Category: Spartanburg

CHRISTOPHER LeMASTER
Livestock & Forage Agent
Cherokee, Spartanburg, & Union Counties

As we move further into fall, I’ve received several questions from producers about Johnsongrass in their hayfields, particularly whether hay containing Johnsongrass can be safely baled and fed to livestock. With much of our region continuing to experience drought conditions and the possibility of frost approaching, it’s a good time to revisit a couple of potential toxicity concerns associated with this grass. 

Johnsongrass is a warm-season perennial grass commonly found in pastures, hayfields, and along field borders throughout the Southeast. While it can provide useful forage, it also has the potential to cause prussic acid and nitrate poisoning, particularly when plants experience environmental stress. 

Understanding Prussic Acid 

Prussic acid, also known as hydrogen cyanide, is a naturally occurring toxin that can be released from certain plants, including Johnsongrass, sorghum, and wild cherry. These plants contain compounds that can release cyanide when plant tissues are damaged, such as during wilting, frost injury, or other stressful conditions. 

Once consumed, prussic acid interferes with the animal’s ability to utilize oxygen at the cellular level. In severe cases, poisoning can occur rapidly and may result in death. Symptoms can include rapid breathing, muscle tremors, staggering, and collapse. 

Young, rapidly growing Johnsongrass and new growth following drought or frost are generally of greater concern than mature plants. However, drought stress and frost injury can increase the potential for toxicity, making plant condition an important consideration when deciding whether to graze or harvest a field. 

Can I Bale Hay Containing Johnsongrass? 

The good news is that properly cured Johnsongrass hay generally presents a low risk of prussic acid poisoning. 

Unlike nitrates, prussic acid dissipates as forage dries and cures during the haymaking process. For producers harvesting hay containing Johnsongrass before frost, particularly when the plants are mature, prussic acid is generally not a major concern once the hay has been thoroughly dried and properly baled. 

As an added precaution, allowing hay to remain in storage for approximately three to four weeks before feeding can provide additional time for prussic acid to dissipate. However, storage time is not a substitute for proper curing, and questionable forage should be evaluated before feeding. 

It’s also worth considering the maturity of the Johnsongrass being harvested. Much of the Johnsongrass still standing this time of year has already headed out and become fairly mature. While it may still provide usable forage, its nutritional quality is likely considerably lower than that of younger, vegetative growth. 

What About Grazing? 

While mature Johnsongrass can be grazed under favorable conditions, I would be cautious about intentionally grazing it this late in the season, particularly with the drought conditions affecting much of our region. Much of the Johnsongrass still standing has already headed out and become fairly mature, meaning its nutritional value is likely limited. When you combine that with the potential for drought stress and the approaching risk of frost, there may be little benefit in asking livestock to utilize this forage. 

Where available, I would prefer to see producers utilize stockpiled tall fescue or take advantage of remaining crabgrass and bermudagrass before these warm-season forages lose additional quality. Producers may also choose to simply mow mature Johnsongrass rather than graze it. However, avoid allowing livestock to consume freshly cut, wilted Johnsongrass, particularly when plants have been stressed. Any tender regrowth following mowing should also be treated cautiously. 

As temperatures begin to fall, frost becomes another concern. Frost-damaged Johnsongrass can release prussic acid, and young regrowth following a light frost can be particularly hazardous. A conservative recommendation is to keep livestock off frost-damaged Johnsongrass for at least 14 days following a killing frost and until the affected vegetation has completely dried. Following a light frost, continue to monitor for regrowth and avoid grazing potentially toxic young shoots. 

Don’t Forget About Nitrates 

While prussic acid receives considerable attention during the fall, nitrate accumulation is another concern, particularly given our recent drought conditions. 

Johnsongrass can accumulate elevated nitrate concentrations when plant growth is restricted by drought, cloudy weather, or other environmental conditions, especially where nitrogen availability is high. 

Unlike prussic acid, nitrates do not dissipate during the normal hay-curing process or subsequent storage. Hay containing elevated nitrate concentrations can remain hazardous even after it has been properly dried and stored. 

