Travis Mitchell Livestock and Forages Agent for Newberry and Saluda Counties Director for The South Carolina Cattlemen’s Association
Livestock and Forage producers around South Carolina are certainly ready for spring. The spring bull and replacement heifer sales are in full swing, as this always seems to be a very busy time of the year. As we move into 2024, input costs in every agriculture sector continue to rise. Producers will face many challenges this year as they manage their budgets to navigate the rise in input costs. The South Carolina Cattlemen’s Association held its annual meeting and convention on February 2 at the T.Ed. Garrison Arena in Clemson. The educational components of the meeting focused on the beef cattle market outlook and investment strategies during market peaks. Scholarships and state awards of excellence were also presented. The South Carolina Cattlemen’s Foundation awarded four scholarships to deserving college students. The Saluda County Cattlemen’s Association will hold its 32nd Annual Replacement Heifer Sale on Saturday, February 24. Over 85 bred and open heifers will be auctioned from Saluda County cattlemen. The Saluda County Cattlemen’s Association met on February 6. Participants listened to an excellent presentation from Mr. Matthew Fischer, Clemson Extension Ag Economist. Mr. Fischer gave producers a look into market expectations as we move through 2024. The Saluda County Extension Service will offer a CAMM Recertification course on March 6 at the Hollywood Ruritan. Participants interested in attending can call the office for further details on how to register. 2024 marks the end of the recertification block for producers holding a Private Pesticide Applicator license. License holders are required to obtain five recertification credits by December 31, 2024. A recertification course will be offered on March 6 at the Hollywood Ruritan Building. Please call the Saluda County Extension office at 864-803-1123 to register.
As we enter the New Year, we have been busy with numerous activities, competitions, and events. Our monthly clubs have been meeting and doing multiple activities.
For the month of January:
Our after school Clubs made Valentine’s posters for our Nursing Home patients.
Our cooking clubs learned how to make taco bites.
Our Sewing Club started working on a reading pillow.
Our Livestock Club learned about Horses.
School Enrichment:
We are still partnering with Saluda Primary Elementary School to provide art to kindergarten – 5th grade once a month.
We partnered with Hollywood Elementary School 4th grade to provide lessons on electricity and circuits through our Snap Circuits.
State Events and Competitions:
Congratulations to Sarah Ann Crawford for being selected to compete in the State 4-H Presentation Contest.
Congratulations to Makiyah Glymph on being selected as our Junior Poultry Record book Winner. She is now competing in the State Junior Poultry Record Book Contest.
Congratulations to Sarah Ann Crawford on being selected as our Junior Wildlife Food Plot Record Book Winner. She is now competing in the State Junior Wildlife Food Plot Record Book Contest.
We had several Juniors attend Junior Teen Weekend in February at Camp Long. Sarah Ann Crawford, Myla Long, Corley Jean Herlong, Caroline Berry, and Gillian O’Gorman. Mya Chapman also attended as a leader with the State Teen Council.
Upcoming Events and Projects:
South Carolina 4-H Engineering Challenge Overview The event will be held at the South Carolina State Fairgrounds in Columbia, SC, on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, from 9 AM to 3:30 PM for youth ages 9-18 *. The SC 4-H Engineering Challenge began in 2012 and has grown annually to approximately 250 youth competitors! Youth who participated in this event reported increased confidence and knowledge in science skills. In addition to STEM-based challenges for youth competition, there will be an interactive STEAM Expo from 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM.
