Clemson Extension Upstate District

Bridging the Forage Gap: Can Summer Annuals Make Up for a Dry Spring? 

Posted on by hmcanty
CHRISTOPHER LeMASTER JR, Clemson Extension Livestock & Forages Agent 
Cows grazing in a pasture.

After a dry spring, many producers are asking the same question: how do we make up lost forage? 

For a lot of operations this year, the answer is summer annuals. 

Why summer annuals? 

Summer annuals are fast-growing, high-quality forages that can help fill gaps when perennial systems fall short. In the Southeast, they’re typically planted from April through June and can be used for grazing, baleage, or hay. 

Under good conditions, they can produce 5,000 to 10,000 pounds per acre with 15%+ crude protein—a strong option coming out of a poor spring. They are an excellent alternative to the increased risk of fescue toxicity across the summer months. Of course, that still depends on rainfall and management. 

Even with risk, farmers are planting. 

This isn’t a low-risk move. 

Ongoing drought, elevated fuel and fertilizer prices make this a difficult decision. After looking at several extension enterprise budgets, some summer annuals could easily land in the $200/acre ballpark. However, doing nothing has a cost too! 

Start with your goal. 

Before planting, think about what you need most: 

  • Dry hay – Possible, but challenging due to thick stems. Higher seeding rates and a mower conditioner can help. 
  • Baleage – Strong option for hard-to-dry crops. Ensilation can also decrease nitrates 
  • Grazing – A great way to stretch forage, improve cattle performance, and give Fescue pastures a break heading into fall and punch through the summer slump. 

Don’t overlook mixtures. 

Mixtures are getting more attention—and for good reason. 

Adding legumes can: 

  • Reduce nitrogen needs 
  • Maintain yield and quality 
  • Improve soil health and resilience 

They can also help buffer against drought and extend the grazing season. Just keep in mind that herbicide options may be more limited. 

A quick word on risk 

Not all summer annuals handle stress the same. 

  • Pearl millet offers good drought tolerance and avoids prussic acid risk (though nitrates are still possible). 
  • Sorghum and sorghum-sudan can be high-yielding but require careful management due to prussic acid and nitrate concerns. 
  • Crabgrass performs well but needs consistent moisture 

Final thoughts 

Summer annuals aren’t a silver bullet—but they can help bridge the forage gap after a dry spring. 

This isn’t an exhaustive list—just a starting point. 

If you’re trying to decide what fits your operation, reach out or check out our other forage resources. We’re happy to help you think through your options. 

Planning warm-season forages planting
Summer annual forages options for South Carolina
Summer annuals enhance Southeastern pastures
Posted in Cherokee, Livestock & Forages, Spartanburg, Union

Forage Production in a D3 Drought: When “Normal” Decisions Stop Making Sense

Posted on by Amy Mallette
MATT FISCHER, Clemson Extension Livestock & Forage Economist 
CHRISTOPHER LeMASTER JR, Clemson Extension Livestock & Forages Agent 

Drought changes the math—fast. 

In a D3 (extreme) drought, especially when paired with a 50% spike in fertilizer and fuel costs, the old hay production playbook doesn’t just struggle—it can quietly put you out of business. This isn’t just about surviving one tough season. It’s about protecting your land, your forage stands, and your financial position for the next year. 

Low Yields Can Cause Your Cost per Bale to Explode 
Tractor in a field

In a normal year, your equipment, labor, and overhead are spread across a solid number of bales. That’s what keeps your cost per bale manageable. 

But drought flips that equation. 

If you’re only producing 25% of your typical yield, your fixed cost per bale doesn’t just go up—it can quadruple. 

Your reality doesn’t change: 

  • Your tractor payment is still due 
  • Your labor still costs what it costs 
  • Your time hasn’t gotten any cheaper 

Trying to sell hay at “normal” prices in this environment isn’t competitive—it’s unsustainable. 

The Soil “Loan” You May Not Realize You’re Taking 

Every bale you remove is taking nutrients with it—nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. In a good year, those nutrients are replaced. In a drought year with high input costs, that replacement often gets delayed… or skipped. 

