Spray or Delay?

Spring arrived ahead of schedule this year, catching many producers off guard with the advanced maturity of our common winter weeds. While most of these species are typically easy to control when targeted at the correct growth stage, the recent unseasonal warmth has given them a significant jump start. Now, many of us are looking at advanced weeds and wondering: should we spray now or delay?

The Current Challenge

However, even the best-laid plans are subject to the weather. The lack of rainfall of this past fall persisted through the winter and into the spring, complicating management decisions.

The Trade-Off: Chemical Power vs. Plant Maturity

It’s tempting to look at a field of mature henbit and mustard and want to reach for a heavy hitter. Many would agree that a strong residual herbicide—such as those containing aminopyralid (like GrazonNext® HL)—would work even on these mature plants.

While you are likely right about the efficacy, we must factor in the maturity of the forage stand. Most high-powered herbicides require the grass to have at least three leaves and a healthy root system before application. This particular stand was just barely above that maturity threshold, and it seemed risky given the current drought conditions and warmer temperatures.

The “Mow vs. Spray” Decision

Beyond plant maturity, there is the critical factor of residual restrictions. Herbicides containing aminopyralid carry a significant restriction: the hay cannot be sold off the farm for 18 months. For many hay growers, this necessitates a non-residual herbicide approach.

However, at this stage of maturity, a non-residual option like 2,4-D would not provide adequate control. By this point, much of the damage—the robbing of water, sunlight, and fertilizer—has already been done by these mature weeds. While it is always satisfying to spray and watch the weeds curl and die, the current drought makes it a real challenge; we need actively growing weeds for maximum herbicide uptake.

In this case, the decision was made to wait and mow the field at a high height. This strategy offers several benefits:

• Stimulating Growth: Set the mower high to encourage some regrowth and tillering while also avoiding the energy reserves and some canopy.
• Nutrient Cycling: It leaves the nutrients in the field to break down rather than removing them in a hay crop.
• Recovery Time: A traditional hay crop is often cut shorter and later in the season, which wouldn’t allow the plant to rebound as quickly before the summer months.

Looking Ahead: Planning for Next Season

The main goal of this situation was to prepare and protect the plant for its biggest hurdle yet: summer. The fescue needs maximum root development to survive the heat and lack of rain.

As we plan ahead for next season, it’s important to remember that many of these winter weeds can be successfully controlled much earlier. Targeting them in the fall, or even during late February and early March, allows for better control while the weeds are small and before they’ve had a chance to rob your forage of vital resources.

Moving forward, they are shifting to a more rigorous weed scouting program. By catching the summer weeds as they emerge, we can ensure they are controlled efficiently and cost-effectively.

As with anything, there is no one answer that fits for everybody. Spraying may still be the best option for your situation. Feel free to reach out, and let’s discuss a plan.

Christopher LeMaster
Area Livestock & Forages Agent
CLEMAST@CLEMSON.EDU

Andy Rollins
Commercial Horticulture Agent
Spartanburg County

I will also continue my work on thinning peaches using Ethylene. I have experienced difficulty thinning varieties such as Scarlet Prince and July Prince. To address this, I will use a two-pronged approach: thinning during bloom with Ammonium Thiosulfate (ATS), followed by thinning at the fruitlet stage with Ethephon 2 SL. Peach growers currently rely on hand thinning, which is the most expensive labor input in peach production. This makes the development of effective chemical thinning strategies especially important for peach growers in the Upstate of South Carolina.

My final spring training for Upstate vegetable growers will be held on March 12.

Laura Haddon
4-H Agent
Spartanburg County

One of the four H’s in 4-H stands for “Hands to Larger Service”.  Spartanburg 4-H members, parents and volunteers stay busy serving our local community throughout the year.

Our youth have a sweet friendship with the residents at Restoration Senior Living.  Teen Council can be found there several evenings throughout the year playing an exciting game of BINGO.  A Gingerbread House competition has become an annual holiday tradition of our Homeschool Club.  They bring the supplies, construct the houses on site, much to the residents’ enjoyment, and then the residents pick the winners!  Other youth have planted a pollinator garden and enjoyed a “Slip and Slide” event to cool off during the summer months.

