Category: Newberry

Mallory Fulmer

As we move through the 2025–2026 4-H year, it’s been exciting to look back at just how much our Newberry County 4-H’ers have already accomplished. With 123 members currently enrolled, our clubs have been busy meeting monthly, learning new skills, and building friendships that extend far beyond the meeting room.

Our Teen Council has been especially active this year, giving back to the community in meaningful ways. Members had a blast passing out candy at the Newberry Health Truck or Treat, spreading smiles and sweet treats to families across the county. Teen Council members also participated in a self-defense class, building confidence and learning important personal safety skills. In addition, all Newberry County 4-H members helped spread holiday cheer by participating in the Prosperity Christmas Parade, proudly representing 4-H and celebrating the season together.

We also kicked off 2026 with a special New Year’s Camp, where 4-H’ers learned about traditions and superstitions from around the world while reflecting on personal goals for the year ahead. It was a fun and thoughtful way to ring in the new year, encouraging youth to dream big and set intentions for what’s next.

With strong participation, growing membership, and plenty of laughter along the way, this 4-H year is already shaping up to be one to remember.

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. 

Mallory Fulmer

While we’re proud of everything accomplished so far, the best is still ahead for Newberry County 4-H. With four more months of club meetings, plus spring break adventures and summer camps on the horizon, our 4-H calendar is packed with opportunities to learn and explore.

Spring Break will bring three exciting camps for our 4-H’ers. Forged in 4-H will offer a unique blacksmithing day camp experience, where participants can learn about metalworking, tools, and craftsmanship in a hands-on setting. Our Spring Farm Tour Camp will take youth around Newberry County to visit local farms, giving them a closer look at agriculture right in their own community. We’ll also host a Cake Decorating Camp, featuring a local baker who will teach participants creative icing techniques and decorating skills sure to impress.

Looking beyond spring break, we’re gearing up for even more statewide opportunities. Some of our junior 4-H’ers will attend SC 4-H Junior Weekend this spring, while our Teen Council seniors are already looking forward to SC 4-H Congress in July. We’re also excited to support a senior team of 4-H’ers at the Cooking: Life, a Chef Summit, where youth can showcase their skills and teamwork.

This spring, 4-H youth will also attend SC 4-H Legislative Day, where they will have the opportunity to connect with legislators and advocate for what 4-H means to them and their communities.

Behind the scenes, spring is also the busiest time of year for school programming. From February through May, 48 teachers across Newberry County will participate in the 4-H Embryology Project. Students will get an up-close look at the life cycle of a chick, from egg to hatch, creating unforgettable learning experiences in classrooms across the county.

Summer camps will be announced closer to mid-April, and we can’t wait to share what’s in store. From clubs and camps to statewide events and school programs, Newberry County 4-H is heading into a season full of learning, leadership, and fun — and we’re just getting started.

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

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!

Mallory Fulmer

As summer winds down, we’re reflecting on the fun, friendships, and learning that filled our 4-H days. We are thrilled to share that all of our Newberry County 4-H summer camps sold out and were a huge success!

This year’s lineup included:

• Engineer Camp – 4-H’ers competed for two days in teams of four to take on exciting engineer challenges.
• Crafty Clovers Art Camp – A full day of creativity and fun with pottery, painting, and more hands-on art projects.
• Crochet Camp – With the help of our amazing volunteers, 4-H’ers learned basic crochet techniques learning to make granny squares and dish rags.
• Camp 4-H – Our Cloverbuds spent three days exploring Natural Resources and Agriculture through engaging activities and outdoor fun.
• Farm Tour Camp – We toured local farms and learned more about agriculture right here in our community.

In addition to our camp fun, three of our senior-aged 4-H’ers attended SC 4-H Congress at Clemson University this summer. They had opportunities to engage in leadership activities, experience college life firsthand, and build lasting connections with 4-H friends from across the state.

We’re so proud of everything our 4-H’ers accomplished this summer and can’t wait to see what the 2025–2026 4-H year brings!

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

Mallory Fulmer

A new 4-H year is here, and we couldn’t be more excited for all the opportunities, adventures, and learning experiences ahead! Newberry County 4-H is thrilled to announce that we will be offering 11 amazing clubs starting this September—there’s something for every interest and age group.

This year’s club lineup includes:

• Clovers in the Kitchen
• Kids in the Kitchen
• Seniors in the Kitchen
• Clovers STEM Club
• Kids STEM Club
• Teen Council
• Needleworks Club
• Homeschool Club
• Sharpshooters Air Rifle Club
• Shellshockers Shotgun Club
• Eagles Shotgun Club

We’re also growing in more ways than one! This year, eight schools in Newberry County will be participating in our School Garden Program. These schools will receive four plant deliveries throughout the year so their students can enjoy hands-on planting and gardening right at school.

And we can’t forget one of our favorite spring traditions—the 4-H Embryology Project! We’ll be working with local schools to give students an up-close look at the life cycle of a chicken, from egg to fluffy chick.

Of course, that’s just the beginning. We’ll be offering fun camps and hands-on workshops throughout the year, so keep an eye out for announcements—you won’t want to miss a thing.

Here’s to another year of growing leaders, building friendships, and making memories in Newberry County 4-H!

Jeff Fellers

Fall is busy time in Extension with local fairs and the State Fair.  I am actively involved in the Union County Agricultural Fair, so that consumes most of my time in October.  This is a time we also get a lot of calls about fall food plots.  This year we also saw the armyworms come and damage many of the early planting for fall food plots. 

