Category: Fairfield

The Midlands STEM 4-H Club is buzzing with excitement as they celebrate the opening of their brand-new Pollinator Garden, a hands-on project designed to support local ecosystems while giving youth a chance to learn, grow, and make a lasting impact in their community.

The garden, created and maintained by club members, is filled with pollinator-friendly plants chosen to attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. Through this project, 4-H youth are gaining firsthand experience in environmental stewardship, science, and sustainable gardening practices—all while creating a welcoming space for pollinators that play a critical role in food production and biodiversity.

As part of their preparation, club members visited Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, where they learned about the importance of garden design and plant selection from the horticulture staff. They then applied what they learned to design and plant their own space, making the garden both a learning laboratory and a meaningful contribution to the community.

The school community came together, joined by members of the wider community, to celebrate the official opening of the garden. As part of the festivities, students released butterflies that had been raised in classrooms participating in the Fairfield 4-H Embryology Program, symbolizing growth, transformation, and the positive impact of youth-led projects.

The Pollinator Garden will serve as an outdoor classroom for the club, providing opportunities for lessons in biology, ecology, and agriculture. It also stands as a symbol of the club’s commitment to community involvement, as the space will be open for others to visit and enjoy.

The Midlands STEM 4-H Club thanks all volunteers, families, and community partners who supported the development of the garden. With their help, this project has truly taken root, and the club looks forward to watching both the garden—and its young leaders—continue to flourish.

Martina Wicker, 4-H Youth Development Agent: mewick@clemson.edu | 864.985.2904

Fairfield County 4-H is proud to announce the establishment of its very first Teen Council, marking a monumental moment in the program’s growth and development. This exciting new leadership opportunity gives teens a voice in shaping the direction of 4-H, while also building their skills in teamwork, organization, and service.

The newly formed Teen Council has already hit the ground running. Members have elected officers, begun planning future activities, and played a key role in helping plan and implement the recent 4-H Awards Night on August 14. Their involvement added fresh energy and creativity to the event, demonstrating the important role youth leadership can play in the success of the program.

In addition to their leadership responsibilities, the Teen Council has also enjoyed several outings together, strengthening friendships and building the kind of teamwork that will serve them well as they continue their work. They also helped design the brand-new Fairfield County 4-H T-shirt, giving them the chance to contribute in a lasting and creative way.

Looking ahead, the Teen Council will continue to help shape the Fairfield County 4-H program throughout the upcoming year, ensuring that youth voices remain at the center of planning, activities, and growth.

Martina Wicker, 4-H Youth Development Agent: mewick@clemson.edu | 864.985.2904

Fairfield County 4-H is celebrating a summer filled with learning, leadership, and lasting memories. From hands-on projects to leadership conferences, local youth had the chance to experience the very best of what 4-H has to offer.

The season kicked off with the Midlands STEM 4-H Club’s Grand Opening of their Pollinator Garden, a youth-led project designed to support local ecosystems and serve as an outdoor learning space for years to come. Shortly after, members participated in Forged in 4-H, a unique blacksmithing class where youth learned traditional metalworking skills while exploring creativity and craftsmanship.

In June, Fairfield 4-H members had the special opportunity to tour the South Carolina Governor’s Mansion, gaining a closer look at state history and leadership.  Youth also explored their artistic side through Gallop Into Art, a program that combined creative expression with agricultural themes, allowing members to experiment with different art forms while celebrating their connection to the land and horses. At the end of the month, members attended STEM Camp and competed in activities such as Paper Rocketry, The Egg Drop Challenge, and Zipline Racers.

Later in the summer, members participated in Reel & Range Camp, where they practiced outdoor skills in fishing, shooting sports, and wildlife education. Leadership development was another highlight, with two Fairfield County 4-H members attending South Carolina 4-H Congress at Clemson University. This statewide gathering gave participants the chance to connect with peers, grow as leaders, and represent Fairfield County on a bigger stage.