Nitrate poisoning interferes with the blood’s ability to transport oxygen throughout the body. Producers harvesting drought-stressed forage, particularly from heavily fertilized fields, should consider nitrate testing before feeding the hay. 

The Bottom Line 

Johnsongrass doesn’t automatically make hay unsafe. For producers baling hay containing mature Johnsongrass before frost, proper curing generally reduces prussic acid to levels that are unlikely to cause problems. 

However, drought stress, frost injury, and young regrowth deserve additional caution when grazing. Given the maturity of much of the Johnsongrass still standing, producers may be better served by utilizing other available forages rather than intentionally grazing it this late in the season. 

Nitrate accumulation remains a separate concern that cannot be resolved simply by allowing hay to dry or remain in storage. As with any late-season hay harvest, a forage analysis can help producers better understand both the nutritional value and potential nitrate concerns before feeding livestock this winter. 

CHRISTOPHER LeMASTER 
LIVESTOCK AND FORAGE AGENT

Fall can be an excellent time to get ahead of troublesome pasture weeds. With the right timing and growing conditions, producers can often achieve effective weed control at a lower cost than waiting until spring. However, knowing which weeds to target and which ones are better left alone is important. 

Many of our troublesome cool-season annual weeds, such as buttercups, begin germinating in the fall. Catching these weeds while they are small and actively growing can make them easier to control, often with lower labeled herbicide rates or less expensive products. Fall is also an excellent time to target biennial thistles while they are in the rosette stage, before they begin bolting and flowering next spring. 

TARGET THE RIGHT WEEDS THIS FALL 

Fall can also be a good time to control certain perennial weeds, including briars. During late summer and early fall, many perennial plants move carbohydrates from their leaves down into their roots for winter storage. Systemic herbicides applied during this period can move with those carbohydrates into the root system, improving control. However, timing is important. Applications should be made while leaves are still green and actively functioning, before significant leaf yellowing or senescence begins. For effective foliar control of briars, it is also best to avoid mowing earlier in the season, as adequate leaf surface area is needed for herbicide absorption. 

On the other hand, spraying mature warm-season annual weeds late in the fall often provides little return on investment. Many of these weeds have already produced viable seed and will die with the first killing frost anyway. At that point, herbicide applications may accomplish very little toward reducing next year’s weed pressure. 

GOOD CONDITIONS MAKE GOOD RESULTS 

Herbicides generally work best when plants are actively growing and have adequate moisture. Fall rainfall can be spotty, and drought-stressed weeds may not absorb or move herbicides effectively. As temperatures cool, look for a stretch of favorable weather, preferably with daytime temperatures above 50°F for a couple days surrounding the application. Always follow the specific product label, as temperature requirements and effectiveness vary. 

Another important consideration is whether you plan to establish clover or other legumes this winter or spring. Many broadleaf herbicides can injure desirable legumes, and some products have lengthy reseeding restrictions. If you plan to frost seed clover in January or February, check the herbicide label for planting intervals before making a fall application. Don’t assume that a few months between spraying and seeding will be sufficient for every product. 

PUT YOUR SPRAYER TO BED FOR WINTER 

Finally, as spraying season winds down, don’t forget about the sprayer itself. Thoroughly clean the system, lubricate components as needed, and protect pumps and plumbing from freezing. Store equipment under cover when possible to prevent UV damage to hoses and other components. This is also a great time to inspect for wear and tear, identify needed repairs, and order replacement parts before the busy spring season arrives. 

A little attention to weed growth stages, weather conditions, herbicide selection, and equipment maintenance this fall can save time, money, and frustration when spring rolls around. 

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

For many cattle producers, a year’s worth of work can come down to one day.

Across our region, many cow-calf producers market their annual calf crop in the fall, often through a local livestock sale barn. The price those calves bring on sale day can play a major role in determining whether the operation is profitable for the year. Yet producers often leave the sale with a familiar question: Why did some calves bring more than others?

The answer is rarely simple. Cattle buyers consider numerous factors when determining what they are willing to pay, from cattle futures and market conditions to a calf’s frame, muscling, health, and management history. While producers cannot control the market, there are management decisions they can make at home that can influence how buyers value their calves.

