Savannah Valley District

Safe Driving Tips During Planting Season

Marion Barnes, Senior County Extension Agent – Clemson University There are certain times of the year when farm vehicles and equipment will be more prevalent on the highways, such as spring planting and fall harvest, and motorists need to be aware of this increased activity and exercise caution and patience. With planting season underway in […]

Weekly Field Update

Phillip Carnley, Area Horticulture Agent  Strawberries are looking good around the Midlands. The biggest issue I’ve seen is still Neopest and getting plants to size up. With Neopest, stay on top of a preventative spray with Thiram or Switch. If plants are still small, row covers are your friend and will help force crown development. […]

Keeping Wheat Crops Healthy

Hannah W. Mikell, Agronomy Agent -Clarendon and Williamsburg Counties Farmers and scouts must stay vigilant in scouting fields for potential threats and optimizing crop health as the wheat season progresses. In this article, I’ll discuss critical concerns such as insect damage, nutrient management, weed suppression, and cold damage. Hessian fly remains a persistent threat to […]

New Year, New 4-H Activities in Clarendon County

Alyssa Lynne Jones, 4-H Youth Development Agent We have had a great 2024 in Clarendon County. This year, we’ve already developed 3 WHEP teams, had a couple of livestock club meetings, a Bake-Off competition, and two new day camps are already planned. The Bake Off was successful. We had six individual competitors and two team […]

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 […]

Fall Updates and Plans for 2024 for Clarendon 4-H

Alyssa L. Jones, 4-H Youth Development Clarendon County Clarendon 4-H has had a fantastic Autumn, with some notable wins and successes for the youth! Blake Proffit won Grand Champion for Rabbit and Poultry this last week, November 4, at the Coastal Carolina Fair! He’s worked hard for this all year and previous years in the […]

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 […]

Proper Hay Sampling Techniques

Written by Livestock and Forages Agents – Nicole Correa, Sallie Thompson, Marion Barnes, Travis Mitchell and Hillary Pope With the fall weather starting to peek through, it is essential to start considering making hay purchases for the winter season. With all the options available, how does one choose? There are multiple grass and legume options, […]

Annual Savannah Valley 4-H Market Hog Sale & Awards Program

Meghan Barkley 4-H Youth Development Agent Ehrhardt, SC- Local 4-H members were rewarded for their dedication on Sunday, October 23rd at H&S Stockyards by participating in the annual Savannah Valley 4-H Market Hog Sale & Awards Program.  Participants sold a total of 10 animals with an average price of $1,081 per animal and a high-selling […]

Conservation Burial: Turning Your Haunt into Hallowed Ground

Amanda Taylor, Forestry and Natural Resources Agent Land is a legacy, something you pass on to your children and your children’s children. Historically, when someone passed away, family members managed all of the affairs, including the care of the body. But somewhere along the way, we lost parlors in our homes, funeral parlors took over, […]