Author: ryoung6

Mallory Fulmer

As we move through the 2025–2026 4-H year, it’s been exciting to look back at just how much our Newberry County 4-H’ers have already accomplished. With 123 members currently enrolled, our clubs have been busy meeting monthly, learning new skills, and building friendships that extend far beyond the meeting room.

Our Teen Council has been especially active this year, giving back to the community in meaningful ways. Members had a blast passing out candy at the Newberry Health Truck or Treat, spreading smiles and sweet treats to families across the county. Teen Council members also participated in a self-defense class, building confidence and learning important personal safety skills. In addition, all Newberry County 4-H members helped spread holiday cheer by participating in the Prosperity Christmas Parade, proudly representing 4-H and celebrating the season together.

We also kicked off 2026 with a special New Year’s Camp, where 4-H’ers learned about traditions and superstitions from around the world while reflecting on personal goals for the year ahead. It was a fun and thoughtful way to ring in the new year, encouraging youth to dream big and set intentions for what’s next.

With strong participation, growing membership, and plenty of laughter along the way, this 4-H year is already shaping up to be one to remember.

Sydney Rentz

Over the past four months, I have been getting established in my role as the Clemson Extension Area Livestock and Forages Agent, focusing on building relationships with producers, assessing local needs, and identifying opportunities to strengthen livestock and forage systems across Newberry, Laurens, and Greenwood Counties. This initial period has been spent meeting with farmers, visiting operations, and working to better understand the challenges and goals of our livestock community. These early efforts are laying the groundwork for future programming, on-farm support, and educational resources aimed at improving forage management, animal performance, and overall farm sustainability.

So far, some of my time has been invested in attending Cattlemen’s Association meetings in my coverage area, regional bull sales, and professional development conferences to stay connected with both producers and industry trends. These events have provided me with valuable insight into current cattle markets, soil and forage health and fertility, and management practices to share with my local producers. Participation in fellow Extension agents’ programs has also offered opportunities to observe successful programming efforts, gather new ideas, and strengthen collaborative relationships across counties. Together, these experiences are helping shape future livestock and forage programming to better serve local producers and support informed decision-making on their operations.

Looking ahead to 2026, I look forward to continuing to work alongside our livestock producers and supporting the growth and success of operations across Newberry, Laurens, and Greenwood Counties. Strengthening relationships, providing research-based information, and developing practical programming that meets local needs will remain a top priority of mine. Whether through on-farm visits, educational meetings, or collaborative events, my goal is to ensure producers have access to the tools and resources needed to improve their operations. I am excited for the opportunities ahead and appreciate the continued support and engagement from our livestock community. 

Mallory Fulmer

While we’re proud of everything accomplished so far, the best is still ahead for Newberry County 4-H. With four more months of club meetings, plus spring break adventures and summer camps on the horizon, our 4-H calendar is packed with opportunities to learn and explore.

Spring Break will bring three exciting camps for our 4-H’ers. Forged in 4-H will offer a unique blacksmithing day camp experience, where participants can learn about metalworking, tools, and craftsmanship in a hands-on setting. Our Spring Farm Tour Camp will take youth around Newberry County to visit local farms, giving them a closer look at agriculture right in their own community. We’ll also host a Cake Decorating Camp, featuring a local baker who will teach participants creative icing techniques and decorating skills sure to impress.

Looking beyond spring break, we’re gearing up for even more statewide opportunities. Some of our junior 4-H’ers will attend SC 4-H Junior Weekend this spring, while our Teen Council seniors are already looking forward to SC 4-H Congress in July. We’re also excited to support a senior team of 4-H’ers at the Cooking: Life, a Chef Summit, where youth can showcase their skills and teamwork.

This spring, 4-H youth will also attend SC 4-H Legislative Day, where they will have the opportunity to connect with legislators and advocate for what 4-H means to them and their communities.

