Andy Rollins Commercial Horticulture Agent Spartanburg County
I am currently planning a replicated on-farm herbicide trial on jalapeño peppers at the farm of Ignacio Estrada Jr in Greenville County. The trial will evaluate the viability of Spartan herbicide as a weed control option. This project is being coordinated with Dr. Mathew Cutulle, a Clemson University specialist based at the Coastal Research and Education Center in Charleston, SC.
I recently completed the Upstate Strawberry Production Meeting at the Spartanburg Community College Cherokee Campus “Institute for Innovation,” a new venue for me. The meeting attracted growers from at least four counties across South Carolina, as well as two farms from North Carolina.
I will also continue my work on thinning peaches using Ethylene. I have experienced difficulty thinning varieties such as Scarlet Prince and July Prince. To address this, I will use a two-pronged approach: thinning during bloom with Ammonium Thiosulfate (ATS), followed by thinning at the fruitlet stage with Ethephon 2 SL. Peach growers currently rely on hand thinning, which is the most expensive labor input in peach production. This makes the development of effective chemical thinning strategies especially important for peach growers in the Upstate of South Carolina.
My final spring training for Upstate vegetable growers will be held on March 12.
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%).
Haven Blackwell 4-H Youth & Development Agent Cherokee County
Cherokee Charter Academy 4-H Club rides in the Christmas Parades
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.
Tristan Wilkinson organized a food drive.
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.
Christopher LeMaster, Jr. Area Livestock & Forage Agent Cherokee, Spartanburg, & Union Counties
For the past three years, our regional spring and fall workshop series has brought together the livestock producers of Cherokee, Spartanburg, and Union counties. These sessions are designed to provide local producers with practical, science-based information to navigate an ever-changing industry. This spring, we are continuing that tradition on March 12 at 6:00 PM at the Institute of Innovation in Gaffney with a focused panel discussion on selling beef directly to consumers.
According to a Clemson Extension study, 47% of South Carolina livestock producers now sell at least some of their animals through direct-to-consumer methods. While the bare meat counter during the COVID-19 pandemic spiked local demand, this trend has held. Many producers have made direct sales an increasing part of their farm income.
While selling beef directly to the public can be a great way to add value to a farm, it comes with its own set of technical hurdles. From understanding carcass finishing to navigating South Carolina’s meat-handling regulations, there is a lot to consider before fattening the calf.
To help break down these complexities, we’ve assembled a panel of experts to provide an objective look at the process. Travis Howard of Knockout Butchery will join us to discuss the processor’s perspective, while specialists from Clemson Extension will provide insight into the economics, regulation, meat science, nutrition, and marketing involved in direct sales.
We also recognize that many of our local farms are truly family affairs. To support that dynamic, we’ve included a youth-focused educational track for the evening. While the adults participate in the panel, kids ages 15 and under will head to the Animal Science Lab for a hands-on livestock activity led by Clemson 4-H and Cherokee County FFA. It’s a great way to involve the next generation in our industry.
The evening will begin with a dinner, providing a chance for producers from across our three counties to connect and talk shop. Whether you are a seasoned producer or just considering your first direct sale, we hope you’ll join us for this regional workshop.
MARCH 12 6PM
Institute of Innovation 175 Campus Way Gaffney, SC
Chris LeMaster Livestock & Forage Agent Cherokee, Spartanburg, & Union Counties
Over 97% of US farms are family-owned, and less than one-third have a formal succession plan.
Let’s try to imagine a business that is worth over a million dollars in assets and holdings. A new investor/partner has started with the company and scheduled a meeting with the CEO/Founder to discuss the transition plan. The CEO obliges, but instead of meeting in an office, they meet at the CEO’s kitchen table. The table is covered with invoices, receipts, seed, parts list and so forth. During the meeting, the CEO’s phone constantly rings with calls about fences, hay, and other “urgencies.” Both parties are beginning to wonder if this is a waste of time; unfortunately, the meeting gets cut short by an issue with a hay baler in the field. No progress was made.
This is a common scene in our family-run farms. Everyone would agree that developing a succession plan is a high-value task for our farm families. Still, the small, less valuable task often takes precedence due to its perceived urgency.
On September 21st, there were over 75 farmers at the succession planning workshop in Pacolet, South Carolina. Speakers from FSA, SC land, and Clemson Extension gave farm families the tools necessary to get started with this vital task. We covered much ground but only scratched the surface of these critical topics. We are working on suggestions and feedback for the next installment of this workshop series. There were farmers from several counties in our region, and we had a great deal of support from our sponsors.
We look forward to equipping farmers now so these farms will still be in farmland tomorrow. Farms are businesses, and successful businesses need a good plan for carrying on to the next generation.