If your hay price doesn’t cover nutrient removal, replacement fertilizer, and application costs, then you’re not just selling hay—you’re mining your soil. 

Think of it as a loan from your land: you gain short-term cash flow, but you build long-term fertility debt. And like any loan, it eventually comes due. 

Mowing vs. Harvest 

One of the toughest calls in a drought year is whether to harvest at all. 

There are times when mowing and leaving the forage as residue creates more value than baling it. It helps conserve soil moisture, protects stand health, and reduces long-term damage. 

Over-harvesting drought-stressed forage—especially fescue—can thin or even kill your stand. And once that happens, you’re looking at re-establishment costs that far outweigh the value of a few bales. 

A Reality Check on Spring Fescue Yield 

At this point in the season, spring yield potential for fescue is largely set. Even if we catch some rain, don’t expect meaningful increases in hay yield for this cutting. 

In a grazing situation, however, there may be some opportunity for regrowth. If we’re able to clip mature seed heads and receive timely rainfall, we may see some regrowth—provided temperatures remain mild. 

Choosing not to harvest now and waiting on future growth is, in many ways, a bet on fall production. And like any bet, it carries risk. 

I don’t recommend making that bet unless you have a backup plan—whether that’s identifying an alternate hay source or having stored hay that will hold its quality in the barn. As with anything, it’s smart to hedge your bet. 

Another way to hedge that risk is by looking at summer annuals to help replace some of the yield loss we’ve experienced this spring. We’ll take a closer look at summer annual options in our next blog post. 

The Reality of a Tight Hay Market 

This isn’t just happening on your farm—it’s regional. 

In a widespread drought: 

  • Yields are down everywhere 
  • Supply is tight 
  • Demand stays strong 

Buying hay becomes difficult. And when you do find it, trucking costs can rival the value of the hay itself. 

That’s why local hay carries a premium—lower freight, faster access, and more reliability. 

Price for Survival, Not Tradition 

Pricing hay based on “what it’s always been” is a losing strategy in a year like this. 

Instead: 

  1. Calculate your true cost per bale 
  1. Adjust for reduced yield 
  1. Build in a margin that protects your operation 

Because if your price doesn’t cover your costs, maintain soil fertility, and protect your forage stands, you’re not running a business—you’re liquidating one. 

The Bigger Picture: Staying in Business Next Year 

Right now, the goal isn’t maximizing production. 

It’s: 

  • Preserving your soil 
  • Protecting your stands 
  • Maintaining financial stability 

That may mean making uncomfortable decisions: 

  • Charging more than you ever have 
  • Cutting less than you want 
  • Walking away from marginal harvests 

Bottom line: Sit down with a pencil. Run your numbers honestly. Price your hay based on reality—not tradition. 

That’s how you make it to next season. 
Posted in Livestock & Forages

The Nitrate Spike: Why “Drought-Ending” Rain is a Critical Window

Posted on by Amy Mallette
Hay bale in a field

Christopher LeMaster, Jr.
Livestock & Forage Agent
Cherokee, Spartanburg, & Union Counties

We don’t usually associate tall fescue with nitrate toxicity in the spring. However, the current D3 drought conditions have changed the equation. This is not only a “summer problem,” but cool-season grasses—such as tall fescue or winter annuals—can pose a risk under these specific conditions.

If you applied high levels of nitrogen this spring to catch a flush of growth that never came, the risk in your fescue fields is real. Without rain, the plant couldn’t convert that nitrogen into growth. It simply accumulated in the lower portion of the plant. Now that we are finally seeing some rain, that “stuck” nitrogen is being pulled into the plant at a rapid rate.

The Spike

It is a common misconception that the danger passes as soon as the grass turns green again. In reality, research shows that nitrate levels typically spike 2 to 3 days after a drought-ending rain. This is the most dangerous window for your livestock.