4-H Poultry Project Offered It’s that time of year again to sign up for the 2024 4-H Poultry Project. It may be cool now, but Spring will be here before you know it, and the days will get warmer. With the current price of eggs, there is no better time to teach our youth the fun of raising and showing chickens. For the new or veteran chicken grower, this 4-H project offers youth the opportunity to learn valuable lessons in caring for and maintaining a flock in a fun and engaging atmosphere. Raising baby chicks from day one to egg-laying age can be a rewarding experience for our 4-H youth across South Carolina. The 4-H Poultry Projects are open to all youth ages five to eighteen. Each county Clemson Extension office and 4-H Program will have registration information. Contact Steve Huck, Region Poultry Project Coordinator (chucks@clemson.edu), or Saluda County 4-H Agent at lblack4@clemson.edu. The 4-H Pullet Chain has been one of our most popular projects, and other than feed and shelter, it does not require an abundance of time or expense. Registration is open through March 3, 2024. Youth can order chicks in quantities of twelve ($45) or twenty-five ($85) to raise over the summer. Chicks will arrive in early May. This year’s breeds of chicks are Golden Comet, Rhode Island Red, and Barred Plymouth Rock. Each breed is a reliable layer. We encourage families to research before deciding which breed will be best for their 4-H project and as their backyard flock. Successful completion of the Pullet Chain project requires record keeping, showing at least one show, and returning a portion of the birds at the end of the project for auction. If you order 12 birds, you will return three birds to 4-H. If you order 25 birds, you will return five birds to a final 4-H Pullet Chain Auction, typically held after show season. Once the above is complete, the youth’s registration deposit is returned, and the remaining birds are theirs to keep for free. Proceeds from the auction help offset the cost of offering the project and all prizes/awards given throughout the year. Youth will also have opportunities to exhibit their poultry knowledge or showcase their 4-H project experience by participating in various educational opportunities leading up to the final show. Also offered this year is the 4-H Laying Flock Project. The Laying Flock Project is for the youth who already have chickens at home and are not interested in ordering chicks from 4-H this year or they acquire them on their own by May 1, 2024. Participants have the same opportunities to show as those in the Pullet Chain. Participating in the Laying Flock Project costs $10 for 4-H members, and registration is open through May 1, 2024. Youth registering for the SC 4-H Poultry Projects must also register and pay for their SC 4-H Membership at www.v2.4honline.com. The membership allows youth to participate in other 4-H projects offered for the year, including clubs, projects, and summer camps. The Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service offers programs to people of all ages, regardless of race, color, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, disability, political beliefs, gender identity, marital or family status, and is an equal opportunity employer. The 4-H Poultry Project, like our other animal projects, is a rewarding experience for young people. They learn responsibility and a vast array of life skills that will help them grow into versatile, well-rounded adults. 4-H animal projects, such as the 4-H Poultry Project, encourage the process of “discovery” of knowledge and solutions and build competence and confidence. Youth must complete the poultry registration online to participate in the 4-H poultry projects. Assistance is available through local Clemson Extension Offices or online at https://www.clemson.edu/extension/4h/programs/ag-animals/livestock/poultry.html.
South Carolina 4-H Dairy Judging Contest This event is open to South Carolina 4-H youth (5-18 years old as of January 1, 2024). Current 4-H membership is required for participation in this event. This evaluation contest will be held on Friday, March 22, at the T. Ed Garrison Arena, Pendleton, SC (1101 West Queen Street, Pendleton, SC, 29670). Please review the provided contest information below. General Information 1. The contest check-in will be at 11:30 am, orientation is at 12:00 noon, and the contest will begin at 12:30 pm. 2. The awards program will be held after the contest. 3. All entries must be completed online by March 8, 2024. No late entries will be accepted. Corrections and substitutions will be accepted on the day of the contest. Refunds are available up to seven days before the event. 4. There will be a $15 registration fee for each individual or $45 per team (minimum of three, maximum of four team members.) Registration must be made online with a credit/debit card. 5. Any additional communication for the event will be made through the email address provided in the registration. 6. This event does not assume custodial care of youth in attendance. Parents, guardians, or chaperones must be present to supervise participants. Coaches will be responsible for providing meals/snacks for their youth. 7. Each contestant must bring two (2) sharpened No. 2 pencils as their writing instrument(s) and a clipboard/blank steno/notepad. 8. Direct questions to Tina Horn (Contest Superintendent) at thorn@clemson.edu and Heather Shultz at hkshult@clemson.edu.
2024 SC 4-H Small Garden Project The 2024 SC 4-H Small Garden Project is now open for South Carolina youth registration. This project is a hands-on, environmental education program and a competitive, independent-study project that allows youth ages 5 through 18 an opportunity to establish, maintain, and harvest a small garden. The purpose of the Small Garden Project is to educate the youth of South Carolina on where and how their food is grown using hands-on, in-the-garden experiences.
