Savannah Valley District

Preserving Foods for Later Use

Gayle Williford, Food Systems & Safety Agent, Berkeley County The goal of preserving should be to keep food safe while retaining nutrition and quality. There are numerous methods available to complete this task. A good preservation method must: 1) Keep the food acceptable, 1) safe, and 3) retain nutrition. Dehydrating or drying has been around […]

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 […]

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, […]

Native Plant Festival Held on May 27, 2023

Christopher Burtt, Urban Horticulture Agent Native Fruits was the subject of a Native Plant Festival held on May 27, 2023. Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis)-  Fruit can usually be harvested in Summer and Fall Woody, deciduous shrub or small tree, 5 to 12 feet tall in the Adoxaceae or Muskroot family Cooked berries are edible and can be […]

Woods in Your Backyard

Amanda Taylor, Forestry and Natural Resources Agent Introductory lecture by Amanda Taylor The word “woods” often evokes romantic images of vast forests, when really, you probably have some woods in your backyard. Your quarter acre of pine trees or pollinator garden may not be very big, but small landowners play a key role in the […]

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, […]

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. […]