The summer concluded with the highly anticipated Fairfield County 4-H Awards Night on August 14. This special evening celebrated the accomplishments of youth and volunteers, while also highlighting the program’s tremendous growth—including the recognition of over 53 first-year members.

From start to finish, the summer of 2025 showcased the impact of 4-H in Fairfield County: building skills, creating memories, and growing leaders for tomorrow. With momentum from such a successful season, Fairfield County 4-H looks forward to an even stronger year ahead.

Martina Wicker, 4-H Youth Development Agent: mewick@clemson.edu | 864.985.2904

October 16, 2025, 5:30 – 7:00 PM

Join us at Horned M Ranch in White Oak and learn how to incorporate genetic test results into your replacement heifer selection.

 Mr. Jim Johnson with Zoetis will review the INHERIT genetic test and how to use the information to select replacement heifers. Tested heifers will be on site, and you will get to see how your traditional replacement methods match with the genetic test results.

Agenda:

• Live animal selection – Participants will pick which heifer they would select as replacements
• Traditional, phenotype-based selection of replacement heifers by Mr. Brian Beer, Area Livestock & Forages Extension Agent, Clemson Extension.
• Meal
• Using Zoetis INHERIT genetic testing to aid in selecting superior replacement heifers by Mr. Jim Johnson, Zoetis
• Heifer selection with genetic test results – Participants will review their selected replacement heifers and see how their picks compare to the genetic test results.

This event is free thanks to our sponsors, Carolinas Animal Health, CPC Feeds, and Zoetis. Registration is required using Eventbrite.

Click Here to Register

Contact Brian Beer, Area Livestock and Forages Extension Agent. Email: bbeer@clemson.edu. Phone or text: 803-320-9360.

Over the past three years, the Clemson Cooperative Extension food crop team has been collecting data for specialty crop production areas and their value to the economy. The pilot scheme began in 2022 with 6 crops. This year marks the repeat of the initial crops and data capture for the remaining 14 crops

Based on the figures for 2024, commercial horticulture in Fairfield County indicates that specialty crops account for $23,310 in revenue. This is based on two years of data, with the final crops to be added this year.

Researchers within the team utilize the data to justify grant proposals; we in Extension can utilize the data to justify our impacts on the state. If you believe or know of any people producing specialty crops in the county, please reach out to me, and I will be happy to collect the information. All information is treated with the strictest confidence.

Rob Last, Commercial Horticulture Agent: rlast@clemson.edu | 803-359-8515 

Online Cohort for Fairfield County – October 2025

The Rural Health and Nutrition team has partnered with Prisma Health to establish a referral network between Prisma patients and the Health Extension for Diabetes Program. Through this partnership, I have received several referrals from Prisma Health Family Medicine – Winnsboro. While referral numbers haven’t yet supported an in-person class in Fairfield, I am able to offer the online option until enrollment is sufficient for a local cohort. I am always interested in creating new partnerships to increase the number of referrals from Fairfield County and welcome the opportunity to connect with others about the program. Participants may also self-refer to the program, provided they meet eligibility requirements, including having a diagnosis of type 1 or type 2 diabetes.

Elizabeth Parker, Rural Health and Nutrition Agent: parker4@clemson.edu | 803-283-3302

Pots of Possibilities

Urban Horticulture Agent Jackie Jordan teamed up with Fairfield County 4-H agent, Martina Wicker to offer Pots of Possibilities. The spring Pots of Possibilities workshop offered participants a chance to make their own edible container garden. Participants combined Malabar spinach, cucumber and tomato plants in pots and learned how to care for the plants. The goal of Pots and Possibilities is to provide citizens of Fairfield County with the tools to grow their own nutritious food.

Master Gardener Training Classes

Jackie Jordan, the Fairfield County Urban Horticulture Agent and Master Gardener Coordinator will offer two Master Gardener Training Classes this fall starting in September. The Kershaw County class will be held on Tuesdays and the Richland County class will be offered on Thursdays through November.

The Master Gardener Training Class trains, selects, and utilizes knowledgeable volunteers to facilitate the educational work of the local Horticulture Agent by delivering research-based information to the citizens of the state.

