Clemson Extension Upstate District

York County 4-H Connects with New Families Through Summer Kick Off Event

Posted on by hpalece

On Friday, May 29, York County 4-H and the City of York welcomed families from across the community to York Place for the 2026 Summer Kick Off Event. What began as an idea to bring families together for an evening of affordable summer fun turned into an incredible community celebration, with 205 vehicles and more than 700 attendees joining us throughout the evening.

The event featured a wide variety of activities for all ages, including face painting by Mandy’s Professional Face Painting, Pep’s Party Animals petting zoo, giant inflatables and movie equipment provided by Morton’s Amusements, line dancing, a playground area, and a movie in the field to close out the night.

One of the highlights of the evening was the opportunity for families to connect with local organizations and resources. Community information booths were provided by:

  • York County 4-H
  • Yorkville Agricultural & Education Society
  • Keystone
  • York County Arts Council
  • York Soil & Water Conservation District

Attendees also enjoyed exploring emergency response and public safety vehicles, including displays from:

  • York County SWAT Team
  • City of York Fire Department
  • City of York Police Department.

A special thank you goes to Lifeway Church and The Church of the Good Shepherd for providing a free hotdog dinner for attendees. Their generosity helped ensure that families could enjoy a meal together while participating in the evening’s activities.

One of the most meaningful outcomes of the Summer Kick Off Event was the opportunity for Clemson Extension’s York County 4-H program to connect with new families throughout the community. The event provided a unique platform to introduce families to the wide variety of youth development opportunities available through 4-H, including leadership, agriculture, STEM, healthy living, and civic engagement programs. Many attendees were unfamiliar with the scope of 4-H beyond traditional livestock projects, and the event allowed staff and volunteers to share how 4-H serves youth from all backgrounds and interests. By building relationships, answering questions, and engaging families in a fun and welcoming environment, the Summer Kick Off Event helped expand awareness of 4-H’s impact and created new opportunities to reach and inspire the next generation of York County youth.

This event would not have been possible without the support of our community partners, volunteers, vendors, sponsors, and local organizations who came together to create a welcoming and memorable experience for families across York County.

The overwhelming turnout demonstrated the value of community events that bring people together, connect families with local resources, and create opportunities for neighbors to build relationships. We are grateful to everyone who attended and helped make the 2026 Summer Kick Off Event such a tremendous success.

We look forward to continuing this tradition and welcoming even more families to York Place in the years to come.

Interested in learning more about York County 4-H? We invite families, volunteers, and community members to connect with us and discover the many opportunities available through Clemson Extension’s 4-H Youth Development Program.

Kristin Kunde

York County 4-H Agent 
Cooperative Extension
Clemson University

120 N. Congress St.

York, SC 29745

w 803-639-9102

Posted in YorkTagged , , ,

Cooking, Leadership, and STEM: A Great First Week of Summer with York County 4-H

Posted on by hpalece

York County 4-H had an exciting start to summer programming this week, offering opportunities for youth of all ages to learn new skills, build friendships, and explore their interests through hands-on activities.

From Tuesday through Thursday, youth ages 9–13 participated in Cooking Camp at Winthrop University. Campers spent each day preparing breakfast and lunch while learning valuable life skills such as kitchen and food safety, proper knife skills, and the importance of local agriculture through farm-to-table activities. Youth gained confidence in the kitchen while working together to create delicious meals from start to finish.

A special thank you goes to our four teen camp counselors who helped make Cooking Camp an engaging and memorable experience for all participants. Their leadership, encouragement, and willingness to assist campers played a key role in the camp’s success.

While Cooking Camp was underway, youth ages 7–11 enjoyed CloverBUG Camp on Wednesday and Thursday. Campers participated in hands-on activities, games, and educational experiences designed to spark curiosity and creativity while building friendships and having fun.

Thursday evening marked the first meeting of our summer Teen Lead Lines Club. Teens had the opportunity to hear from Lt. Ramsey of the York County Sheriff’s Department, who shared valuable insights on servant leadership and the positive impact young people can have within their communities. Participants left inspired to develop their leadership skills and find ways to serve others.

The week concluded on Friday with our first Cloverbud Day for youth ages 5–8. The STEM-themed event encouraged our youngest members to explore science, technology, engineering, and math through creative, hands-on activities. Cloverbuds built and decorated birdhouses, experimented with LEGO building challenges, and worked together to complete a Forest Fort Challenge.

We are proud of all the youth who participated this week and grateful to the volunteers, teen leaders, partners, and families who helped make these programs possible. We look forward to many more exciting learning adventures throughout the summer with York County 4-H!

Posted in YorkTagged , , ,

Stay Vigilant: New World Screwworm Awareness for Livestock Producers 

Posted on by Amy Mallette

SEAN EASTMAN DVM, Clemson Livestock Poultry Health 

CHRISTOPHER LeMASTER JR, Clemson Extension Livestock & Forages 

USDA has now confirmed a case of New World Screwworm in a calf near La Pryor, Texas, roughly 50 miles from the border. Recent warnings have renewed attention on the New World screwworm, a pest with serious implications for livestock, wildlife, and even pets. While not currently established in our region, its proximity—and history in the southeastern U.S.—make awareness especially important. 

For the beef industry alone, the potential economic impact is substantial. Estimates suggest losses could reach into the billions of dollars if the New World screwworm were to re-establish in the U.S. This threat also extends beyond cattle, affecting other livestock, wildlife, and even pets—broadening the economic and ecological impact. 

