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

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

Do you rely on a private well for your drinking water source? With more than 20% of South Carolinians falling into this category, it is essential that these wells are properly maintained in order to ensure safe drinking water.  Maintenance of the well is the responsibility of the well owner and can often get overlooked. If you feel overwhelmed when it comes to all the different well components, water quality testing, and treatment options, then you are not alone! The Clemson Extension Water Resources team recently developed numerous resources to help well owners on these very topics as part of the Be Well Informed program. This includes a three-part HGIC factsheet series – Residential Drinking Water Well: Well Components, Water Quality, and Water Treatment Options.

For a more in-depth overview for well owners, check out the new Be Well Informed Online Course. Here well owners are able to dive into three modules covering SC water resources, well maintenance, and water quality. This course is free for all and is self-paced! For more information and to sign up for the online course, Click Here.

If you have any questions regarding your well or other water-related questions, please contact:

Charly Greenthaler charlym@clemson.edu | 803-520-1679

Travis Mitchell
Livestock and Forages Agent for Newberry & Saluda Counties
Director for The South Carolina Cattlemen’s Association

Summer has been a very busy season in Saluda County.  The Saluda County Clemson Extension Livestock & Forages program has assisted many producers with questions concerning hay production, pasture weed control, and fall armyworm control in pastures and hayfields.  Producers were also assisted in commingling tractor-trailer load lots for marketing their calf crop.  These load lots enabled producers to receive value-added premiums for the calves they sold.

The Clemson Extension Livestock & Forages team, in conjunction with the South Carolina Cattlemen’s Association, hosted the South Carolina Cattlemen’s Association regional meetings from August 29^th through the 31^st.  Over 250 producers from across the state were in attendance during this three-day event.  Dr. Mark Alley with Zoetis gave an outstanding presentation on the importance of vaccines and how they add value to your calf crop.  Dr. Alley then joined Dr. Che Trejo with Merck Animal Health and Mr. Randy Fordham with Boehringer-Ingelheim for a panel discussion about the importance of vaccines.  These three gentlemen answered the producer’s questions and provided further insight on overall herd health.

The Saluda County 4-H Livestock shows were held September 20^th and 21^st at the Central Milk Producers Show & Sale Arena.  Many 4-H youths from across the state exhibited their prize animals.  Seeing so many young people enthusiastically involved in agriculture is always a great time.

Lauren Black Venegas

4-H Youth Development Agent 

Saluda County

As we end summer and fall begins, Saluda 4-H is in full swing. We wrapped up the Spring with several camps during Spring Break and one of our 4-Hers, Mya Chapman, attending the National 4-H Conference in Washington, D.C. We also had a great group of Juniors attend Junior Teen Weekend at Camp Long in April.

As summer began, we offered several camp opportunities starting in June and going through July. We partnered with the Saluda School District to provide 4-H classes during the Summer Reading Program for June. We highlighted the different program areas of 4-H during those four weeks. Some of the student’s favorites were paper rockets, homemade bread, penny boats, hay lesson, and so much more.  Some of the camps that we offered this summer were:

All things Nature. We had a morning and afternoon group. We learned about pollinators, ecosystems, and soil layers during this camp. We planted two pollinator gardens in front of the Extension office. They planted their own garden seeds and made their own mini ecosystem through things that are outside.

Sewing Camp was a three-day camp that had a beginner group in the morning and an older group in the afternoon. The morning group made snake pillows with cat faces while learning how to hand sew, sew on a button, and sew with a machine. The afternoon group made lounging pants. They also learned about hand sewing and sewing on a machine.

Baking Camp was a two-day camp that had a morning and afternoon group. On the first day, they learned about the different baking equipment and how to measure ingredients correctly, and we made homemade cupcakes, icing, and pretzels. On the second day, we learned about all things pie. They made their own homemade pie crust and then used it to make pop tarts and mini apple pies.

At the beginning of July, we started with the State 4-H Congress. Mya Chapman was awarded the highest honor in 4-H during the banquet, the Presidential Tray.

