Christopher LeMaster, Area Livestock & Forage Agent
Cherokee, Spartanburg, & Union Counties

Loss of Farmland is a top concern among our stakeholders as South Carolina continues to grow at an unprecedented rate. Last year, over 90,000 people moved to our state (which is more than the population of the city of Greenville). Additionally, Industry is quickly relocating to the Sunbelt states. Even in Cherokee County, we are experiencing development pressure compounded by the rising average age of farmers. I don’t have to explain the importance of farmland to this group, but without farms and farmland, we increase our dependency on something we need at least 3 times a day. I appreciate the opportunities that come with this growth, but I think we are justified in our concerns about this rapid loss of farmland. There’s no simple solution; it involves advocacy, education, zoning, regulation, and, most importantly, profitable farms.  Yes, farms need to be profitable and enjoyable to survive. Farming is hard work, both physically and mentally, and many of our farmers are aging out. Nothing ages you faster than hard, unpleasant work for no money.

                My goal for 2025 is to offer classes focusing on profitability and ways to bring another farming generation on board. The classes I have planned for this year will challenge farmers to look at their farms as businesses and break their operations down into enterprises to assess profitability and viability and hopefully identify solutions for some of the drudgery of farming. I invite you to attend the Beef Market Outlook and Profitability Workshop on 3/20 and the Succession Planning for Farm Families and Conservation Easements Workshop on 8/21. Both programs will be in Pacolet for a central location to my counties (Cherokee, Union, and Spartanburg).  Additionally, we have teamed up with a few like-minded organizations to form the Broad River Conservation Partnership to offer field days to assist landowners with conservation practices such as prescribed fire, native grass establishment, and conservation easements.

                I hope to see you at one of these programs this spring. Here are a few other workshops to look forward to.

Hannah Conover recently joined the Livestock and Forages Team as the agent covering Greenville County, as well as Anderson and Pickens counties.  A native of Starr, SC, she is proud to serve the communities where she grew up.

After graduating from Crescent High School, Hannah attended Clemson University, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Animal and Veterinary Science with a minor in Business. After completing her degree, she served as an AmeriCorps member with the Georgia 4-H program in Banks County. During this time, she helped foster agricultural education and youth development through various programs and events. Hannah also spent several years showing cattle across the state and nation, and she was a junior member of multiple breed associations, including Shorthorn, Angus, Gelbvieh, and Charolais.

As the Livestock and Forages Agent for Greenville County, Hannah looks forward to serving as a resource for a variety of folks in the industry, from large-scale cattle producers to those with backyard poultry flocks and homesteading goals. She is excited to begin offering programs and workshops pertaining to community needs as well. Be on the lookout for updates on events via the Clemson Events Calendar and social media, and feel free to reach out to her at (864) 359-3382 or hfwoote@clemson.edu.

The growing importance consumers have placed on knowing where their food comes from has resulted in an increase in small-scale and backyard farming. A series of learning sessions and workshops aimed to educate those who are or are considering on producing their own meat, milk, or eggs has begun in York and surrounding counties by Clemson Extension Livestock and Forage agents. To date, four poultry, one goat, and one dairy workshop have been delivered with over 100 participants attending at least one. These programs have been held in conjunction with the Clover and Fort Mill Libraries and at local farms. The goal for these initial programs is to help participants determine if small-scale or backyard farming is right for them and the steps that need to be taken to get started. More in-depth workshops are being planned so if you are interested please contact the York County Extension Office.

Tina Horne
Livestock and Forages Agent
State Dairy Program Coordinator
thorn@clemson.edu

Bryan Smith, Area Extension Agent-Agricultural Engineer

This fall a huge number of Fall Armyworms invaded Laurens County.  Fall Armyworms are usually in our county in some small number each year, but this year’s numbers created quite a bit of damage in landscapes, pastures, and hayfields.

Fall Armyworms migrate northward each year from the Gulf coast and may arrive in Laurens County as early as August.  There may be as many as three “waves” of armyworms each year depending on many factors.  The Fall Armyworm life cycle is typically 30 days in the summer, with the larval or caterpillar stage being the destructive one.  Fall Armyworms remain in the caterpillar stage for 14 days and are most destructive during the last 4 days of that stage.  They then pupate and emerge as moths, which feed on nectar from various flowers and are not destructive.

Fall Armyworms seem to prefer bermudagrass, crabgrass, johnsongrass, millet, and sorghums.  They will ignore other grasses such as fescue and bahia while sufficient quantities of their preferred foods are present.  However, if those food sources are exhausted before they pupate they will move to less desirable species and decimate them as well.  This happened in 1977 in Laurens County when Fall Armyworms killed entire pastures of fescue after they had eaten their preferred crops.

