Savannah Valley District

Planning Your Spring and Summer Garden

Marion Barnes – Senior County Extension Agent – Clemson University In the late 1800’s, a professor named Liberty Hyde Bailey from the Horticultural Department of Michigan State University stated, “A garden is half-made when it is well planned.” The best gardener is one who does the most gardening by the winter fire.”  We all know […]

Christmas Gifts for Farmers That Promote Farm Safety

Marion Barnes Senior County Extension Agent – Clemson University When choosing Christmas gifts for a farmer, think of farm safety. Protecting their health and safety is a priceless gift that one can give in the form of safety equipment for use on the farm. Small items that make a farmer’s life easier and safer include […]

ATV Safety

Marion Barnes, Senior County Extension Agent All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are typical on many farms and properties and are helpful for work, recreational use, and other modes of off-road transportation. However, ATVs continue to be a source of injuries and fatalities for youths as well as adult operators. According to the S.C. Department of Health and […]

Turkey Prices Looking Better Ahead of 2023 Holidays

David Mansfield, Agribusiness Agent Wholesale prices for frozen turkeys have dropped just in time for the 2023 holiday season. In August 2023, the average price for frozen whole turkeys was $1.27 per pound, which decreased to $1.25 per pound in September, marking the lowest price since July 2021. This price decrease follows a previous rise […]

Around the Countryside Tips for Buying Hay

Marion Barnes, Senior County Extension Agent Clemson University When it comes to producing hay, livestock producers experience seasons of shortage and abundance. As winter nears, beef cattle producers should take stock of their hay inventories to ensure an adequate supply to get them through until next spring. Not every cattle producer has the luxury to […]

National Farm Safety and Health Week

Marion Barnes, County Extension Agent, Clemson University Anyone actively involved in farming can tell you about the hazards and risks encountered while providing the food, fiber, and fuel this country and the world depend on. Just as consumers sometimes overlook the important role farmers play in their lives, farmers often overlook the dangers of farming. […]

Picking Up the Pieces – Managing Livestock Pastures After a Severe Weather Event

Marion Barnes, Senior County Extension Agent- Clemson University Severe weather events like hurricanes and tropical storms remind us of how vulnerable we all are to weather events. Livestock producers are no exception. These events cause stress and problems for livestock as well as producers. When storms cause damage to personal property, dwellings, outbuildings, and other […]

Agribusiness Extension Agent

David Mansfield, Agribusiness Extension AgentAgribusiness Program Team, Orangeburg County Cooperative Extension Office I am originally from Irmo, South Carolina. I graduated with my B.S. in agribusiness from Mississippi State University. I received my M.S. in Applied Economics and Statistics from Clemson University. My research and thesis from my master’s degree dealt with modeling the land […]

First Aid Kits for Farmers

Marion Barnes, Senior County Extension Agent As summer activities pick up on the farm, the likelihood of injuries also increases. Cutting, sprains, insect stings, and other everyday mishaps are standard on the farm. Emergency preparedness and first aid should be part of every farm’s standard operation plan. Due to the wide range of farm sizes […]

Sun Safety: Tips for Staying Safe in the Sun

  Marion Barnes, Senior County Extension Agent – Colleton & Hampton Agriculture relies on sunshine for growing and harvesting crops, raising healthy livestock, and providing adequate work conditions. However, the sun may be one of the biggest health hazards farmers and ranchers face. Farmers spend enormous amounts of time in the sun to get their […]