We then picked back up with camps to finish off the summer. Those camps were:

Kids in the Kitchen is a two-day camp with a morning and afternoon group and a third group on different days for the two-day camp in the morning. They learned the proper way to measure, and each youth made their own scrambled eggs. We also made breakfast and dinner entrees.

Robotic Camp was a one-day camp with a morning and afternoon group. They learned about coding electric circuits and built their own robot.

We ended the summer camps with an Arts and Craft camp. It was a one-day camp with a morning and afternoon group. They learned about using different techniques to paint. We used tin foil, bubble wrap, and forks.

This summer was jam-packed and fun. We took some time in August to get caught up and plan the new 4-H year. As fall starts, we have a lot planned for the upcoming 4-H year. We celebrated the past year’s accomplishments in September with a drop-in awards ceremony followed by the after-school clubs. We had five youths turn in their record books and enter the tomato contest from the tomato project. We had one teen sign up to be an ambassador with the State 4-H program.

This semester, we partner with Saluda Primary and Elementary to provide art to Kindergarten through Fifth-grade students. We go each month for one day per grade. It has been a rewarding experience to see what the students can do.

Just before the first day of fall, we hosted the 2023 Saluda Livestock Show. We had a show for beef cattle, goats, poultry, rabbits, and dairy heifers. We had an excellent turnout for all the shows.

We look forward to more in the months, weeks, and days ahead to improve the best.

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

The South Carolina Dairy Heifer Project began in 1974 and is one of the oldest 4-H projects of its kind in the Nation. This project was designed to provide youth in South Carolina an opportunity to raise a dairy heifer and experience the dairy industry, and then sell their heifer at the South Carolina Dairy Heifer Project Bred Heifer Sale. Throughout the years, thousands of South Carolina youth have taken part in 4-H dairy work. These 4-H and Dairy Heifer Project alumni can be found in all “walks of life.” Many are outstanding farmers and leaders of the dairy industry, while others are doctors, veterinarians, and teachers. In nearly every case, these people look back on this 4-H dairy experience as an outstanding part of their youth.

As the dairy industry has changed and evolved over the years, so has the South Carolina Dairy Heifer Project. Due to COVID restrictions, the 2020 Bred Heifer Sale was held online for the first time with great success. Due to that success, the sale has been permanently moved to an online format and the event dates have been adjusted to better suit the needs of the dairy industry. Through all the changes, the South Carolina Dairy Heifer Project has continued to thrive and reach youth across the state. Thirty-seven heifers are currently in project and under the care of 4-H youth and eighteen of those youth are from York County.

The 4-H and FFA dairy project members exhibit their dairy project animals at fairs, shows, and events in nearly every region of the state. Millions of people have seen or learned about 4-H and FFA through these youth dairy exhibits at the many fairs and events in South Carolina. This offers a tremendous opportunity for 4-H, FFA, Clemson Cooperative Extension, and the dairy industry to educate and inform the public about the dairy industry and youth dairy programs. Many thanks go out to the industry for the support of the program. Heifers for the project come from project alumni and producers across the Southeast who have seen the impact the project has had and is continuing to have on our youth.

SC Farmer Resource Rodeo Connects Farmers and Resource Providers

The SC Farmer Resource Rodeo returned in 2023 as part of the annual South Carolina Local Food Summit. Sponsored by Clemson University Cooperative Extension’s South Carolina New and Beginning Farmer Program (SCNBFP), the rodeo showcased over 40 organizations that provide farmer support, including education and Extension staff, lenders, granting organizations, land and production resources, state and federal agencies, regulatory bodies, non-profit assistance and more. Participating farmers were able to learn about these organizations and connect one-on-one.

“We are so pleased to have had the opportunity to bring back the Resource Rodeo,” says Ben Boyles, SCNBFP director. “Farming can often seem like a solitary occupation, and farmers are not always aware of.  The vast number of resources available to them,” he continued. “Through this event, we are not only able to introduce farmers to invaluable sources of assistance but give them the opportunity to connect directly with resource representatives.”

