Author: hpalece

A True York County 4-H Success Story

McKenna’s roots in 4-H run deep. From her earliest days showing horses to becoming an active teen leader, she embraced every opportunity to challenge herself and strengthen her skills. Her passion for agriculture, youth development, and community leadership continued to grow throughout her 4-H career — ultimately shaping her path long after aging out of the program.

Clemson Graduate & Emerging Youth Development Professional

In May 2025, McKenna graduated from Clemson University, bringing with her an academic foundation that pairs perfectly with the hands-on experience she gained through 4-H. During college, she continued her commitment to youth programming and agriculture through internships that prepared her for this role in extraordinary ways:

• York County 4-H Summer Intern (2024) – where she supported club events, summer camps, and community outreach.
• South Carolina 4-H State Office Intern (Aug 2024 – May 2025) – gaining statewide perspective and experience that she will now bring back home to our county.

These experiences, combined with her lifelong involvement as a 4-H’er, make her uniquely equipped to connect with youth, support volunteers, and strengthen the programs that make York County 4-H one of the strongest in the state.

Growing Up in the Saddle

McKenna grew up riding horses, a passion that helped shape her into the confident, hardworking leader she is today. Her love for the equestrian world continues to influence her commitment to agriculture and to helping young people discover their own passions through 4-H.

Building the Future of York County 4-H

As Program Assistant, McKenna will help support club operations, school programming, community engagement, special events, and the continued growth of our county’s expanding 4-H community. Her energy, creativity, and deep love for York County make her the perfect addition to our team.

We could not be more excited to have her back — not as a member this time, but as a leader, mentor, and role model for hundreds of youth who will walk the same path she once did.

Please join us in giving McKenna the warmest York County 4-H welcome!

July marked the exciting start of the 51st South Carolina 4-H Dairy Heifer Project! This long-standing tradition continues to provide opportunities for youth to learn about dairying and the dairy industry. The Dairy Heifer Project began in 1974 and was designed to provide boys and girls in South Carolina an opportunity to raise a dairy heifer and experience the dairy industry and then sell their heifer at the South Carolina 4-H Bred Dairy Heifer Sale before she begins milking. The project is a long-term project. This year, 24 participants from all corners of South Carolina received heifers. Youth received a dairy calf of one of four breeds: Holstein, Jersey, Guernsey, or Brown Swiss. Over the next 20 months, these young people will raise and care for their heifers, gaining invaluable skills in animal husbandry, responsibility, and showmanship. The journey culminates in the spring of 2027, when the now-bred dairy heifers will be marketed and sold to dairymen across the country through an online auction. The SC Dairy Bred Heifer Sale serves as an excellent source of herd replacements for South Carolina dairymen. In past years, heifers raised in South Carolina have gone on to begin their careers as milk producers in as many as eight different states! 

This year is especially exciting, as we welcomed 10 new families into the program—proof that the spirit of agriculture is alive and growing. The 4-H Dairy Heifer Committee is thrilled to see so many youth eager to step into the world of agriculture, many for the very first time.

With the 4-H motto being “learn by doing”, we believe one of the best ways to learn… is with an animal in hand.

The Clemson Extension South Carolina New and Beginning Farmer Program (SCNBFP) proudly celebrated the graduation of its Class of 2025, marking a milestone in the program’s 15-year history of empowering the next generation of South Carolina producers. This year’s cohort included 50 graduates who successfully completed the Certificate program and an additional 13 participants enrolled in the Audit track. Together, they represented a diverse cross section of South Carolina agriculture—from aspiring farmers launching their first enterprises to those expanding existing operations across a wide range of commodities and regions.

Throughout the five-month program, participants engaged in ten full-day workshops focused on essential agribusiness management and production topics. Sessions covered business planning, financial and risk management, marketing, legal and regulatory considerations, soil health, and integrated pest management. Participants also connected with Clemson Extension Agribusiness professionals, industry partners, and fellow farmers, gaining access to valuable resources and building relationships that will continue to support their success long after graduation.

A highlight of this year’s program was the introduction of a Business Plan Pitch Contest, sponsored by SC Farm Credit, which provided cash prizes to support the growth and development of participants’ farm operations. The competition showcased the entrepreneurial spirit and innovation of South Carolina’s beginning farmers. Congratulations to this year’s winners: 1st Place – Amy Sudbeck; 2nd Place – Mercedes Bouyer; 3rd Place – Jacob Towe; and 4th Place – Denese Tyler.

