Category: Laurens

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. 

Enviroscape Lesson (September 15) – Provided a lesson to Richard Winn Academy using the enviroscape to illustrate point source pollution and non-point source pollution in our waters.

Silvopasture Field Day (September 17) – Assisted in setting up the demonstration plots for the Silvopasture Field Day that was hosted on September 17 at Clemson’s Edisto Research and Experimental Station.  This field day was free and showed cased forest stands that have been thinned and open areas that have been planted with longleaf pine at different spacing.

Newberry Soil and Water Mobile Lab Gardening Program (September 25) – Provided a lesson on soil health and how to interpret a soil sample analysis for their Winter Gardens and Soil Health Workshop.

Chainsaw Safety Workshops – The Clemson Extension Forestry and Natural Resource Team is offering Chainsaw Safety and Handling Workshops along with Tree Felling. These workshops teach participants about safe chainsaw handling, proper protection equipment, basic saw cuts on downed trees and techniques to safely fell a tree.

• September 25, 2025 – Chainsaw Safety Workshop at Clemson, SC.
• November 7, 2025 – Chainsaw Safety Workshop at Clemson, SC
• January 16, 2026 – Tree Felling Workshop at Sandhill Research and Education Center

Union Agricultural Fair (October 13-18) – Clemson Extension is heavily involved in the Union County Agricultural Fair. Each year we oversee agricultural products, home economics, poultry, display animals in the barn, and the livestock shows. During the month of October, you will find us fully involved in the Union County Agricultural Fair.

5K Day (October 16) – Each year we host the all the 5-year-old Kindergarten students in the Union County School Districts. They move the barn in stations to learn about Beef cattle, dairy cattle, pigs, goats, horses, rabbits, chickens, bees, and crops, all of which are part of Union County’s history. For this program I plant the crops sections for the display during the fair and the presentations for the 5-K Day.

Chainsaw Safety Train the Trainer (October 27-29) – conducted a train the trainer with Forestry Mutual Insurance to train 5 Agents on chainsaw safety.  This training will help provide more instructors for our chainsaw safety program. 

Newberry Career Center Interviews (November 19) – Newberry County Career Center invited me to sit in on mock interviews for their students who were interested in a agricultural related careers.  Had the opportunity to interview 5 students. 

Champion Tree (November 24) – Visited with John Cely at the Congaree National Park to measure 2 potential national champion trees.  They are currently state champions.  We measured a Loblolly pine and a cherry bark oak. 

Learn to Burn (December 11) – Assisted the South Carolina Forestry Commission in hosting a learn to burn to promote the Broad River Fire Cooperative. 

Portable Sawmill (January 7 & 12, 2026) – We are currently in process of planning a portable sawmill workshop for March 11, 2026.  For this program we have been milling logs and collecting data that would pertain to landowners who maybe interested  in purchasing a portable sawmill.  Through these work days we have milled numerous pine logs for the lumber and will in turn use that lumber to  make products displayed at the workshop. 

Judge 4-H Food Plots (January 14, 2026) – Always one of my favorite activities.  Mark and I judged a 4-H’ers food plot in Union.  This is a great project where the 4-H’er, plants the plots, monitors the plot, and then completes a record book.  We visit the site and then judge plot based on a set of criteria. 

Newberry Forestry Association

• November 11, 2026 – Buddy Lominack with Big Pine Logging, Inc. gave the association a loggers perspective in the current market.
• February 2026 – Dr. Patrick Hiesl with Clemson University will present on the Economics of Portable Sawmills.

Laurens Forest Landowners Association

• November 25, 2026 – Jon Carter presented on Utilization of Agricultural Spray Drones in Forestry
• February 24, 2026 – Colton Webb with the South Carolina Forestry Commission will present on Prescribe Fire and any changes that maybe coming in the next year.

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.