  • The One-Week Rule: While the spike is most acute in the first 48 to 72 hours, we recommend waiting at least one week before grazing or harvesting. This allows the plant time to resume normal metabolism and begin “growing out” of that initial nitrate flush.
  • Hay is “Locked In”: Nitrates do not dissipate in dry hay. Once your mower hits the field, you are locked in at that nitrate level forever.
  • Silage/Fermentation: If you are putting up high-moisture forage or baleage, the fermentation process can reduce nitrate levels by 40% to 60%, but this should still be verified with a test.

Don’t Guess—Test

If you have fields with a high nitrogen history that are currently recovering from drought, I strongly recommend sampling the standing forage before you cut.

  • Get a Representative Sample: Take “grab samples” from multiple areas of the field, specifically focusing on the lower portions of the plant where nitrates concentrate.
  • Utilize the Lab: Bring your samples to your local Extension Office or send them directly to the Agricultural Service Laboratory. They can provide a precise analysis of nitrate-nitrogen levels.
  • Check the Backlog: We may also consider testing outside of that initial one-week window. Once the plant has had time to work through the backlog of accumulated nitrogen, a follow-up sample can confirm if the forage has returned to an acceptable or safe range for harvest.

Next Steps

If your test results come back with an elevated nitrate level, we can work on a plan to safely manage that forage. Whether that means diluting the feed with other forages, adjusting your grazing strategy, or simply waiting a few more days for the plant to balance out, there are ways to keep your herd safe.

Have questions about how to pull a proper sample or interpret your lab results?
Reach out to your local livestock and forage agent today.

Posted in Cherokee, Livestock & Forages, Spartanburg, UnionTagged , , , ,

Spray or Delay?

Posted on by Amy Mallette

Spray or Delay?

Spring arrived ahead of schedule this year, catching many producers off guard with the advanced maturity of our common winter weeds. While most of these species are typically easy to control when targeted at the correct growth stage, the recent unseasonal warmth has given them a significant jump start. Now, many of us are looking at advanced weeds and wondering: should we spray now or delay?

The Current Challenge

Take, for example, these healthy specimens of henbit and mustard recently found in a newly established fescue hayfield. In this case, the producer did his due diligence in preparing the field, sowing, and fertilizing within the appropriate time window this fall.

Field of henbit and mustard

However, even the best-laid plans are subject to the weather. The lack of rainfall of this past fall persisted through the winter and into the spring, complicating management decisions.

The Trade-Off: Chemical Power vs. Plant Maturity

It’s tempting to look at a field of mature henbit and mustard and want to reach for a heavy hitter. Many would agree that a strong residual herbicide—such as those containing aminopyralid (like GrazonNext® HL)—would work even on these mature plants.

While you are likely right about the efficacy, we must factor in the maturity of the forage stand. Most high-powered herbicides require the grass to have at least three leaves and a healthy root system before application. This particular stand was just barely above that maturity threshold, and it seemed risky given the current drought conditions and warmer temperatures.

The “Mow vs. Spray” Decision

Beyond plant maturity, there is the critical factor of residual restrictions. Herbicides containing aminopyralid carry a significant restriction: the hay cannot be sold off the farm for 18 months. For many hay growers, this necessitates a non-residual herbicide approach.

However, at this stage of maturity, a non-residual option like 2,4-D would not provide adequate control. By this point, much of the damage—the robbing of water, sunlight, and fertilizer—has already been done by these mature weeds. While it is always satisfying to spray and watch the weeds curl and die, the current drought makes it a real challenge; we need actively growing weeds for maximum herbicide uptake.

In this case, the decision was made to wait and mow the field at a high height. This strategy offers several benefits:

  • Stimulating Growth: Set the mower high to encourage some regrowth and tillering while also avoiding the energy reserves and some canopy.
  • Nutrient Cycling: It leaves the nutrients in the field to break down rather than removing them in a hay crop.
  • Recovery Time: A traditional hay crop is often cut shorter and later in the season, which wouldn’t allow the plant to rebound as quickly before the summer months.