Clemson Cooperative Extension partnered with livestock and industry professionals to help producers better understand those decisions through a hands-on cattlemen’s field day focused on what buyers look for and management practices that pay.

A key partner in the program was LeMaster Livestock, an order buyer based in Gaffney, South Carolina, that purchases cattle throughout much of the Southeast. On a slow week, the operation may move approximately 30 loads of calves and routinely bids on cattle at sale barns across a 600-mile radius of South Carolina, in addition to tele-auctions and video auctions. Their experience provided producers with a real-world perspective on the traits buyers evaluate and the management practices they are willing to reward.

Rather than simply talking about those characteristics in a classroom, attendees were able to see them firsthand. Producers evaluated several different loads of calves alongside experienced cattle buyers and discussed the characteristics that influenced the value of each group.

The program then moved chute-side, where participants received hands-on demonstrations of practical management practices that can improve calf marketability, including castration, dehorning, and vaccination. Representatives from animal health and nutrition companies also participated, providing producers an opportunity to learn about products and tools available to support their operations.

The field day drew more than 200 attendees from South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, and Virginia. Members of the county’s legislative delegation, including Senator Harvey Peeler and Representatives Dennis Moss and Brian Lawson, were also in attendance. Strong participation from producers, sponsors, and industry partners created opportunities for conversations and interaction throughout the program.

Because the field day was recently held, formal evaluation results are still being collected. However, Extension received unsolicited phone calls from participants following the program expressing their appreciation for the event and, in particular, its practical, hands-on approach to learning.

At its core, the field day was an example of farmers helping farmers, facilitated and guided by Extension and industry expertise. By sharing practical knowledge and real-world experience, producers gained a better understanding of what cattle buyers value and management decisions that pay.

Hi everyone! My name is Liliana Flores, and I’m excited to join Clemson Extension as the new Nutrition Educator for the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) in Spartanburg County. I’m a recent graduate of Clemson University with a degree in Food Science and Human Nutrition, and I am grateful to be in this role because it allows me to use my knowledge to help my community. I’m excited to grow in this role, learn from my community, and build meaningful connections while making a positive difference in the lives of others.

Outside of nutrition, I enjoy a little bit of everything! You can find me playing pickleball, dancing, running, reading, cooking, swimming, or playing with my niece. I wanted to share a recipe I tried recently from a creator on Tik Tok named @itzangiemacias. Not only was the food yummy, but it also included seasonal vegetables! This usually makes it easier to find in stores and bumps the prices down. If you grow your own food, then you just pick it out of your garden! The soup is full of nutrients and fiber which will help with overall health. I hope you love it and make it one of your go-to recipes this fall!

Recipe: Butternut Soup with Chicken Sandwich

Ingredients:

Directions:

Soup:

1. Prep the vegetables: Cut all vegetables into medium-sized cubes and spread them evenly onto a sheet pan – recommend leaving the skin on for more nutrients!
2. Season: Drizzle with black pepper and salt and toss until the vegetables are evenly coated.
3. Roast: Bake at 400°F for about 40 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and lightly browned.
4. Blend: Transfer the roasted vegetables to a blender. Add 4–5 cups of vegetable broth and blend until smooth and creamy.
5. Heat the soup: Pour the blended soup into a pot and warm over low-medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure everything heats evenly.

Sandwich:

1. Prepare the chicken: Pat a 3–4 oz chicken breast (about the size of your palm) dry with a paper towel. Season both sides with salt and black pepper.
2. Heat the skillet: Add 1 tablespoon of oil to a skillet and heat over medium-high heat.
3. Cook the chicken: Place the chicken breast in the skillet and cook for about 7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
4. Let it rest: Remove the chicken from the skillet and allow it to rest for about 5 minutes before adding it to the sandwich.
5. Build your sandwich: Place 2 slices of whole-wheat bread on a clean surface. Add ⅛ cup of mozzarella cheese to one slice, followed by the cooked chicken breast. Top with the second slice of bread.
6. Toast: Place the sandwich in a skillet and toast both sides until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is warm and melty.
7. Serve: Slice in half and enjoy your chicken mozzarella sandwich alongside your warm roasted vegetable soup!