• Union County Fair – October 14 – 18, 2025
  • Grand American (Orangeburg, SC) – January 2-3,
    2026
• Walker Days (Union, SC) – February 27-28, 2026

Upcoming Events:

Chainsaw Safety Workshop

• March 12, 2026 – Clemson — https://www.eventbrite.com/e/chainsaw-safety-and-handling-workshop-tickets-1925493987349?aff=ebdsoporgprofile
• March 26, 2026 – Georgetown — https://www.eventbrite.com/e/chainsaw-safety-and-handling-workshop-tickets-1977944586503?aff=ebdsoporgprofile
• March 27, 2026- Georgetown — https://www.eventbrite.com/e/chainsaw-safety-and-handling-workshop-tickets-1977947278555?aff=ebdsoporgprofile
• April 24, 2026 – Clemson — https://www.eventbrite.com/e/chainsaw-safety-and-handling-workshop-tickets-1977948336720?aff=ebdsoporgprofile

Tree Felling

• March 13, 2026- Clemson — https://www.eventbrite.com/e/tree-felling-workshop-tickets-1925474789929?aff=ebdsoporgprofile

Portable Sawmill Workshop

• March 11, 2026 – Clemson — https://portablesawmillworkshop.eventbrite.com

Newberry Forestry Association

• May 12, 2026 – Jon Carter will present on Utilization of Agricultural Spray Drones in Forestry

Laurens Forestry Association

• May 26, 2026 – Lance Beecher will present on pond management

Lauren Smith, 4-H Agent

The Laurens County Youth Livestock Show brought together almost 150 young exhibitors from 19 counties across South Carolina to showcase their hard work and dedication to animal care. This year’s event featured a wide variety of livestock, including beef and dairy cattle, swine, rabbits, dogs, and meat goats at our brand-new Agricultural Center.  

Alongside the livestock show, youth also had the chance to show off their creative talents in the expanded Youth Creative Contest. There were over 55 entries ranging from photography and delicious homemade foods to sewing projects, pottery, and original drawings. Each piece reflected the imagination, effort, and unique style of its creator. The contest was a great reminder that 4-H youth programs aren’t just about animals. Young people have opportunities to express themselves, try new skills, and be proud of their creativity as well. 

Families, friends, and community members filled the stands, cheering on the youth and celebrating the importance of agriculture in Laurens County. Their support made the show feel welcoming, celebrating not just the animals in the ring but also all the hard work the kids put in to get there. 

Lauren Smith, 4-H Agent

Exciting things are happening in Laurens County 4-H! Several new clubs are forming, and a few clubs are reestablishing, giving local youth even more opportunities to explore their interests, build leadership skills, and connect with others in the community. 

Among the newest additions are: 

Crafty Crew – A perfect fit for creative minds who love hands-on art and DIY projects. 

Herd & Harvest Club – Combining agriculture and animal science for youth passionate about livestock and farming. 

Crusader 4-H Club at Laurens Academy – Bringing the spirit of 4-H directly into the LA school community. 

Among the relaunched clubs are: 

Homeschool 4-H – A program for homeschool families to engage in fun, educational 4-H experiences. 

Teen Council – Youth leaders who are passionate about making a difference in their clubs, community, and beyond. 

These exciting new clubs are supported by the strong foundation of our established groups Raiders at Laurens High, Clinton House Shell Shockers, Joanna Woodson Afterschool, and the ever-popular Greenville- Laurens Dairy Club, which continues to offer enriching experiences for members interested in dairy education and animal care.  

From cooking and crafts to agriculture and service, each club provides a space where kids can learn by doing, grow their confidence, and make lasting friendships. Dedicated parents and volunteers play an essential role in supporting these efforts, helping to guide the next generation of 4-H members.  As these clubs take root and flourish, Laurens County youth will have more opportunities than ever to grow, lead, and make their mark. 

Bryan Smith, Area Extension Agent-Agricultural Engineer

The Laurens County Extension Office is currently hosting a hybrid Master Gardener course.  The Master Gardener course began on August 12, 2025 and will meet each Tuesday through December 2.  This year’s course has 5 students.

Students in the course will complete 16 three-hour classes on subjects including lawn care, vegetable gardening, urban tree care, soils and plant nutrition, tree fruits and small fruits, and many more.  Each class is presented by an Extension Agent or a Master Gardener graduate that has experience in the subject matter, which allows them to provide practical experience along with research-based information.

This year’s course is once again a hybrid model, which includes 9 in-person presentations and 11 presentations by video (20 presentations in total will be presented over the 16 week course).  The hybrid model is an attempt to provide the same training to Master Gardener students across the State so they will all have the same base knowledge in the “Core” subjects.  The in-person classes allow coordinators to tailor the course for each county’s needs by offering local topics most useful to their students.