Youth will set goals and plan activities and strategies to achieve those outcomes, even facing challenges. They will reflect on their work by documenting their skill development and learning experiences. They will give back to their communities through educational and service activities. Participating in this project will teach youth valuable record-keeping, financial management, and communication skills. They will ultimately become good stewards of the environment and gain technical expertise that can promote beneficial practices.
The cost is $25 for current 4-H members (non-members will be expected to enroll in 4HOnline for the 2023-2024 club year). If you would like to participate but do not have available land, your local Extension office may be able to help you locate a landowner or public space that could be made available to you.
Once youth register, 4-H will supply participants with a garden starter kit and other educational materials. Participants must plant at least two other crops of their choice. Participants will receive a printed project record book and newsletters/informational resources to help along the way.
Hurry! The deadline to register is Friday, April 5, 2024.
The first Health Extension for Diabetes (HED) cohort in Union County was a community success! The cohort started in September 2023 and graduated in December 2023, with approximately a 90% graduation rate (adjusted)! We are recruiting for a second Health Extension for Diabetes cohort at the Union County Library for HED in-person programing. Registration is open from 02/13/24-03/12/24, please contact me if you are interested in participating!
HED is a free diabetes support program recognized by the ADA as a practice-tested diabetes support program. The main goal of this program is to help participants better manage diabetes to prevent or delay complications. HED is 4 months long and includes a series of 8 education sessions and intermittent support sessions. Each session is designed to help participants learn more about diabetes and provide them with necessary skills and support to successfully self-manage diabetes. Participants will receive bi-weekly materials and weekly follow-up to help navigate resources and reach healthy lifestyle goals. A Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes diagnosis is required for enrollment.
February is American Heart month; If there is an upcoming event or group meeting that you are looking for a guest speaker and a timely topic, I would love to attend and hold the Know Diabetes by Heart (KDBH) program. Please feel free to contact me if you have any opportunities or questions.
KDBH is sponsored by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and American Heart Association (AHA). It is a free education session offered in-person or online. The program aims to help participants better understand the link between diabetes and heart disease. By participating in this one-hour session, you will learn more about risks related to diabetes and heart disease, how to take control of your risks, and learn about community and clinical resources.
Winners of the 2024 SC 4-H Showcase: Miss 4-H Hennelly Gavin, Miss Junior 4-H Brooklyn New, Miss Cloverleaf Dixon Freeman, and Miss Cloverbud Hannah Dye.
On Saturday,
January 13th the Laurens County 4-H volunteers presented the 2024 SC
4-H Showcase at the Gilliam Center for Performing Arts on the campus of
Thornwell Charter School. The 4-H Showcase is a unique fundraising event that
is meant to highlight the achievements of 4-H’ers across South Carolina. This
is accomplished while building confidence, improving public speaking skills,
and instilling a sense of pride in the hard work of our contestants.
Our 16 contestants competed in three onstage divisions:
business wear, 4-H project wear, and formal wear. In addition, our Junior and
Senior contestants participated in an interview with the judges earlier in the
day. This was a great opportunity for them to gain self-confidence.
We were pleased to welcome three outstanding judges for
the event:
Erica Eadicicco – former Laurens County 4-H’er, Presidential
Tray recipient, and native of Kinards, SC.
Courtney Stonell – Keep Laurens County Beautiful
affiliate coordinator with the Laurens County Chamber of Commerce.
Haleigh Tomlin – former Greenville County 4-H’er and the
current Miss Newberry.
Matthew Brownlee of Laurens served as our Master of
Ceremonies. This was the fifteenth year that Laurens County has presented this
program, so in honor of that occasion we were pleased to welcome the very first
Miss 4-H, Mrs. Anna Crowder, ag teacher at Laurens District 55 High School, to
assist in the crowning of our winners.
The winners will go on to represent 4-H in their local
communities and at various state events during the year. The winners of the 2024
SC 4-H Showcase were:
Miss Cloverbud – Hannah Dye of Chester County
Miss Cloverleaf – Dixon Freeman of York County
Miss Junior 4-H – Brooklyn New of Laurens County
Miss 4-H – Hennelly Gavin of Lexington County
Congratulations to all our winners and participants in
this year’s 4-H Showcase. Thank you to our dedicated volunteers without whom
this event would not be possible and thank you to our sponsors, the Laurens
County Water and Sewer Commission, Piedmont Rural Telephone Cooperative, and
the Laurens/Greenville 4-H Dairy Club. Also, a special thanks to Thornwell for
allowing us the use of their facilities.