Rainfall does encourage the growth of fungi that are detrimental to Fall Armyworms, but it does not kill them.  Clemson Extension recommends that insecticides be used to control them when growers see 3 armyworms in a one square foot area.  If Fall Armyworms are found in a hay crop we recommend that the hay be harvested if it has enough growth to do so – Fall Armyworms eat green growth and will not eat cured hay.  Local Extension Offices can provide a list of insecticides labelled for use in lawns, pastures, or hay fields.

Chris LeMaster
Livestock & Forages Agent
Cherokee, Spartanburg, & Union Counties

Safety data (2019) by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that the agriculture sector continues to be the most dangerous in America with 573 fatalities, or an equivalent of 23.1 deaths per 100,000 workers. Even in Cherokee County, we have had two ag-related fatalities less than a year apart. As we prepare for the busyness of fall hay harvest, a reminder about farm safety is much needed.

On August 1^st we held a farm safety workshop tailored for cattle and hay producers. Typically, safety talks bring about a glazed and yawning audience. However, our speaker, Marion Barnes, used many real-life examples from around our state. He shared startling facts about the dangers of youth around farms. One point that shapes the deadly youth statistics is that on most farms, there is no separation between the barnyard and the children’s play area . This leads to complacency around dangerous equipment for both the youth and the parents.

Aside from the loss of limb or life, accidents on the farm are very costly and, in many cases, can bankrupt a farm. If you want to see your farm passed down another generation, you had better make good decisions on your “calculated” risks around equipment and livestock.

After the presentation, many stories were shared with the audience about ag-related deaths and injuries in our county from the past couple of decades. I received several calls after the workshop from farmers stating they appreciated the safety talk and planned to implement changes in their operations.

This program stemmed from an in-service training held on June 3^rd at the Sandhills Experiment Station. Agents and specialists from across the state received presentations and demonstrations on farm safety topics. The demonstrations included legally transporting equipment, Rollover protection systems, and grain bin rescue. The grain bin rescue simulator was the most impressive demonstration. It was designed and constructed by the Ag Mechanization department to fit a small grain bin on top of an enclosed trailer that houses specialized equipment for the extraction demonstration. This trailer has been all over the state to help rescue teams train for grain bin entrapment. We plan to have this trailer visit some local fire departments in our farming communities.

Farmers are hard to replace, and so many people count on us. Please slow down and think about any avoidable risks. We need our farmers, and your families need you. For more information on farm safety and mental health for farmers, visit the links below:

http://blogs.clemson.edu/agsafety/

https://www.clemson.edu/extension/agribusiness/resources/farm-stress.html

Reid Miller, Area Livestock and Forages Agent

On April 2^nd, 2024, the Greenwood County Extension office and the Greenwood Soil and Water Conservation District held a Winter Forages Field Day at the Henderson Farm in Ninety Six, SC. Planning for this event began in the fall of 2023 with the planting of a winter annual variety trial. In total, twenty-three different varieties of small grains, ryegrasses, and legumes were planted. Variety trials give producers a side-by side comparison of different forages, so they are more educated about their choices of forages before they purchase seed for themselves. Planting was conducted in late October on a plot of two acres. The field day began with a showcase of the forage variety trial given by Greg Henderson (Greenwood County Soil & Water Conservation District board member and retired Clemson Extension Agent), Dr. Liliane Severino da Silva (Forage Specialist, Clemson Extension), and Reid Miller (Livestock and Forages Agent, Clemson Extension). The next section of the field day was a pasture soil fertility discussion over an intensively grazed pasture of winter annuals given by Greg Henderson and Reid Miller. The last part of the program was an NRCS cost share program update given by Myra Jones with American Forest Management. In total, we had forty people in attendance from Greenwood, Laurens, McCormick, Abbeville, and Edgefield Counties, and all producers involved in the Climate-Smart program received credit for their attendance.

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.
 

Lauren Venegas Black

4H Agent for Saluda County

As we enter the New Year, we have been busy with numerous activities, competitions, and events. Our monthly clubs have been meeting and doing multiple activities.

 For the month of January:

• Our after school Clubs made Valentine’s posters for our Nursing Home patients.
• Our cooking clubs learned how to make taco bites.
• Our Sewing Club started working on a reading pillow.
• Our Livestock Club learned about Horses.

