Do you have 1 to 10 acres of woods in your backyard? Would you like to reduce your lawn, plant trees, and invite wildlife to your suburban lot all while becoming a better steward of your small parcel of land? The Woods In Your Backyard workshop is designed with the small landowner in mind. It will help you to effectively care for forests and wildlife and increase your enjoyment of the land. You will learn to recognize and manage invasive plants & pests. It will identify potential income sources, and help you understand how your land relates to the land around you. Owners of even just a few acres can make a positive difference in their environment through planning and implementing the simple stewardship practices you will learn at The Woods In Your Backyard Workshop. Participants who own land that is forested, have natural areas, or are interested in turning mowed lawns into natural areas, are invited to attend! This workshop is designed specifically (but not exclusively) for smaller landowners, those with 1-10 acres. Please contact Carolyn Dawson, Clemson Extension Forestry agent, at Dawson4@clemson.edu for more information.
Christopher LeMaster Livestock and Forage Agent
Cherokee, Spartanburg, and York
Small scale poultry producers will get hands-on experience in processing their birds for meat.
Finding a facility to harvest and process your livestock is a challenge for producers of any scale. This challenge has been exasperated by labor shortages and increased local meat demand. Fortunately, an exemption for small-scale poultry producers allows them to harvest and sell their meat. Many South Carolinians bought poultry during the pandemic as a hobby and our call volume regarding poultry harvest and processing has certainly increased. To safely and humanely process chicken requires hands-on training. This can be a complex skill and is certainly not something you’d try to handle “virtually”.
Through an extension innovation grant, we have secured funding to put together a mobile processing unit. This consists of an enclosed trailer that houses the necessary equipment to teach producers on-farm the proper practices of processing. We are still outfitting the trailer but have planned its first two outings. We will use the mobile processing unit at a “train the trainer” meeting and then will offer a poultry processing workshop to the public on November 11th. The goal of the mobile processing unit is to educate producers of any size on humane harvest, efficient processing, safe food handling, good marketing practices, and even some good cooking recipes.
I anticipate a busy fall with livestock shows, cattlemen meetings, and our extension workshops. Thank you for your support of Clemson Extension.
Questions about pond weeds are common throughout the summer. As water temperatures warm, cyanobacteria blooms can occur more frequently. While there are many cyanobacteria species that can look different in a pond – all are capable of producing toxins, so care should be taken to avoid or limit contact with these blooms as much as possible. The Land Grant Press (LGP) article Introduction to Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) in South Carolina Freshwater Systems provides more detailed information.
Figure 1. A cyanobacteria bloom, which is capable of producing toxins that can harm pets, livestock, and humans.
Water planning efforts continue throughout the state to ensure plentiful, clean water for future generations. The recently published LGP article Water Withdrawal Regulations in South Carolina provides an overview to increase understanding of the current rules. The SC Department of Natural Resources is leading creation of River Basin Councils in each of SC’s eight major river basins; these Councils will work over a two-year period to draft a River Basin Plan. The Edisto RBC is nearing completion of the first draft of the Edisto River Basin Plan. The Broad River Basin Council started meeting earlier this year and is currently accepting applications for representatives from Local Government, Industry, or Economic Development.
Laura Haddon Cherokee County 4-H Youth Development Agent
Ms. Ruppe’s 2nd grade class from Draytonville Elementary enjoyed their visit to Sarratt Farms for 4-H Down on the Farm Day.
Cherokee County 4-H hosted its first annual “Down on the Farm Day” event for all the second graders in the county. Laura Haddon and Christopher LeMaster wrote a grant in the spring of 2021 and received $1,000 to cover the cost of transportation for the public schools within the district. After meeting with school district staff, the date was set for Friday, April 1, 2022.
2nd graders had hands-on opportunities to learn where their meat and milk come from.Ben Sease from SC Farm to School shared about mushrooms and earthworms.
Almost 600 second grade students (public, private, and charter) attended the event hosted at Sarratt Farms in Gaffney. Children rotated with their classes through six stations where they learned about different areas of South Carolina agriculture. Stations included strawberries, earthworms, sunflowers, pigs, cows, and a combine! County extension agents from across the Upstate, teachers and students from the ag classes at Cherokee County’s Institute for Innovation, SC Ag in the Classroom, and SC Farm to School all helped to give the students hands-on knowledge about farming in our county and state.