While it is commonplace for producers in the upstate region of
South Carolina to grow fescue as their primary forage crop, many producers
utilize cool-season annuals to help get them through the winter. Cool season
annuals are great for sodseeding into warm-season perennials like bermudagrass
and for decreasing dependency on feeding hay. Cool-season annuals include a
variety of small grains, ryegrasses, legumes, and some brassicas. In ideal
conditions (adequate rainfall and extreme heat is gone), planting can begin in
late September to early October. The earlier the planting the better your
chances of being able to graze in the fall and early winter. Of course, the
transition from summer to fall in this state can oftentimes be unpredictable
with lingering heat and drought conditions. In the case of a late planting in early
December, you may provide enough forage to carry cattle from spring to summer. Be
sure to let forage grow to at least 6” in height before grazing, and do not
graze below 2-3” in height. These parameters will allow the forage to develop a
root system to promote drought tolerance and to sustain itself over the long
term. The month of February is a great time to apply a second round of fertilizer
regardless of whether you’re growing fescue or cool-season annuals. Remember to
refer to your soil sample results when applying fertilizer. This is also a good
time to evaluate the condition of your forage after the heavy frost events we
received within the last month. The extent of the damage may determine whether
it is worth fertilizing (regrowth must occur to justify fertilizer), replanting
heavily damaged areas, or feeding hay until warm season grasses take over. To
help our local clients gain some perspective on how cool-season annuals
perform, we have a variety trial in place in Ninety-Six, South Carolina. We
planted twenty-five different varieties including oats, wheat, ryegrasses,
clovers, and other specialty forages. We hope to present the trial in the
coming months if all goes well. Contact your local Clemson Extension office for
more information.
Jeff Fellers Area Forestry & Natural Resource Agent Chester, Laurens, Newberry, Union, & York
One thing I love about working for Clemson Extension is the
diversity of work throughout the seasons.
Rarely do we have the same tasks day after day. It often changes with the season. The fall
and winter seasons bring about fairs and festivals, along with our normal
activities.
Union County Agricultural Fair October is all about the fair in Union County. The Union County Extension Office is heavily
involved in managing the livestock, poultry, agricultural products, and home
economics sections. We also operate the
Union County 4-H Shooting Sports Trailer throughout the week of the fair. On Thursday of the fair, we also host a 5K
day where all the Union County public schools bring their kindergarten classes
to the fair to learn about livestock and agriculture. I always enjoy presenting on the crops
section for this field trip. If you have
never visited the Union County Agricultural Fair I highly recommend coming by
and seeing us.
Kids in the Parks Track Trail I
had the opportunity to lead a trail hike for the Newberry County
Recreation Department for their grand opening of the Kids in the Parks
Track Trail. This trail is located at Lynches Woods in Newberry
County. I really enjoyed spending the afternoon with the children and
helping them identify some trees and shrubs, along with learning about
growth rings on pine trees. The Newberry County Recreation Department
has a nice kiosk with brochures that help educate those who take the
hike.
Wood Magic Forest Fair Wood Magic Forest Fair is a free field trip for fourth graders, hosted by
the South Carolina Forestry Commission.
The program provides a learning experience about the forest industry in
South Carolina that meet fourth grade school standards. Volunteers from around the forest industry
come together to teach fourth graders all about forestry. This year I had the opportunity to teach the
Gifts of the Forest station at the Harbison State Forest location. For more information on Wood Magic visit: https://www.scfc.gov/education/wood-magic/.
Learn to Burn In November, I had the opportunity to assist with a Learn to Burn program in Union County. This program was hosted by the Piedmont Prescribed Fire Cooperative at a private landowner’s property. Participants were able to actively participate in a burn on a mature pine stand. They were able to see the process from planning, preparation, execution, and mop up. Learn To Burn provides a great educational experience to landowners that are wanting to learn how to implement prescribe fire on their property.
Newberry Forestry Association The Newberry Forestry Association had their last quarterly meeting in 2023
on November 14. We met at Mt. Pleasant
UMC. Eddie Reese, with NRCS, presented
on forestry cost share programs. Our
next meeting will be February 13, 2024, and our topic will be estate
planning.