All Aboard! Agritourism Workshop Coming to York County
Interested in adding an exciting revenue stream for your farm business? Agritourism might be for you! Hop aboard a charted bus as we learn all about agritourism trends and resources while touring 3 unique agritourism farms in York County, SC.

Topics will include on-farm sales, u-pick operations, tour logistics, hosting workshops and events, school tours, farm dinners, food sales, and more! Get your questions answered by experienced agritourism providers!

Workshop Tour Stops
• Tatanka Bison Ranch
• Black’s Peaches
• Five Blossoms Farm

Thursday, September 28, 2023 | In-person | 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Meet at Clemson Extension – York County
120 N. Congress Street
York, SC 29745
Workshop Contact: Ben Boyles http://boyles2@clemson.edu

SC New and Beginning Farmer Program Launches Level 3 Program

Now in its 13th year, the Clemson Extension SC New and Beginning Farmer Program (SCNBFP) has graduated over 500 new and aspiring farmers from its basic, beginning-level cohort program. The SCNBFP is excited to launch a new Advanced Level 3 Program in 2023 to offer a higher level of instruction for those who are still relatively new to farming but are looking to further their education in key areas of agribusiness and production. The SCNBFP Advanced Level 3 Program offers 20 full-day workshops and is designed so that qualified participants may choose whatever SCNBFP Advanced Workshops best suit their individual needs. These curated training events are the product of strategic collaborations within Clemson University as well as additional agricultural support organizations such as Soil & Water Conservations Districts, the Small Business Development Center, and farmer educators throughout the state.

“While our established core curriculum provides comprehensive training at a basic level, there is a need in South Carolina for continued new farmer education at a higher level,” says SCNBFP Director and York County Clemson Extension Agribusiness Agent Ben Boyles. “Our new Advanced Program provides a deeper dive into critical and/or niche topics appropriate for the experienced but still growing new farmer audience.”

The SCNBFP Advanced Level 3 Program runs from September 2023 through March 2024 with a series of full-day workshops hosted throughout the state, many at on-farm locations and several through online platforms. All workshops are also available on an individual basis to the general public not enrolled in the full program. More information about these workshops can be found here: 

https://www.clemson.edu/extension/newfarmer/workshops.html

Lauren Venegas Black

4H Agent for Saluda County

🗣Have you heard?! Registration for the Regional Video Presentation Contests have been extended to March 6th!

The purpose of the 4-H Presentations Contest is to allow participants to practice and perfect their presentation skills and receive valuable feedback on those skills. All junior and senior members (ages 9-19) are to participate.  🍀

Contact your 4-H agent for more information! #PresentLikeAPro #SC4H

The price of eggs is up and it is the perfect time to expand your flock. Registration is now open for the 2023 4-H Poultry Projects. Youth ages 5-18 from across the state are welcome to participate. Read all about this years opportunities and learn how to register here: https://sites.google.com/g.clemson.edu/sc4hpoultry2023/home

Congratulations Mya! She was Crowned S.C. Miss 4-H Queen !

Drew Jeffers
Horticulture and Natural Resource Agent

The South Carolina Certified Landscape Professional Program (SCCLP) is an online, self-paced certification program that provides high-level horticultural education and training to green industry professionals and operators. The program launched in 2020 and has offered spring and fall courses for the last three years. Over 385 professionals have been certified and represent nearly every county in the state. Starting in April of 2023, the course will go fully on-demand to better serve the professionals’ needs.

The course has also been incorporated into the Spartanburg Community College’s Horticulture Capstone course, providing a model for other colleges to integrate the SCCLP into their horticulture programs. We are also in the process of bringing the program to high school classrooms. The goal of the high-school integration is to grow the green industry’s shrinking workforce pool. Clemson Extension also partnered with the SC Department of Corrections, where 37 soon-to-be-released inmates were certified and were given trade skills to renter the workforce. The program will continue if funding is available to further add to the workforce pool.

The significant impact of this program has been its ability to reach a large audience relatively quickly. Many folks have asked if the state requires the certification, but we tell them we hope it will become so ubiquitous that it doesn’t need to be a requirement by law but by demand by the consumer and hiring managers.