Behind the scenes, spring is also the busiest time of year for school programming. From February through May, 48 teachers across Newberry County will participate in the 4-H Embryology Project. Students will get an up-close look at the life cycle of a chick, from egg to hatch, creating unforgettable learning experiences in classrooms across the county.

Summer camps will be announced closer to mid-April, and we can’t wait to share what’s in store. From clubs and camps to statewide events and school programs, Newberry County 4-H is heading into a season full of learning, leadership, and fun — and we’re just getting started.

Hello all!  My name is Sydney Rentz! I am beyond excited to start as the new Area Livestock Agent for Newberry, Laurens, and Greenwood Counties! I am from Ehrhardt, South Carolina, where I grew up on my family’s beef stocker cattle, row crop, and custom harvesting operation.  I recently graduated from Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (ABAC) in May where I earned my Bachelor of Science in Agriculture with a concentration in Livestock Production and a minor in Agribusiness.  While at ABAC, my studies focused on beef and dairy cattle production, and I was able to gain hands-on knowledge about both through classes and internships.  I also served as the 2024-2025 Secretary for the ABAC Cattlemen’s Association.  Once again, I am excited to join the Clemson Extension Family, and I look forward to serving Newberry, Laurens, and Greenwood Counties to the best of my ability!

Mallory Fulmer

As summer winds down, we’re reflecting on the fun, friendships, and learning that filled our 4-H days. We are thrilled to share that all of our Newberry County 4-H summer camps sold out and were a huge success!

This year’s lineup included:

• Engineer Camp – 4-H’ers competed for two days in teams of four to take on exciting engineer challenges.
• Crafty Clovers Art Camp – A full day of creativity and fun with pottery, painting, and more hands-on art projects.
• Crochet Camp – With the help of our amazing volunteers, 4-H’ers learned basic crochet techniques learning to make granny squares and dish rags.
• Camp 4-H – Our Cloverbuds spent three days exploring Natural Resources and Agriculture through engaging activities and outdoor fun.
• Farm Tour Camp – We toured local farms and learned more about agriculture right here in our community.

In addition to our camp fun, three of our senior-aged 4-H’ers attended SC 4-H Congress at Clemson University this summer. They had opportunities to engage in leadership activities, experience college life firsthand, and build lasting connections with 4-H friends from across the state.

We’re so proud of everything our 4-H’ers accomplished this summer and can’t wait to see what the 2025–2026 4-H year brings!

Jeff Fellers

2025 Forestry Focus

The Newberry County Forestry Association hosted their 20^th biennial Forestry Focus program on Saturday, March 15, 2025.  For those who are not familiar with Forestry Focus, it is an all-day event that will run from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm.  This year we had over 60 people in attendance to learn about a variety of topics related to forestry and natural resources.

Laurens County Spotlight on Agriculture

Laurens County Spotlight on Agriculture recognizes all the agricultural producers in the county.  This year Bruce Davidson was awarded the Laurens County Woodlands Manager of the year. 

Growing our Future

Growing our Future is a valued gathering for the forest management community.  This program is designed for professionals as well as landowners.  This year the program was held May 7 at the Phillips Market Center at the SC State Farmers Market.  There were over 150 people in attendance.

Woodland Clinic

Every year I get the opportunity to help with the woodland clinic.  This is a great program that offers FFA chapters and 4-H clubs the opportunity to compete in forestry skills.  Teams compete in tree measurement, tool identification, tree identification, and compass and pacing. 

Master Tree Farmer Field Tour

On May 16, we hosted a field tour for the Master Tree Farmer participants.  The tour was hosted at Mike Meetze tree farm where participants got to see various forest management techniques that has be implemented on his farm.  We had about 15 in attendance.

Nature Hike at Chester State Park with 4-H

Had the opportunity to lead a trail hike with Robert Carter for a 4-H summer day camp at Chester State Park.  Participants learned about the forest that the trail navigates through. 