Looking Ahead: Planning for Next Season

The main goal of this situation was to prepare and protect the plant for its biggest hurdle yet: summer. The fescue needs maximum root development to survive the heat and lack of rain.

As we plan ahead for next season, it’s important to remember that many of these winter weeds can be successfully controlled much earlier. Targeting them in the fall, or even during late February and early March, allows for better control while the weeds are small and before they’ve had a chance to rob your forage of vital resources.

Moving forward, they are shifting to a more rigorous weed scouting program. By catching the summer weeds as they emerge, we can ensure they are controlled efficiently and cost-effectively.

As with anything, there is no one answer that fits for everybody. Spraying may still be the best option for your situation. Feel free to reach out, and let’s discuss a plan.

Christopher LeMaster
Area Livestock & Forages Agent
CLEMAST@CLEMSON.EDU

Posted in Cherokee, Livestock & Forages, Spartanburg, Union

Winter Dairy Weekend: A Hands-On Learning Experience for Youth and Families

Posted on by hpalece

The inaugural Winter Dairy Weekend marked an exciting new opportunity for youth and families interested in the dairy industry. Designed as an informative and fun two-day educational experience, the weekend focused on building practical skills, confidence, and enthusiasm preparing youth for success in agriculture, careers, and life.

A total of 28 youth participated, with 24 youth owning their own heifers and 4 youth borrowing heifers for the event. One of the primary goals of Winter Dairy Weekend was to provide hands-on dairy learning that would spark interest and build readiness for future opportunities. For youth who borrowed heifers, the weekend served as an introduction to dairy ownership with the hope that they will be inspired to participate in the Dairy Heifer Project or invest in their own heifers to raise and show. In addition, we hope the 24 youth who already owned their heifers gained valuable skills and confidence to help them prepare for the upcoming show season. Through expert instruction and hands-on practice, youth refined their daily care routines, strengthened their showmanship skills, and deepened their understanding of animal presentation. Our goal is that each participant leaves better prepared, more confident, and ready to be the very best version of themselves—both in and out of the show ring, reflecting the Beyond Ready focus on personal growth and readiness.

Throughout the weekend, youth participated in hands-on instruction covering all aspects of preparing and caring for a dairy heifer. Educational sessions included:

  • Washing and daily care
  • Feeding and nutrition
  • Halter breaking and proper halter fit
  • Judging dairy cattle
  • Fitting and clipping techniques
  • Showmanship skills and ring presence

Participants learned what to look for when selecting a quality heifer, how to properly fit halters, which clippers to use and why, and practical techniques to help make their heifers look their very best in the show ring. Special emphasis was placed on attention to detail, confidence, and communication—skills that extend far beyond the show ring!

Beyond technical skills, Winter Dairy Weekend provided a space for youth to build friendships, work as a team, and connect with peers and mentors. These experiences reinforced that dairy projects are about more than cattle; they develop responsibility, leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving. Which are critical life skills that prepare youth for future challenges.

As the very first Winter Dairy Weekend, the event established a strong foundation for future programming. We hope this experience benefited both youth and parents and sparked continued interest in dairy projects while supporting long-term youth development through hands-on learning and leadership opportunities.

More information contact: Tina Horn

Posted in Livestock & Forages, York

York County Clemson Extension Supports Yellow-legged Hornet Eradication Program

Posted on by hpalece

Officials with the Clemson University Department of Plant Industry (DPI) discovered an invasive yellow-legged hornet nest in York County on December 8, 2025 after a local beekeeper reported seeing a hornet preying on honey bees. This was the first detection of a yellow-legged hornet or nest in South Carolina outside the Lowcountry.

Yellow-legged Hornet
Yellow-legged Hornet

To protect York County (and surrounding areas) pollinators, natural resources, and agricultural economy from the potential impacts of this invasive species, Clemson University’s public service units have mobilized to provide education, assist with identification, and coordinate eradication efforts.

Clemson Extension’s York County office, located in downtown York, is on the front-line of this effort by providing outreach education and serving as a trap site to help DPI identify where these hornets might be establishing nests so they can be located and eradicated.

