South Carolina Association of County Agricultural Agents

SCACAA AM/PIC

2026 AM/PIC Information

Join us for the 2026 SCACAA & SCAE4-HA Joint AM/PIC May 19-21, 2026. This professional development opportunity is open to any member of SCACAA or SCAE4-HA and other invited guests. Early registration closes at 11:59 PM on April 26; Late registration closes on May 1.

Location
Lexington Extension Office
605 West Main St.
Lexington, SC

Register Here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2026-scacaa-scae4-ha-ampic-lexington-sc-tickets-1983565690376?aff=oddtdtcreator

Limited spots are available for the Pre-Conference Kayak Tour, so don’t delay, register today!

Hotel Information (You must reserve your own room, it is not included in the registration process)

  1. Holiday Inn Express & Suites, 325 West Main St. Lexington, SC – Main Conference Hotel & Hospitality Location
  • Group Rate of $119/night for King Suite or $129/night for Double Queen Room
  • Reserve your room by using this link – { Clemson – SCACAA}, or by calling the hotel directly at (803) 996-2000 and providing the group’s name “Clemson – SCACAA”.
  • The cutoff date to make reservations is May 6, 2026.
  1. Best Western Plus, 601 Columbia Ave. Lexington, SC – Overflow Hotel
    • Group Rate of $105/night for both King and Queen Rooms
    • Reserve your room by calling (803) 356-8300 and providing the group’s name “Clemson Conference” or by using this link – Clemson Conference.
    • Book by April 28th

Early registration rates for members end on April 26th and the last day for all to register is May 1st.

 

Agenda

Tuesday – May 19

Pre-Conference Kayak Tour
Time: 1:00 PM Cost: $30
Location: Saluda Shoals Park, 5605 Bush River Road, Columbia, SC 29212

Paddle up the scenic Lower Saluda River to the base of the dam on this guided river adventure! Along the way we’ll learn about the river’s natural history, explore a rocky riverside beach, and take in incredible views of the dam. Participants will also have the chance to swim and float through the rapids while enjoying one of the Midlands’ most beautiful rivers.

*Limited to 30 people

Wednesday – May 20

  • 10:00 AM SCACAA Board Meeting
  • 11:00 AM SCAE4-HA Business Meeting
  • 1:00 PM Registration, Lexington Extension Office (605 West Main St. Lexington, SC)
  • 2:00 PM Welcome & Conference Logistics
  • 2:15 PM Opening Address with Dr. Dobbins
  • 2:45 PM Clemson Foundation with Laura Jordan
  • 3:15 PM State Benefits Presentation, PEBA
  • 5:00 PM Hotel Check-In/Prepare For Banquet
  • 6:30 PM Social Reception
  • 7:00 PM Awards Banquet (The Grove, 3152 Augusta Highway, Gilbert, SC) – DSA & AA Awards, Certificate of Merit, Media Award, Friend of Extension Award, Specialist Award
  • 7:30PM Live Auction
  • 8:30 PM Hospitality (Holiday Inn, 325 West Main Street, Lexington, SC, US)

Thursday – May 21

  • 7:00 AM Breakfast
  • 8:30 AM Begin departing for tours, Lexington Extension Office (605 West Main St. Lexington, SC)
  • 1:00 PM Communications Awards Luncheon sponsored by ArborOne and AgSouth Farm Credit, Lexington Extension Office
  • 3:00 PM Free Time/Explore Lexington on your own!
  • 6:00 PM Social and Live Entertainment, Downtown Lexington, Icehouse Ampitheater

Tour Options:
*Tour itineraries are subject to change.

Tour 1: Lasers & Liquors

Join us for a farm tour of W. P Rawl, a large, efficient, and progressive leafy green producer based in Lexington County, South Carolina. The tour will involve some walking and will be outside, culminating in a demonstration of their laser weeder. Following on from visiting W. P. Rawl, the tour will conclude with a visit to Hollow Creek Distillery. Learn how the distillery uses local products to produce their award winning spirits! A tasting will be included!

For more information about the tour venues, please follow the links: W. P Rawl and Hollow Creek Distillery.

Please note that this tour includes some outside walking. Wear appropriate footwear, clothing, and proper sun protection.

Tour 2: Explore the Lake Murray Dam

On this tour of the Dreher Shoals Dam, we’ll learn about the history of the dam and the creation of Lake Murray. We will also learn about generating hydroelectric power and tour the Dominion Energy’s training facility. This will be a rare inside look at one of Lexington’s most well-known features.

Tour 3: South Carolina Statehouse

The South Carolina State House is a prominent feature of downtown Columbia. On this tour, we’ll learn about it’s history, dating back to the 1850’s and view the artwork that adorns the walls. We’ll have a chance to take an inside look at the house and senate chambers, where the 2026 legislative sessions will have just finished. Then, we’ll walk the grounds and view the bronze stars where General Sherman’s cannons damaged the statehouse walls during the Civil War, and view the numerous memorials to historical South Carolinians.

Tour 4: State Farmers Market & SC DNR Cohen Campbell FIsh Hatchery

Explore SC DNR’s Cohen Campbell Fish Hatchery where over one million fish are produced annually and are used to stock South Carolina’s public lakes and rivers to enhance recreational fishing activities! On this tour, you’ll get to see the production ponds, learn about the different species that are raised, and more!

*Please note that this tour includes approximatley 1 mile of walking outside on uneven gravel. Close-toed shoes are recommended.

Friday – May 22

  • 8:00 AM Breakfast & Checkout of Hotel
  • 9:00 AM Government Relations
  • 9:30 AM Update from NACAA
  • 10:00 AM SCACAA Business Meeting
  • 11:30 AM Adjourn

 

Registration Fees

Member Registration – $200 (ends April 26)

Late Member Registration – $250 (April 27 through May 1)

Non-Member Registration – $250

Kayak Tour – $30.00

EARLY REGISTRATION ENDS ON APRIL 26TH AT MIDNIGHT. AFTER THIS DATE, LATE FEES WILL BE INCURRED.

Registrations are non-refundable.