Haven Blackwell 4-H Youth & Development Agent Cherokee County
Cherokee County 4-H is excited to announce the launch of our new Teen Council club, a group designed to empower young people to become leaders in their communities and beyond. With a focus on community service, career exploration, and civic engagement, this club offers teens meaningful opportunities to grow while making a positive impact right here at home.
Our Teen Council currently consists of six dedicated teens who are already hard at work planning their first community service project. In partnership with a local soup kitchen, the club is developing a way to serve those in need and learn firsthand the importance of giving back. This project will not only benefit our neighbors but also help members gain valuable skills in leadership, organization, and teamwork.
Beyond community service, Teen Council will also focus on career exploration and civic engagement. Members will have the chance to:
Explore different career paths through guest speakers, workshops, and hands-on experiences.
Learn what it means to be an active and productive citizen.
Develop leadership skills that will serve them throughout their lives.
We are currently looking for more teens who want to be a part of this exciting new club. If you are passionate about making a difference, curious about future careers, or eager to get involved in your community, we invite you to join us!
For more information or to get involved with the Cherokee County 4-H Teen Council or any of our other opportunities, please contact your 4-H agent, Haven Blackwell, at daynab@clemson.edu or (864) 649-8252. Together, we can Make the Best Better.
Life in 4-H
Poultry JudgingBlacksmithingCooking Club
As we approach the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Helene, many of us are reflecting on – or still recovering from – the damage it caused. One lesson is the importance of being prepared before the next storm arrives.
If your home relies on a private well for drinking water, it’s especially important to know how to disinfect your well after flooding. Floodwater can contaminate private wells with bacteria, sewage, fuel, and other pollutants. If this happens, shock chlorination is the standard way to disinfect it to remove the bacteria. If your well is contaminated with fuel or other pollutants, this method will not be effective.
Supplies needed:
Regular, unscented bleach (5-6% sodium hypochlorite) – about 1 gallon (Do NOT use: scented, no- or low-splash, or color-safe bleach)
Waterproof gloves, eye protection
Small funnel or 5-gallon bucket (optional)
Tools to open well (if needed)
The Shock Chlorination Process
Below is a simplified overview of the steps. For detailed instructions, see these helpful resources:
Confirm electrical wiring to well has not been damaged and is turned off.
If wiring is damaged, do not proceed until it has been repaired and is safe to operate.
STEP 2: INSPECT THE WELL
Inspect well for damage (examples: cracked casing, missing cap, broken seal)
Inspect well and surrounding area for ongoing contamination (ex: sewer line break, dirty stormwater, oil/gas leaks)
The well must be repaired, with no active contamination, for disinfection to provide lasting results.
STEP 3: RUN WATER UNTIL CLEAR
Turn power on to well. Use caution!
If well is intact and there is no active contamination > run water from outside spigots until it appears clear.
Disinfection methods are less effective if water is not clear.
NOTE: If needed, collect water now for use during waiting period.
STEP 4: ADD BLEACH
Open well access (ex: plug, air vent, or lift entire well cover)
Pour bleach into the well casing. A funnel may help to direct bleach into the well.
See Disinfecting Your Water Well (https://dnr.mo.gov/document-search/disinfecting-your-water-well-pub2733/pub2733 ) for instructions on calculating the correct amount of bleach for your well. If you cannot perform the calculations, one (1) gallon bleach is usually (more than) enough per residential well.
STEP 5: CIRCULATE CHLORINE
Run water from outside hose into the well casing until you smell chlorine coming from the hose. Turn off outside hose.
Turn on all water faucets, inside and outside, until you smell chlorine at each. Then turn off all faucets.
STEP 6: WAIT
Do not use any water during the waiting period. Chlorine requires contact to disinfect.
Wait 8-18 hours before turning faucets back on. The high chlorine level will help disinfect the pipes but can be corrosive if left too long (24 hours maximum). *Use caution while any chlorine smell is present – bleach can burn eyes and irritate skin.
STEP 7: FLUSH THE SYSTEM
After the waiting period, turn on outside spigot and run water into an area where it will minimize damage (away from septic tanks, streams, etc.). This water contains high levels of chlorine and is not safe for human consumption or contact. The water may be used for cleaning (reminder – bleach may damage fabrics, clothes, etc.).
Run water until you no longer smell chlorine odor. Turn the water off.
Run water from inside faucets until you no longer smell chlorine odor. Turn the water off.
NOTE: The water should now be disinfected.
STEP 8: TEST THE WATER
After 3-7 days, the chlorine smell should be completely gone, and the well water should be tested for bacteria.
If available, have water tested professionally.
Otherwise, use DIY test kit to indicate presence of bacteria.
For additional resources on well care and water testing, try Clemson Extension’s Be Well Informed online class. It’s free and available anytime. (https://www.clemson.edu/extension/water/programs/be-well-informed.html )
Preparing now helps ensure that you’ll be ready to keep your drinking water safe if the next storm impacts your private residential well.