DPI staff installing a trap
A trap installed on the York County Clemson Extension campus, downtown York
DPI staff monitor trap locations

DPI staff will be placing hundreds of traps, like the one in the picture above, throughout York County and surrounding areas to monitor potential sightings. The public is encouraged to NOT disturb these traps, as they are being monitored by Clemson University DPI staff.

The yellow-legged hornet, which is not the same as the northern giant hornet, has the potential to be more aggressive towards humans, especially in the early stages of nest development. Humans are more likely to come in contact with these hornets as they are more apt to build nests on homes and manmade structures.

The most serious concern with the yellow-legged hornet is its potential to damage the already embattled U.S. beekeeping industry. Yellow-legged hornets are a principal pest of honey bees, having caused increased colony losses in western Europe since their detection in 2004. Their establishment and spread in the U.S. is alarming for beekeepers, who are already reeling from a year in which the nation’s colony loss rate was greater than 60 percent.

Residents are urged to use this reporting tool website to document any potential sighting of these hornets. You can learn more about the yellow-legged hornet here and the life-cycle of yellow-legged hornet nests can be seen below:

Related links used for this blog post:

Yellow-legged hornet nest located in York County; residents urged to report sightings

Plant Industry – Trapping Yellow-Legged Hornet

Blog post editor and photographer: Ben Boyles, Agribusiness Agent, York County Coordinator

Posted in York

A Year in Motion: Newberry County 4-H So Far

Posted on by ryoung6

Mallory Fulmer

As we move through the 2025–2026 4-H year, it’s been exciting to look back at just how much our Newberry County 4-H’ers have already accomplished. With 123 members currently enrolled, our clubs have been busy meeting monthly, learning new skills, and building friendships that extend far beyond the meeting room.

Across the county, our clubs have been buzzing with activity. From hands-on cooking in our Kitchen Clubs to creativity and patience on display in Needlework’s club, 4-H’ers have been diving into projects that challenge them to learn, lead, and try something new. Our STEM clubs continue to spark curiosity through experiments and problem-solving, while our shooting sports clubs emphasize discipline, safety, and responsibility.

Our Teen Council has been especially active this year, giving back to the community in meaningful ways. Members had a blast passing out candy at the Newberry Health Truck or Treat, spreading smiles and sweet treats to families across the county. Teen Council members also participated in a self-defense class, building confidence and learning important personal safety skills. In addition, all Newberry County 4-H members helped spread holiday cheer by participating in the Prosperity Christmas Parade, proudly representing 4-H and celebrating the season together.

We also kicked off 2026 with a special New Year’s Camp, where 4-H’ers learned about traditions and superstitions from around the world while reflecting on personal goals for the year ahead. It was a fun and thoughtful way to ring in the new year, encouraging youth to dream big and set intentions for what’s next.

With strong participation, growing membership, and plenty of laughter along the way, this 4-H year is already shaping up to be one to remember.

Posted in Local Community, NewberryTagged

Getting Established: A Look at My First Four Months as a Livestock and Forages Agent

Posted on by ryoung6

Sydney Rentz

Over the past four months, I have been getting established in my role as the Clemson Extension Area Livestock and Forages Agent, focusing on building relationships with producers, assessing local needs, and identifying opportunities to strengthen livestock and forage systems across Newberry, Laurens, and Greenwood Counties. This initial period has been spent meeting with farmers, visiting operations, and working to better understand the challenges and goals of our livestock community. These early efforts are laying the groundwork for future programming, on-farm support, and educational resources aimed at improving forage management, animal performance, and overall farm sustainability.

So far, some of my time has been invested in attending Cattlemen’s Association meetings in my coverage area, regional bull sales, and professional development conferences to stay connected with both producers and industry trends. These events have provided me with valuable insight into current cattle markets, soil and forage health and fertility, and management practices to share with my local producers. Participation in fellow Extension agents’ programs has also offered opportunities to observe successful programming efforts, gather new ideas, and strengthen collaborative relationships across counties. Together, these experiences are helping shape future livestock and forage programming to better serve local producers and support informed decision-making on their operations.