Newberry Soil and Water Mobile Lab Gardening Program

Assist with providing a program on soil sampling and how to interpret a soil analysis.

• July 11, 2025 – Fall Gardens and soil health
• September 25, 2025 – Winter gardens and soil health

Newberry Forestry Association

• May 13, 2025 – Drew Fasano with Arborgen presented on alternative spacing using high end genetics to reduce pulpwood and maximize sawtimber. 
• August 12, 2025 – Seth Sofferin with Quail Forever presented on a cost share program that they are offering to landowners. 

Laurens Forest Landowners Association

• May 27, 2025 – Dr. Patrick Hiesl presented on the economics of portable sawmills for a landowner.
• August 26, 2025 — Seth Sofferin with Quail Forever presented on a cost share program that they are offering to landowners. 

Edisto Research and Education Center — This past year the Forestry and Natural Resource Team has been more involved in timber management at Edisto REC. 

• Prescribed Burn
• Tree Planting – Planted a long leaf pine for a silvo-pasture demonstration.
• Silva-Pasture Demonstration – thinned some trees to open alley ways that will be planted for grazing, along with opening another stand to plant grasses under trees. 

Solar Kiln

Had the opportunity to help Dr. Patrick Hiesl build a solar kiln for some research that he will be conducted.  This solar kiln is designed for small scale use with portable sawmills. 

4-H Shooting Sports Trailer
The 4-H Shooting Sports Trailer has been busy the last few months.  We use the trailer to raise funds for our 4-H Shooting Sports Program.  We have been fortunate to raise enough funds to purchase and maintain our supplies, so the participants do not have to pay any extra fees for the clubs.

• Walker Days – February 21-22, 2025
• Camp Conservation – June 20, 2025

Upcoming Events:

Union County Agricultural Fair – October 14-18, 2025

Union County 5K Day at the Fair – October 16, 2025

Newberry Forestry Association – November 11, 2025

Laurens Forestry Association – November 25, 2025

Mallory Fulmer

A new 4-H year is here, and we couldn’t be more excited for all the opportunities, adventures, and learning experiences ahead! Newberry County 4-H is thrilled to announce that we will be offering 11 amazing clubs starting this September—there’s something for every interest and age group.

This year’s club lineup includes:

• Clovers in the Kitchen
• Kids in the Kitchen
• Seniors in the Kitchen
• Clovers STEM Club
• Kids STEM Club
• Teen Council
• Needleworks Club
• Homeschool Club
• Sharpshooters Air Rifle Club
• Shellshockers Shotgun Club
• Eagles Shotgun Club

We’re also growing in more ways than one! This year, eight schools in Newberry County will be participating in our School Garden Program. These schools will receive four plant deliveries throughout the year so their students can enjoy hands-on planting and gardening right at school.

And we can’t forget one of our favorite spring traditions—the 4-H Embryology Project! We’ll be working with local schools to give students an up-close look at the life cycle of a chicken, from egg to fluffy chick.

Of course, that’s just the beginning. We’ll be offering fun camps and hands-on workshops throughout the year, so keep an eye out for announcements—you won’t want to miss a thing.

Here’s to another year of growing leaders, building friendships, and making memories in Newberry County 4-H!

Hello! My name is Mallory Fulmer, and I am the new Newberry County 4-H Youth Development Agent.  I am from Prosperity, South Carolina. I grew up in Newberry County and attended Newberry College where I received my degree in early childhood education. After graduating, I completed my master’s degree in reading with a focus in early childhood literacy. I am so excited for this new opportunity and look forward to serving Newberry County as the new 4-H Youth Development Agent! I look forward to providing Newberry 4-H members with lots of exciting project, club, and workshop opportunities! Make sure to follow us on Facebook to see all the fun events we will have this year!

What’s Happening in Newberry County 4-H?

