Travis Mitchell
Livestock and Forages Agent for Newberry and Saluda Counties
Director for The South Carolina Cattlemen’s Association

 
Livestock and Forage producers around South Carolina are certainly ready for spring.  The spring bull and replacement heifer sales are in full swing, as this always seems to be a very busy time of the year.  As we move into 2024, input costs in every agriculture sector 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 2 at the T.Ed. Garrison Arena in Clemson.  The educational components of the meeting focused on the beef cattle market outlook and investment strategies during market peaks.  Scholarships and state awards of excellence were also presented.  The South Carolina Cattlemen’s Foundation awarded four scholarships to deserving college students.
The Saluda County Cattlemen’s Association will hold its 32nd Annual Replacement Heifer Sale on Saturday, February 24.  Over 85 bred and open heifers will be auctioned from Saluda County cattlemen.
The Saluda County Cattlemen’s Association met on February 6.  Participants listened to an excellent presentation from Mr. Matthew Fischer, Clemson Extension Ag Economist.  Mr. Fischer gave producers a look into market expectations as we move through 2024.
The Saluda County Extension Service will offer a CAMM Recertification course on March 6 at the Hollywood Ruritan.  Participants interested in attending can call the office for further details on how to register.  2024 marks the end of the recertification block for producers holding a Private Pesticide Applicator license.  License holders are required to obtain five recertification credits by December 31, 2024.  A recertification course will be offered on March 6 at the Hollywood Ruritan Building.  Please call the Saluda County Extension office at 864-803-1123 to register.
 

Saluda County Upcoming Events

February 24, 2024  Saluda County Cattlemens 32nd Annual Heifer Sale starts at 12:00, Noon

February 27, 2024 – Saluda 4-H Livestock Club Meeting here at the office at 4:00pm

March 3,2024 – Registration Deadline for the 4-H Pullet Chain Poultry Project

March 5, 2024 – State 4-H Legislative Day , Columbia SC

March 6, 2024  – Saluda County CAMM Training at Hollywood Ruritan for 10am to 12.
March 6, 2024 – Saluda County Private Applicators Recertification for Recert. Credits up to 3 Credits Meeting at 1 to 4pm at Hollywood Ruritan in Saluda, SC

March 8, 2024 –  Deadline to register for the 4H Dairy Judging Contest.

March 22, 2024–  4-H Dairy Judging Competition in Pendleton and Dairy Spring Show. Also, deadline to Register for the 4H Livestock Judging Competition.

April 5, 2024 – Deadline to Register For the 4-H Small Garden Project
April 5, 2024 – 4-H Livestock  Judging Competition in Pendleton

April 19-24 – Nation 4-H Conference in Washington, DC

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.

Initial Private Pesticide Applicator Training and Licensing Exam  

Wednesday, December 8 at 9:00am to 12:30pm