Students from Cherokee County’s Institute for Innovation’s FFA helped the 2nd graders plant sunflower seeds.
The goal of this event was to connect youth to the source of their food and fiber and develop in each one an appreciation for South Carolina agriculture. For many of the students, this was their first time ever seeing a cow, a pig, or even stepping foot on a farm! It was an adventure they will always remember.
Rabbit Judge, Julia Waddell, presents Jason Connors and his Mini Rex rabbit, Gene, with the Grand Champion Ribbon.
On Friday, March 11th and Saturday, March 12th Cherokee County 4-H hosted its first annual spring livestock show event. Fifty-seven youth from three states braved the rain, wind, and freezing temperatures to show off the hard work they have put into raising and training their livestock. Market hogs, beef cattle, and rabbits were exhibited over the course of the two days. Our distinguished judges were John Barnes (hogs and cattle) of Wilson County North Carolina and Julia Waddell (rabbits) of Inman.
Laura Haddon, Chris LeMaster, and Peter Wilkins recognized Robert Blanton for his hard work and dedication to the youth of 4-H and specifically to the Cherokee County 4-H Spring Livestock Show.
Friday night was the Market Hog Show. Youth showed their hogs in showmanship and market classes. In showmanship youth were divided into age groups and judged on how well they were able to present their hog and exhibit its best traits to the judge. Anna Barrett Penland, of Laurens, won the belt buckle for top Junior Showman and Langley Vernon, of Anderson, won the belt buckle for top Senior Showman. Market classes were determined by the weights of the hogs. The top pig from each weight class was chosen by the judge and held over to compete for Grand and Reserve Champion Market Hog. Grand Champion Lottery Market Hog went to Cade Simpson of Anderson and his pig, BBQ. Jack Dill of Jonesville received Reserve Champion Lottery Market Hog for his pig Uno. The Open Market Hog Grand Champion was Anna Barrett Penland and her pig Slushie, while Reserve Grand Champion Open Market Hog went to Carley Tolbert of Franklin County Georgia and her pig Trigger.
Judge John Barnes recognizes the Beef Showmanship winners.Jonathan Felipe was presented with a $1,000 check for his Supreme Champion Heifer.
The competitions continued Saturday morning with beef cattle and Saturday afternoon with rabbits. Once again, the youth were judged on their knowledge of their animal and ability to present their animal in a way that would display its best traits. Belt buckles were awarded to Lillian Wilkins of Blacksburg for top Cloverbud Beef Showman, Josey Tolbert of Franklin County Georgia for top Junior Beef Showman, Jonathan Felipe of Habersham County Georgia for top Intermediate Beef Showman, and to Hailee Campbell of Enoree for top Senior Beef Showman. The winner of the Rabbit Showmanship Belt Buckle was a Senior Showman, Jason Conners of Van Wyck.
After the showmanship competitions were completed, the animals were divided by breeds and judged by how closely they conformed to the standard for their breeds. A top animal was chosen for each breed of cattle and held over for the Supreme Champion Heifer competition. At the end of the day, Jonathan Felipe and his Simmental heifer, Woodlawn Splendid, were awarded the $1,000 check and title of Supreme Heifer for the show. The Best in Show of the Rabbit breeds was awarded to Jason Conners and his Mini Rex rabbit, Gene.
Cherokee County 4-H also presented a Herdsman Award to one youth in the Market Hog Show and one youth in the Beef Show. This award was given to two young men who demonstrated a positive attitude, a diligent work ethic, and a willingness to help others during their time at the show. Andrew Jewell of Gray Court was awarded the Swine Herdsman of the Year and Ross Arthur of Union was awarded the Beef Herdsman of the Year. In addition to a beautiful plaque, each young man was awarded a cash prize of $250.
Cade Simpson showing his market hog.
This show would not have been possible without the support of our community. Cherokee County 4-H wishes to thank all 37 of our sponsors who made it possible for us to award over $10,000 in cash prizes to the youth for their hard work. Chick-fil-A of Gaffney and Firehouse Subs of Gaffney provided us with concessions to raise money for our 4-H Scholarship Fund. Mr. Bill Sarratt and his staff at Sarratt Farms prepared their facilities for our use. Mr. Peter Wilkins, Mrs. Karen Allen, and countless others were instrumental in all the behind the scenes work that goes into organizing a livestock show. A special award was given to Mr. Robert Blanton to recognize him for his hard work and dedication to the youth of 4-H and specifically to the Cherokee County 4-H Spring Livestock Show.
