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: 

• USDA APHIS Screwworm Resource Page 

• Clemson Livestock Poultry Health Bulletin 

Christopher LeMaster
Livestock & Forage Agent
Cherokee, Spartanburg, Union Counties

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. 

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 

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 

2. Adjust for reduced yield 

3. 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. 

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.

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

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

PCAG

Cherokee County Poultry & Rabbit Show

Kids Club

Homeschool Club

Homeschool Club practices bridge building for the SC 4-H Engineering Challenge

Sewing Club

Clovers in the Kitchen Cooking Club

Down on the Farm Day

Cherokee Charter Academy 4-H Club

4-H Teen Council

Heather Nix
Water Resource Agent
Abbeville, Anderson, Cherokee, Greenville, Greenwood, Laurens, McCormick, Oconee, Pickens, & Spartanburg Counties

Water Quality Issues: Last year, harmful algal blooms (HABs) were plentiful and had a record long season, with SCDES identifying blooms in major reservoirs from 4/30/25 (Lake Hartwell) to 11/24/25 (J. Strom Thurmond Reservoir). We responded to many related complaints, including one that involved the deaths of 24 adult cows on a farm with cyanotoxin-producing HABs. In response, we are working to have new tools and materials available to improve and streamline responses later this year. Existing tools include several fact sheets, articles, manuals, a pocket field guide, and an online class – all available online at https://www.clemson.edu/extension/hab/materials.html.

Drought Status: Reports of low water levels in ponds are increasing across the Upstate.
As of 2/19/26, all of Cherokee County is experiencing some level of drought (see map), including
D2 Severe (northern ~61%) and D3 Extreme (southern ~39%).

Visit the US Drought Monitor website for updated weekly reports (https://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/CurrentMap.aspx). Submitting a report is quick and easy – and helps inform drought status decisions – visit the Condition Monitoring Observations Report website to get started (https://droughtimpacts.unl.edu/Tools/ConditionMonitoringObservations.aspx)

Haven Blackwell
4-H Youth & Development Agent
Cherokee County

The Cherokee Charter Academy 4-H Club continues to demonstrate what it truly means to pledge “hands to larger service.” Throughout this school year, members have actively participated in a variety of meaningful and educational experiences, including submitting entries to the fair, exploring the art and science of beekeeping, marching in local parades, and serving their community through hands-on projects.

One standout example of leadership came from 4-H’er Tristan Wilkinson, who took initiative by writing to his school’s administration to propose hosting a food drive and organizing a Thanksgiving meal for school families. Inspired by his idea, the administration partnered with the 4-H club to bring the vision to life. Together, they organized a food drive, packed bags of groceries for families in need, and prepared a Thanksgiving meal for those who may not have otherwise had one. We are incredibly proud of Tristan for his courage and leadership, and of the entire club for stepping up to serve in such a meaningful way.

The momentum doesn’t stop there. The Cherokee Charter Academy 4-H Club still has a full semester of exciting activities ahead. Members are looking forward to visiting the Gaffney Visitor’s Center, attending South Carolina 4-H Legislative Day, building birdhouses for a local senior home, going fishing, participating in a farm tour, and wrapping up the semester with a family picnic.

Through leadership, service, and hands-on learning, these 4-H’ers continue to grow as confident, capable young leaders in our community. We can’t wait to see what they accomplish next!

If you are interested in starting a 4-H club at your school, please contact Haven Blackwell at daynab@clemson.edu or (864) 649-8252 for more information.