2025 is off to a great start so far for Newberry County 4-H. We brought in the new year with a new agent by hosting a NYE baking workshop for youth in our county. 4-H’ers got the opportunity to mix, measure, and decorate holiday themed treats to take home and share with their families. Newberry County 4-H also has two clubs that have started up this year. The Cooking Club and STEM Club, both being offered to clovers and juniors. This year in the Cooking Club we are cooking by colors. Each meeting we make a new recipe that is the color we have selected. So far this year we have made blue cloud bread and pizza roses! Aside from having fun with color recipes, club members are learning fundamental kitchen skills and cooking techniques. STEM club is also off to a great start. We have learned about the importance of strong foundations in buildings during earthquakes by designing and building our own towers and simulating earthquakes. At STEM club we love bringing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics to life by providing club members with fun hands-on learning opportunities. This spring we will be starting Embryology in partnership with teachers from Newberry County School District. We have had a blast incubating our own chicks in preparation for the project! As summer approaches we will have more workshop and camp opportunities. Be on the lookout for updates!
 

Alana West – Assistant Program Team Director SC 4-H Youth Development

Newberry County 4-H Hiring New Agent

For 13 years, Alana West served as 4-H Agent for Newberry County. Under her guidance, the program grew to reach 37% of youth aged 5 through 18 in the county. Opportunities have included programs in animals and agriculture, leadership, personal development, healthy living, STEM, and natural resources delivered via camps, workshops, school enrichment, clubs, and independent projects.

In March, Mrs. West accepted the position of Assistant Director of the South Carolina 4-H Youth Development Program. In this role she will work with state level staff to support the team of 4-H agents that represent South Carolina’s 46 counties. While she does have an office on the campus of Clemson University, she will keep her home office in the Newberry County Clemson Extension building.

Currently, Clemson Extension is in the process of hiring a new 4-H Agent. Interviews should take place soon with hopes of the program being back in full swing by Christmas.

In the meantime, there are a few 4-H volunteers keeping clubs running and statewide projects are still available for local youth. For more information on 4-H in Newberry County contact Alana West at 803.768.8442 or awillin@clemson.edu.

New Face at Newberry County Clemson Extension Office

When visiting the Newberry Extension Office please make sure to welcome the new Administrative Assistant, Mrs. Rachel Horne. Rachel is originally from Kinards, SC. She grew up on her family’s small farm and spent many years working for Satterwhite Farms. She has a degree in Diversified Agriculture from Piedmont Technical College and a bachelor’s degree from Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College in Agribusiness. She most recently worked for Farm Bureau Insurance, but is excited to be coming back to her agriculture roots by working for Clemson Extension. Rachel currently resides in Pomaria with her husband, Parker.

Rachel can be reached at ryoung6@clemson.edu or 803.276.0191.

Jeff Fellers – Area Forestry Agent

Summer has arrived.  With it comes dry weather, high temperatures, insects, and fungal diseases.  All can stress our plants and lead to more site and office visits to look at stressed and diseased plants.  This summer has been no different.  I always enjoy talking with clients and trying to help them identify their problems and find ways to help them.  Below are some of the interesting programs I have been associated with over the last few months.    

Site Visits/Office Visit
You never know what may come through the door at the office or what you might expect to see at a site visit.  We receive a lot of questions on small gardens throughout the summer.  These can range from blossom end rot, to stink bugs, to powdery mildew, and many other common pests and diseases found in the garden.  I also get tree calls from around the area.  These have ranged from lichen, dying oak trees, pine beetles, and numerous other insects and diseases that affect our trees.  Aquatic weeds in ponds also become more of a problem in summer, and I do numerous identifications and treatment options for landowners.   I always enjoy the specimens that clients bring in. There is always an opportunity to learn about new insects and diseases that I have not seen before.   