Heather Nix
Upstate Regional Water Resources Agent
Abbeville, Anderson, Cherokee, Greenville, Greenwood, Laurens, McCormick, Oconee, Pickens, & Spartanburg

Water Chats Webinar Series

The 2026 Water Chats webinar series is happening this fall! The webinars are free and focus on relevant, timely water related topics. Register in advance for each of the upcoming webinars: Water Chats Webinar Registrations. Upcoming topics include Smart Waters: AI & Data Centers and Connected Waters: Conservation & Watershed Planning.

Drought & El Niño

Considering that the past year in SC is the driest September to August in 130 years (since SC started keeping records!), it’s not a surprise that we continue to have low water levels in ponds and reservoirs. The dry weather, accompanied by the prolonged heat has resulted in many people seeing extremely low water levels in ponds. See the recent “Why Are Some Ponds So Low?” blogpost for more information.

While conditions can vary significantly between locations and timing, in the past, strong El Ninos often bring average or above average precipitation to South Carolina over the winter. So hopefully our water supplies will gradually recover this winter. See the State Climatology Office’s El Nino/Southern Oscillation website for more information.

Andy Rollins
Upstate Commercial Horticulture Agent
Cherokee, Greenville, Spartanburg, Union, & York

In Upstate SC, I set up four on-farm tomato demonstrations with varieties coming out of Dr. Dilip Panthee’s NCSU tomato breeding program. Wayne Morgan, a research technician in the program, has been instrumental in getting Dr. Panthee’s varieties into growers’ hands for these demonstrations. The first two plantings in York County were unsuccessful.  More than 50% of the plants died within the first two weeks.  The extreme heat under which they were planted is believed to be the cause of their failure.  The second two, planted approximately 4 weeks later in Spartanburg County and Greenville County, have done well.

On September 14th, we harvested our first demonstration at the Estrada Farm.  We primarily took yield weights for each variety in the field at that time. We also kept ten representative fruit for further evaluation.  After refrigeration, I took the best 6 of the 10 and measured size, weight, pressure, and sugar content for each.  Then, a representative picture is taken of each variety from multiple angles (top, bottom, and side) and also sliced horizontally and vertically to see internal characteristics.  More extensive evaluations are done at the Mountain Horticultural Research Center in Mills River, NC.

There are two replications of nine large, fruited varieties and nine plum type varieties on each farm. There are common varieties, such as Mountain Fresh Plus (standard) that are compared to newer varieties, such as Mountain Defender and Mountain Ruby. Crown is a standard plum type we are comparing to other plum types. We are also looking at many advanced selections in both tomato types. Many of the newer varieties have a heat set gene and seem to have less white tissue spread from the stem ends. These varieties have handled this hot summer better than others.  Many of the new varieties also have a deeper red internal color as well as being meatier than older varieties in general.

Moving into early fall, I will continue to harvest and evaluate the rest of the demonstrations we have left.

Nicole Goodman
Urban Horticulture Agent

Extension Agent Nicole Goodman is steadily expanding her workshop offerings, including education on stormwater management—an important topic for protecting local water resources.

This year, Nicole offered two “Harvest the Rain” workshops, both of which filled to capacity with 15 attendees each.

Participants explored the legal considerations of rainwater collection nationwide, rainwater chemistry, stormwater management, and how everyday activities—such as washing a car—can affect water quality downstream.

The second half of the workshop focused on practical applications. Attendees learned how to calculate rainwater storage capacity, incorporate landscape features that manage stormwater, safely use collected rainwater in edible landscapes, and build and connect a rain barrel to a roof. Participants also had the option to purchase a rain barrel and installation kit.

“Harvest the Rain” is planned as an annual workshop.

Interested in suggesting a future workshop topic? Complete Nicole’s Qualtrics form to help identify the county’s educational needs: https://clemson.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_douhccsqDM63odo

Laura Haddon
4-H Youth & Development Agent

The new 4-H year is off to an exciting start in Spartanburg County! Since the new club year began on September 1, more than 200 youth members and 30 adult volunteers have enrolled in Spartanburg County 4-H. We are excited to see so many young people getting involved, learning new skills, building friendships, and discovering opportunities to be #BeyondReady for their bright futures!