School Enrichment:

• We are still partnering with Saluda Primary Elementary School to provide art to kindergarten – 5^th grade once a month.
• We partnered with Hollywood Elementary School 4^th grade to provide lessons on electricity and circuits through our Snap Circuits.

State Events and Competitions:

• Congratulations to Sarah Ann Crawford for being selected to compete in the State 4-H Presentation Contest.
• Congratulations to Makiyah Glymph on being selected as our Junior Poultry Record book Winner. She is now competing in the State Junior Poultry Record Book Contest.
• Congratulations to Sarah Ann Crawford on being selected as our Junior Wildlife Food Plot Record Book Winner. She is now competing in the State Junior Wildlife Food Plot Record Book Contest.
• We had several Juniors attend Junior Teen Weekend in February at Camp Long. Sarah Ann Crawford, Myla Long, Corley Jean Herlong, Caroline Berry, and Gillian O’Gorman. Mya Chapman also attended as a leader with the State Teen Council.

Upcoming Events and Projects:

South Carolina 4-H Engineering Challenge Overview
The event will be held at the South Carolina State Fairgrounds in Columbia, SC, on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, from 9 AM to 3:30 PM for youth ages 9-18 *. The SC 4-H Engineering Challenge began in 2012 and has grown annually to approximately 250 youth competitors! Youth who participated in this event reported increased confidence and knowledge in science skills. In addition to STEM-based
challenges for youth competition, there will be an interactive STEAM Expo from 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM.

4-H Poultry Project Offered
             It’s that time of year again to sign up for the 2024 4-H Poultry Project. It may be cool now, but Spring will be here before you know it, and the days will get warmer. With the current price of eggs, there is no better time to teach our youth the fun of raising and showing chickens. For the new or veteran chicken grower, this 4-H project offers youth the opportunity to learn valuable lessons in caring for and maintaining a flock in a fun and engaging atmosphere.
Raising baby chicks from day one to egg-laying age can be a rewarding experience for our 4-H youth across South Carolina. The 4-H Poultry Projects are open to all youth ages five to eighteen. Each county Clemson Extension office and 4-H Program will have registration information. Contact Steve Huck, Region Poultry Project Coordinator (chucks@clemson.edu), or Saluda County 4-H Agent at lblack4@clemson.edu.
             The 4-H Pullet Chain has been one of our most popular projects, and other than feed and shelter, it does not require an abundance of time or expense. Registration is open through March 3, 2024. Youth can order chicks in quantities of twelve ($45) or twenty-five ($85) to raise over the summer. Chicks will arrive in early May. This year’s breeds of chicks are Golden Comet, Rhode Island Red, and Barred Plymouth Rock. Each breed is a reliable layer. We encourage families to research before deciding which breed will be best for their 4-H project and as their backyard flock.
              Successful completion of the Pullet Chain project requires record keeping, showing at least one show, and returning a portion of the birds at the end of the project for auction. If you order 12 birds, you will return three birds to 4-H. If you order 25 birds, you will return five birds to a final 4-H Pullet Chain Auction, typically held after show season. Once the above is complete, the youth’s registration deposit is returned, and the remaining birds are theirs to keep for free. Proceeds from the auction help offset the cost of offering the project and all prizes/awards given throughout the year. Youth will also have opportunities to exhibit their poultry knowledge or showcase their 4-H project experience by participating in various educational opportunities leading up to the final show.
Also offered this year is the 4-H Laying Flock Project. The Laying Flock Project is for the youth who already have chickens at home and are not interested in ordering chicks from 4-H this year or they acquire them on their own by May 1, 2024. Participants have the same opportunities to show as those in the Pullet Chain. Participating in the Laying Flock Project costs $10 for 4-H members, and registration is open through May 1, 2024.
Youth registering for the SC 4-H Poultry Projects must also register and pay for their SC 4-H Membership at www.v2.4honline.com. The membership allows youth to participate in other 4-H projects offered for the year, including clubs, projects, and summer camps. The Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service offers programs to people of all ages, regardless of race, color, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, disability, political beliefs, gender identity, marital or family status, and is an equal opportunity employer.
             The 4-H Poultry Project, like our other animal projects, is a rewarding experience for young people. They learn responsibility and a vast array of life skills that will help them grow into versatile, well-rounded adults. 4-H animal projects, such as the 4-H Poultry Project, encourage the process of “discovery” of knowledge and solutions and build competence and confidence.
Youth must complete the poultry registration online to participate in the 4-H poultry projects. Assistance is available through local Clemson Extension Offices or online at https://www.clemson.edu/extension/4h/programs/ag-animals/livestock/poultry.html.