Camp Conservation
Camp Conservation is hosted by the Newberry Soil and Water Conservation District.  I have participated in this camp for the last several years by taking the 4-H Shooting Sports Trailer.  I normally take the trailer on the Friday of the Camp (June 28).  Participants learn about gun safety, parts of the gun and how to shoot.  The youth then get to shoot air rifles as they rotate through the different stations for the day. 

 https://www.newberryswcd.com/campconservation

Women Owning Woodlands
On April 12, I assisted in a field tour for Women Owning Woodlands.  This tour was held at a tree farm in Laurens, South Carolina.  At the field tour they learned about wildlife food plots, soil sampling, how to interpret a soil sample, prescribe fire, pine management, and various other topics.  Women Owning Woodlands aims to educate women in the stewardship of the land by connecting them to resources and trusted professionals. 

https://www.clemson.edu/extension/forestry/media/women-owning-woodlands.html

Lynches Woods Trail Hike
On August 17, I led a hike at Lynches Woods in Newberry, South Carolina.  Newberry Parks and Recreation hosted the hike on National TRACK Trails Day.  Participants learned about tree identification, keeping forests healthy, and various other plant related topics as we walked the trail. 

Newberry Forestry Association
The Newberry Forestry Association hosted meetings in May and August.  The May meeting featured a presentation by Jake McClain, a wildlife biologist with Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever.  Jake presented on creating and managing quail habitat.  The August meeting featured a presentation by Scott Danskin with the SC Forestry Commission on the current status of timber markets and mills in reference to the area.  The Newberry Forestry Association also gave out three $500 scholarships to local students who will be majoring in a field that benefits forest landowners.

Laurens Forest Landowners Association
The Laurens Forest Landowners Association hosted meetings in May and August.  The May meeting featured a presentation by Jake McClain, a wildlife biologist with Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever.  Jake presented on creating and managing quail habitat.  The August meeting featured two presentations.  Matthew Wannamaker from the Farm Service Agency presented on the agency’s forestry related programs.  The second presentation was by Holly Welch and Devin Orr on potential free stewardship management plans for landowners in Laurens County. 

Broad River Conservation Partnership
In March of 2024, the Broad River Conservation Partnership hosted their first landowners meeting.  Landowners attending the meeting heard testimonies from those who have benefited from working with land trust to help conserve their properties.  This is a program that is spearheaded by SC Department of Natural Resources, with the help of numerous other organizations.  The goal is to conserve, protect, and elevate the importance of our natural resources in the Broad River Watershed. 

Clemson Experimental Forest Southern Pine Beetle Tour
Unfortunately, there is currently a Southern Pine Beetle outbreak in the Clemson Experimental Forest.  The Forestry and Wildlife Team toured numerous spots on Friday August 9, 2024.  This was a great opportunity to see how the Experimental Forest was managing the problem.  The team was able to see active spots, controlled spots, and a salvage harvest.

South Carolina Society of American Foresters Annual Meeting
The South Carolina Society of American Foresters held their annual meeting in Newberry, SC June 12 through June 13.  I assisted in the planning and hosting of this meeting.  On June 12, we had a tree farm tour with a social.  June 13 was classroom sessions that focused on forest markets and the projected outlook. 

Woodland Clinic
Woodland Clinic is a forestry skills competition held at Connie Maxwell Children’s Ministries property in Greenwood, South Carolina.  High schools from across the state are invited to attend and compete.  Participants compete in tree measurement, forestry tools, compass and pacing, and forest pest identification.  I have helped for numerous years in the compass and pacing competition.   

Master Tree Farmer Tour
On May 10 we held a Master Tree Farmer Tour for participants of the class at Mike Meetze’s tree farm in Newberry, SC.  Participants were able to see a typical pine rotation from planting to harvest.  They were able to see a stand marked for pole harvest along with an operation sawmill on the property. 

Upcoming Events:

Union County Farm Show – September 21, 2024, Union County Fair Grounds

Union County Agricultural Fair – October 15 – 19, 2024, Union County Fair Grounds

5K Day at the Union County Agricultural Fair – October 17, 2024

Newberry Forestry Association – November 12, 2024

Laurens Forestry Association – November 26, 2024