Jackie Jordan: 803-722-1196 | jkopack@clemson.edu

The latest Spring/Summer canning workshops have been highly successful, equipping individuals with the skills to preserve food at home. These interactive, practical sessions have breathed new life into age-old techniques and have also cultivated a spirit of togetherness and teamwork among attendees.

Get Ready for Fall: Exciting Workshop Opportunities

The buzz around our canning workshops is growing, and we’re thrilled to announce our upcoming fall schedule! If you’re interested in learning how to preserve food and have a great time doing it, this is your chance. Bring a friend along and join us for a fun and educational experience. Our workshops are not just about learning new skills; they’re also about making unforgettable memories with new friends. Sign up now and be part of something special!

Upcoming Regional Fall Canning Workshop Schedule:

• Friday, Sept. 12: Pickling
• Thursday, Oct. 23 & Friday, Oct. 24: Pressure Canning
• Friday, Nov. 14 & Saturday, Nov. 15: Pressure Canning
• Friday, Dec. 11 & Saturday, Dec. 12: Jams, Jellies, & Soft Spreads

Don’t let these enriching opportunities pass you by! Join us in keeping tradition alive, building community, and acquiring invaluable skills. We eagerly anticipate welcoming you and your friends to our next workshop!

Register Today!

Faith Isreal, Food Systems and Safety Agent: 803-722-1195 | fisreal@clemson.edu

Jackie Jordan Urban Horticulture

Join us as we grow together, one pot at a time!

The Pots of Possibilities Series is a container gardening program designed to help combat food insecurity and promote sustainability in Fairfield County.

Offering classes each spring and fall, this initiative provides residents of all ages with the tools and knowledge to grow their own food in small spaces. The program is completely free of charge, but spots are limited, so be sure to reserve your place in this hands-on, community-driven experience.

For more information, check out The Pots of Possibilities Series Flyer

Martina Wicker 4-H Youth Development

We’re thrilled to announce the addition of several new 4-H clubs, offering even more opportunities for our youth to grow, learn, and engage in hands-on experiences in various fields of interest. 

1. Horse Club – Hosted by Joyner Family Horse Farms 
This exciting new club provides youth with the chance to connect with horses and develop their skills in equestrian activities. From interactions with horses to learning about horse care, this club offers an invaluable experience for young people passionate about animals. A special thank you to our volunteer, Mr. Jimmy Joyner, for opening his barn and sharing his experience and expertise with our youth.  

2. Farm & Family Club – Hosted by Crazy Chic Heritage Farms 
The Farm & Family Club is all about fostering a love for agriculture and understanding the importance of farming in our communities. This club focuses on the showmanship of poultry and encouraging youth to build strong family connections through farm-related activities. 4-H volunteers Abbie & Shaun Kowalke do a phenomenal job of helping to foster the love for agriculture and poultry.  

3. Midlands STEM Charter School 4-H Club 
The Midlands STEM Charter School 4-H Club focuses on hands-on learning projects and exploration of all that 4-H has to offer. The youth in this club have already been very busy planting a tree at the school for Arbor Day, working on passion projects, and will soon begin planting seeds to help with our Fairfield Container Gardening classes. Teachers, Courtney Corby and Lauren Beck, do a miraculous job of organizing, fundraising, and hosting the club.  

4. Farm Animals & Sustainability Club – Hosted by Set in Stone Sustainability Farm 
This club is dedicated to educating our youth on sustainable farming practices, the importance of environmental stewardship, and the showmanship of swine. Youth will gain firsthand experience in managing farm animals while learning how sustainable practices can protect our planet for future generations. A special thank you for SeVen Stone for opening her farm and heart to the youth of Fairfield County.  

5. Homeschool Club 
Recognizing the diversity of learning environments, the Homeschool Club brings together 4-H members who are homeschooled for community building, learning, and shared experiences. While this club is titled “Homeschool Club”, it is open to all youth. This club is a great opportunity for homeschool families to engage with one another and the broader 4-H community.