South Carolina 4-H Dairy Judging Contest
This event is open to South Carolina 4-H youth (5-18 years old as of January 1, 2024). Current 4-H membership is required for participation in this event. This evaluation contest will be held on Friday, March 22, at the T. Ed Garrison Arena, Pendleton, SC (1101 West Queen Street, Pendleton, SC, 29670). Please review the provided contest information below.
General Information
1. The contest check-in will be at 11:30 am, orientation is at 12:00 noon, and the contest will begin at 12:30 pm.
2. The awards program will be held after the contest.
3. All entries must be completed online by March 8, 2024. No late entries will be accepted. Corrections and substitutions will be accepted on the day of the contest. Refunds are available up to seven days before the event.
4. There will be a $15 registration fee for each individual or $45 per team (minimum of three, maximum of four team members.) Registration must be made online with a credit/debit card.
5. Any additional communication for the event will be made through the email address provided in the registration.
6. This event does not assume custodial care of youth in attendance. Parents, guardians, or chaperones must be present to supervise participants. Coaches will be responsible for providing meals/snacks for their youth.
7. Each contestant must bring two (2) sharpened No. 2 pencils as their writing instrument(s) and a clipboard/blank steno/notepad.
8. Direct questions to Tina Horn (Contest Superintendent) at thorn@clemson.edu and Heather Shultz at hkshult@clemson.edu.

2024 SC 4-H Small Garden Project
The 2024 SC 4-H Small Garden Project is now open for South Carolina youth registration. This project is a hands-on, environmental education program and a competitive, independent-study project that allows youth ages 5 through 18 an opportunity to establish, maintain, and harvest a small garden. The purpose of the Small Garden Project is to educate the youth of South Carolina on where and how their food is grown using hands-on, in-the-garden experiences.

Youth will set goals and plan activities and strategies to achieve those outcomes, even facing challenges. They will reflect on their work by documenting their skill development and learning experiences. They will give back to their communities through educational and service activities. Participating in this project will teach youth valuable record-keeping, financial management, and communication skills. They will ultimately become good stewards of the environment and gain technical expertise that can promote beneficial practices.

The cost is $25 for current 4-H members (non-members will be expected to enroll in 4HOnline for the 2023-2024 club year). If you would like to participate but do not have available land, your local Extension office may be able to help you locate a landowner or public space that could be made available to you.

Once youth register, 4-H will supply participants with a garden starter kit and other educational materials. Participants must plant at least two other crops of their choice. Participants will receive a printed project record book and newsletters/informational resources to help along the way.

Hurry! The deadline to register is Friday, April 5, 2024.

Contact your local Clemson Extension County office or visit the SC 4-H Small Garden Project Website: https://www.clemson.edu/extension/4h/program-areas/natural-resources/small-garden-project.html for more information and online registration.

 Contact your 4-H agent for more information! Lblack4@clemson.edu

Reid Miller
Livestock & Forages Agent
Greenwood, Laurens, & McCormick Counties

While it is commonplace for producers in the upstate region of South Carolina to grow fescue as their primary forage crop, many producers utilize cool-season annuals to help get them through the winter. Cool season annuals are great for sodseeding into warm-season perennials like bermudagrass and for decreasing dependency on feeding hay. Cool-season annuals include a variety of small grains, ryegrasses, legumes, and some brassicas. In ideal conditions (adequate rainfall and extreme heat is gone), planting can begin in late September to early October. The earlier the planting the better your chances of being able to graze in the fall and early winter. Of course, the transition from summer to fall in this state can oftentimes be unpredictable with lingering heat and drought conditions. In the case of a late planting in early December, you may provide enough forage to carry cattle from spring to summer. Be sure to let forage grow to at least 6” in height before grazing, and do not graze below 2-3” in height. These parameters will allow the forage to develop a root system to promote drought tolerance and to sustain itself over the long term. The month of February is a great time to apply a second round of fertilizer regardless of whether you’re growing fescue or cool-season annuals. Remember to refer to your soil sample results when applying fertilizer. This is also a good time to evaluate the condition of your forage after the heavy frost events we received within the last month. The extent of the damage may determine whether it is worth fertilizing (regrowth must occur to justify fertilizer), replanting heavily damaged areas, or feeding hay until warm season grasses take over. To help our local clients gain some perspective on how cool-season annuals perform, we have a variety trial in place in Ninety-Six, South Carolina. We planted twenty-five different varieties including oats, wheat, ryegrasses, clovers, and other specialty forages. We hope to present the trial in the coming months if all goes well. Contact your local Clemson Extension office for more information.

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