In addition to serving the older members of our community, Spartanburg 4-H collects hygiene supplies for the Miracle Hill Rescue Mission in Spartanburg.  Our youth collect individual supplies and pack them into gallon-sized resealable bags and include an encouraging note to the recipients.

As the Spartanburg 4-H Agent, I get to observe this kindness, compassion, and generosity up close and am blown away by how eager our youth are to help their neighbors and keep their pledge to use their hands for larger service!

Margaret Estridge
Rural Health & Nutrition Agent
Cherokee, Spartanburg, & Union Counties

As the new Rural Health & Nutrition Agent, I have been working to build relationships with high priority communities in Spartanburg County as well as beginning to provide health and nutrition programming with organizations such as Spartanburg County Vocational Rehabilitation, Summit Hills Senior Living, and Project R.E.S.T.

Additionally, I have been training to facilitate three programs: Health Extension for Diabetes, Keys to Diabetes and Better Health and Growing Health. I have been meeting with organizations such as Spartanburg Regional Hospital System’s Diabetes Management program and Heart Wellness Program and P.A.L. to enhance program promotion and partnership as well as St. Luke’s Free Medical Clinic for programming opportunities in 2026.

If interested, please call or email Margaret Estridge at 864.795.0101 or mbarest@Clemson.edu if interested in Health Extension for Diabetes, an 8-session series for those diagnosed with diabetes or Keys to Better Health and Diabetes, which is a one-hour health lesson for anyone interested in learning more.

I am excited to facilitate four sessions of Growing Health this year at the Spartanburg County Extension office alongside Horticulture Agent, Nicole Goodman. This free course teaches individuals about specific vegetables from seed to table and allows participants to take materials with them to grow their own veggies.

Eventbrite links: (all classes are from 10:00am-11:00am)

March: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/growing-health-registration-1968262764914?aff=oddtdtcreator

April: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/growing-health-registration-1967905867424?aff=oddtdtcreator

May: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/growing-health-registration-1967928256390?aff=oddtdtcreator

July: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/growing-health-registration-1967932867181?aff=oddtdtcreator

Nicole Goodman
Horticulture Agent
Spartanburg County

For the first time since 2023, Spartanburg County proudly offered the Master Gardener Volunteer Training once again—and it would not have been possible without the dedication, curiosity, and generosity of our Master Gardener Volunteer community.

Between August and December 2025, fifteen enthusiastic students completed the 16-week training focused on growing better, healthier gardens. Coursework covered a wide range of topics, including lawn care, native plant identification, hands-on invasive plant removal, and soil health for a more bountiful harvest. Their commitment culminated in a rigorous four-hour final exam in early December, which they passed with flying colors, demonstrating both knowledge and determination.

Graduation, however, is just the beginning. Each new Master Gardener Volunteer now contributes 40 hours of educational service, sharing science-based gardening practices throughout the county. Many are already actively serving—offering lectures at local libraries, teaching garden club classes, introducing young visitors to the beauty of Hatcher Garden, or guiding community members during monthly workdays at St. Luke’s Free Medical Clinic in downtown Spartanburg.

Our Master Gardener Volunteers are more than educators; they are stewards of growth, connection, and care. Through their service, they leave a lasting mark on Spartanburg County—one garden, one lesson, and one shared moment at a time.

The Pre-Registration for the 2026 Training is now online and can be found here
https://forms.gle/yku9i5QSp2SsNgFr8

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

For the past three years, our regional spring and fall workshop series has brought together the livestock producers of Cherokee, Spartanburg, and Union counties. These sessions are designed to provide local producers with practical, science-based information to navigate an ever-changing industry. This spring, we are continuing that tradition on March 12 at 6:00 PM at the Institute of Innovation in Gaffney with a focused panel discussion on selling beef directly to consumers.