Site Visits/Office Visit
You never know what may come through the door at the office or what you might expect to see at a site visit.  Fall and winter are the times when we start seeing the winter annual weeds pop up.  Landowners and homeowner often times bring samples in for identification and management recommendations.  Late summer early fall also is a time where we see a lot of foliar diseases on plants from the warm humid conditions. 

Union County Agricultural
If you have never been to the Union County Agricultural Fair you need to plan a visit next October.  This county fair has everything from rides, feature shows, livestock exhibits, home economics exhibits, and agricultural products exhibit.  Clemson Extension manages the livestock shows, home economics exhibits, agricultural products exhibit, poultry barn exhibits, and livestock exhibits.  Premiums and ribbons are given out to participants that place in the categories.  We put a lot of work in the fair to make sure it is a successful event and promotes agriculture. 

5-K Day at the Fair
5-K day is always a favorite of mine.  All the kindergarten students in the County come to the fair as a field trip for school.  We set up five minutes lessons to teach them about agriculture.  These lessons are set up throughout the barn and the classes rotate through each lesson.  We teach the students about beef cows, dairy cows, goats, horses, chickens, rabbits, bees, and crops.  My job is to teach the kids about crops.  I plant these crops in early May as a demonstration for the fair and to use for this program.  We offer this program every year on Thursday when the fair is in town. 

Newberry Forestry Association
The Newberry Forestry Association hosted meetings in November and February.  In November we had Chris Gordy and Steve Salsbury from West Fraser present a program on mill updates in Newberry County.  They spoke on the sawmill in Newberry and the OSB mill in Joanna.  The February meeting featured Kevin Burkett with Clemson Extension speaking on timber taxes and looking at claiming losses since hurricane Helene had an impact in our County. 

Laurens Forest Landowners Association
The Laurens Forest Landowners Association hosted meetings in November and February.  In November, Jeff Fellers with Clemson Extension presented a program on interpreting soil samples.  The February meeting featured Dr. Adam Kantrovich speaking on timber taxes and loses since Laurens was affected by Helene. 

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 and extra fee for the clubs.  We hosted trailer at the Union County Agricultural Fair in October.  This is our big event, as we open the trailer every night of the fair.  We also hosted the trailer at the Grand American in Orangeburg and the Southeastern Treeing Walker Days in Union.  Both of these events attract participants from many states and allows us to promote 4-H and our program to many people outside our County.  In Orangeburg, over 25,000 people typically attend.  While the Southeastern Treeing Walker Days is not as big, we still see thousands of participants at that event as well.

Forest Health Workshop
On March 3^rd I hosted a Forest Health Workshop with Dr. David Coyle.  This program was geared toward forestry and natural resource professionals and offer continuing education credits that are required in their field.  Topics include Pesticide regulatory update, Pine insects and diseases, hardwood insects and diseases, market update, herbicide application techniques, and invasive species management. 

2025 Forestry Focus
2025 Forestry Focus is our 20^th biennial program.  This year the program will be hosted on March 15, 2025.  Forestry Focus is hosted by Clemson Extension and the Newberry Forestry Association.  We host this program every odd year.  This is an all-day event that is geared toward landowners and professionals.  We offer continuing education credits in both forestry and pesticides.  This year our topics included Local Market Updates, Estate Planning, Forest Health, Nuisance Wildlife, and Pond Management. 

Upcoming Events:

Newberry Forestry Association – May 13, 2025 – Drew Fasano with Arborgen will presenting on recommendations for spacing on higher end genetics with a focus on reducing pulpwood and maximizing sawtimber.

Laurens Forestry Association – May 27, 2025 – Patrick Hiesl will present on the economics of a portable sawmill for landowners.

Alana West – Assistant Program Team Director SC 4-H Youth Development

Newberry County 4-H Hiring New Agent

For 13 years, Alana West served as 4-H Agent for Newberry County. Under her guidance, the program grew to reach 37% of youth aged 5 through 18 in the county. Opportunities have included programs in animals and agriculture, leadership, personal development, healthy living, STEM, and natural resources delivered via camps, workshops, school enrichment, clubs, and independent projects.

In March, Mrs. West accepted the position of Assistant Director of the South Carolina 4-H Youth Development Program. In this role she will work with state level staff to support the team of 4-H agents that represent South Carolina’s 46 counties. While she does have an office on the campus of Clemson University, she will keep her home office in the Newberry County Clemson Extension building.

Currently, Clemson Extension is in the process of hiring a new 4-H Agent. Interviews should take place soon with hopes of the program being back in full swing by Christmas.

In the meantime, there are a few 4-H volunteers keeping clubs running and statewide projects are still available for local youth. For more information on 4-H in Newberry County contact Alana West at 803.768.8442 or awillin@clemson.edu.

New Face at Newberry County Clemson Extension Office

When visiting the Newberry Extension Office please make sure to welcome the new Administrative Assistant, Mrs. Rachel Horne. Rachel is originally from Kinards, SC. She grew up on her family’s small farm and spent many years working for Satterwhite Farms. She has a degree in Diversified Agriculture from Piedmont Technical College and a bachelor’s degree from Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College in Agribusiness. She most recently worked for Farm Bureau Insurance, but is excited to be coming back to her agriculture roots by working for Clemson Extension. Rachel currently resides in Pomaria with her husband, Parker.

Rachel can be reached at ryoung6@clemson.edu or 803.276.0191.