The summer months have been busy in Saluda county as livestock & forage producers have worked tirelessly harvesting hay and silage and weaning their fall-born calf crop.  As we transition into the fall, we begin preparing our clientele for new challenges they may face.  The Saluda County Cattleman’s Association held a meeting on September 6^th to prepare producers for controlling fall army worms.  Clemson Extension Agent Brian Beer gave a detailed presentation on army worm identification, scouting tips, and control options.  Over 90 producers were in attendance for the meeting.

The Saluda County 4-H Livestock shows will take place on September 14^th and 15^th at the Central Milk Producers Show & Sale Arena.  Both will be well attended as youth from across South Carolina exhibited their prize show animals.

It is time to get privet under control with a method that works in the late fall that most people can do! Glyphosate is a non-restricted-use product that can be found at local places and at an affordable price. It is a non-selective herbicide product, thus why we want to use this method in the late fall. Let me explain why.

The non-native invasive plant known simply as privet can be a worthy adversary for anyone unlucky enough to have this plant on their property. (For simplicity in this article, we are going to refer to all the various species of privet as simply privet).

Chinese Privet Leaves. Photo courtesy of Chris Evans, University of Illinois, Bugwood.org

One of the best ways to control privet is with a glyphosate application in late fall to early winter. Typically, around late October /early November until about December is the time-frame depending on geographic location in the state. The best time is when the desirable plant species you want to keep have gone dormant, yet the privet still has green leaves on its branches and the temperatures are still mild. Avoid cold weather, especially as temperatures begin to get near freezing.

Examples of situations to use this method. If you have young hardwoods that you are trying to keep but want the privet gone, you want the hardwood sprouts/saplings to drop their leaves while the privet still has theirs. The downside to this method is if you have small pines or other conifers that you are trying to save, as these will retain green needles during this time period and are susceptible, Extreme caution and care should be exercised if this is the case. The good news is that most of the time, privet thickets are usually so thick that nothing is growing underneath them to have to worry about.

Glyphosate comes in many different forms with the most common being Ready To Use (RTU) or 41% concentrate products. When performing privet control, the applicator will want to use a 41% or higher percentage concentrate product. RTU products oftentimes do not achieve good control due to the lower amount of material in the percent solution. The applicator will need to read the herbicide label of the product they are using, as this will tell them how many ounces/gal and/or percent solution to be applying for foliar privet control.

Surfactants help in the efficiency of the herbicide by improving absorption into the waxy covering on the leaves. Not all glyphosate products contain a Chinese Privet Flowers. Photo courtesy of Chris Evans, University of Illinois, Bugwood.org.surfactant already added. Reading the label on the product you have will tell if the product has a surfactant and/or if it should be added in the tank mix. If the label says to add a surfactant, choose one that is a non-ionic surfactant. Marking dyes can be added to the tank mix as well. In certain situations, such as treating in strips due to making passes, marking dyes are very helpful. Just know that if you add marking dye to your tank mix you can expect it on everything. Most places (such as farm & garden, feed & seed, agricultural cooperatives, etc.) should carry these products if needed.

The application method used to apply your glyphosate solution depends greatly on the situation you have and your equipment. Backpack sprayers, ATV sprayers, and tractor 3-point hitch mounted sprayers are popular methods of delivering this foliar application method. The applicator will want to spray foliage till wet, but not to the point of running off. Complete coverage of all foliage from top to bottom is key in getting control. The more leaf surface area you can contact with herbicide, the more material that will be absorbed into the plant, the better your chance at control. If equipment is not capable of delivering the herbicide to the top of the privet, you will want to explore other options, such as cutting/mulching the privet down first and then spraying the plant once it sprouts back. Another option may be to do a basal bark application on the bigger privet stems as a follow-up treatment.

Follow-up treatments are a must. As you eliminate mature plants and sunlight can hit the forest floor, something is going to grow in its place. Oftentimes it will be with germinated privet seed and/or root sprouts, not to mention new seed from neighboring properties. The key to eradication is persistence, thus spray those new stems as soon as possible and every time they re-sprout.