This year, Spartanburg 4-H is offering 16 community clubs covering a wide variety of interests, including sewing, cooking, fishing, livestock, STEM, leadership, and more. In addition, we have 7 in-school and homeschool co-op clubs connecting 4-H opportunities with youth in their schools and homeschool communities.

And we’re not done growing! We are currently working to add 6 additional clubs as volunteers and meeting venues become available. Our goal is to continue creating opportunities for even more Spartanburg County youth to participate in 4-H and find a project or club that sparks their interest.

Help Us Grow!

As Spartanburg 4-H continues to grow, community support is more important than ever. We are looking for:

• Volunteers who are willing to share their time, talents, and interests with youth
• Meeting venues where clubs can gather safely and regularly
• Monetary donations to help provide supplies, activities, and opportunities for our members
• Product and supply donations to support hands-on 4-H projects and programs

Whether you can volunteer your time, provide a place for youth to meet, donate supplies, or make a financial contribution, there are many ways to help Spartanburg 4-H grow!

If you have questions about joining 4-H, becoming a volunteer, starting or supporting a club, or making a monetary, product, or venue donation, please reach out to Spartanburg County 4-H Agent, Laura Haddon. I would love to connect with you and explore how you can be part of helping the next generation learn, lead, and grow through 4-H!

Christopher LeMaster, Livestock and Forage Agent, Clemson Extension
Heather Nix, Water Resources Agent, Clemson Extension

It’s hard to believe we’re still talking about drought when you drive around and see lush, green pastures. While we’ve been very fortunate to receive some recent rainfall, you can still see quite a few nearly dry ponds across the landscape. 

Many livestock producers rely on groundwater-fed ponds to provide drinking water for their animals. Several producers have contacted us with concerns that their ponds remain unseasonably dry despite the rain. Some of the recent groundwater maps from the South Carolina Drought Response Committee—including the groundwater drought monitor for August 15–21, 2026—suggest that groundwater levels may still be declining in some parts of the state. 

One possible explanation is that rainfall and groundwater conditions are not always telling the same story. 

This distinction matters because a heavy rainstorm can produce plenty of runoff without fully replenishing groundwater. If the soil is dry or compacted, or if rainfall arrives in a rapid, intense event, much of that water may move quickly into ditches and flow swiftly downstream. It may not soak deeply enough to restore groundwater supplies, which maintain the steady seeps and springs that support healthy ponds and normal streamflow. 

Our rapidly developing areas may also be a contributing factor. As vegetated areas are replaced by roads, rooftops, parking areas, and other impervious surfaces, more rainfall runs off the ground surface and less water can infiltrate into the soil. Over time, that can significantly reduce groundwater recharge and change how water moves through a watershed. 

Many ponds also began the summer below normal after an exceptionally dry fall and winter. High temperatures then increased evaporation rates, accelerating declining water levels further than expected during typical droughts. So even though the landscape looks green again, some water resources are still recovering from the earlier deficit. 

Of course, drought is not the only possible explanation for a low pond. The following questions may help pond owners identify some possible causes: 

• Is there a visible problem with the dam? 
• Are pipes, spillways, and other outfall structures functioning properly? 
• Have any inflowing streams or drainage areas been redirected?
• Has the pond recently been dredged, reshaped, or otherwise disturbed? 
• Has the pond reached similar levels during previous droughts?
• Are there new withdrawals for irrigation, livestock, or other uses? 

What if livestock depend on the pond? 

Low water levels deserve extra attention when livestock rely on a pond, creek, spring, or well. The main considerations are reliability: Is enough clean water available to support a healthy livestock herd? And how long is the water supply likely to last if hot, dry weather returns? Now is a good time to have a backup plan, whether that means supplementing the existing water source or being prepared to move animals to a more reliable source. Keep a close eye on water levels as the season continues. 

Clemson Extension’s publication Livestock Ponds in South Carolina provides additional information about pond water quantity, water quality, and management practices for livestock ponds. 