After completing the course the students will provide 40 hours of community service over the next 12 months to become Certified Master Gardeners.

For more information about the program visit https://www.clemson.edu/extension/mg/ .

Bryan Smith, Area Extension Agent-Agricultural Engineer

SC State Regulation R.61-43 requires all confined animal facility operators to attend the Confined Animal Manure Manager (CAMM) certification program provided by Clemson Extension.  The CAMM team has worked hard to provide trainings for South Carolina’s confined animal facility operators this year.  From July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025 Bryan Smith (Laurens), Brian Beer (Lancaster), Lee van Vlake (Florence), and Amber Starnes (Chesterfield) worked together to offer two initial, full day trainings and also worked with local county agents across the state to provide 65 recertification trainings including 53 in-person trainings and 12 online Zoom trainings.

Presenters included Bryan Smith, Dr. Julie Helm (Livestock Poultry Health), Dr. John Chastain (Clemson University), Dr. Sean Eastman (Livestock Poultry Health), Lee van Vlake, Brian Beer, and Tonya O’Cain (SCDES).  Topics included “Crop Utilization of Manure Nutrients and Soil Fertility,” “Vectors and Vector Control,” “Horse Manure Issues and Management,” “Mortality and Composting,” “Energy Saving Opportunities for Swine Facilities,” “Beef Grazing Systems and Water Quality Protection,” “Poultry Litter Fertilization for Hybrid Bermudagrass,”  and “Tunnel Ventilation & Evaporative Cooling: Heat Stress Reduction, Performance, and Energy Use,” as well as several others.

597 growers attended the in-person recertification trainings and 435 growers attended the online recertification trainings.  60 growers attended the two initial, full-day trainings.

The team plans to offer two initial, full-day trainings in February 2026 and a slate of recertification trainings for our growers from January through March 2026 and another slate from late April through August 2026.  More information about the training program may be found at www.clemson.edu/camm .

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!

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

By: Heather Nix, Water Resource Agent

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:

• NC Department of Health & Human Services: Disinfecting Your Private Well with Liquid Bleach (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cUKxtAbdbEg)
• University of Georgia: Disinfecting Your Well Water: Shock Chlorination (https://fieldreport.caes.uga.edu/publications/C858-4/disinfecting-your-well-water-shock-chlorination-2/)

STEP 1: CONFIRM ELECTRICITY IS OFF

1. Confirm electrical wiring to well has not been damaged and is turned off.
2. If wiring is damaged, do not proceed until it has been repaired and is safe to operate.

STEP 2: INSPECT THE WELL

1. Inspect well for damage (examples: cracked casing, missing cap, broken seal)
2. Inspect well and surrounding area for ongoing contamination (ex: sewer line break, dirty stormwater, oil/gas leaks)
3. The well must be repaired, with no active contamination, for disinfection to provide lasting results.

STEP 3: RUN WATER UNTIL CLEAR

1. Turn power on to well. Use caution!
2. If well is intact and there is no active contamination > run water from outside spigots until it appears clear.
3. 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

1. Open well access (ex: plug, air vent, or lift entire well cover)
2. Pour bleach into the well casing. A funnel may help to direct bleach into the well.
3. 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

1. Run water from outside hose into the well casing until you smell chlorine coming from the hose. Turn off outside hose.
2. Turn on all water faucets, inside and outside, until you smell chlorine at each. Then turn off all faucets.

STEP 6: WAIT

1. Do not use any water during the waiting period. Chlorine requires contact to disinfect.
2. 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

1. 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.).
2. Run water until you no longer smell chlorine odor. Turn the water off.
3. 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

1. After 3-7 days, the chlorine smell should be completely gone, and the well water should be tested for bacteria.
2. If available, have water tested professionally.
3. Otherwise, use DIY test kit to indicate presence of bacteria.

Preparing now helps ensure that you’ll be ready to keep your drinking water safe if the next storm impacts your private residential well.

Bryan Smith

Laurens County has a very active Beekeepers group.  The Laurens County Beekeepers Association meets the first Thursday of each month at 6:30 pm in the Joe Adair Educational Center, 110 Scout Creek Ct, Laurens.  The Association provides programs that are educational and informative to both new and experienced beekeepers.  Their average meeting attendance is 30 persons.

Secretary Jessica at secretary@laurensbeekeepers.com for more information. Dues are $10.00. Contact Association