Andy Rollins Upstate Commercial Fruit & Vegetable Agent
Rhazzmatazz with developer, Jeff Bloodworth
An On-Farm planting located at a cooperating farm has established new experimental grape varieties and new muscadine cultivars. Fruit harvest began two weeks ago with ‘Rhazzmatazz,’ a novel seedless hybrid muscadine-vinifera hybrid grape developed by Gardens Alive plant breeder Jeff Bloodworth.
The next grape I just started harvesting is ‘Oh My,’ another seedless cultivar from the same company. Muscadine plants we are evaluating but have not started picking are ‘Paulk’ and ‘Ruby Crisp.’ These are University of Georgia cultivars donated by Dr. Patrick Conner. Other experimental varieties will not begin fruiting till next year as plants were planted one year after initial planting. Yield and quality data on these varieties are being collected for direct farm application. Information from this planting and the demonstration grape farm at Clemson’s Musser Farm assists several new muscadine farmers in the upstate.
Five farmers from several counties toured the Musser Farm to observe small fruit production. More recently, three farmers accompanied me to Gardens Alive Farm in Kings Mountain to consider newer varieties.
Grapes fit well into fall production programs, especially for anyone growing pumpkins and doing Fall field days. We know what works now, but many new varieties are being cultivated. With the information we gather from these trials. We will be ready for what is coming next.
Laura Haddon Cherokee County 4-H Youth Development Agent
Hands-on learning about watersheds at this summer’s 4-H Nature Camp.Cloverbuds use their hands for larger service by making thank you cards for the veterans living at The Palmetto Patriots Home in Gaffney.
Cherokee County 4-H stayed busy all summer! We continued to provide programming to the five Boys and Girls Clubs of the Upstate locations in Cherokee County. Programs included Healthy Lifestyles lessons, STEM activities, and Ag in the Classroom experiences for first through fifth grades. Our partnership with the Boys and Girls Clubs is invaluable!
We also hosted day camps and workshops. Our first day camp of the summer was Nature Camp. It was offered to a total of 25 youth each Friday in June and covered a different topic each week. This year the topics included Watersheds, Birds, Aquatic Wildlife, and Tree Identification. The camp was hosted with the help of Duke Energy and Cherokee County Soil and Water Conservation District. Each of the participants had fun and gained a greater appreciation for the natural resources in our county.
4-Hers enjoyed interacting with a variety of animals at Animal Science Camp held at Cherokee County’s Institute for Innovation.
The Cloverbuds (ages 5 to 8) enjoyed a camp all to themselves as they learned about the opportunities 4-H has to offer. They had fun with STEM, Healthy Lifestyles, Natural Resources, and Community Service activities centered around a theme for each day of camp. The themes were Patriotism, Butterflies, and My Plate. At the end of the week, we were able to provide the residents at Palmetto Veterans Home in Gaffney with red, white, and blue cards thanking them for their service to our country.
4-H partnered with the horticulture teacher at Cherokee County’s Institute for Innovation to host a succulent workshop for teens and tweens.
One of our most successful day camps took place in July at the Cherokee County Institute for Innovation. The agriculture teachers partnered with 4-H to host an Animal Science Camp for 20 youth. Campers learned how to restrain animals safely, give injections, and bandage and suture wounds. We had special guests from Latti-moo’s Farm and the Humane Society of Cherokee County. The youth brought donations of food, bedding, and cleaning supplies to share with the animals at the Humane Society and made pumpkin dog treats and recycled t-shirt toys too!
Volunteers from the American Sewing Guild helped 4-Hers learn basic sewing skills. The pillowcases were donated to a local nursing home.
The Summer Workshops for Tweens and Teens included planting succulents and basic sewing skills. The American Sewing Guild of the Upstate provided the supplies and expertise needed for the sewing workshop, while we continued our partnership with the Institute for Innovation for the succulent workshop. The youth that attended enjoyed learning new skills and developing a new hobby!
Community partnerships were the key to our summer successes! We appreciate all those who helped us make the best of Cherokee County better!
