Dawn Stuckey, 4-H Youth Development Agent
On November 21, 2004, the Hampton County 4-H Jr. Leadership Class visited Coosaw Farms in Fairfax, SC, for their Agriculture and Natural Resources Day. “Born out of a deep-rooted respect and love for nature and a commitment to growing excellence, Coosaw Farm was founded over 30 years ago by Bradley & Louise O’Neal and now includes their two children, Brad and Angela, and a team of hard-working, dedicated individuals that represent an extension of the close family culture”. (coosawfarms.com) Greeted by father and son Bradley and Brad Oneal, the 4-H Jr. Leadership group heard many lessons learned and innovative growing practices from their four generations of farming. Those lessons and innovations have led them to be one of the leading watermelon producers on the East Coast.
Brad took the group on a tour of the berry production sites at Coosaw, where they learned about the farm’s extensive work to protect water and soil quality for both the farm and the town. A careful balance of vision for tomorrow while preserving the land today is how Coosaw has grown, from perfecting the watermelon to producing the best blueberries and blackberries to diversifying crops in rotation to reduce the farm’s dependence on chemicals and manufactured fertilizers. Irrigation systems have been designed to benefit the town of Fairfax by reducing the impact of flooding and the amount of water waste on the farm. The addition of water-sensing systems and drone monitoring allows the farm to lessen crop production’s impact on the community’s natural resources. The students could see the commitment firsthand as they visited the successional fields of blueberries, from seedlings to full-production bushes and seedlings to production blackberries growing in covered spaces for sun and water protection. The amount of care and respect that goes into their products was impressive.
Later, the group was joined by Nutrien Ag. Solutions who shared how they support the Agriculture Industry. Jenny Parnell, Ryan Thurmond, and Kinlee Griffith spoke with the group about the chemicals and fertilizers they provide farmers. They explained that they make recommendations based on soil testing results to make it more cost-effective for the farmer and limit environmental impacts. Nutrien Ag Solutions also generously sponsored lunch for the group.
The day concluded with comparing Clemson Extension Horticulture and Agronomic Crop Agent areas of service. Clemson Extension Horticulture Agent Anna Sara Hill and Agronomic Agent Rogan Gibson shared how their jobs overlap and differentiate. Although both work with farmers to produce the most significant yield for their crops, they focus on different crops. Horticulture focuses on produce (fruits and vegetables), and agronomy focuses on grain and fiber production (corn, soybeans, cotton, peanuts). As we reflected on the day, students commented that they had no idea the work that went into putting food on the table. From planning the best way to plant and what to plant to the best way to protect it from the elements to when and how to harvest it, a lot of time and energy is spent providing food for us. The most impactful statement for students was from Mr. Bradley Oneal, “You have to have a lot of grit and determination to get what you want in life.”
Sponsors for this month’s session were Clemson Extension, SC Department of Workforce, The Station, Inc., and Nutrient Ag. Solutions, and HCCAR. The Hampton County 4-H Jr. Leadership program is designed to teach tenth and eleventh-grade students life and career skills while providing opportunities to learn about careers locally. The program creates a network for students to explore internships and future employment possibilities. To participate in the program, students must apply and have a written recommendation from their school administration. Each candidate application is reviewed by a committee of local professionals on an advisory committee. Once accepted, students must agree to attend monthly meetings and workshops from August to May. Applications for the 2025-2026 school year will be available in May. 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. For more information about the Hampton County 4-H Jr. Leadership Program or Hampton County 4-H, please get in touch with Dawn Stuckey at dstucke@clemson.edu.
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.
