Savannah Valley District

Things We Need to Plan For

David Mansfield, Agribusiness Extension Agent Farming is a business built on uncertainty. Each year brings new challenges—weather extremes, changing markets, rising input costs, and unexpected personal events. While no one can predict the future, we can prepare for it by understanding and managing risk in five key areas: production, market, financial, legal, and personal. Production […]

Around the Countryside Red Bugs: The Itching Begins

Marion Barnes, Senior County Extension Agent, Clemson University It’s official: summer has arrived with the heat, humidity, and red bugs. Many Lowcountry residents are just “itching” for some relief from these pests so common to our area of the state. Red bugs, also called chiggers, among other names that may not be appropriate to repeat, […]

Welcome, Mike Windhorn

Area Forest and Natural Resources Agent Mr. Windhorn comes to us with a bachelor’s degree in Forest Management from Clemson University.  Originally from Blythewood, SC, he has many years of experience in land management, wood procurement, forest certification, forest product sales, and environmental education. Mike is excited to join the Clemson Extension team and is […]

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month

Marion Barnes, Senior County Extension Agent Clemson University May is Skin Cancer Awareness month, a time to educate people about skin cancer, share the facts and save lives. The month of May is devoted to shining the spotlight in skin cancer and ways to prevent this disease. Currently, more people are diagnosed with skin cancer […]

Together We Grow

Marion Barnes, Senior County Extension Agent American agriculture plays an ever-increasing role in our daily lives by providing food, fiber and renewable natural resources for a growing world. With a population of 8 million and counting, our American farmers are more important than ever. According to the USDA National Ag Statistics Census of Agricultural 2023 […]

Dorchester County Administrative Assistant to Retire after 32 and 1/2 years of service

Clemson Cooperative Extension Service Mrs. Paula Varn has dedicated 32 ½ years of service to Clemson Cooperative Extension in Dorchester County as a valued office Administrative Assistant. Paula is well-known and respected within the community of Saint George, SC. She is loved by her fellow Administrative Assistants and Extension Agent colleagues.  Through the years, she […]

National Pesticide Education Month

Marion Barnes, Senior County Extension Agent Clemson University February is National Pesticide Education Month and a great time to review pesticide application safety practices in your farming operation. When using pesticides, it’s essential to focus on safety to protect ourselves, others, and the environment. As farmers gear up for spring planting season, February is an […]

Be Prepared for Winter Farm Work January 2025

Marion Barnes, Senior County Extension Agent – Clemson University Be Prepared for Winter Farm Work – Although activities on the farm tend to slow down during winter months, daily responsibilities continue, and winter weather can make conditions more hazardous. Exposure to cold is not just uncomfortable; it can also be a potentially dangerous situation. The […]

Reducing Hay Storage and Feeding Losses

Marion Barnes, Senior County Extension Agent – Clemson University The goal of any hay feeding program should be to provide high-quality hay in adequate quantities that meet the animal’s nutritional needs. The most significant operational cost in most livestock operations is stored or harvested feed, so reducing storage and feeding losses makes sense. It is […]