Laurens Forest Landowners Association
The Laurens Forest Landowners Association had their last quarterly meeting in
2023 on November 28. We met at the
Laurens County Farm Bureau Office. Chris
Gordy, from West Fraser, presented on local and statewide mill updates. Our next meeting will be February 27, 2024.
Grand American This was the first year that we took the Union County 4-H Shooting Sports Trailer down to the Grand American in Orangeburg, SC. Along with Forged In 4-H, we set up a display to help raise funds for the two programs. Just like at the Union County Agricultural Fair, the trailer is set up for participants to have fun shooting air rifles. For those less experienced shooters, we spend a little extra time helping them learn the basics of shooting. Forged In 4-H also provided forging demonstrations, while selling some of the items that were made through the program. The Grand American provided an excellent venue to advertise our program and educate participants about what great programs we have to offer.
4-H Food Plots One of my favorite activities in this job is judging 4-H Food Plots. We typically do this in January, so the weather is normally not cooperative. This year however, we had a very nice day to be out in the woods. We judged 1 in Newberry County and 2 in Union County. For more information on the 4-H Food Plot Project visit the following link: https://www.clemson.edu/extension/4h/program-areas/natural-resources/wildlife-food-plot-project.html.
4-H’ers participating in the training classes presented by the Whiskers and Tails 4-H Dog Club. These classes are held weekly in Fountain Inn.
The Whiskers
and Tails 4-H Dog Club is a group of 4-H’ers from Laurens and Greenville
Counties who are interested in learning more about working with their furry
friends and showing them in competitive events.
For many
years, Laurens County 4-H has supported opportunities for youth related to
dogs. Each year through the Laurens County Dog Project, 4-H’ers are encouraged
to learn and keep records of training, health, grooming, and much more as it
relates to their pets. There have also been collaborations with the Greenville
Kennel Club as they have provided clinics and support over the years. They
assist each year in judging the annual dog show as part of the Laurens County
Junior Livestock Show.
Beginning in
August of 2023, the Whiskers and Tails 4-H Dog Club started offering weekly dog
training classes at the Dog Trainers Workshop in Fountain Inn. These classes
were for Canine Good Citizen certification, rally, and dog showmanship. They
concluded at the end of September with a final competition. Then, with growing
interest, it was decided to offer additional weekly classes in January of 2024
that will conclude at the end of February. These classes consist of Canine Good
Citizen certification and rally and were open for any 4-H member in Laurens or
Greenville Counties.
This club is
led by a great group of volunteers; Charity Blumer, DeAnn Karns, and Lisa
Stroup. Our 4-H’ers are also receiving quality lessons from qualified AKC instructors.
It’s been amazing to see the amount of knowledge and confidence gained by these
youth as they work with their animals. Thanks to Dog Trainer’s Workshop of
Fountain Inn for the use of their training facility. We look forward to
additional training classes throughout the year.
Stay posted for the opening
of registration for the 2024 Laurens County Dog Project in the spring. This
project is open to all interested 4-H’ers in surrounding counties as well.
Please contact Adam Petty at akpetty@clemson.edu or 864-705-1102 for more
information. Also, check out our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/4Hlaurenscounty
February 24, 2024Saluda County Cattlemens 32nd Annual Heifer Sale starts at 12:00, Noon
February 27, 2024 – Saluda 4-H Livestock Club Meeting here at the office at 4:00pm
March 3,2024 – Registration Deadline for the 4-H Pullet Chain Poultry Project
March 5, 2024– State 4-H Legislative Day , Columbia SC
March 6, 2024 – Saluda County CAMM Training at Hollywood Ruritan for 10am to 12. March 6, 2024 – Saluda County Private Applicators Recertification for Recert. Credits up to 3 Credits Meeting at 1 to 4pm at Hollywood Ruritan in Saluda, SC
March 8, 2024 – Deadline to register for the 4H Dairy Judging Contest.
March 22, 2024– 4-H Dairy Judging Competition in Pendleton and Dairy Spring Show. Also, deadline to Register for the 4H Livestock Judging Competition.