With more than 650 program alumni to date, the SCNBFP continues to serve as a vital resource for new and beginning farmers across the state. By providing the tools, knowledge, and confidence needed to build viable, sustainable farm businesses, the program is strengthening rural communities, expanding access to locally produced food, and ensuring that agriculture remains a cornerstone of South Carolina’s economy for generations to come.

The stage was set. All summer long, York County 4-H’ers had been tending to their tomato plants—watering, staking, pruning, and hoping for the perfect harvest. They all started the same way, with six small tomato plants—this year’s chosen varieties were Celebrity and Sun Gold—handed out at the start of summer. Each young grower transplanted their plants into a garden or container, then spent weeks battling weather, pests, and the unknowns of plant growth.

Yesterday, it all came down to one thing: the York County Tomato Judging Contest. Six titles were up for grabs. Ribbons, bragging rights, and a summer’s worth of work were on the line. The York County Master Gardeners stepped in as judges, inspecting each tomato with care, weighing entries to the gram, and debating over shapes, colors, and, yes… even the “worst” looking fruit.

Finally, the results were in:

2025 Winners

• Heaviest Open – Caroline Huffstetler – 355 g
• Heaviest Project – Morgan Webbie – 319 g
• Best Tomato – Natalie Estes
• Best Plate of 3 – Katelyn Huffstettler
• Worst Looking Tomato – Evie Martell
• Green Tomato – Raelynn Harris

Some tomatoes impressed with size, others with perfect form—and some, well, made everyone laugh. But every entry told a story of patience, learning, and determination.

This project isn’t just about who grows the biggest or the prettiest tomato. It’s about watching something you’ve nurtured from seedling to harvest, learning through trial and error, and discovering that sometimes the journey is just as rewarding as the ribbon.

A huge thank-you to the York County Master Gardeners for judging this year’s contest, and to the families and volunteers who made the Tomato Project possible. We can’t wait to see what grows in 2026!

Once a quiet spot with little 4-H activity, Fort Mill has blossomed into a thriving hub of youth development and community engagement. The Fort Mill 4-H Community Club has grown to nearly 50 active members, supported by 11 dedicated volunteers, creating a vibrant space where young people learn, lead, and give back.

Reviving 4-H in Fort Mill

Recognizing the need to reconnect youth with hands-on learning and leadership opportunities, Extension staff and volunteers worked to rebuild the 4-H presence in Fort Mill. Through dedicated outreach and engaging programming, the club has quickly become a favorite for youth eager to explore STEM, agriculture, and leadership.

A Garden Grows with Community Spirit

Youth-Driven and Youth-Led

What sets Fort Mill 4-H apart is its emphasis on youth voice and leadership. All activities are planned and led by the young members themselves, empowering them to take ownership of their learning and community impact. From STEM projects to poultry care and leadership workshops, Fort Mill youth are at the helm.

Serving the Community and Building Life Skills

Looking Forward

Fort Mill 4-H is more than a club — it’s a launching pad for future leaders, innovators, and community advocates. With continued support and engagement, this thriving club will keep inspiring youth to grow their skills, confidence, and commitment to making a difference.

Kristin Kunde 

York County 4-H Agent 
Cooperative Extension
Clemson University

120 N. Congress St.

York, SC 29745

w 803-639-9102
kkunde@clemson.edu

As the school year comes to a close, York County 4-H is excited to celebrate a fantastic year of growth and learning through our Afterschool Clubs. This year, over 350 youth across York County engaged in hands-on 4-H programming, discovering new skills, exploring agriculture, and building confidence in safe, supportive environments.

Our clubs reached students at the following schools:

• Bethany Elementary
• Bethel Elementary
• Clover Middle School (6th–8th grade)
• Ebinport Elementary
• Griggs Road Elementary
• Herald C Johnson Elementary
• Hickory Grove Sharon Elementary
• Larne Elementary
• Lesslie Elementary
• Midway Christian Academy
• Mt. Holly Elementary
• Riverwalk Academy (3rd–8th grade)

Celebrating Success Across York County

At Bethany Elementary, the Bethany Buds After School Club wrapped up their year with a “MOO-velous” celebration focused on dairy cattle. Thanks to Stacie and Hallie Jean Harris for bringing Piper the cow and teaching our youth about showing dairy cattle! Appreciation also goes to Ms. Guerin for supporting all our “crazy plans,” the dedicated parents who support 4-H, volunteers who stay after school every month, and Crossroads Cafe at McGill’s for treating everyone to ice cream.