If controlling privet in and around water, make sure that you are using a glyphosate product and surfactant that have an aquatic label. Glyphosate products and surfactants used to control terrestrial plants oftentimes have formulations that are harmful to many aquatic organisms. Companies do make aquatic labeled products (such as glyphosate, surfactants, etc.) that have a different formulation designed to not harm aquatic organisms (fish, frogs, turtles, salamanders, etc.). Remember, the label is federal law.

Keep in mind drift concerns on windy days, especially since using a non-selective herbicide, to prevent killing and/or damaging desirable plant species.

You can use this method at other times of the year too. Just remember that glyphosate will kill other plants as the product lands on their green leaves/needles. Thus, the great thing about jumping on privet control soon, as desirable species are going into dormancy and privet is still hanging on.

This article was originally featured in the Fall 2019 Version of CU in The Woods newsletter.

Author(s)

Stephen Pohlman, Cooperative Extension, Forestry and Wildlife Agent

This information is supplied with the understanding that no discrimination is intended and no endorsement of brand names or registered trademarks by the Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service is implied, nor is any discrimination intended by the exclusion of products or manufacturers not named. All recommendations are for South Carolina conditions and may not apply to other areas. Use pesticides only according to the directions on the label. All recommendations for pesticide use are for South Carolina only and were legal at the time of publication, but the status of registration and use patterns are subject to change by action of state and federal regulatory agencies. Follow all directions, precautions and restrictions that are listed.

Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to people of all ages, regardless of race, color, gender, religion, national origin, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital or family status and is an equal opportunity employer.

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South Carolina to Issue Handy New Card for Ag Sales Tax Exemptions

SCATE Will Debut February 1, 2022

By Eva Moore, South Carolina Department of Agriculture

In 2022, the South Carolina Department of Agriculture is rolling out a handy new card for farmers to use for agricultural sales tax exemptions.

South Carolina state law offers several sales tax exemptions for items used in agricultural production. For many years, farmers have had to fill out a paper form, the ST-8F, to receive these exemptions.

But after April 1, 2022, farmers must instead show their SCATE (South Carolina Agricultural Tax Exemption) card to retailers to demonstrate they are eligible for these exemptions.

The program is similar to Georgia’s GATE card, but unlike in Georgia, South Carolina users do not need to meet a minimum farm income threshold to be eligible.

It’s important to understand that state law is not changing. Farmers will still be able to receive the same exemptions as before.

A SCATE card costs $24 and is good for three years.

You can apply for your SCATE card starting Feb. 1, 2022, using the online portal at scatecard.com or call 1-803-734-2210 Option 1 Debbie. You must apply and pay online or pay over the phone; there is no paper application.

You’ll need the following information in order to apply:

• Taxpayer ID Number – personal [SSN] or business [FEIN]
• Valid email address
• Credit card or bank account number

Questions about SCATE? Contact the South Carolina Department of Agriculture at scate@scda.sc.gov or 803-734-2210 Option 1 Debbie . For questions specifically about tax exemptions, you can email the South Carolina Department of Revenue at FarmExemption@dor.sc.gov. You can also read the FAQs at scatecard.com.

We have had a busy few months in Saluda County. We started the holiday season off in November hosting Giving at Thanksgiving workshop to 20 youth. We highlighted all programs areas in 4-H during the workshop. The highlight for most kids was making their own pie to take home for their family.

Also, during the month of November, we hosted the afterschool programs at the 4 local Primary and Elementary schools. During this meeting we discussed healthy lifestyles by discussing MyPlate and exercise.

In the beginning of December, we hosted Cooking Club to 20 youth. They made waffle cinnamon rolls, fruit salsa and homemade tortilla chips.

We ended the Holiday season with hosting a Christmas Magic workshop with 30 youth. We set up several activity tables. They made bags to wrap presents in, ornaments, greenery arrangements, decorated sugar cookies, made snow, and made scarves for the local Senior Center. Stephen Pohlman, Saluda Country Forestry agent, came to speak about the different types of Christmas trees and greenery around us.

Congratulations to Avery Quattlebaum and Mya Chapman for being a Blue Ribbon Winner and Midlands Regional Qualifier for the 2022 Senior 4-H Presentation Contest that will be held at Senior Teen Weekend on February 12^th.

We have several upcoming events happening with Saluda County 4-H:

February through April we will be hosting monthly cooking clubs and afterschool clubs.