April 5, 2024 – Deadline to Register For the 4-H Small Garden Project April 5, 2024 – 4-H Livestock Judging Competition in Pendleton
April 19-24 – Nation 4-H Conference in Washington, DC
43 new farmers from across the state of South Carolina visited York County on September 28, 2023 to learn more about agritourism. The workshop, coordinated by the South Carolina New and Beginning Farmer Program and York County’s Agribusiness Agent, Ben Boyles, allowed farmers to see agritourism operations first-hand through guided tours of 3 York County agritourism farms. Farm stops included Tatanka Bison Ranch, Black’s Peaches, and Five Blossoms Farm. Participants also heard from the South Carolina Agritourism Association and learned more about how to incorporate this type of enterprise into their farm business.
One thing I love about working for Clemson Extension is the diversity of work throughout the seasons. Rarely do we have the same tasks day after day. It often changes with the season. The fall and winter seasons bring about fairs and festivals, along with our normal activities.
Union County Agricultural Fair October is all about the fair in Union County. The Union County Extension Office is heavily involved in managing the livestock, poultry, agricultural products, and home economics sections. We also operate the Union County 4-H Shooting Sports Trailer throughout the week of the fair. On Thursday of the fair, we also host a 5K day where all the Union County public schools bring their kindergarten classes to the fair to learn about livestock and agriculture. I always enjoy presenting on the crops section for this field trip. If you have never visited the Union County Agricultural Fair I highly recommend coming by and seeing us.
Kids in the Parks Track Trail
I had the opportunity to lead a trail hike for the Newberry County Recreation Department for their grand opening of the Kids in the Parks Track Trail. This trail is located at Lynches Woods in Newberry County. I really enjoyed spending the afternoon with the children and helping them identify some trees and shrubs, along with learning about growth rings on pine trees. The Newberry County Recreation Department has a nice kiosk with brochures that help educate those who take the hike.
Wood Magic Forest Fair Wood Magic Forest Fair is a free field trip for fourth graders, hosted by the South Carolina Forestry Commission. The program provides a learning experience about the forest industry in South Carolina that meet fourth grade school standards. Volunteers from around the forest industry come together to teach fourth graders all about forestry. This year I had the opportunity to teach the Gifts of the Forest station at the Harbison State Forest location. For more information on Wood Magic visit: https://www.scfc.gov/education/wood-magic/.
Learn to Burn
In November, I had the opportunity to assist with a Learn to Burn program in Union County. This program was hosted by the Piedmont Prescribed Fire Cooperative at a private landowner’s property. Participants were able to actively participate in a burn on a mature pine stand. They were able to see the process from planning, preparation, execution, and mop up. Learn To Burn provides a great educational experience to landowners that are wanting to learn how to implement prescribe fire on their property.
Newberry Forestry Association The Newberry Forestry Association had their last quarterly meeting in 2023 on November 14. We met at Mt. Pleasant UMC. Eddie Reese, with NRCS, presented on forestry cost share programs. Our next meeting will be February 13, 2024, and our topic will be estate planning.
Laurens Forest Landowners Association
The Laurens Forest Landowners Association had their last quarterly meeting in 2023 on November 28. We met at the Laurens County Farm Bureau Office. Chris Gordy, from West Fraser, presented on local and statewide mill updates. Our next meeting will be February 27, 2024.
Grand American
This was the first year that we took the Union County 4-H Shooting Sports Trailer down to the Grand American in Orangeburg SC. Along with Forged In 4-H, we set up a display to help raise funds for the two programs. Just like at the Union County Agricultural Fair, the trailer is set up for participants to have fun shooting air rifles. For those less experienced shooters, we spend a little extra time helping them learn the basics of shooting. Forged In 4-H also provided forging demonstrations, while selling some of the items that were made through the program. The Grand American provided an excellent venue to advertise our program and educate participants about what great programs we have to offer.
4-H Food Plots One of my favorite activities in this job is judging 4-H Food Plots. We typically do this in January, so the weather is normally not cooperative. This year however, we had a very nice day to be out in the woods. We judged 1 in Newberry County and 2 in Union County. For more information on the 4-H Food Plot Project visit the following link: https://www.clemson.edu/extension/4h/program-areas/natural-resources/wildlife-food-plot-project.html.
