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.

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.

Once again Union 4-H had the opportunity to participate at The Grand American, in Orangeburg, SC.  The Grand American is one of the nations largest wild racoon hunting competitions. This event has been held for over 50 years and is a mainstay in the competition hunting community. People from across the nation will come to meet old friends, purchase supplies from vendors, find a new puppy, talk with sales representatives, and of course compete.  Over 20,000 visitors will enjoy the festivities over a two-day period, which is always the first weekend in January.  What a way to kick off the new year.  This is the third year Union 4-H has been invited to participate with it’s Forged in 4-H blacksmithing and shooting sports program.  This is a great opportunity to promote 4-H, interact with kids and parents, and put Union 4-H’ers on display as they do blacksmithing demonstrations.  These are long, and tiring days but they are also fun and extremely rewarding. It is a great way to get 4-H, Clemson Extension, and Union County in the public view in a positive way.  We look forward to next years trip to The Grand American.  

As the new Horticulture Agent in Union County, the past few months have been both busy and rewarding. After stepping into this role last fall, my first priority was getting to know the community and sharing with residents that horticulture support and programming was available through Clemson Extension. Early visits to the Piedmont Physics Garden and Sanders Garden Center helped establish those first local connections.

            Just as I started to settle in, the Union County Fair arrived, bringing a whirlwind of activity. I jumped in where needed and even had the opportunity to teach a session for “5k Day”, one of the week’s highlights. After the fair, I shifted to planning programs to support residents across the county. 

            In December, I presented a Poinsettia program at two local churches. Both programs were well attended, and participants seemed to truly enjoy learning about the history and care of this classic holiday plant. Word spread, and I was soon invited to share the presentation again at the Union County Carnegie Library. These programs marked my first full presentations created specifically for Union County, and I’m eager to continue offering educational opportunities.

            With the new year underway, I’m excited to launch my spring project: a six-part Vegetable Gardening Series. Each Monday at 10 a.m., from February 9 through March 16, participants will explore a different aspect of vegetable gardening. This series is designed for everyone – from those planting a garden for the first time to seasoned growers looking to sharpen their skills.

            Looking ahead, a major goal is bringing the Master Gardener course back to Union County for the first time in over a decade. While neighboring counties provide training, having one in Union again would make the program far more accessible for our residents. If enough interest is expressed, I plan to host a new course in fall 2026, running from August to November. Those interested may contact me at 864-795-2567 or bgreen5@clemson.edu.

            Thank you to everyone who has offered such a warm welcome. I’m excited to continue growing horticulture programming for the people of Union County.

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

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.

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

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

Hello! My name is Margaret Estridge and I am excited to be able to work with the Spartanburg, Union and Cherokee communities as a Rural Health & Nutrition agent.  As a Clemson graduate, I am thrilled to return after working in health education and coaching in both health systems and corporate wellness. My passion lies in empowering individuals and communities to take charge of their health through nutrition and prevention.  When not working, I love to hike and ride my bike so I hope to see you out on the trails of this beautiful region!

A Collaborative Effort

Mark Cathcart

As a 4-H agent I try to figure out how to promote our organization, give back to our communities, and of course, pay for it all. Every now and then an opportunity comes along that can help with each of these goals.  Just such an opportunity came to Union 4-H with the collaboration of “Forged in 4-H” and the Union County Agricultural Fair.

“Forged In 4-H” is a program designed to teach metallurgy and blacksmithing skills in a safe manner, with the use of chemistry, geometry, physics, math, and hands on projects.  This program uses learning techniques that allow students to experience and learn the trade of blacksmithing in a modern and traditional manner.

As an update, Forged in 4-H is now housed in a building located on the Union County Fairgrounds. The use of this building was donated to Union County 4-H for the purpose of teaching blacksmithing, as well as providing a new and interesting exhibit for the Fair. Along with the modern blacksmithing equipment, a new 1800’s style blacksmith shop has been constructed in part of the building.  This allows the teaching of blacksmithing on a completely different aspect and level. In addition to the educational aspect of this project, it will give the opportunity to the patrons of the Union County Agricultural Fair, Union County Farm Show, and other events held here to see how blacksmithing was done then and now. 

Not only will this program be an asset to Union County, but it will also further set Union County 4-H apart from other 4-H programs in the state.  No other county has the equipment to conduct such a program.  It will create a draw for people outside of Union to come to our county, as it is unique to this area of the state. It will afford visitors the opportunity to see demonstrations, by 4-H youth, with modern blacksmithing equipment, as well as how blacksmithing was done 200 years ago in the same building.

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.