What makes the screwworm particularly concerning is its life cycle. Adult flies are drawn to open wounds and lay eggs, and the larvae then feed on living tissue. This means even minor injuries—dehorning, castration, puncture wounds, or something as small as a tick bite—can create an entry point. Routine inspection of any wound is critical. 

Right now, the priority is recognition and reporting. We are in a surveillance phase, and early detection is key to control. If you suspect a case, report it. Doing so does not put an “x” on your back—it’s how we protect the industry as a whole. 

The good news is we’ve dealt with this before. Screwworm was once endemic in the U.S. but was eradicated in the late 1950s through sterile fly production, which prevented reproduction and proved highly effective. Today, we have even more tools available, including expanded sterile fly capacity and additional treatment options with more approved labels. 

For now, stay aware and stay vigilant. Regularly check animals, monitor any wounds closely, and report anything suspicious. 

  • If you suspect a case in a person: Report immediately to South Carolina Department of Public Health via the regional epidemiology office or the statewide emergency number (1-888-847-0902).
  • If case is in deer and wildlife: S.C. Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division, (803) 734-3886
  • If suspected in domestic animals: Clemson University Livestock-Poultry Health, (803) 788-2260

For more information, visit: 

Posted in Livestock & Forages

SWEET VERNALGRASS TAKING OVER FESCUE FIELDS? LOOK BEYOND THE WEED 

Posted on by Amy Mallette
Christopher LeMaster
Livestock & Forage Agent
Cherokee, Spartanburg, Union Counties
Sweet vernalgrass a not so sweet weed

By 9:30 this morning, I had already received three phone calls about sweet vernalgrass taking over fescue pastures. 

On my drive to work, there is a hay field I pass regularly that tells the whole story. The field is a low-input field that is seldom fertilized, and over the last several years I have watched it slowly transition from mostly tall fescue to mostly sweet vernalgrass. 

That change did not happen overnight — and unfortunately, it will not be corrected overnight either. 

What Is Sweet Vernalgrass? 

Sweet vernalgrass was originally introduced as an ornamental grass because of its sweet, vanilla-like smell. Today, most livestock producers consider it a weed because it is simply unproductive. While livestock will graze it, it does not produce the forage volume or quality we expect from a productive fescue stand. 

Sweet vernalgrass also contains coumarin compounds, which are responsible for its characteristic sweet smell. Under certain conditions, particularly in improperly cured or moldy hay, those compounds can be converted by fungi into dicoumarol, a compound that can interfere with normal blood clotting. While this is generally not considered a major concern under normal grazing conditions, poorly cured hay containing high amounts of sweet vernalgrass may present a greater risk. 

Sweet Vernalgrass Is Often a Symptom 

Like many weeds, sweet vernalgrass is often an indicator species. 

When it begins to invade a pasture, it is usually telling us something about the condition of the field: 

  • Soil pH may be too low 
  • Fertility levels may be lacking 
  • Most importantly, the fescue is not healthy enough to compete 

A thick, vigorous stand of tall fescue is the best defense against sweet vernalgrass. Healthy fescue simply does not leave much room for it to spread. 

Why There Is No Easy Fix 

At this point in the season, most sweet vernalgrass has already headed out. Because of that, there is really no benefit to trying to treat it now. 

Additionally, there are currently no labeled herbicides that will selectively remove sweet vernalgrass from a fescue stand without damaging the desirable forage. As is often the case, taking a grass out of a grass crop is difficult. 

That means our focus now needs to shift toward strengthening the fescue stand. 

Focus on Strengthening the Fescue 

As we move into the summer months, we want to place that fescue in the best possible position to survive heat and dry weather stress. Avoid overgrazing or cutting hay too short, as that only weakens the stand further and creates more opportunity for sweet vernalgrass to expand. 

Hopefully, we will receive timely rainfall this fall so producers can take advantage of fall fertility applications and promote strong fall, winter, and spring growth. Improving soil fertility and encouraging vigorous fescue growth will gradually help thicken the stand and improve competition against sweet vernalgrass. 

When Renovation May Be Necessary 

In fields with severe patches of sweet vernalgrass, some producers may consider spot-spraying affected areas with glyphosate during late winter or early spring while the sweet vernalgrass is actively growing and before seedheads emerge. 

Because glyphosate is non-selective, desirable forage in treated areas will also be affected, but in heavily infested patches there may be little productive fescue remaining to preserve. Following treatment, producers can focus on correcting soil fertility and reseeding those areas with desirable forage species during the fall. 

In some situations, producers may also need to evaluate whether partial renovation is enough or if complete renovation of the hayfield would be more effective long-term. 

Are other grassy weeds such as foxtail also becoming a problem? 

Oftentimes, the same low-input fields where sweet vernalgrass begins to gain an advantage on fescue are also the fields where foxtail becomes problematic later in the summer. Like sweet vernalgrass, foxtail presents another challenge because it is a grassy weed growing within a grass crop, leaving producers with limited herbicide options. 

When multiple grassy weeds are becoming established and desirable forage stands continue to thin, a complete renovation may sometimes be the most practical and economical long-term solution. 

Every Field Is Different 

There is no one-size-fits-all recommendation for sweet vernalgrass management. 

Renovation can be expensive, but continuing to manage a low-producing hayfield also carries a significant cost over time in reduced forage production and hay quality. 

Producers who are dealing with sweet vernalgrass issues are encouraged to contact their local Extension office so we can evaluate the situation on a case-by-case basis and discuss the most practical and economical options for their operation. 

Unfortunately, there is no silver bullet for sweet vernalgrass control. Long-term management comes back to the basics: proper fertility and maintaining a dense, healthy stand of fescue. 

Posted in Cherokee, Livestock & Forages, Spartanburg, UnionTagged

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