Alex Thompson Upstate Food Systems and Safety Agent
Craft beer is coming to Clemson!
Food Systems and Safety Agent Alex Thompson (center) speaks with Shayna Ferguson (right) and Rebeca Ortega (left) of Shoeless Brewing Co. in Greenville, SC . Photo Credit: Everett Weaver
Upstate Food Systems and Safety Agent Alex Thompson, Clemson Extension Associate Chad Carter, Horticulture Agent Zack Snipes, and Dr. Julie Northcutt are working to develop and implement a brewing program to serve the South Carolina brewing industry and the public through Clemson Cooperative Extension.
According to the South Carolina Brewers Guild, 95 craft breweries in South Carolina produce 105,620 brewery barrels (3,274,220 gallons) of beer annually, with a yearly economic impact of $905 million on the South Carolina economy. The South Carolina brewing industry is a major driving force of economic development across the state. Clemson Cooperative Extension is looking to improve the lives and livelihood of South Carolinians by offering research-based solutions, workforce development programs, and product testing related to brewing science.
Clemson Cooperative Extension funds the development of the Clemson Cooperative Extension Brewing Program through the 2022 Innovation Awards. This award funds the purchase of brewing equipment, lab devices, and the creation of course materials to develop brewing science training for South Carolinians. This program will provide services for stakeholders who own and operate breweries, who currently work at breweries, hope to work in the brewing industry or are just curious about brewing and want to learn more.
Over the coming months, progress will be made towards the first offering in the Clemson Cooperative Extension Service Brewing Program for South Carolina, a “Learn to Brew” workshop that will be open to the public. This workshop will be offered both in-person and online and will teach participants the entirety of the brewing process from grain to glass. Furthermore, an optional program day will be hosted on the Clemson University campus, where participants will get a brewing experience. This workshop portion will allow students to interact with brewing equipment and learn about the brewing process in real-time as they produce beer from raw materials.
Craft beer is a major part of the South Carolina economy, and Clemson Cooperative Extension is poised to assist South Carolina brewers and consumers as the industry continues to grow.
Carolyn Dawson is our new Area Forestry Extension Agent for Cherokee County. Although she has been with Clemson Extension for over 10 years, her responsibilities recently expanded to include Cherokee and Spartanburg counties.
Carolyn received her Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Florida in Forest Resources and Conservation. She started her career in Florida as the Duval County Forester under the Florida Division of Forestry. She then accepted the position of Southern Pine Beetle Forester in Asheville, NC with the North Carolina Forest Service.
In 2011, she joined the Clemson Extension team. Her work includes assisting private forest landowners with timber management, teaching forestry camps, giving presentations to HOAs and other groups or organizations, and working closely with the South Carolina Forestry Commission on the Firewise program. Her main area of interest is Forest Health. Her latest accomplishment involved helping the non-profit organization Carolina Hemlocks get started. Their mission is to locate and treat hemlock trees on private lands in order to save the Hemlock trees of South Carolina. Carolyn is a registered forester and a certified arborist. She looks forward to working in our county and getting to know you and the area.
Andy Rollins Upstate Commercial Fruit & Vegetable Agent
I’ve been busy helping several new small-sized farms across the upstate get established and prepare for planting next spring. I have also assisted with a nematode survey of all the upstate peach farms in conjunction with Churimani Kanal, Ph.D., and his graduate student and will continue this work next year.
I am the principal investigator in a trial looking at a frost freeze protection product from Washington State University. It is a cellulose nano-crystal product intended to protect the fruit from freezing temperatures. It has been shown to protect cherry trees from temperatures of 10⁰F to 13⁰F, which could be revolutionary if the technology can be adapted to peach production here in the upstate.
I held a regional blackberry meeting in Savannah, Georgia, with over 50 participants. My peach meeting was on January 22, 2022, and successfully attracted over 50 participants. My strawberry meeting will be on February 24, 2022, and my vegetable meeting will be on March 24, 2022. I have also co-organized a statewide peach meeting held online on March 10, 2022. I am very thankful for all the farms in the upstate counties I serve.
Carolyn Dawson is our new Area Forestry Extension Agent for Cherokee County. Although she has been with Clemson Extension for over 10 years, her responsibilities recently expanded to include Cherokee and Spartanburg counties.