March 18, 2022- Luck of the Irish Workshop- sign-ups will start mid-February.

April 11, 2022- Hoppy Easter Workshop- sign-ups will start mid-March.

Beginning of April Summer workshop schedule will be announced.

NEW CLUB ALERT:

Do you home school your kids? Would you like them to get involved in 4-H?

Starting on February 23rd during the day will be offering a monthly meeting from 10:00 am to 11:00 am. We will be highlighting general 4-H activities.

To join the 4-H club it will be $15 dollars. You will also need to register online at

https://v2.4honline.com. If you are a previous 4-H member; please email Lauren Black-Venegas,

your 4-H agent at lblack4@clemson.edu to get logon information. You will need to be registered by February 18th. We will be meeting February through May. If have additional questions, contact Lauren Black-Venegas or Clemson Extension Office at 864-445-8117.

State Events and Projects:

4-H Junior Weekend – 2022

South Carolina 4-H’ers from across the state travel to Camp Long, near Aiken, SC for the weekend of a lifetime! SC 4-H Junior Weekend is an annual event that many Junior division 4-H members (youth age 9-13) look forward to each year. Youth are immersed in a weekend of activities and workshops organized by the South Carolina 4-H State Teen Council. This is a great way for members to make new friends, have new experiences, and learn new skills through fun and adventure.

The theme this year is “Under the Sea“.
March 4-6, 2022 (Friday evening – Sunday morning)

Must be a South Carolina 4-H Member to register.  Register in 4HOnline. If you register by Dec. 31, the cost is $105.  If you register on January 1 and after, the cost is $125.

https://v2.4honline.com

The deadline to register is February 11, 2022.

South Carolina 4-H Honey Bee Project – This project runs from February through August 2022.

The Honey Bee Project is an independent-study project that engages youth (ages 5-18 years) in the active role of beekeeping, learning the basics of entomology, and gaining an appreciation for the role of pollinators in our world. Youth receive a record book and project-related educational materials with registration.  Non-members will also receive 4-H membership and a 4-H t-shirt with their registration.  Participants will need access to a honey bee colony to manage for the purposes of this project. Bees are not supplied with the project materials.  We highly recommend working with an experienced beekeeper and your local beekeeping associations may be a good resource for you.

Record books will be submitted at the county level for judging by August 5, 2022. County-winning record books in the Junior and Senior age divisions will advance to the regional- and state-level for judging.  Awards will be presented to regional and state project winner

Join us for the 2022 South Carolina 4-H Forestry Clinic!

This is an excellent opportunity for high school-age youth to learn more about forestry and forest practices. During the clinic, youth will gain hands-on experience from Clemson Forestry and Natural Resources Extension Professionals. The clinic will focus on tree identification, tree measurement, compass and pacing, and other forestry skill areas. No prior forestry knowledge or experience is required.

This year’s event will be one day only, on February 26th, and held at Harbison State Forest in Columbia.

Register Here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/south-carolina-4-h-forestry-tickets-221437705137 

4-H Legislative Day

2022 SC 4-H Legislative Day is scheduled for March 8, 2022. Members, parents, volunteers, and supporters are invited to join us at the State Capital to tell your 4-H story. For more information or to register to attend, please contact Lauren Black-Venegas, lblack4@clemson.edu.

2022 4-H Pullet Chain Project will have registration open January 25 – March 1, 2022

The 4-H Pullet Chain is for youth that want to raise chicks supplied by a 4-H chick order. Day-old chicks will be placed beginning of May and the youth will raise them, participate in 4-H poultry project activities, and complete a 4-H poultry project record book. Registration for the 20224-H Pullet Chain is found on the SC 4-H Poultry Project website and will accept registrations January 25through March 1, 2022. This project is open to youth, ages 5-18, in every county of SC.

https://2022_sc4-h_pulletchain.eventbrite.com/

2022 4-H Laying Flock Project will have registration open January 25- May 2, 2022

The 4-H Laying Flock Project is for youth that already have a backyard flock or may want to order their own chicks (non-4H pullet order). Youth in this project have the same opportunities as those in the pullet chain. Youth will also complete a 4-H poultry project record book and receive e-newsletters. Registration for the 4-H Laying Flock project can be found on the SC 4-H Poultry Project website and will remain open until May 2, 2022. This project is open to youth, ages 5-18, in every county of SC.