Livestock need clean water, and water quality is impacted by weather. As a pond becomes smaller and shallower, the water may become warmer and more stagnant. Sediment, nutrients, and other contaminants may also become more concentrated. Livestock traffic around the remaining water can add manure, stir up sediment, and increase erosion. These conditions may increase the risk of problematic algae, including harmful algal blooms. 

For more information about harmful algal blooms and the risks they can pose, see our recent article, “Protecting Your Herd: Managing Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs).” 

If the pond develops an unusual odor or color, surface scum, a heavy algae bloom, dead fish, or other noticeable changes, livestock should be kept away until the water can be evaluated. 

Recent rain is good news, and green pastures are encouraging. But rainfall does not always immediately restore groundwater levels or pond levels. For livestock producers, this is a good reminder to pay attention to both the quantity and quality of the water available to their animals. 

In our next newsletter, we’ll discuss ways to improve groundwater infiltration in pastures—and how livestock can be part of the solution rather than the problem. 

CHRISTOPHER LeMASTER, JR.
Area Livestock & Forage Agent
Cherokee, Spartanburg, & Union Counties

Like much of the country, I’ve been thinking a lot about America’s upcoming 250th birthday. Here in Cherokee County, it’s hard not to. We have two nationally significant Revolutionary War battlefields—Cowpens National Battlefield and Kings Mountain National Military Park—right here in our backyard. Add in the recently opened Carolina Rising Museum, which highlights the important role South Carolina’s backcountry played in the Revolution, and there are plenty of opportunities to learn more about this important chapter of our nation’s history. 

I’ll admit, I’ve forgotten quite a bit since high school U.S. History, but it’s been fun to dive back into one of the most fascinating periods of our nation’s past. Of course, as a farmer and Extension agent, I couldn’t help but become especially interested in the pivotal role agriculture played in America’s fight for independence. 

South Carolina Was an Agricultural Powerhouse 

By the time the Revolution began in 1775, South Carolina had become one of the wealthiest colonies in British North America. That prosperity was built on agriculture. 

Rice and indigo were the colony’s signature cash crops, while timber, naval stores, livestock, and deerskins also contributed to a thriving export economy centered around the Port of Charleston. According to historian Dr. Walter Edgar, this agricultural wealth made South Carolina one of the most valuable colonies in the British Empire (Edgar, South Carolina: A History). 

It’s worth remembering that much of this agricultural wealth was made possible through the knowledge, skill, and labor of enslaved Africans, particularly in the cultivation of rice. Their influence remains evident today in South Carolina’s culture, cuisine, and the historic rice impoundments that now provide valuable wildlife habitat along the coast. 

Why Agriculture Mattered During the Revolution 

The British didn’t simply want to defeat the Continental Army—they wanted to regain one of their richest colonies. 

Agriculture made South Carolina strategically valuable because it provided: 

• Valuable exports like rice and indigo. 

• Food for both British and Patriot armies. 

• Horses, cattle, and other livestock needed to support military campaigns. 

• Timber and naval stores used for construction and transportation. 

Simply put, controlling South Carolina meant controlling valuable agricultural resources—a strategy that was important to both the British and the Americans. 

Armies depended on local food supplies. Livestock was seized. Crops were destroyed. Mills, roads, and river crossings became important military objectives because they controlled the movement of food and supplies. 

A Different Way to Celebrate 250 Years 

As we prepare to celebrate America’s 250th birthday, it’s worth remembering that our nation’s story wasn’t written only by soldiers and statesmen. 

It was also written by farmers. 

South Carolina’s fields helped build one of Britain’s wealthiest colonies, supported communities during years of conflict, and supplied resources that sustained armies on both sides of the war. Agriculture has always been more than an economic engine—it has been part of our state’s identity from the very beginning. 

One final thought. As I’ve read more about the Revolution, a few things have really stood out to me. First, the cost of independence was immense and brutal in America’s first civil war. These Americans endured hard times, and they were even harder people. My other takeaway is that agriculture has always been a matter of national security. Throughout history, without a secure food supply, no cause can endure.