By: Molly Jones Dorchester 4-H Youth Development Agent
Rapid growth and development in Dorchester and Colleton Couties are bringing an influx of folks with children interested in participating in extra-curricular activities. 4-H is a wonderful outlet for children that are interested in animals and agriculture to cultivate those passions and grow with our program. As a whole Savanah Valley 4-H including Dorchester, Colleton, Berkeley, Charleston, Hampton, Jasper, Beaufort, Orangeburg & Calhoun Counties has worked diligently to grow the 4-H Livestock Program within the Lowcountry.
Dorchester & Colleton County Agents, Molly Jones and Dawn Stuckey teamed up to meet the needs of their communities by offering a joint county livestock club to 4-H members participating in surrounding counties. The Dorchester & Colleton County 4-H Livestock Club caters to participants already participating in one of the county or state level livestock independent projects or that are interested in participating in one of the projects in the future. The club concentrates on introducing the participants to all the potential livestock project areas so they can decide which projects fit their interests most while learning about and appreciating all the projects offered. The Dorchester & Colleton County 4-H Livestock Club meets monthly on the third Thursday of each month at the Saint George Clemson Extension Office.
With there being such a large interest in livestock projects and especially the equine projects in Dorchester, Colleton, and Berkeley Counites, there was a need for an additional club that could meet in a centralized location like Summerville. Mrs. Deirdra Lunny has volunteered her time along with, Mrs. Cynthia Shiell, Mrs. Kathy Grym, and 6 additional parent volunteers to offer the opportunity to belong to a 4-H livestock club in Summerville, SC. This club has taken off! There are over 40+ members in the club and it continues to grow. The Dorchester 4-H Lowcountry Livestock Country Clovers meets on the 1st Sunday of every month at the Ashley River Dorchester County Library location. This club is nurturing the interests of its members in all livestock projects while encouraging their members to be responsible animal raisers, community members, and leaders.
The increased interests in livestock projects were evident at the Orangeburg County Fairgrounds for the 4-H Livestock Shows and displays. Agents within the Savannah Valley worked diligently to deliver quality show opportunities for youth involved in the various livestock project areas. Numbers of participants grew greatly from the previous 3 years, and we were excited to see the growth and know the potential this program has moving forward. 4-H started in agriculture and livestock and it remains firmly grounded in agriculture and livestock opportunities for the youth of our communities.
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.