According to a Clemson Extension study, 47% of South Carolina livestock producers now sell at least some of their animals through direct-to-consumer methods. While the bare meat counter during the COVID-19 pandemic spiked local demand, this trend has held. Many producers have made direct sales an increasing part of their farm income.

While selling beef directly to the public can be a great way to add value to a farm, it comes with its own set of technical hurdles. From understanding carcass finishing to navigating South Carolina’s meat-handling regulations, there is a lot to consider before fattening the calf.

To help break down these complexities, we’ve assembled a panel of experts to provide an objective look at the process. Travis Howard of Knockout Butchery will join us to discuss the processor’s perspective, while specialists from Clemson Extension will provide insight into the economics, regulation, meat science, nutrition, and marketing involved in direct sales.

We also recognize that many of our local farms are truly family affairs. To support that dynamic, we’ve included a youth-focused educational track for the evening. While the adults participate in the panel, kids ages 15 and under will head to the Animal Science Lab for a hands-on livestock activity led by Clemson 4-H and Cherokee County FFA. It’s a great way to involve the next generation in our industry.

The evening will begin with a dinner, providing a chance for producers from across our three counties to connect and talk shop. Whether you are a seasoned producer or just considering your first direct sale, we hope you’ll join us for this regional workshop.

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

Over 97% of US farms are family-owned, and less than one-third have a formal succession plan.

Let’s try to imagine a business that is worth over a million dollars in assets and holdings. A new investor/partner has started with the company and scheduled a meeting with the CEO/Founder to discuss the transition plan. The CEO obliges, but instead of meeting in an office, they meet at the CEO’s kitchen table. The table is covered with invoices, receipts, seed, parts list and so forth. During the meeting, the CEO’s phone constantly rings with calls about fences, hay, and other “urgencies.” Both parties are beginning to wonder if this is a waste of time; unfortunately, the meeting gets cut short by an issue with a hay baler in the field. No progress was made.

This is a common scene in our family-run farms. Everyone would agree that developing a succession plan is a high-value task for our farm families. Still, the small, less valuable task often takes precedence due to its perceived urgency. 

On September 21^st, there were over 75 farmers at the succession planning workshop in Pacolet, South Carolina. Speakers from FSA, SC land, and Clemson Extension gave farm families the tools necessary to get started with this vital task. We covered much ground but only scratched the surface of these critical topics. We are working on suggestions and feedback for the next installment of this workshop series. There were farmers from several counties in our region, and we had a great deal of support from our sponsors.

We look forward to equipping farmers now so these farms will still be in farmland tomorrow. Farms are businesses, and successful businesses need a good plan for carrying on to the next generation.

Laura Haddon
4-H Agent
Spartanburg County

Three talented teen members of Spartanburg County 4-H recently took their cooking skills—and their 4-H journey—to the next level. They earned a coveted spot at the National 4-H Food Challenge Competition, held at the State Fair of Texas!

Ada Jarrett, John Jarrett, and Anna Vidrine have been active in Spartanburg County 4-H since their Cloverbud years. Over the past two years, this dynamic trio has sharpened their culinary skills by attending the South Carolina 4-H Cooking Like a Chef Summit and leading the Spartanburg County 4-H Cooking Like a Chef Camp.

In April, the team, joined by fellow member Micah Marsh, competed in the South Carolina Team Cooking Challenge and placed third statewide. That strong finish opened the door for Ada, John, and Anna to represent South Carolina on the national stage.

All summer long, the team met weekly to practice preparing appetizers, main dishes, and side dishes. Their dedication paid off. While they did not place in the top three, they proudly represented both our county and our state—making history as the first Spartanburg County 4-H Cooking Team to compete nationally!

We are incredibly proud of these youth and excited to see where their skills and leadership take them next. Their success marks just the beginning of a growing 4-H Cooking Program in Spartanburg County.

If you would like to support opportunities like this—whether by volunteering to lead a club or sponsoring the cost of ingredients for monthly meetings—please contact Spartanburg County 4-H Agent, Laura Haddon. Together, we can help even more young people discover their potential through 4-H.

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.