Nicole Correa, Area Livestock and Forages Agent
Summer’s here, and so are a ton of opportunities for producers across South Carolina to connect, learn, and grow. Whether you’re managing hayfields, looking to boost your pasture game, or just want to stay up to date with sustainable practices, we’ve got a full lineup of events and tips to help you make the most of the season.
1: Let’s Talk Sustainability – Upcoming Workshop
If you’re interested in practical, real-world ways to farm more sustainably, check out the next session in the Sustainable Agriculture Series. This one focuses on sustainable farming practices —protect your soil and water while improving productivity.
🗓️ Find full details and register here:
👉 Sustainable Farming Workshop – Eventbrite
Whether you’re new to sustainable ag or already using some of these practices, there’s something in this session for everyone.
2: Save the Date: Bermudagrass Workshop in Lexington – July 22
Got hayfields or pasture planted in Bermudagrass? Come spend an evening with us and get the latest tips on how to manage it for better yield and quality.
📍 Where: Lexington County Extension Office
🕕 When: Monday, July 22 from 6 to 8 PM
💳 Bonus: 1 pesticide credit available
We’ll talk fertilization, weed control, and simple steps to get more out of your Bermudagrass stands. It’s short, sweet, and packed with information you can take straight back to the field.
3: Tri-State Ag Expo at Clemson – July 16 & 17
The Tri-State Ag Expo is at Clemson in July and it’s two days full of hands-on demos, expert speakers, vendors, and networking with folks from all over the region.
📍 Where: Clemson University
🗓️ When: July 16–17
Expect sessions on grazing, fencing, equipment, forage systems, livestock handling, and more. It’s a great way to see new ideas in action and get questions answered face-to-face.
4: Fertilizer Talk: Why Split Applications Make Sense for Hayfields
If you’re applying all your nitrogen at once in the spring, you might be leaving money (and forage) on the table. Research from Clemson and UGA shows that splitting your total nitrogen (and potassium) rates into two or three smaller applications during the season is a much smarter move.
Here’s what happens when you split apply:
· Forage yields improve
· Plants get the nitrogen when they need it most
· Less loss to leaching or volatilization (so you don’t waste money)
A good rule of thumb for South Carolina:
· 60-80 lbs of nitrogen after your first cutting
· Another 60-80 lbs after your second
· Optional third split if you’re still cutting late in the season
See more information on the Clemson Precision Agriculture site or in this article on Strategically Fertilizing Forages by UGA. You could also read Bermudagrass Yield Response to Nitrogen and Potassium Fertilization in Northwest Arkansas, or Response of bermudagrass enhanced-efficiency fertilizers, application strategies and release under tropical conditions for additional details.
There’s no shortage of opportunities this summer to learn something new, improve your forage management, or just connect with other producers doing the same work you are.
Got questions or want to register for one of these events? Reach out to me at ncorrea@clemson.edu or (808) 397-9026. Look forward to hearing from you!
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.