4-H Summer Camp

4-H Club Summer Camp registration is now officially open. For youth ages 7-14. Go to the website for more information and instructions on how to register.
https://www.clemson.edu/extension/4h/about/camp.html

         Livestock and Forage producers around South Carolina are certainly ready for spring. The spring bull sales and replacement heifer sales are in full swing as this always seems to be a hectic time of the year. As we move into 2022, input costs in every sector of agriculture 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 4^th at the T.E.D. Garrison Arena in Clemson. The educational components of the meeting focused on managing input costs during these challenging times. Scholarships and state awards of excellence were also presented. The South Carolina Cattlemen’s Foundation awarded six scholarships to deserving college students.

       The Saluda County Cattlemen’s Association will hold its 30^th Annual Replacement Heifer Sale on Saturday, February 26^th. Over 100 bred and open heifers will sale at auction from Saluda county cattlemen.

       The Saluda County Cattlemen’s Association met on February 10^th. Participants listened to an excellent presentation from Corteva about maximizing the return on investment for weed control.

We are wrapping up our current 4-H year and ready to begin the new year!

A recap this past summer… workshops, conference, and projects.

– We offered eighteen Parent and Me and six Adventure Awaits workshops, highlighting the following areas: cooking, STEM, arts, construction, and natural resources.

– Two of our Senior 4-Hers attended the State 4-H Congress held in Clemson.

– One Senior competed at the National Shooting Sports Competition held in Nebraska.

– Introduced 4-H and participated with Summer Reading in conjunction with Saluda School District for four weeks in July.

– One Junior participated in the State Garden Project.

It was a great year, and we are now planning for the new 4-H year!

This year’s theme for Saluda County 4-H is “Get Carried away with 4-H”.

We have numerous opportunities coming for youth in Saluda to get involved in this upcoming 4-H year.

–          On September 8th and 9th, we will be hosting the Saluda County 4-H Livestock Show.

 We will have a Meat Goat, Beef, Poultry, Rabbit and Dairy Heifer shows.

A coloring contest for all the local elementary schools to participate in will be displayed at the livestock show.

–    We are in the planning stage for after school clubs, stay tune to the Saluda               County 4-H Facebook page for more information.

–          We will be hosting four Holiday Workshop Series throughout the year.

•          Giving at Thanksgiving Workshop

Wednesday November 24th 9:00 am to 3:00pm

•          Christmas Magic Workshop

Monday December 20th 9:00am to 3:00pm

•          Luck of the Irish Workshop

Friday March 18th 9:00am to 3:00pm

•          Happy Easter Workshop

Monday April 11th 9:00am to 3:00pm

This Summer has been a very busy season at the Saluda County Extension office.  We held our first in-person Saluda County Cattlemen’s Association meeting in June.  The meeting was held at Crouch Hardware and Farm Supply.  Producers listened to a great presentation from Purina on beef cattle nutrition.  We also held a CAMM training in August at the Hollywood Ruritan.  Mr. Lee Vanvlake with Clemson Extension gave a presentation on beef cattle watering systems.

The South Carolina Cattlemen’s Association Annual Meeting and Trade Show was held on August 6^th at the T. Ed Garrison Livestock Complex in Clemson.  Members in attendance received numerous educational presentations as well as the opportunity to visit with over 30 vendors at our Industry Trade Show.  This year we were pleased to have the South Carolina Angus Association join us for this special event.  Our meeting concluded with our annual awards banquet.  At the banquet, we awarded our Awards of Excellence and recognized our SC Cattlemen’s Foundation scholarship winners.  Details and photos of these award recipients will be published in the next issue of the Carolina Cattle Connection.

The South Carolina Junior Beef Round-Up was also held at the T. Ed Garrison Arena the same weekend as the Annual Meeting and Trade Show.  It was exciting to have this event take place right next door, where members could walk over to support the youth exhibiting their beef cattle.

Plans and preparations have been made for the Saluda County Livestock Shows September 8^th-9^th.  We look forward to seeing all the youth from around the state exhibit their livestock at these shows.