or family status and is an equal opportunity employer