Looking ahead to 2026, I look forward to continuing to work alongside our livestock producers and supporting the growth and success of operations across Newberry, Laurens, and Greenwood Counties. Strengthening relationships, providing research-based information, and developing practical programming that meets local needs will remain a top priority of mine. Whether through on-farm visits, educational meetings, or collaborative events, my goal is to ensure producers have access to the tools and resources needed to improve their operations. I am excited for the opportunities ahead and appreciate the continued support and engagement from our livestock community. 

Posted in Laurens, Livestock & Forages, Newberry

Looking Ahead: A Busy and Exciting Spring for Newberry County 4-H

Posted on by ryoung6

Mallory Fulmer

While we’re proud of everything accomplished so far, the best is still ahead for Newberry County 4-H. With four more months of club meetings, plus spring break adventures and summer camps on the horizon, our 4-H calendar is packed with opportunities to learn and explore.

Spring Break will bring three exciting camps for our 4-H’ers. Forged in 4-H will offer a unique blacksmithing day camp experience, where participants can learn about metalworking, tools, and craftsmanship in a hands-on setting. Our Spring Farm Tour Camp will take youth around Newberry County to visit local farms, giving them a closer look at agriculture right in their own community. We’ll also host a Cake Decorating Camp, featuring a local baker who will teach participants creative icing techniques and decorating skills sure to impress.

Looking beyond spring break, we’re gearing up for even more statewide opportunities. Some of our junior 4-H’ers will attend SC 4-H Junior Weekend this spring, while our Teen Council seniors are already looking forward to SC 4-H Congress in July. We’re also excited to support a senior team of 4-H’ers at the Cooking: Life, a Chef Summit, where youth can showcase their skills and teamwork.

This spring, 4-H youth will also attend SC 4-H Legislative Day, where they will have the opportunity to connect with legislators and advocate for what 4-H means to them and their communities.

Behind the scenes, spring is also the busiest time of year for school programming. From February through May, 48 teachers across Newberry County will participate in the 4-H Embryology Project. Students will get an up-close look at the life cycle of a chick, from egg to hatch, creating unforgettable learning experiences in classrooms across the county.

Summer camps will be announced closer to mid-April, and we can’t wait to share what’s in store. From clubs and camps to statewide events and school programs, Newberry County 4-H is heading into a season full of learning, leadership, and fun — and we’re just getting started.

Posted in Local Community, NewberryTagged

Spring Field Trials and Grower Outreach Efforts in Upstate South Carolina

Posted on by hmcanty

Andy Rollins
Commercial Horticulture Agent
Spartanburg County

Andy Rollins presenting at the Upstate Strawberry Meeting

I am currently planning a replicated on-farm herbicide trial on jalapeño peppers at the farm of Ignacio Estrada Jr in Greenville County. The trial will evaluate the viability of Spartan herbicide as a weed control option. This project is being coordinated with Dr. Mathew Cutulle, a Clemson University specialist based at the Coastal Research and Education Center in Charleston, SC.

I recently completed the Upstate Strawberry Production Meeting at the Spartanburg Community College Cherokee Campus “Institute for Innovation,” a new venue for me. The meeting attracted growers from at least four counties across South Carolina, as well as two farms from North Carolina.

I will also continue my work on thinning peaches using Ethylene. I have experienced difficulty thinning varieties such as Scarlet Prince and July Prince. To address this, I will use a two-pronged approach: thinning during bloom with Ammonium Thiosulfate (ATS), followed by thinning at the fruitlet stage with Ethephon 2 SL. Peach growers currently rely on hand thinning, which is the most expensive labor input in peach production. This makes the development of effective chemical thinning strategies especially important for peach growers in the Upstate of South Carolina.

My final spring training for Upstate vegetable growers will be held on March 12.

Posted in Cherokee, Commercial Fruit & Vegetables, Greenville, Local Community, Spartanburg, Union, York