Meanwhile, at Mount Holly Elementary, our 4-H club closed the year with an energetic “Ag Olympics.” Students competed in farm-themed relay races, celebrating teamwork and healthy competition. This event was made possible by the wonderful support of Ms. Ramsey, Agriculture Teacher at ATC, and two graduating ATC seniors who helped run the activities. It was a fun and fitting finale to a year filled with growth.

Across all schools, youth have engaged in diverse projects — from gardening and raising animals to crafts and nutrition lessons — designed to spark curiosity and build life skills like leadership, responsibility, and public speaking.

The Power of Community

None of this would be possible without the incredible support of our 4-H volunteers, parents, teachers, and community partners. Their commitment helps create meaningful experiences that inspire our young people to explore their interests, try new things, and develop into confident leaders.

As we celebrate this year’s accomplishments, we are also looking forward to the future. York County 4-H Afterschool Clubs expect continued growth, fueled by strong community support and exciting new opportunities on the horizon.

Thank you to everyone who helped make this year a success — we can’t wait to continue nurturing the next generation of leaders through 4-H!

Kristin Kunde 

York County 4-H Agent 
Cooperative Extension
Clemson University

120 N. Congress St.

York, SC 29745

w 803-639-9102
kkunde@clemson.edu

Caroline plans to major in Animal and Veterinary Sciences at Clemson, aligning perfectly with her interests in agriculture and animal care—interests that have been further nurtured through her 4-H experiences. Whether she’s competing on the range or preparing for a future in animal sciences, Caroline continues to make York County proud.

We look forward to seeing Caroline represent both York County and Clemson University on the national stage and wish her continued success in her collegiate shooting career.

Congratulations, Caroline—we’ll be rooting for you every step of the way!

Kristin Kunde 

York County 4-H Agent 
Cooperative Extension
Clemson University

120 N. Congress St.

York, SC 29745

w 803-639-9102
kkunde@clemson.edu

York County 4-H is celebrating a major milestone—we’ve officially enrolled over 600 youth for the 2024–2025 4-H year! This exciting benchmark represents more than just a number. It’s a sign of a thriving, diverse program that’s capturing the hearts and curiosity of young people across the county.

And this is only the beginning.

Kristin Kunde 

York County 4-H Agent 
Cooperative Extension
Clemson University

120 N. Congress St. York, SC 29745

w 803-639-9102
kkunde@clemson.edu

The H5N1 assists extension professionals in maintaining their role as trusted messengers by keeping them up to date on research based H5N1 information. The project also provides agents with uniform key messages, adjusted recommendations as conditions change, and simple, easily adopted measures to help reduce the spread of H5N1. Tina Horn, York County Extension Livestock and Forage Agent is serving as the lead on this H5N1 EXCITE National Project Team.

The Extension Collaborative on Immunization Teaching and Engagement (EXCITE) is a national program of the Extension Foundation. One of EXCITE’s current projects is an H5N1 educational effort. Working with the National Center for Farmworker Health, CDC, and USDA NIFA, the EXCITE H5N1 National Project Team is providing educational resources and opportunities for extension professionals and agents working with dairy farmers and farmworkers. The goal is to increase their knowledge of H5N1 by educating them about human and animal health issues related to H5N1 and enhancing on-farm prevention practices to reduce H5N1 disease.

Tina Horne
Livestock and Forages Agent
State Dairy Program Coordinator
thorn@clemson.edu

Agribusiness Agent, Ben Boyles, was awarded a Mandela Washington Fellowship to travel to Ivory Coast in Africa in October of 2024. 

The Mandela Washington Fellowship Reciprocal Exchange enables United States universities to establish partnerships that broaden professional connections, foster lasting relationships, expand agricultural markets and enhance mutual understanding in Africa.

Boyles partnered with NC State Horticultural Science professor Dr. Carlos Iglesias to participate in the reciprocal scientist exchange program during the week of Oct. 5 – 12, 2024, hosted by Dev-Agri, an emerging Ivory Coast agribusiness company. They visited a series of project sites to evaluate agricultural conditions and discuss opportunities and challenges with Dev-Agri, the Ivorian government and smallholder farmers.

During their time in country it was evident that there is no shortage of opportunity for growth in the agricultural sector not only for the Ivory Coast, but the entire region as well.

“The Ivory Coast has significant potential for food production and could become self-sufficient, even supplying substantial amounts of food to neighboring countries,” says Iglesias. “There is an abundance of idle land, available labor, and demand for food. What is needed is capital to support technological and logistical advancements.”

Boyles and Iglesias look forward to hosting representatives from the Ivory Coast in 2025, to continue to build relationships and explore opportunities for mutual learning.